After defeating Danny Burch last week, Tehuti Miles will face off with Burch’s tag team partner on 205 Live tonight.
WWE has announced that Miles vs. Oney Lorcan will air on tonight’s 205 Live episode. Last week’s match against Burch was the first time Miles has gotten a win on WWE television.
Miles pinned Burch last week with a schoolboy while holding onto his tights.
Miles, who joined the WWE Performance Center in August 2019, has made appearances on NXT, Raw, and 205 Live in recent months. He’s a United States Army veteran, was on the University of Maryland Terrapins football team, and debuted on the Maryland independent wrestling scene before signing with WWE.
Isaiah “Swerve” Scott vs. Jack Gallagher is also set for tonight’s 205 Live. Scott defeated Tony Nese on NXT this week despite a distraction by Gallagher. Gallagher went after Scott after the match, but Scott rolled out of the ring.
Gallagher defeated Scott during the interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship tournament last month after Nese attacked Scott during his entrance.
In addition to the two matches, an encore of El Hijo del Fantasma vs. Drake Maverick in the interim Cruiserweight title tournament finals from this week’s NXT will also be shown on 205 Live tonight. Fantasma defeated Maverick and became interim champion, but Maverick was offered an NXT contract by Triple H after the match.
An immediate change to the typical 205 Live atmosphere was noticeable as instead of playing to a non-existent crowd, Tyler Breeze, and all other wrestlers, played to a makeshift crowd of WWE talent.
In the opening moments of the match, Tony Nese and Breeze entered a lock-up. Nese broke the lock-up and flexed his arm; let my satisfaction be known in hearing a crowd respond to the narcissism of Nese. What a fantastic change in scenery.
Nese and Breeze reentered a lock-up. Breeze came out in an advantaged position that saw Nese in a partial choke. Nese tried and tried before eventually succeeding in breaking the hold. As Breeze tried to return the match to the mat, he was on the receiving end of a strong kick from Nese.
Nese mounted Breeze, punching him multiple times before standing to bask in a field of boos. Breeze tried to escape the attack of Nese by migrating to the corner but there he was caught by a barrage of stomps. Nese landed a slam and then went for a pin that was answered.
Following the pin attempt, Nese secured back mount wherein he attacked the eyes of Breeze. The referee stopped the attack with a count which allowed Breeze to transition into the guard of Nese. Breeze postured up and leveled Nese with a strong forearm followed by a few weak ones. Nese pulled away.
As Breeze tried to follow up, he was struck in the throat. Nese then took the head of Breeze, ran him across the ring, and jumped to the outside leading Breeze’s throat across the top rope. Nese ascended to the top rope where he dove. Breeze avoided the dive. Nese’s flight was graceful; his crash, on the other hand, was better described as unpleasant.
Breeze landed two forearms to the face, a kick to the midsection, and a dropkick all in short succession after both men rose. Nese tried to reverse a whip but was met with a kick. As Breeze tried for further offense Nese rolled to the outside and tripped a running Breeze. Nese climbed to the top rope again and landed a picture-perfect moonsault. Breeze kicked out from the subsequent pin attempt.
As both men rose from their position of prostration, Nese positioned Breeze for a back to belly piledriver. Breeze fell from the back, rolling Nese up in a seamless changeover. Nese kicked out but was kicked in the midsection and dropped with an atypical move best described by my estimation as an over the shoulder facebuster. Breeze tried for another pin but Nese kicked out.
Breeze began a slow climb to the top rope but was cut short by an uppercut from Nese. Breeze fell into perfect position for a running knee but was able to avoid the attack before it could be delivered. Breeze, now on the outside, grabbed the legs of Nese; one leg on the left side of the post the other leg on the opposite side. Breeze took the left leg of Nese and whipped it into the post. Nese tried to hobble away from his attacker but was grabbed by Breeze who synched a single leg crab on the appropriate leg. Nese cried out in pain as he crawled ever so slowly to the bottom rope with each second passing seemingly being a possible end.
Nese rolled to the outside, still selling the effects of his now destroyed leg. Breeze then jumped from the apron with a forearm smash that sent Nese to his back. Breeze rolled Nese into the ring before grabbing him for a release German suplex. Nese landed on his feet, then jumped, and then connected a double foot stomp before returning to selling his supposedly injured leg. Nese, after a failed pin attempt, grabbed his leg once again. Nese then scaled the ropes again and jumped. He was caught by Breeze. It is also worth mentioning that Nese was caught only after landing on his leg.
Nese pulled away, entered a sprint, and then was put down by Breeze with a spinebuster. Breeze then lifted Nese and dropped him once more with a uranage. Nese kicked from Breeze’s pin attempt.
Breeze pulled Nese to his feet and positioned him for the unprettier. Nese pushed Breeze to the corner to avoid. Nese ran at Breeze, seemingly forgetting he had a bum leg, and laid him out with a spinning back elbow. Breeze was then sat in the corner in the perfect position for a running knee that he was hit with at full speed, with the supposedly damaged knee mind you. Nese pinned Breeze for the win.
This match had potentially fantastic moments, but ultimately fell short due to its inconsistency. The improved ambiance and skill of both men should have produced a better match. An injured leg was introduced partway through the match only to be forgotten in the closing moments and then to be remembered again after the concluding bell. As to why, I cannot tell you.
Tehuti Miles defeated Danny Burch
Tehuti Miles snubbed Danny Burch in the initial lock-up. He then entered a proper lock-up for a moment before snubbing Burch again. An annoyed Burch ran at Miles, who escaped to the outside. Burch grew in his annoyance. The two locked up again. This time Miles took down Burch with a pull to the legs. Miles then proceeded to walk over the face-down body of Burch.
This disrespect caused Burch to snap. He struck Miles on the ground before taking him down with a headlock. Burch worked a mean headlock, interspersing his hold with brutal palm strikes. Miles fought to his feet, only to be sent to the ground with a shoulder tackle. Miles was then uppercut, chopped, and forearm smashed across the ring. Burch stomped Miles into the corner forcing a referee separation.
Miles took advantage of this separation by pulling down the rope as Burch tried to continue his assault, sending him to the outside. Burch tried once again to continue his offense but was met with a dropkick as he tried to reenter the ring. Miles rolled Burch into the ring and assumed a full mount. Ground and pound followed. A more serious Miles stood and dropped the straps of his attire. Miles then stomped Burch into the corner. Burch was then dragged into a standing position and returned to a grounded one with a neck breaker. Miles tried for a pin, but failed.
Miles then grabbed Burch with a chin lock. Burch tried to return to his feet while still being in the chin lock but was dropped once more with a neck breaker. Miles tried and failed another pin before synching another chin lock that was ultimately broken. Burch then stuck Miles thrice before climbing to the second rope for a dropkick. Burch landed an enziguri that he followed with a brutal German suplex.
Burch connected with a lariat that sent Miles to the outside. Miles was rolled into the ring by Burch who was looking to finish his wounded opponent. Before he could think, Burch was rolled up by Miles for the surprise victory.
This match was very good. Both men played to their strengths and ultimately came out looking good. The finish was unexpected but satisfying. What this win means for Miles is hard to say but hopefully, it is the groundwork for a bright future.
This show was far better than the last few renditions of 205 Live simply due to the live crowd. What they added to the show is all too easy to understate. The matches themselves varied in success but are worth considering a watch if you are partial to any of the performers.
Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch defeated Chase Parker and Matt Martel (Ever-Rise)
205 Live’s introductory match this week was a rematch from this week’s episode of NXT. The pairing of Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch got the better of the former team 3.0 in their last meeting.
As the bell sounded, Burch entered a collar-and-elbow tie-up with Matt Martel. The tie-up was broken by the referee after it worked its way into the corner. As Burch and Martel felt each other out, Butch walked in the direction of the Ever-Rise corner wherein he was attacked by both Martel and Chase Parker. Parker tagged in as the two double-teamed Burch.
Parker landed a shoulder tackle once he became Burch’s lone attacker, however during his fall following the previously mentioned shoulder tackle Parker’s leg was apprehended by Burch. Burch stood, Parker’s ankle in hand, and tagged in Oney Lorcan.
Lorcan chopped Parker multiple times prior to an Irish whip attempt. Parker stepped through and reversed Lorcan’s attempted whip sending Lorcan into the corner. Parker then tagged Martel back into the match. Ever-Rise tried to once again double team their opponent but Lorcan, with an uppercut and a single leg Boston crab, was able to take out both men. Lorcan seemed to be in a favorable position with the crab locked in.
A breakup was attempted, but was met with resistance by Burch. Burch was thrown into the hold, breaking it up.
Lorcan was then attacked by both members of Ever-Rise in their corner. Both Martel and Parker took turns tagging each other in and out. Lorcan, after being continually assaulted, was eventually able to float over into a neck breaker. A hot tag followed.
Burch entered the ring and landed a couple of strikes on Parker before having one stuffed. Parker sent Burch to the corner, but Burch met him with a high boot. Burch was then given time to ascend the ropes to deliver a flying dropkick to Parker. Burch ran the length of the ring to deliver a clothesline to a cornered Parker, which was immediately followed by an enziguri which was followed by a release German suplex.
As Parker staggered back to a standing position, he came into close contact with a running clothesline from Burch. Burch covered Parker, but Martel entered the ring in time to break up the pin.
Martel attempted to interfere with Burch further, but was answered with a headbutt. Burch put Parker on the top rope, but Parker pushed his way down. Martel sneakily tagged himself in while Parker simultaneously set up for a double-team elevated neck breaker. Burch was hit with the impressive move in what could have been a completely believable finish. Lorcan entered the ring to break up the pin before that could be realized.
Burch rose to his feet, as did Martel. Both men looked to be winded. Burch connected with a flurry of uppercuts that he tried to follow with a running move but he was stopped by the elbow of Martel. Martel tried for a scoop slam, but Burch floated over into a crossface. Parker hit the ring to try and break the hold, but was immediately stopped by Lorcan. Lorcan sent Parker to the mat with a single leg Boston crab. Martel then tapped to Burch’s crossface.
This match was good, though it seemed to be without purpose. Why Ever-Rise needed to rechallenge Burch and Lorcan remains a mystery to me especially seeing as they were defeated again.
Isaiah “Swerve” Scott defeated Tyler Breeze
Isaiah Scott and Tyler Breeze started this match with an arm drag display that left Scott in a seated position. Scott’s face looked flustered, almost as if he should not have been bested in that interaction. Breeze taunted his seated opponent with a pose in the corner à la Eddie Guererro.
The two then entered a collar-and-elbow tie-up that found its way into the corner. Breeze, being in the advancing position, looked as if he would act in good faith and break cleanly. He did not. He instead ran towards Scott but was leaped over. Scott rolled Breeze in and tried for a kick, but came up short. Scott was visibly discomposed after his miss.
The two stood and reentered a collar-and-elbow tie-up. This time Breeze was backed into the corner. Scott, instead of breaking the tie-up, whipped Breeze into the other corner sending him crashing into the mat.
Scott tried to follow up on his gained advantage with a move from the ropes but slipped during his climb. Breeze then kicked Scott sending him tumbling to the outside. Scott grew even more upset with what was his third fumble. He hesitated to reenter the ring and was ultimately punished by Breeze for his hesitation as Breeze took to the outside for an attack. Breeze blindsided Scott with an elbow before driving him into the barricade.
Breeze sent Scott back into the ring for a cover but was met with a strong kick out. Breeze suplexed Scott and tried for another pin, but met the same fate.
Breeze whipped Scott into the corner before clubbing his back with forearms. Scott began to enter a berserker-style rage as Breeze clubbed away. Scott turned and landed an excellently brief and impactful strike that sent Breeze to the floor. Breeze looked to be out but was able to roll to the outside. Scott wasted no time as he jumped the ropes onto the apron and stomped the head of Breeze. Scott sent Breeze into the after a slam into the barricade and went for a pin that Breeze was able to kick out from.
Scott climbed the ropes, but Breeze stood to meet him. Breeze was unable to stop Scott from jumping but he was able to dodge Scott’s attempted stomp. Breeze landed an enziguri on a turned Scott and pinned him. Scott kicked out. Breeze hesitated in his followup which allowed Scott to float over a suplex attempt. Scott picked up Breeze but Breeze flipped straight to his feet. Breeze went for a rollup but Scott kicked out. Scott then went for a roll-through of his own but instead of a pin Scott transitioned into a suplex. Scott went for the pin but Breeze kicked out.
Scott set up for the house call, his finish, but missed. Breeze tried for the supermodel kick but was caught by Scott. Scott tried for a spinning forearm smash, but again, was caught by Breeze. Scott was able to finally break the stalemate with a neck breaker. Somehow he was unable to follow up and Breeze connected with a supermodel kick. Scott kicked out of the subsequent pin.
Both men returned to their feet. Breeze started to club Scott with forearms again. Breeze lifted Scott to the second rope. Scott kicked Breeze before he could connect with a move. A dazed Breeze then climbed the ropes, Scott escaped under him. Breeze was then lifted by Scott and dropped with the confidence boost. Scott pinned Breeze for the victory.
This match’s first act was good. It dragged in the second. I can not understate how much better this match would have been if it had come to a close following Scott’s initial moment of rage. It just went way too long. The simple, concise story of a frustrated Scott overcoming his early stumbles was lost in the falling action.
During the initial moments in 205 Live’s opening match, Danny Burch applied pressure to the left arm of Tony Nese. After being briefly grounded, Nese was able to roll to his feet and force a referee initiated break. Said break allowed Nese to land a headlock takedown on Burch. Burch transitioned from his disadvantaged ground position into a surprise pin attempt. Nese kicked out and both men returned to their feet.
A test of strength followed the reset. Burch prevailed and attempted a single leg boston crab but Nese was able to quickly grab the middle rope. After being stood up once again both men stared each other down for a very brief instant before Nese landed a takedown which he followed with a hold to the left ankle of Burch. As Burch struggled for freedom, Nese placed his foot on the bottom rope for additional leverage. Burch kicked his way free, but was clearly strained.
The two rose to a standing position wherein Burch was immediately taken back down to the mat by Nese. Nese then proceeded to continue his assault on the left leg of Burch with a single leg boston crab. Burch quickly crawled to the rope and kicked off Nese who was not honoring the break ordered by the official.
In the third reset of the match, Burch scored a headlock takedown of his own. Once on the mat, both men traded advantage. Nese was eventually bested on the ring floor but drew in Burch by playing possum next to the ropes. Burch fell for his trap and was sent through the ropes. Nese then landed a flush spinning back elbow sending Burch crashing to the outside. At the count of eight Nese left the ring and began an outside attack which included driving Burch’s back into the barricade and Burch’s head into the ring apron. Nese rolled Burch into the ring and attempted a pin but Burch kicked out.
After Burch kicked out, Nese secured a pseudo-rear-mount that slowed the match to a crawl. Burch ultimately freed himself from this hold. Burch landed a flurry of intense strikes and a huge second rope missile dropkick. Burch hesitated for a moment after a failed pin attempt. Burch then picked up Nese for a standing suplex but Nese floated over.
Burch endeavored to maintain his control with a big boot followed by a german suplex. In a fantastic moment of athleticism, Nese landed on his feet following the release from Burch’s german suplex; Burch landed on his back from the same move. Nese then promptly delivered a seamless double foot stomp to the chest of Burch and hooked his leg for a near fall.
Both men struggled to their feet, Nese was first to stand. Nese took control of Burch’s head, ran him across the ring, and jumped to the floor to force the throat Burch into the top rope. Nese without hesitation jumped from the floor to the apron and then to the second rope where he delivered a stunning moonsault to his grounded opponent. Burch kicked out again.
A frustrated Nese taunted Burch on the ground. Burch was able to take the arm of his mocker and secure a crossface in the center of the ring. In what seemed to be a possible end of the match, Nese rolled the crossface into a pin and nearly picked up a victory. Both men regained footing momentarily. Nese landed a strike that stunned Burch and a german suplex in the corner that rendered him lifeless. Nese then performed a running knee, allowing Nese to pick up the win.
The match was overall quite fun. It could probably have done without the lull before the climax but ultimately it was an entertaining watch.
Following the previous match’s resolution, Nese was yelling at the announce team. Nese was met by Jack Gallagher who was entering the empty WWE Performance center for the main event. The two entered an intense staredown that narrowly avoided coming to blows.
Jack Gallagher defeated Oney Lorcan
This week’s 205 Live main event began with a briskly passed chain grappling segment. Jack Gallagher landed an early takedown. Once on the ground, Gallagher took the back of Lorcan wherein he reined in a few devastating fists to the back of the head. Lorcan was able to avoid any significant damage and made it back to his feet.
Gallagher remained on his back and lured Lorcan into his guard. The two ended up in the ropes and stood up for a moment but quickly returned to the mat wherein they both fought for control of the other’s legs. They again ended up in the ropes and scraped during the standup.
After being stood up again, Lorcan attempted a takedown but was stuffed. The two then struggled for control but Gallagher proved to be better on the ground, at least in this instance. Gallagher landed multiple strikes that rendered Lorcan staggered. Lorcan tried to match the intensity of Gallagher, but was once again bested in strikes not once but twice in two intense sequences.
Lorcan was able to gain advantage when Gallagher connected with a headbutt that resulted in the Gallaher being dazed. Lorcan landed a half-and-half suplex on Gallagher and hooked the leg for a two count pin attempt. Lorcan continued his offense with a shoulder block and a clothesline but Gallagher powered out of both pin attempts. Lorcan then sat Gallagher on the top rope for a half-and-half suplex but was elbowed in the process. Gallagher connected with a crossbody with a turn during the descent.
Both men were laid on the mat flat when Tony Nese re-entered the picture. Gallagher rose to see the man he had just had a sour interaction with brandishing a chair. Before he could act, Lorcan rolled up Gallagher. Gallagher answered the referee’s count at two. Gallagher then landed a brutal headbutt that seemed to signify the end of the match, but before he could follow up Gallagher was attacked by Nese making Gallagher the winner by disqualification.
Lorcan aided his opponent in fending off Nese. Nese took a chair and looked to inflict serious harm on Lorcan but before he could, the music of Danny Burch played and Burch ran to the ring, saving his partner.
This match was incredibly realistic and it at no point lulled. The shoot style segments were intense and meaningful. While the screwy finish might be a turnoff to some, it was an excellent catalyst in concretizing the dastardly nature of Tony Nese while maintaining both Lorcan and Burch.
The opening moments of 205 Live’s opening matchup in an empty WWE Performance Center began with chain grappling. Kushida and Danny Burch traded control of individual limbs. Burch would have a hold of a leg and Kushida would get an arm. Burch gained the arm and Kushida tried the leg. This back and forth went on for some time and saw a variety of holds used by each man.
The opening limb targeting came to an end after Burch changed the pace with a flapjack. Burch failed to follow up due to Kushida kicking him after being provided with a brief breather. Burch rolled to the outside and Kushida looked for a dive. Seeing Kushida in a running motion Burch hopped to the apron and was swiftly met with the heels of his inverted opponent.
Kushida failed significant advances after this point as a top rope forearm attempt was caught with a right hand from Burch, who then proceeded to grind down his already grounded adversary. He did this with effective striking and grounded holds.
An Irish whip from Burch allowed Kushida to launch a counter-attack that started with a handspring back elbow. Burch attempted to gain his bearings on the outside of the ring, but Kushida gave him no such break. Kushida instead jumped from the apron onto Burch before sending him back to the ring. Kushida continued his attack with a kick to the head.
Burch stuffed what looked to be a DDT attempt from Kushida and connected with a loud forearm smash. Burch went for a pin but Kushida kicked out only to be seamlessly transitioned into a crossface in the center of the ring. Kushida managed to fight through and land a light strike to Burch which initiated a brief exchange of blows that saw Kushida regain match advantage. Kushida wasted no time as he positioned himself for and succeeded in applying the hoverboard lock. Burch immediately tapped out.
In their first time meeting, Burch and Kushida put on a fairly typical WWE cruiserweight match. The lack of audience definitely did not help it was not a great hindrance either. While the match was nothing to write home about it was far from bad, it worked fine as an opening contest.
Jack Gallagher defeated Tyler Breeze
In his first singles appearance following his return to 205 Live, Jack Gallagher dawned a cloak that covered his new tattoos. He let it fall to the mat in a theatrical display. This definitely seemed best fitted for a live audience, the all at once re-reveal to remind the world of his new appearance and maybe score a gasp or two at the same time, but still came across well enough without a crowd.
The opening moments of the match saw Gallagher and Tyler Breeze enter a collar and elbow tie-up which saw Breeze gaining the advantage in the first leg of the match. Breeze seemed to have an answer for Gallagher’s questions.
Gallagher turned the match in his favor when Breeze slipped and gave control of his head to his opponent. Gallagher took this head control and turned it into a fireman’s carry drop onto the top rope. Powerful strikes from Gallagher followed. A struggling Breeze tried for an opening, but Gallagher did not give an inch, instead continuing the barrage of strikes.
Gallagher completely controlled the pace of the match for a long while. Breeze tried again to regain a semblance of a chance with some strikes to the gut. Gallagher was sent back into the corner and Breeze connected with a match altering kick. Breeze then landed two flying forearms to a cornered Gallagher and seemed to be in the driver’s seat. When Breeze was going for a third flying forearm, Gallagher entered a sprint and missed a dropkick.
Breeze rolled him up and Gallagher kicked out and before he had a chance to breathe Gallagher was laid out with a supermodel kick. Breeze went for a pin only for Gallagher to answer the referee’s count.
A now desperate Breeze looked for a way to close the match. He climbed to the top rope but was brought down by Gallagher who had quickly recovered from Breeze’s attempted finish. Gallagher turned his attention to the arm of Breeze with an armbar in the center of the ring. Breeze dug down deep and crawled to the bottom rope.
Gallagher. in a position similar to Breeze from moments earlier, was growing frustrated. He stuck and struck only for Breeze to not only answer his strikes but also regain control of the match. The two found themselves on the outside of the ring wherein Breeze drove Gallagher into the barricade before returning him to the squared circle. Breeze struggled to reenter the ring as his arm was damaged from Gallagher’s armbar. This momentary pause gave Gallagher enough time to connect with a discus lariat and secure the pinfall victory.
Both men looked strong in a very fun and logical match. Not a moment was a lull or without reason. In the end, Gallagher came across looking beastly and as a legitimate threat to Jordan Devlin’s cruiserweight title reign.
205 Live this week was solid. The opening match wasn’t fantastic but the main event was a great display of cruiserweight wrestling. Breeze and Gallagher managed to pull off a very good match.
Three weeks ago, Kushida was part of the Team NXT vs. 205 Live originals 10-man elimination tag match on 205 Live. He was revealed as the final member of Team NXT on that show, replacing Lio Rush. Team NXT won the match after dissension between Gallagher and his teammates. Kushida and Isaiah “Swerve” Scott were the two members of Team NXT left standing at the end.
Kushida defeated Joaquin Wilde on the episode of NXT that aired last night.
Tomorrow’s 205 Live will be the third time Kushida has wrestled on the show. He teamed with Gallagher to defeat Akira Tozawa & Brian Kendrick when 205 Live took place at Madison Square Garden in September.
A tag team match has been added to the lineup for tonight’s NXT.
The Undisputed Era’s Kyle O’Reilly & Bobby Fish will face off with Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch on tonight’s episode. The announcement was made via a tweet from NXT general manager William Regal last night: “In addition to two cage matches tomorrow, we are going to have a knock down drag out match in the tag division with The #UndisputedERA’s @KORcombat and @theBobbyFish taking on @_StarDESTROYER and @strongstylebrit #WWENXT”
Tegan Nox vs. Dakota Kai and Velveteen Dream vs. Roderick Strong are the two steel cage matches that will be taking place on the show.
O’Reilly & Fish lost the NXT Tag Team titles to Matt Riddle & Pete Dunne at NXT TakeOver: Portland last month. Video of a backstage segment with Undisputed Era aired on NXT last week. O’Reilly & Fish cut a promo on Riddle & Dunne, saying they got lucky at TakeOver and O’Reilly & Fish aren’t going anywhere.
Lorcan & Burch lost a non-title match against Riddle & Dunne on NXT two weeks ago.
After a recap of the issues between Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch and Brian Kendrick & Ariya Daivari, Joaquin Wilde came down to complete silence even with his air horn entrance. Raul Mendoza then entered and slapped hands with the kids to try and make at least some of the fans care about this match.
Wilde’s win over Mendoza from last month was shown, which would seem to indicate a reversal in that role tonight.
Raul Mendoza defeated Joaquin Wilde
They started things off with a knuckle lock flip exchange before Wilde got the better of Mendoza for a standoff. Wilde hit a run-up jumping back elbow from the corner for two. Mendoza recovered and hit a gorgeous springboard missile dropkick that sent Wilde out and resulted in Mendoza landing a somersault dive alongside it.
Wilde sent Mendoza out and hopped on the ring post for a flip dive. Wilde faked out a springboard to cause Mendoza to go for a phantom dropkick before a standing frog splash got two for Wilde. Mendoza sent him down and got two off a Lionsault.
Wilde hit a Codebreaker and went for his wacky pop-up double boot, but Mendoza blocked it and hit a jumping ushigoroshi mid-ring to win.
Mendoza and Wilde are now 50/50, so I’m sure their futures are bright on 205 Live. Mendoza is really good, but he isn’t gaining any traction. Wilde just isn’t working right now. As a worker, he seems worse than in Impact. As an act, he comes off as far less of a star without the flashy light-up gear.
A video from after Lio Rush’s loss to Cruiserweight Champion Jordan Devlin on this week’s NXT aired. Rush was asked if Devlin has the better of him, then Tyler Breeze told him it’s okay to lose and Rush got pissed. Breeze is barely recognizable in regular attire and wasn’t identified by name in the promo.
Breeze came out to face Samir Singh.
Tyler Breeze defeated Samir Singh
Breeze got tied up in the corner, but sent Singh out and hit an Asai moonsault. Singh got a long chinlock before Breeze escaped. Singh went up but ate a kick to the jaw before leaping into a Supermodel Kick for the win.
Breeze left and just pointed in the air like a generic babyface from 1986. He needs to get his post-match character work over just like his pre-match. There, he comes across as something like a star and not just a guy on the roster.
A Tony Nese tweet hyping up his team with Mike Kanellis was shown. A 10-man tag team elimination match between 205 originals and cruiserweights from NXT is set for next week. Nese and Lio Rush are the captains.
Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch defeated Ariya Daivari & Brian Kendrick in a no DQ match
As the heels came down, everyone brawled on the ramp and then around ringside. Daivari got chucked head-first into a chair. Burch hit a dropkick and went for a kip-up, but he slipped and then just threw his fingers up to save it a bit.
They grabbed tables and tried to send Daivari through, but Kendrick made the save and gave Burch a Death Valley Driver through the table off the apron. Daivari grabbed a ladder, but Burch chucked Daivari face-first into it. Kendrick gave Burch a Russian leg sweep off of the ladder and they were both down, so that was a pretty stupid thing to do.
Daivari set the ladder up in another corner, slowly climbed it, and got two off a splash due to Lorcan breaking up the pin. Lorcan fired up against Kendrick and man would Lorcan have been great in Memphis in the late ’80s. He has some great babyface fire, but Daivari put that out with a chair to the gut.
Kendrick and Daivari went for a double suplex on a chair, but Burch avoided it, set Kendrick up in the chair after a headbutt, and Lorcan hit a running blockbuster for two.
Lorcan hit a flip dive onto both opponents and then Lorcan and Burch duct taped Kendrick to the buckle. I really like the usage of duct tape as a weapon in WWE — it’s logical and makes more sense than having all manner of random stuff under the ring.
Lorcan and Burch hit a snapshot on Daivari on the announce table, but it didn’t break. That just had to suck. They then hit the move again mid-ring to pin Daivari right in front of Kendrick, who couldn’t break it up due to the duct tape.
This was a great brawl and felt like a fine way to close this rivalry. The episode was pretty fun, although the loss of the Cruiserweight Champion as a regular really hurts. It feels like there’s no end goal to the weekly matches, and that results in a weird latter-day Lucha Underground feeling of purgatory for the roster.
Lorcan and Burch feel like a complete mismatch for WWE right now as they’re pushed on this show, but nothing but enhancement guys elsewhere.
Taped at York Barbican in York, England on January 17 and 18, 2020
Quick results —
Aoife Valkyrie made her debut by defeating Amale (who also was on the show for the first time).
Travis Banks and Alexander Wolfe had words backstage.
Dave Mastiff defeated Saxon Huxley, then continued to shout for WALTER.
Toni Storm signed her I Quit Match contract for an NXT UK Women’s title match with Kay Lee Ray. If Storm loses, she can’t challenge for the title again as long as KLR is the champion.
The Grizzled Young Veterans cut an entertaining promo, talking about soon being recognized as the best team in the world.
Joseph Conners called out Tyler Bate before their match next week.
Joe Coffey defeated Amir Jordan, then had some choice words for Ilja Dragunov.
Gallus (Mark Coffey & Wolfgang) retained their NXT UK Tag Team titles against Danny Burch & Oney Lorcan. After the match, Dragunov got beat down by all three Gallus members.
Full rundown —
Aoife Valkyrie defeated Amale after a top rope axe kick (3:35)
Valkyrie, from Dublin, started wrestling in 2015 and was trained at Fight Factory Pro Wrestling. She started out in Celtic Championship Wrestling and first wrestled in Germany in 2017 for GWF out of Berlin, where she became a semi-regular and earned some praise from Jazzy Gabert.
Starting in 2018, Valkyrie became a regular in OTT and Pro Wrestling: EVE. Last year she became a staple of wXw’s women’s division, wrestling both Amale and Killer Kelly on a regular basis. She is a former OTT Women’s Champion and a former EVE Tag Team Champion.
Amale started wrestling in 2012 in her home country of France. She moved from Beziers on the southern coast of France to Amiens, closer to Paris in order to wrestle more. She spent her first years wrestling in France before coming to Germany in 2016, where she wrestled for GWF and WrestlingKULT, among others.
Amale joined wXw in early 2019 and won the Women’s title in a three-way over Killer Kelly and champion Toni Storm. She still holds that title and has defeated opponents such as Valkyrie, Tenille Dashwood, Faye Jackson, LuFisto, Killer Kelly, and Meiko Satomura. In her day job, she is a kindergarten teacher, where her wrestling career has raised some eyebrows.
Valkyrie had a kind of mystic entrance with thunder and lightning while Amale already was in the ring.
They locked up right away and Valkyrie took Amale down off a front face lock before transitioning into a sunset flip for a near fall. Amale briefly locked in a headscissors on the mat, but Valkyrie quickly came back with another pinning combination.
Valkyrie hit a springboard back elbow from the second turnbuckle for another near fall. She hit a standing moonsault for another cover, then tried for an elbow lock, from which Amale escaped.
Valkyrie hit a kick, followed by a Pele kick, then hit a spinning kick that sent Amale to the mat. She followed up with an axe kick from the top rope to the back of Amale’s neck for the victory.
– Radzi Chinyanganya interviewed Travis Banks backstage and asked him about TakeOver. Banks began talking, but noticed Alexander Wolfe walking up. Wolfe accused him of letting down the NXT UK brand at Worlds Collide.
Banks asked Wolfe what it was like to ride WALTER’s coattails. Wolfe told him to watch his step.
Dave Mastiff defeated Saxon Huxley after Into the Void (3:13)
Huxley kicked Mastiff in the head, but he no-sold the move and slammed Huxley to the mat. Mastiff then brushed off more offense. He hit a big vertical suplex, then rained down some elbows to the side of Huxley’s neck. Mastiff hit a big overhead chop that sent Huxley crashing down once more.
Huxley came back with a dropkick and a knee to Mastiff’s chest, then sent him in the corner chest-first. Mastiff came back and clobbered down Huxley Vader-style. Mastiff then hit a senton and followed up with a sit-down splash (the same move WALTER also regularly uses). He followed up with Into the Void for the win.
After the match, Mastiff kept shouting for WALTER and even mockingly hit the Imperium/Ringkampf pose.
– Toni Storm walked backstage and was asked about the I Quit match that Kay Lee Ray challenged her to. Storm went up to the GM’s office and demanded Sid Scala make the match.
Scala and Johnny Saint presented the contract that KLR had already signed. Scala reminded Storm that she won’t be able to challenge for the title again as long as KLR is champion if Storm quits in the match.
Grizzled Young Veterans in-ring promo
Zack Gibson did their usual spiel about being the greatest. He said — while the fans mocked them — they were the best tag team of their generation.
Gibson said they made history when they initially won the NXT UK Tag Team titles and beat everyone — until they were put in a three-way and lost. Next they were put in a four-way ladder match. He said at this rate, they next would be in a 17-team match with Johnny Saint as the special guest referee.
Gibson put over their success in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, then talked about William Regal being the superior GM. He said Regal was from Blackpool, just as James Drake was, and Gibson was from Liverpool, the city that gave the world The Beatles and the Liverpool football team.
Gibson said that there was nothing to say about York and the city was like The Hunt was to NXT UK’s tag team division — they exist, but nobody cares. He told the people to get out their cell phones and take some pictures, then reiterated that they were soon to be recognized as the number one tag team in the world.
– Radzi was backstage and plugged some NXT UK merchandise. Joseph Conners walked up and wanted to know where he was in the official program. He then said he would beat Tyler Bate next week and would show everyone just how capable and worthy he was.
Joe Coffey defeated Amir Jordan after Best for the Bells (5:03)
Coffey hit a big hip toss right off the bat, then hit a shoulder block that took Jordan down. Jordan came back with a dropkick, but got caught off a crossbody. He then fell victim to an overhead belly-to-belly.
Jordan tried to go for a wheelbarrow roll-up, but got dropped on his face instead. Coffey locked in an armbar, then also hooked the leg.
Jordan hit a headscissors driver that dented Coffey on his head, but he got right back up. Coffey was sent to the outside and Jordan followed with a dive. He missed a top rope senton, then was hit with the Glasgow Sendoff and Best for the Bells for the victory.
After the match, Coffey called out Ilja Dragunov, telling him that he owed him a debt and it was time to pay up. He then said that Gallus would beat Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch tonight.
WWE NXT UK Tag Team title match: Gallus (Mark Coffey & Wolfgang) retained against Danny Burch & Oney Lorcan when Wolfgang pinned Burch after a superkick/powerslam combo (10:40)
Gallus stayed in the ring and waited for Lorcan and Burch to come out.
Wolfgang and Burch started out and Gallus dominated early on. Lorcan tagged in and hit an inverted atomic drop on Mark Coffey. Gallus used some questionable tactics to get the upper hand.
Wolfgang applied a chinlock on Burch and whipped him into the corner, but Burch managed to tag out. Gallus once again worked together to gain the upper hand as Coffey worked over Lorcan. Wolfgang hit a running senton on Lorcan, then applied a chinlock once more.
Mark Coffey sent Lorcan to the outside, but the referee caught Wolfgang trying to attack. Lorcan came back with a chop, but Wolfgang no-sold it. Lorcan tried some more, but Wolfgang threw him down. Wolfgang missed a senton off the ropes, allowing Lorcan to tag out.
Burch ran wild for a bit, then hit a German suplex on Mark Coffey and followed with a headbutt.
Lorcan was back in and they went to set up their finish, but Wolfgang made the save. Lorcan hit a blockbuster, but Coffey managed to fight back and tag Wolfgang. Lorcan and Burch managed to apply double submissions, but Wolfgang threw Lorcan on Burch, then speared Lorcan through the ropes. Gallus then hit their superkick/powerslam combo on Burch for the win.
After the match, Dragunov walked to ringside, then faced off with Joe Coffey. They traded blows. Dragunov hit a kick, but Joe came back with Best for the Bells, leading to all three members of Gallus beating down Dragunov.
– There was an In ring segment with Malcolm Bivens. Bivens said he’s always on the look for new talent to represent and this will be the first Bivens Enterprises tryout as he introduced Taynara.
– Dakota Kai & Tegan Nox talked about how excited they are to have a chance at the Women’s Tag Team titles next week. Marina Shafir and Jessamyn Duke jumped them and beat them down.
– Denzel defeated Chase Parker
– The Forgotten Sons defeated The Outliers
– Damian Priest defeated Boa
– Killian Dain defeated Mohammed
– Dakota Kai and Tegan Nox defeated Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir
– NXT North American Champion Roderick Strong defeated Danny Burch to retain his title
Tonight’s episode of 205 Live will include Danny Burch’s show debut.
WWE has announced that Oney Lorcan & Burch will team against Drew Gulak & Tony Nese tonight. Burch is Lorcan’s tag team partner in NXT.
Nese defeated Lorcan in the main event of last week’s 205 Live. After a distraction by Gulak, Nese pinned Lorcan with a schoolboy while holding his tights.
Lorcan lost a Cruiserweight title number one contender’s match to Lio Rush on the WWE Network portion of last week’s NXT live premiere. Gulak is the current Cruiserweight Champion.
Nese turned heel and reunited with Gulak earlier this month.
Angel Garza will also appear on tonight’s 205 Live, with him set to face his cousin Humberto Carrillo. Garza posted a video where he challenged Carrillo to the match and said that Carrillo disappointed their family by not winning the Cruiserweight title at Clash of Champions.
Garza made his 205 Live debut last month as part of the Gulak vs. Lorcan 10-man Captain’s Challenge tag match.
The next NXT Tag Team Champions will be crowned in a ladder match at TakeOver XXV.
William Regal announced on tonight’s episode of NXT that Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch, The Undisputed Era (Kyle O’Reilly & Bobby Fish), The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford), and The Forgotten Sons (Wesley Blake & Steve Cutler) will face off in a ladder match for the vacant titles at TakeOver XXV. The special is taking place at the Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport, Connecticut on Saturday, June 1.
The match was first announced at this month’s NXT television tapings, though the ladder stipulation wasn’t confirmed until now.
The NXT Tag Team titles were vacated after The Viking Raiders were called up to Raw in this year’s Superstar Shake-up.
On the NXT TV episode that aired last week, The Viking Raiders bowed to the fans and left the titles in the ring. That came after their title defense against The Street Profits ended in a no contest when The Forgotten Sons got involved and started a brawl, which also included Lorcan & Burch.
Velveteen Dream defending his North American Championship against Tyler Breeze was also announced for TakeOver XXV tonight, along with a singles match between Matt Riddle and Roderick Strong. NXT Champion Johnny Gargano will defend his title against Adam Cole at the special, and Io Shirai will challenge for Shayna Baszler’s Women’s Championship.
