WWE rounded out the card for TLC on tonight’s go-home edition of Raw.
As expected, Finn Balor will be facing Bray Wyatt at Sunday’s pay-per-view — or rather The Demon will be taking on Sister Abigail. Balor delivered one final message to Wyatt on Raw tonight, which ended with his face transforming into an orange version of his Demon persona.
The match will be the third time Balor vs. Wyatt has happened on PPV in recent months. While wearing his Demon paint, Balor defeated Wyatt at SummerSlam in August. Balor then got another win over Wyatt without the paint in a match that was billed as “man vs. man” at No Mercy last month.
With much of the Raw roster involved in the main event, there will be multiple matches in the women’s and cruiserweight divisions at TLC. Sasha Banks vs. Alicia Fox is set for the pre-show, and WWE lists that there will be a cruiserweight tag match with Cedric Alexander & Rich Swann teaming against Brian Kendrick & Jack Gallagher.
The Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota will host TLC on Sunday night. Here’s what the updated lineup for the show looks like:
The Shield (Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins) vs. The Miz, Cesaro, Sheamus, Braun Strowman & Kane in a tables, ladders, and chairs match
Raw Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss defending against Mickie James
The Demon (Finn Balor) vs. Sister Abigail (Bray Wyatt)
Asuka vs. Emma
WWE Cruiserweight Champion Kalisto defending against Enzo Amore
Cedric Alexander & Rich Swann vs. Brian Kendrick & Jack Gallagher
A big “let’s go Slater” chant kicks things off on Main Event as Hawkins gets some hometown heat. Slater chucks his shirt into the crowd to a big cheer and then atomic drops and scissor kicks Hawkins for two. Rhyno plays cheerleader on the outside, enjoying this hot crowd.
Hawkins slows things down by nailing Slater in the lower back with a running knee and then stomps on his back. The crowd hates it and starts to clap along to get Slater back on top as he kicks out of a sidewalk slam. Hawkins slaps on a rear chinlock and, when Slater works his way out, runs into a big boot and a clothesline.
Slater eventually gets some impetus when he spikes Hawkins with a jawbreaker to get out of a rear chinlock, but Hawkins immediately sweeps him off his feet. Hawkins goes under the ropes with the momentum and celebrates to a rain of boos. When he then rolls back in, Slater snatches a win with an inside cradle.
Curt Hawkins is now without a win in a WWE ring for close to 11 months.
Brian Kendrick defeated Lince Dorado (7:48)
Kendrick looks to be in a foul mood and starts the match off with a cravat and an abdominal stretch. Kendrick spends a long time on the fundamentals trying to thwart the pace and electricity of Dorado. They exchange quick pins until Dorado spins Kendrick to the outside with a spinning head scissors.
Dorado follows him outside and then nails him with the same move on the matting around the ring. He rolls Kendrick back inside, then Kendrick starts to back off and look for the ropes to give himself a breather. Kendrick pulls Dorado’s arm through the ropes as he flies over the top to the outside as we head to a break.
Kendrick is nailing Dorado with a big boot as we return and Dorado kicks out of the cover at two. Kendrick double underhook suplexes Dorado and then goes back to the cravat. He holds on as Dorado tries to create some separation. When he eventually does, Kendrick flapjacks him and returns to the submission hold.
Dorado gets the advantage when he reverses a top rope belly-to-back suplex into a crossbody. He enzuigiris Kendrick and then goes up top for a crossbody. Kendrick takes the impact but rolls it into a near fall. Dorado then gets the heat with a combination of kicks and a spinning heel kick. He gets a two count off of a hurricanrana and then does a handstand stunner for another near fall.
The match builds to a nice crescendo when Kendrick puts his foot on the rope to stop the pinfall. Dorado comes off the top for the shooting star press, but Kendrick gets his knees up. He immediately slaps on the Captain’s Hook for the win. This was a great match for this expectant post-SummerSlam pre-Raw crowd.
Brian Kendrick looked great with a show-starting promo, while Rich Swann and Ariya Daivari had an outstanding short match. Cedric Alexander looked sharp in a fast squash match, and the issues between Austin Aries and Neville were recapped in a satellite interview by both men.
Akira Tozawa had his best main roster match to date with Kendrick, who showed that he can still go as a crafty veteran.
Show Recap —
Brian Kendrick started the show with an excellent video package running through Akira Tozawa’s career and telling the story of their paths crossing through his eyes.
He talked about being disrespected and still trying to teach Tozawa lessons. He had him beaten in their match, but Tozawa rolled him up — but he is the man with the plan, and he had one last lesson and it just happened to involve stomping his head into the steps.
Cedric Alexander’s return tonight was hyped up alongside the main event of Kendrick vs. Tozawa.
Rich Swann came out dancing and we got shots of fans grooving to his theme. Ariya Daivari came down looking slick in a shirt right out of The Rock’s early 2000s. We saw Swann prank Daivari with a gift covering him in powder last week, leading to this match.
Rich Swann defeated Ariya Daivari
Daivari yelled that he’s owed a shirt, and got a dropkick to the jaw instead. Great, now he needs a new shirt and a crown on his tooth. Swann hit another dropkick off a tumbling exchange. Daivari attacked the arm with an armlock, a divorce court Codebreaker, and a grounded cobra clutch.
Swann dropkicked him into a 619 position and punched away mid-ring before hitting the somersault famouser. Swann kicked Daivari’s face off for a near fall before a phoenix splash ended it. This was short, but it was good.
Noam Dar attacked Swann after the match and paraded around with Alicia Fox.
Austin Aries vs. Neville was hyped up for Extreme Rules by showing their WrestleMania match and then Neville cheating to retain at Payback before concluding with last week’s 205 Live attack with the kneebar and last night’s win by Aries and subsequent Rings of Saturn by Neville to Tony Nese.
Corey Graves interviewed Neville and Aries via satellite. Neville talked about defeating everyone, including Aries twice. Aries said he’s delusional and he won their last match by DQ and said the WWE Universe sees now as the time for Aries to win the title.
Aries recapped the cheating by Neville at WM and then Neville pulling the ref. Neville called it a fairytale and said he won’t be held responsible for what happens at Extreme Rules.
Alexander then came down to no reaction at all to face Johnny Boone.
Cedric Alexander defeated Johnny Boone
Alexander caught Boone’s foot and landed a nasty back elbow. He followed up with a springboard Hart attack and ended it with a Lumbar Check — short and sweet.
Drew Gulak was shown beating up Mustafa Ali last week. He was then shown with a green screen saying that cruiserweights are some of the best technical wrestlers and mocked those who flip. All righty.
Akira Tozawa defeated Brian Kendrick in a street fight
Kendrick strolled outside, but he ate a baseball slide and was tossed over the desk. Tozawa rushed at Kendrick on the apron but got low bridged. He recovered and went for a suicide dive before Kendrick threw his jacket at him and suplexed him to the floor.
Kendrick grabbed some of the purple rope tape to tie Tozawa’s hands up and taped his mouth shut while locking in the Captain’s Hook. Tozawa got to the ropes, but they only gave him leverage, which worked well enough for him to dump Kendrick outside.
Tozawa pump kicked Kendrick on the ramp, but Kendrick taped up Tozawa’s wrists to the post and whipped him with his belt. Kendrick set up a table, but Tozawa freed himself and whipped Kendrick, which Graves tied into the lessons now paying off.
Kendrick avoided a dive and got the headlock takeover and the Captain’s Hook, though Tozawa fought out. They battled on the steps and Tozawa hit a gourdbuster to the floor before a Saito suplex on the floor. Kendrick was put on the table before Tozawa climbed up looking like a total badass, giving out his battle cry before posing and climbing atop the ring post to hit a sick senton bomb through the table.
Tozawa threw him into the ring before covering and getting the win. This was an excellent match. Tozawa managed to regain the crowd’s interest after a long night and won his first big program in WWE definitively.
Final Thoughts —
This was an outstanding episode of wrestling television and a must-watch for the week. Tozawa looked strong, while Swann certainly showed that he’s worth putting back in the title mix at some point.
Akira Tozawa scored a win over Brian Kendrick, but the final lesson was taught by The Man With a Plan. Mustafa Ali showcased his high-flying skills by beating Tony Nese, which didn’t sit too well with Drew Gulak.
Jack Gallagher informed Austin Aries he has his back on the road to Extreme Rules, and together they were able to ward off TJP and Neville in a sneak attack.
Show Recap —
The opening package dealt with what went on last night on Raw. TJP said he met his end of the bargain by taking out Austin Aries at Payback, so now he wants a title shot. Neville said no, because he lost recently, but if he can beat Jack Gallagher on Raw maybe he will be in line for one. TJP not only beat Gallagher, but laid him out with the kneebar until Aries came in for the save.
Gallagher started the show, coming out to surprisingly little reaction. He said Theodore James Perkins assaulted him on Raw and even laid in his kneebar submission. The results may have been disastrous if it wasn’t for this man, Austin Aries.
Aries arrived, complete with a banana peel. Gallagher thanked Aries, with Aries replying it was no problem as TJP had it coming. Gallagher said honor dictates he and William (the umbrella) will make sure Aries makes it to Extreme Rules.
Gallagher said he’s here to toast him. They broke out the beer (Aries said he prefers red wine, which the crowd booed) as Gallagher started to sing “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow” but all of a sudden Neville arrived to ruin the festivities.
Neville said he always had Gallagher pegged as a caricature of the English, but England has now become a parody of itself and it’s disgusting. He asked if the people have lost their dignity. Aries said Neville shouldn’t be talking about dignity as he got himself disqualified at Payback.
Neville said nobody asked for his opinion. If you’re so desperate to have a little toast…here’s to you, Aries, for having your last appearance on 205 Live. At that moment, TJP came in from behind and clipped Aries’ leg.
Gallagher jumped in to gain an upper hand, but Neville grabbed him and threw him into the barricade. Aries saved Gallagher and took out both TJP and Neville, throwing the latter over the announce table. Neville came in to save TJP from Gallagher, but Aries drove him out with the fivearm discus punch.
Gallagher brought in their drinks from earlier as the two finally had their toast.
Rich Swann was walking through the back when he ran into the reunited Noam Dar and Alicia Fox. Fox said she threw Swann and Cedric Alexander aside, but she’d never break up with Dar as his plan with the gifts backfired (I don’t remember it happening like this, but okay).
Swann said fine, they deserve each other anyway. He tried to make an exit, but Dar stopped him and said he won’t forget what he did to them, trying to break them up.
Mustafa Ali defeated Tony Nese
This had a bit more heat than the usual match you’ll see on 205 Live so it was pretty good. I’m not sold on the Drew Gulak/Ali gimmick just yet, but they are setting up the foundation of the feud pretty well as Ali looked acrobatic here and showcased himself well.
After working on him for a bit, Ali cut Nese off with a knee to the corner and took him out with a hurricanrana to the floor. He soon followed with the tornado DDT, then pinned him with the imploding 450 splash for the win.
Gulak, watching from the back, didn’t look too happy about this result.
Ariya Daivari was complaining to some guy backstage about him not shining his boots the right way. He bumped into Akira Tozawa, which sent him off again about getting sweat and grease all over his fancy shirt. Tozawa yelled at him as Daivari made his exit, not too pleased.
A video showcasing Cedric Alexander aired, as he’ll be returning to 205 Live soon.
Akira Tozawa defeated Brian Kendrick
Kendrick got the heat early by taking out Tozawa with a Sliced Bread #2 using the stairs on the floor. Tozawa shot back with a hurricanrana and unleashed a big suicide dive to the floor. Kendrick came back with a dragon suplex, then went for the Captain’s Hook. Tozawa escaped and laid out Kendrick with a backdrop driver.
Tozawa missed a senton off the top rope, allowing Kendrick to lock in the Captain’s Hook once again. Kendrick went for the Sliced Bread, but Tozawa fell under instead of taking the impact and rolled up Kendrick for the win. I think the previous match was better, but this was also a pretty solid back and forth match.
Kendrick jumped Tozawa after it ended and rammed his back into the steel steps. He then put Tozawa’s head between the steps and stomped on the top part of the stairs, seemingly injuring Tozawa.
Kendrick grabbed a mic and said he’s through, this is the last lesson he’s going to give Tozawa — no one messes with Brian Kendrick.
Final Thoughts —
I think this was a better show than usual just because the crowd was a bit more awake for things. The action, which is usually solid on any given week, felt better as a result.
But if that was the blow off to the Tozawa/Kendrick feud, then it’s pretty lame as it does nobody any favors. Tozawa feels like he lost by winning, which never works out well. Then again, they could just wrestle again next week and none of this will end up mattering in the end.
And that’s the folly of making wins and losses not matter — you can do things as long as you want, but no one will care as a result.
Neville showed us what 205 Live would be like without him. Brian Kendrick once again gained the upper hand against Akira Tozawa. Alicia Fox likes to eat perfume.
Show Recap —
We opened with footage from last night’s Raw, where Austin Aries and The New Day ran down Neville. Dasha Fuentes interviewed Neville, who said Austin Aries made a crucial error last night — he disrespected the Cruiserweight Championship.
Neville said that everyone wants to see his reign as King of the Cruiserweights end on Sunday, so tonight he’s going to give people what they want — a 205 Live without Neville.
Rich Swann defeated Ariya Daivari
Swann was in control early until Daivari lifted him up and slammed him on the outside onto a table. Swann rallied back and hit a Michinoku driver for a near fall. Daivari shoved Swann into the ref and came back with a neckbreaker, then hit a frog splash for another close near fall.
Swann took out Daivari from the top rope with a hurricanrana, then pinned him after a phoenix splash. This was a solid match, but nothing to write home about.
Tom Phillips noted after the match that Daivari was the replacement for Noam Dar, who is out due to injury.
Alicia Fox was backstage being interviewed about Dar’s recovery when Swann said it was a shame he couldn’t face Dar. A package then came in, and it was perfume. Fox sprayed it on herself, then when no one was looking, except the camera in front of her, ate it.
Mustafa Ali was backstage warming up when Drew Gulak walked up to him and said that his in-ring ability will put him on the map, but is it the right way? Ali said that yeah, it’s worth it because of the 205 Live fans being behind him whenever he’s doing high flying impact moves. Gulak started to go on a long speech about a grassroots approach back to traditional wrestling, but Ali frustrated Gulak by leaving before he could finish.
Mustafa Ali defeated Brandon Scott
This was mostly a showcase for Ali, who looked good while the match lasted. Gulak observed the match through the monitor backstage. Scott had a brief comeback but missed a punch off the top rope. Ali pinned him with the inverted 450 splash. Gulak didn’t like that.
They ran a video package on the Cruiserweight title match for WrestleMania.
Brian Kendrick defeated Akira Tozawa
Tozawa unleashed early with a fierce tope suicida, wiping out Kendrick on the outside. He then followed with a giant senton on the inside for a near fall. Tozawa went for the snap German suplex but Kendrick escaped to the outside. Tozawa unleashed another tope suicida. Kendrick finally got the upper hand after a drop toe hold onto the steel rampway.
Tozawa made it to the ring, but Kendrick gained dominance, grinding down Tozawa with a crossface. Tozawa came back with a standing hurricanrana. Kendrick hit the Sliced Bread #2, then followed with the Captain’s Hook, but Tozawa grabbed the bottom rope.
Tozawa caught Kendrick on the top rope as he was undoing the turnbuckle but got shoved off. Tozawa countered him with a kick and went to charge into the corner, but Kendrick dodged as Tozawa ate the turnbuckle. Kendrick rolled him up for the pinfall.
Lesson number nine, Kendrick said, is that everything can be used as a weapon.
Neville arrived to the ring to do some talking. Five days away from WrestleMania, he’s at a crossroads. He’s not somebody who takes it easy. He’s someone who’s belittled time after time. Last year, he broke his ankle and missed his first opportunity at WrestleMania. He picked himself back up again and landed on 205 Live and carried this division on his back.
But instead of cheering him, he said the fans would rather cheer for a commentary clown. He showed footage of a world without Neville on 205 Live. The screen was blank. Neville said that’s right, without him 205 Live is nothing and WrestleMania is not about you, it’s about Neville and having Neville’s moment.
Austin Aries came out. He said this right here is the difference between you and me. Neville wanted to point his finger at the WWE Universe simply to feed his own ego. He’d never say Neville isn’t amazing; but Aries is just that much better. He has jokes for days, but if he didn’t use jokes, he’d just be as angry as Neville.
He continued, saying for years we’ve had to prove everyone wrong. We had to take because no one handed anything to us. We have a big ego and chips on our shoulders. The thing we have in common more than anything else is that we are the main attraction.
Neville jumped him in mid-sentence and threw him face-first on the floor. Neville went to leave, but paused. He came back to finish things. Aries instead smacked Neville with a microphone and sent him reeling as the show ended.
Final Thoughts —
The last segment was really good, with Neville continuing to showcase how remarkably improved he is at cutting promos, something he was never good at on NXT. Aries is at least making people interested in this match, which is really hard for 205 Live, but they managed to do it.
The rest of the show was usual fare. No idea why Tozawa lost here, but maybe that just means the feud will continue. Or it won’t. Not much matters in the WWE midcard.
Austin Aries won a fatal five-way elimination match, earning a Cruiserweight title shot against Neville at WrestleMania. Alicia Fox continues to get gifts from a mysterious benefactor, all while Noam Dar attempts to claim the gifts as his own. Mustafa Ali continued to build momentum, scoring a win over an increasingly frustrated Drew Gulak.
Show Recap —
Neville started out the show, talking about how he was robbed of his WrestleMania moment last year, and to top it all off he had been forgotten by each and every member of the WWE Universe. He said people in the five-way tonight vying to win a shot at his title are irrelevant. At WrestleMania, he will make them regret having such foolish ambitions.
Mustafa Ali’s music hit, and he glanced at Neville as he headed to the ring to start off tonight’s in-ring action.
Mustafa Ali defeated Drew Gulak
This had quick action and was mostly just a backdrop to showcase Ali. He comes off as someone they can do something with — he has some charisma, a unique moveset, and has a cool finisher. He picked up the win with the inverted 450 splash.
Gulak wasn’t happy after the match, taking a mic to vent. He said week after week he does his best work in that ring and that he’s tired of being frustrated. He’s not the problem, he is not the one that needs to change. The problem is 205 Live, and this needs to change.
Ariya Daivari was getting ready backstage when Noam Dar walked in, saying he’s tired of Rich Swann getting the one up on him, hence why he requested a rematch tonight. Daivari said he doesn’t need a motivational speech. Dar said they need to win this tonight.
Noam Dar & Ariya Daivari defeated Jack Gallagher & Rich Swann
This had good action, especially when Swann was in, but the crowd was just dead for this match. Swann was distracted by Daivari and walked right into an enzuigiri by Dar for the win.
Dar said each week he spoils Alicia Fox with beautiful gifts. The real gifts, however, cannot be bought — they come from the heart. And tonight, his gift to Alicia was this win…and a teddy bear that was randomly delivered right in the middle of the sentence. The mystery man mystery continues.
Austin Aries defeated Brian Kendrick, Akira Tozawa, Tony Nese, and TJ Perkins in a fatal five-way elimination match to become the number one contender for the Cruiserweight title
The early part of the match had mostly everyone out of the ring while others traded submissions on the mat. Aries went up on the top rope but Kendrick shoved him down near the barricade. Nese followed that up with a running knee into Aries, his head smashing into the barricade.
In the ring, TJP eliminated Nese with the armbar. Nese didn’t like that and laid out TJP. Tozawa took him out, but Kendrick flew in, grabbed an unsuspecting Tozawa, and planted him with the Sliced Bread to eliminate him.
Kendrick continued his spree by sinking in the Captain’s Hook on TJP, but he escaped as they made their way to the top rope. Aries came in and took them both down. Kendrick soon managed to get TJP back in the Captain’s Hook and submitted him. Kendrick then put it on Aries but TJP broke it up. Aries tried to go for the roaring elbow but instead struck TJP.
Kendrick followed that by hitting Sliced Bread but Aries kicked out. Once again, the Captain’s Hook was applied by Kendrick. Aries made it to the ropes but it couldn’t be broken as it’s an elimination match.
They both got up on their feet, but Aries was the first to react, hitting the roaring elbow and pinning Kendrick to become the number one contender.
Final Thoughts —
This was a dead show for the most part; this was one of those weeks where the crowd just didn’t seem to care, though it picked up in parts for the main event. With the WrestleMania match for this program now set, I’m looking forward to seeing how momentum continues to build toward Aries heading into the grandaddy of them a-er, I mean, the Ultimate Thrill Ride, WrestleMania.
Neville & Brian Kendrick were dominant against WWE Cruiserweight Champion Rich Swann & TJ Perkins. Ariya Daivari called Jack Gallagher a scoundrel, and Noam Dar has set his sights set firmly on Alicia Fox.
Show Recap —
They showed clips of what went down at Roadblock: End of the Line. Rich Swann retained the Cruiserweight title, but was ambushed by a returning Neville, who laid waste to him and TJ Perkins. On Raw, Neville said that he wanted respect as the King of the Cruiserweights — Swann disagreed. Brian Kendrick came out for a two-on-one beatdown, only for Swann to be rescued by Perkins, leading to tonight’s main event.
Ariya Daivari defeated Lince Dorado
Mostly a WWE style match with perfectly fine back and forth action. Dorado springboarded into a stunner, sending Daivari to the outside. He went for a flying swanton bomb and nearly landed on top of his head, but corrected himself at the last minute. Daivari blocked a top rope maneuver by Dorado, laid him out, then pinned him with the frog splash.
Daivari talked in Farsi after the match, then said Gallagher wasn’t a gentleman, but a scoundrel.
Neville was backstage scowling when Kendrick came in and said some pleasantries. Neville cut him off, saying he respects his accomplishments and they built the foundation of this division. But as far as tonight is concerned, he is his partner, not his friend, and there is only one King of the Cruiserweights.
Tajiri is coming soon.
Cedric Alexander (w/ Alicia Fox) defeated Drew Gulak
Gulak had control until Alexander landed a kick and followed with a springboard clothesline. Alexander suplexed Gulak to the outside but both of them fell to the floor. Gulak shoved Alexander into Alicia Fox, with Fox then grabbing her ankle. This led to Dar coming to the outside to tend to the injured Alicia Fox, helping her to the back. That distracted Alexander momentarily, as Gulak scored a near fall with a roll-up, but Alexander fired back with the lumbar check and scored the win.
Dasha Fuentes interviewed Gulak after the match. He complained about Alicia Fox, saying women shouldn’t be on 205 Live.
A video package on Jack Gallagher aired.
Dar was with Fox backstage when Alexander came in, saying he was glad Fox was okay, then turned to Dar and said he’s got it from here. Dar told Fox if she ever needed help again, he would be there.
Brian Kendrick & Neville defeated TJ Perkins & Rich Swann
This was good, but the crowd was dead for it. This was one of those cases where if it were taped before SmackDown, this would probably be a lot better. Good back and forth to start. The heels started working on Swann, including Neville hitting his deadlift German suplex. TJP came in, along with Kendrick, and laid him out with the dodon. He laid out Kendrick with a kick then went for the kneebar but Neville stopped it.
TJP evened things up, then laid out Kendrick with a double superkick. A missed sliding dropkick on the apron gave Neville the opportunity to lay out TJP with a superkick. Kendrick drove Swann into the turnbuckle then sunk in the Captain’s Hook. TJP managed to save Swann just in time, but it was a moot point as Neville took out TJP and grabbed the win following the Red Arrow.
Final Thoughts —
This was an average show with a pretty solid main event. I’ve said my piece on the style before, but it really is making 205 Live seem pointless. If smaller guys are doing the same style the heavyweights are, plus or minus a few dives, then what is the point? There was nothing wrong with this show but it only feels slightly above an episode of Main Event or Superstars at this juncture.
They showed a recap of the events of last week, where Swann won his match against Brian Kendrick but was laid out by an errant TJP superkick.
I should note that this was taped before Raw on Monday, so this is in fact not live.
Jack Gallagher defeated Drew Gulak
Fine match. The commentators mentioned that they are in Gulak’s home city, so I guess you can tell how this match is going. Gulak shoved Gallagher into the bottom rope, hurting his neck. Gallagher came back with a headbutt (Mauro Ranallo brought up Katsuyori Shibata after he executed it), then followed with the running dropkick to the corner and a package for the win.
TJP was taping up when Swann walked in. TJP said they might be friends, but that’s out the window next week as it will be the TJP that won the Cruiserweight Classic. He finished by saying the funny thing about luck is that it eventually runs out.
There was a highlight package for Tajiri, who will be coming soon.
Tom Phillips interviewed Jack Gallagher backstage. Ariya Daivari came up, looking not too pleased. Gallagher said he understands why he’d be upset, but as an Extraordinary Gentlemen he’d be more than happy to look past things as he thinks he’s evened up the score. Daivari said no, you embarrassed me. He spoke a little in Farsi then said nothing’s been evened up.
Mustafa Ali and Lince Dorado went to a double countout
Ali cut an inset promo before the match. He said the moment you hear his name, you’ve already made up your mind. He said he won’t be judged by the audience’s preconceived notions, and you will see what he is all about.
There was good back and forth early. Dorado launched off with a springboard moonsault on the floor. Then both were counted out because I guess doing big dives is very bad on a cruiserweight show.
Dorado wanted to shake hands after the match but Ali laid him out with a slap. Dorado countered with a spinning heel kick and sent him reeling.
Noam Dar was backstage flirting with Alicia Fox. She said she remembers what he did last week, dedicating his win to her, but she’s taken. Dar said “Of course you do” then left.
There was a TJ Perkins video package, showing highlights of his win at the Cruiserweight Classic. He likes to do his own style with flair and does feel that he represents his generation.
TJ Perkins defeated WWE Cruiserweight Champion Rich Swann in a non-title match
Pretty good match while it lasted, though it felt a bit short. TJP and Swann were in the ring when Brian Kendrick came out, ready to do commentary.
Swann flipped off the apron but landed on his foot, potentially injuring it. Perkins countered with a twisting crossbody to the floor. They continued to have a pretty good back and forth contest in the ring. Swann hit the tiger bomb but Perkins kicked out. Perkins targeted the leg, applying the kneebar. Swann tried to reach the ropes, but couldn’t get to them and tapped out.
Kendrick hit the ring to “congratulate” Perkins and Swann but they didn’t fall for it. Swann refused a handshake, and when Kendrick turned around he was superkicked by Perkins. Swann and Perkins had a staredown after as the announcers put over the triple threat match at Roadblock: End of the Line.
Final thoughts:
This was a fine show, but nothing really special. They did a good job of putting over the triple threat for Sunday and establishing a few undercard feuds. Taping the show before Raw gave 205 Live a better atmospheric vibe, but still feels like there is something missing here that makes the show worthwhile.
Austin Aries was back this week along with Mauro Ranallo and Corey Graves.
Alicia Fox wished Cedric Alexander luck before his match. Graves said his sources said they were now “a thing.”
Noam Dar defeated Cedric Alexander
Okay match. Dar worked a lot of the match but just lacks in offense. Competent WWE style, but nothing more than that. Cedric showed some great athleticism early. Dar played heel, snapping Cedric’s neck on the ropes and getting the heat. Well, if there was any heat here tonight. Dar worked in holds, focusing on the left arm. Cedric came back with a forearm and back elbow. Alexander went for a handspring but Dar kicked him and sunk in a fujiwara armbar. Even after taking to the middle, Cedric countered with a roll up. Cedric floated over after Dar ducked a springboard but Dar posted him then pinned Cedric with a running knee strike.
One of the interviewers after the match asks him how he feels coming off the win. Dar says he’s 23 and just signed a big fat money contract, how do you think I feel? He dedicates this to Cedric’s new girlfriend, Alicia Fox to boos.
Mustafa Ali vignette. Hailing from Pakistan, he says he doesn’t even say anything and people boo him when he come to the ring. He can do it all, there’s never any pressure when it comes to his as he knows what he is capable of. You’re looking at the king, King Ali.
Rich Swann was backstage when TJ Perkins walked in, wishing him luck. Swann says it’s better to be lucky than be good.
Ariya Davari defeated Jack Gallagher
This was fine, but felt a lot like their last couple of matches save for the finish. Gallagher did his unique style, which did get a reaction, but Davari cut him off and started working on a knee, wrapping it around the ring post. Gallagher came back with a big headbutt. Gallagher worked on Davari’s arm but Davari raked the eyes and hit a roaring elbow, then followed with the frog splash for the win.
We get a look at Lince Dorado, who will be coming soon “to the Network.” I thought he debuted weeks ago on Raw? And was on NXT in recent weeks?
TJ Perkins came out to do commentary for the main event.
Tom Phillips backstage asks if Swann’s consant wins means the same outcome tonight. Kendrick talks about the stress of becoming the face of the brand, but now he’s focused and will earn back his championship. When he regains the title tonight, he’ll dedicate the win to himself.
WWE Cruiserweight title: Rich Swann defeated Brian Kendrick to retain the title
I thought this was a pretty good main event. Crowd was lacking, but the work was good and they had a different match than they had last week.
Kendrick controlled early, but Swann took him to the outside. Kendrick cut him off and hit the sliced bread on the outside, using the barricade for leverage. Kendrick hit the dragon suplex and locked in the Captain’s Hook but Swann made it to the ropes. Swann fired back with a springboard senton on the outside, catching Bryan and back in the ring followed with a tiger bomb and a modified Michinoku driver. He went for another tiger bomb but Kendrick countered with a hurricanrana and an enziguri. He tries for the Captain’s Hook again but Swann grabs the wrist of Kendrick, preventing him.
Kendrick finally got it in as Swann writhed in the middle. He tried to roll up Kendrick, but he floated back over. Swann made it to the ropes. Swann threw him to the outside but Kendrick caught him with a knee and tried for the Sliced Bread but Swann posted him. Kendrick laid out Swann and went to grab him on the outside, but Swann inadvertently shoved him into TJ Perkins on the outside. Kendrick stared down TJP, but as he got back in the ring Swann hit a spinning superkick to retain the title.
After the match, Kendrick lunged after TJ Perkins as they got into a brawl. Swann came in to help, but in the process TJP accidentally superkicked Swann. Kendrick got the upper hand and laid out Perkins as the referees broke up the brawl, ending the show. Seems like this is to set up a triple threat match for Roadblock, colon, End of the Line.
Final Thoughts:
I thought the show had a pretty good main event, but the rest of the show was lackluster. It felt like Raw, watching these guys have the standard WWE match with 50/50 booking that gets nobody anywhere. It didn’t feel like they were doing anything different than what the main roster is doing right now, and that is a detriment.
The likes of Rey Mysterio Jr. and Eddie Guerrero did not get over because they had heels work them over with rest holds as a tired crowd sat on their hands. They told compelling stories and worked a style different than anyone else in WCW, and that is what got them over. If the cruiserweights of today are destined to do exactly the opposite of what got them over in CWC, there isn’t much of a point to this show other than just another hour program to fill content. Maybe that’s all it is.
Austin Aries is on commentary with Corey Graves and Mauro Ranallo. He made it known that eventually, he wants a title shot.
The entire cruiserweight roster were brought out for brief introductions: Rich Swann, TJ Perkins, Jack Gallagher, Ho Ho Lun, Bollywood Boyz, Noam Dar, Tony Nese, Drew Gulak, Ariya Daivari, Cedric Alexander, Lince Dorado, Akira Tozawa, Mustafa Ali, Gran Metalik and Brian Kendrick
We cut to a video highlighting the Bollywood Boyz, Harv and Gurv Sihra. It’s been a dream of theirs since kids to make it to the WWE. They want to represent their 95 year old grandfather who wanted to see them be WWE superstars.
The Bollywood Boyz defeated Drew Gulak & Tony Nese
Simple match that highlighted the Bollywood Boyz pretty well. Harv did a great crossbody to the floor, taking out Gulak. Gurv went to join the fray but Nese derailed him. Nese and Gulak ended up colliding into one another, leading the Bollywood Boyz to come back and pick up the win with a double superkick on Gulak for the win.
Gulak called them Bollywood Bozos after the match. Nese the mat was lumpy and the ring was greasy. We shouldn’t have to work under those conditions.
Noam Dar hype video. He doesn’t have a game plan on how to separate himself – he’s just going to do it. He just needs to be different. Even though he’s young, he’s been in the ring for nine years, so his age doesn’t equal inexperience. He sees the opportunity to not just be a superstar – but to become a supernova. He’s going to be a cool cat and knows what he need to do both in and out of the ring.
Tom Phillips interviews Brian Kendrick backstage. Kendrick says he is a gambling man and knows that Swann will come up short. Tom mentions how TJ Perkins is also in the mix, and what do you know, he shows up right at that moment. Perkins says he is still owed a rematch, but until then, all he can say is good luck.
Gran Metalik video package. He’s coming soon…even though he was already here at the start of the show…
Jack Gallagher defeated Ariya Daivari
Fine match highlighting Gallagher and his style, with him having the advantage early. The highlight was him wrapping up Daivari in a ball, and after teasing for a bit kicked him in the butt. Daivari took over but Gallagher came back, threw him in the corner and drilled him with a dropkick to score the win.
Lince Dorado video package is shown, talking about his style and how he can adapt. It doesn’t matter who is in the ring, they will know his name.
Rich Swann video package. He talks about his parents dying when he was young and how he was going down the wrong path until he entered wrestling. What separates him from the pack? His smile, his style, that is what sets him apart from others. He’s been all around the world and feels like he’s one of the best cruiserweights to step into the WWE. They show footage of him winning the number one contendership, saying that after everything he’s been put through, getting an opportunity like this was amazing. No matter what is put in your path, you can do it.
Rich Swann defeated Brian Kendrick to win the Cruiserweight title
Really good main event. It was very well worked, brought in some drama with Swann’s neck injury in the middle and the last few minutes were great.
Swann did a cool dive, running on top of the barricade and colliding with Kendrick after a senton. Kendrick grabbed him and tried for a dragon suplex but Swann floated over and countered with a backdrop suplex. Swann went to do something on the top rope but Kendrick cut him off and gave him a neckbreaker on top of the post.
They did a count out spot, but Swann made it to the ring. Kendrick drilled him with a dragon suplex and transitioned into a submission, using Swann’s arms to choke himself. Swann cut him off with a kick and went for the hopping 450 splash but Kendrick got the knees off. Bully choke time, but Swann makes it to the ropes.
Swann comes back and tries to do something off the top rope again, but Kendrick cuts him off and hits the sliced bread…for another nearfall. Swann hits three spinning kicks and pins Kendrick to win the championship.
Swann says this is for all of us. If there is one person he wants to thank, it is his mom. She might not be here, but she is here in spirit. Tom interviews Kendrick. This was supposed to be the biggest day of his life. He mentions Perkins playing mind games backstage. This show was supposed to be all about him. He didn’t lose, and don’t get used to seeing this. Show closes with Swann dancing in the ring.
Final thoughts: I thought this was a good debut episode with a pretty good main event that was given a lot of time. Doing this after SmackDown hurt it a bit, as it was obvious people had left and most were not into the cruiserweights, but they did pick up for the main event, which helped a lot. The show already does tons better in getting these guys over than Raw, so as long as they keep the course, the division still has a chance.
The WWE Cruiserweight Championship will be on the line on next week’s premiere episode of 205 Live.
Rich Swann won a triple threat match over former champion TJ Perkins and Noam Dar on tonight’s episode of Raw to get a shot at Brian Kendrick’s title on the debut episode of the new WWE Network cruiserweight show. With Kendrick on commentary, Swann picked up the win by pinning Perkins after a kick.
Swann had been being groomed as the next challenger for the title, including getting the win for his team during the Survivor Series pre-show cruiserweight six-man tag. Kendrick retained the title at Survivor Series against SmackDown’s Kalisto in a match where the entire division was on the line after Baron Corbin involved himself in the match.
WWE announced the debut of 205 Live earlier this month, citing the success of this summer’s Cruiserweight Classic on the Network as a reason for the new show. Dave Meltzer noted when it was announced that angles would be shot on Raw leading to the show on Tuesdays.
205 Live will debut on the Network next Tuesday a 10 p.m. ET. Talking Smack will now air at 11 p.m. ET with the addition of the series.
The fate of the WWE cruiserweight division will be on the line at Survivor Series.
It was announced at today’s SmackDown tapings in Glasgow, Scotland that Brian Kendrick would defend his WWE Cruiserweight Championship against Kalisto at the upcoming co-branded Survivor Series pay-per-view. If Kalisto captures the title, the cruiserweight division will move to SmackDown.
The updated card for Survivor Series on November 20th in Toronto, Canada is:
Brock Lesnar vs. Goldberg
Intercontinental Champion Dolph Ziggler defending against Sami Zayn
WWE Cruiserweight Champion Brian Kendrick vs. Kalisto (SmackDown gets the cruiserweight division if Kalisto wins)
WWE Universal Champion Kevin Owens, Chris Jericho, Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins & Braun Strowman vs. WWE World Champion AJ Styles, Dean Ambrose, Randy Orton, Bray Wyatt & Baron Corbin in an elimination tag match
Raw Women’s Champion Charlotte, Bayley, Sasha Banks, Nia Jax & Alicia Fox vs. SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch, Nikki Bella, Alexa Bliss, Carmella & Naomi in an elimination tag match
Raw Tag Team Champions The New Day, Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson, Enzo Amore & Big Cass, The Shining Stars and Cesaro & Sheamus vs. SmackDown Tag Team Champions Heath Slater & Rhyno, American Alpha, The Hype Bros, The Usos and a team to be announced in an elimination tag match
Completing a journey that seemed almost impossible before the Cruiserweight Classic began, Brian Kendrick will wrestle on a WWE pay-per-view for the first time since 2009 when he challenges WWE Cruiserweight Champion TJ Perkins at Clash of Champions on Sunday.
Kendrick defeated Cedric Alexander, Gran Metalik, and Rich Swann in a fatal four-way match on Monday’s edition of Raw to earn a shot at the title. Kendrick picked up the win after submitting Alexander with a choke that is now being called the Captain’s Hook.
Raw General Manager Mick Foley introduced the brand’s new cruiserweight division, and then brought Swann, Metalik, Alexander, and Kendrick out to the ring. Perkins didn’t make an appearance on Raw as the division made its debut.
It was also announced on Raw that Nia Jax would face Alicia Fox on Sunday’s kickoff show.
The current card for Clash of Champions is:
WWE Universal Champion Kevin Owens defending against Seth Rollins
Raw Women’s Champion Charlotte defending against Sasha Banks and Bayley in a triple threat match
United States Champion Rusev defending against Roman Reigns
WWE Cruiserweight Champion TJ Perkins defending against Brian Kendrick
Raw Tag Team Champions The New Day defending against Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows
Cesaro vs. Sheamus in the final match of their best-of-seven series
Sami Zayn vs. Chris Jericho
Nia Jax vs. Alicia Fox on the Clash of Champions kickoff show
In addition to new WWE Cruiserweight Champion TJ Perkins, WWE.com confirmed six more names that will be joining Raw’s upcoming cruiserweight division when it launches next Monday night.
Brian Kendrick, Rich Swann, Gran Metalik, Cedric Alexander, Lince Dorado, and Noam Dar are all headed to the Raw roster. But WWE didn’t reveal which wrestlers will be in action when the revamped cruiserweight division launches next Monday.
Notably, the list seems to indicate that Akira Tozawa, Jack Gallagher, Johnny Gargano, and Tommaso Ciampa won’t be headed to Raw immediately. All four were featured in videos hyping the division in previous weeks. Lince Dorado wasn’t included in those videos, but will apparently be joining the division right away.
After winning the Cruiserweight Classic, Perkins became the new WWE Cruiserweight Champion on Wednesday night. He first defeated tournament favorite Kota Ibushi in the semifinals, then scored a victory over Gran Metalik in the tournament final. Before that match started, Triple H came out to announce that the match would be for the Cruiserweight Championship and unveiled the new title.
A WWE doctor told Samoa Joe and William Regal that Joe still isn’t cleared to compete in storyline after he suffered undisclosed injuries in his TakeOver match against Shinsuke Nakamura.
The Revival attack Tommaso Ciampa
Tommaso Ciampa was being interviewed by Charly Caruso about Johnny Gargano’s injuries when he was ambushed by The Revival. Ciampa tried to take on the tag champs on his own, but The Revival got the better of him as they spilled out into the ring.
And Gargano was nowhere to be found as his partner got beat up.
Liv Morgan vs. Aliyah
With so many members of NXT’s women’s division being called up to the main roster, Liv Morgan and Aliyah got a chance to fill their spots in a match on last night’s episode of NXT TV. And it was Morgan who got her first singles win on television in the match.
The Era of Strong Style
Nakamura appeared at Full Sail University for the first time since winning the NXT Championship. The fans gave the new champion a huge reaction, and he proclaimed this the era of Strong Style.
Liv Morgan is ready to take advantage of her opportunity
Morgan said her win earlier in the night represented an opportunity for both herself and her family.
CWC Video Highlights —
Gran Metalik vs. Akira Tozawa
The quarterfinals of the Cruiserweight Classic kicked off on the WWE Network last night. And Gran Metalik was the first competitor to advance to the semifinals after defeating Akira Tozawa in a match where the conflicting styles of both men meshed well.
Metalik will face either Zack Sabre Jr. or Noam Dar in the next round.
Kota Ibushi vs. Brian Kendrick
And in the show’s main event, the fairytale story of Brian Kendrick’s CWC journey came to an end after losing to tournament favorite Kota Ibushi. Kendrick looked impressive in the match, even hitting a Burning Hammer.
Ibushi will face either Rich Swann or TJ Perkins in the next round.
After it was over, Kendrick’s friend Daniel Bryan came down to the ring and the two embraced as the show went off the air.
Gran Metalik reacts to his win
Speaking in Spanish with interviewer Andrea D’Marco, Metalik reacted to his win.
Akira Tozawa wants to compete for WWE — and become best friends with Sasha Banks
Tozawa said he was disappointed by his loss, but his biggest dream is still competing in a WWE ring. And in response to a question about former WWE Women’s Champion Sasha Banks, Tozawa said he wants to be best friends with her.
Brian Kendrick & Daniel Bryan share an emotional moment
The moment inside of the ring wasn’t the end for Kendrick and Bryan, as Bryan joined Kendrick in an interview after the match.
With tears in their eyes, the two discussed their friendship. Bryan congratulated Kendrick for doing a great job and said he wouldn’t be the wrestler he is without Kendrick because he never would’ve pushed himself in the way that he did without Kendrick pushing him.
After Bryan left, Kendrick said a big part of him died when Bryan was forced to retire and he sometimes wakes up crying after dreams where him and Bryan are wrestling. He hoped Ibushi would go on to win it all because Ibushi is the best wrestler in the world now that Bryan is retired.
Kota Ibushi feels the effects of his match with Brian Kendrick
Despite advancing to the semifinals, Ibushi wasn’t happy that his win wasn’t convincing and was still feeling the effects of the match.
Kota Ibushi undergoes medical testing
After his hard-hitting match with Kendrick, Ibushi was checked out by doctors for possible injuries.
