Scott is the only person to pin Escobar in WWE. He defeated Escobar in a group match during NXT’s Cruiserweight Championship tournament and also pinned him during a six-man tag street fight on NXT earlier this month.
Scott unsuccessfully challenged for Escobar’s Cruiserweight title on the August 26 episode of NXT, but the finish of that match was Escobar using a mask that was loaded with a weapon to headbutt Scott. In a video on NXT last week, Scott said he’s not content with just having two wins over Escobar. Scott said he’s the better competitor and challenged Escobar to face him again — this time with no Legado del Fantasma or manipulated lucha masks. Scott vowed to become NXT Cruiserweight Champion the next time he faces Escobar.
WWE noted that we’ll hear from both Escobar and Scott on this Wednesday’s TakeOver 31 go-home episode of NXT.
Here’s the updated card for TakeOver 31:
NXT Champion Finn Balor defends against Kyle O’Reilly
NXT Women’s Champion Io Shirai defends against Candice LeRae
NXT North American Champion Damian Priest defends against Johnny Gargano
Kushida vs. Velveteen Dream
NXT Cruiserweight Champion Santos Escobar defends against Isaiah “Swerve” Scott
Ashante Adonis started the match by taunting Mansoor. Instead of responding to the taunts with jest of his own, Mansoor responded with action. He maintained momentum in the early going and gained a near fall following an inverted DDT.
Adonis was able to secure some offensive footing of his own following Mansoor spilling to the outside. Plenty of big moves followed from Adonis, two of which resulted in near falls. Adonis once again took to slowing the pace, a move that Mansoor took full advantage of. A splash from the top rope and a bulldog from the second left Adonis in position for Mansoor’s one-handed electric chair driver, but Adonis escaped before he met his doom. Adonis’s escape from his fate also allowed him to secure a crossface, which Mansoor escaped from. Mansoor then hoisted Adonis up for the one-handed electric chair driver which yielded him the pinfall victory.
The contents of this match were slow and uninteresting. The rebranding of Adonis at this point is borderline comical; he’s the same guy, a cocksure loser, but with a new name. He is not a lost cause by any means but he’s definitely on a bad path.
Isaiah “Swerve” Scott defeated Ariya Daivari
Ariya Daivari and Isaiah Scott found themselves on equal footing in the early going. Daivari’s groundwork was thwarted by Scott. Daivari was able to connect with a brief set of strikes before Scott returned the favor, pulling and prodding at the joints of Daivari at every opening.
The two soon fought to the outside. It was during Scott’s return to the ring, however, that Daivari landed a DDT. Daivari took Scott to the mat once again. Scott tried and succeeded in fighting back to his feet. A strike exchange ensued in which Scott was the victor. Scott used the provided space to deliver a diving elbow. Scott followed up with a flat liner which nearly resulted in a pin.
Scott was growing desperate as Daivari continued to show signs of life. Daivari fought free by driving Scott into the turnbuckles but Scott maintained his pursuit. Scott landed a huge suplex and nearly pinned Daivari again. Scott grew even more disgruntled. Scott slowly clubbed Daivari before trying for a big boot which Daivari sidestepped and turned into a uranage. A top rope splash from Daivari and a pin attempt followed. Daivari, with victory in sight, tried for a hammerlock lariat, which yielded him three pins on last week’s 205 Live. However,Scott slipped free.
Daivari and Scott then struggled in what would be the last moments of the match for any advantage whatsoever, but it was Scott who caught Daivari with the house call following a failed sunset flip. Scott then pinned Daivari for the victory.
This match was mediocre. Nothing from either guy stood out. It is hard to find anything meaningful to say in regards to something so forgettable.
A street fight will be part of the lineup for next week’s episode of NXT.
WWE has announced that Legado del Fantasma (Santos Escobar, Raul Mendoza & Joaquin Wilde) will face the team of Isaiah “Swerve” Scott & Breezango in a six-man street fight on NXT next week. Due to a conflict with the NHL playoffs, next week’s NXT is airing on Tuesday (September 1) instead of Wednesday.
Escobar retained his NXT Cruiserweight Championship against Scott on NXT tonight. When Mendoza and Wilde interfered, Breezango came out to fight them off. Escobar got the win after headbutting Scott while wearing a lucha mask that appeared to be loaded with some kind of weapon.
Earlier on tonight’s NXT, Breezango defeated Imperium (Marcel Barthel & Fabian Aichner) to win the NXT Tag Team titles. Breezango got the title shot by defeating Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch and Mendoza & Wilde in a triple threat match on Saturday’s TakeOver XXX pre-show.
Legado del Fantasma defeated Scott & Breezango in a six-man tag match on NXT last week. Scott had Escobar beat at one point in that match, but Scott wasn’t the legal man after accidentally tagging in Tyler Breeze when he was knocked into him.
Next week’s NXT is being called the Super Tuesday edition of the show. It will be headlined by Johnny Gargano vs. Tommaso Ciampa vs. Finn Balor vs. Adam Cole in a four-way 60-minute Iron Man match to decide the new NXT Champion. After winning the title from Keith Lee in the main event of TakeOver XXX, Karrion Kross relinquished the NXT Championship tonight due to injury. He suffered a separated shoulder during the match against Lee.
Wade Barrett, who did commentary at tonight’s NXT tapings, will again be part of the commentary team for next week’s episode.
WWE has revealed the lineup for this Wednesday’s post-TakeOver XXX edition of NXT.
Three matches have been announced for the episode. NXT Cruiserweight Champion Santos Escobar will defend his title against Isaiah “Swerve” Scott, Breezango will challenge Imperium (Marcel Barthel & Fabian Aichner) for the NXT Tag Team titles, and NXT Women’s Champion Io Shirai will team with Rhea Ripley against Dakota Kai & Reina Gonzalez.
Scott defeated Escobar earlier this year in NXT’s Cruiserweight title tournament. He’s the only person who’s beaten Escobar in WWE. Last week, Scott almost got another win over Escobar in a six-man tag match but wasn’t the legal man after he accidentally tagged in Tyler Breeze when he was knocked into Breeze.
Breezango became the number one contenders to the NXT Tag Team titles by defeating Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch and Legado del Fantasma (Raul Mendoza & Joaquin Wilde) in a triple threat tag match on Saturday’s TakeOver XXX pre-show.
Despite interference by Gonzalez, Shirai retained her NXT Women’s Championship against Kai at TakeOver. Gonzalez attacked Shirai after the match until Ripley made the save and went face-to-face with her. After Gonzalez and Kai backed away, Ripley took a look at Shirai and her title belt before leaving.
New NXT Champion Karrion Kross and Scarlett will kick off Wednesday’s show. Tommaso Ciampa will also return to television on the episode. Plus, we’ll find out what’s next for new NXT North American Champion Damian Priest.
Pro Wrestling Sheet has reported that Stu Bennett (formerly known as Wade Barrett in WWE) will be doing commentary for this week’s NXT.
WWE has revealed much of the lineup for NXT’s go-home show for TakeOver XXX.
Two second chance qualifying matches on next Wednesday’s NXT will decide the final two participants for the ladder match for the vacant North American Championship at TakeOver. Those two qualifying matches are Johnny Gargano vs. Ridge Holland and Finn Balor vs. Velveteen Dream.
Bronson Reed, Damian Priest, and Cameron Grimes have already been confirmed for the ladder match. Dexter Lumis had also originally qualified for it, but he’s been removed from the match due to injury.
Gargano, Holland, Balor, and Dream weren’t involved in the falls of their original qualifying matches.
Legado del Fantasma (NXT Cruiserweight Champion Santos Escobar, Raul Mendoza & Joaquin Wilde) will face Isaiah “Swerve” Scott & Breezango in a six-man tag match on next Wednesday’s NXT. There will also be a face-to-face segment with Adam Cole and Pat McAfee ahead of their match at TakeOver.
Scott saved Breezango from Legado del Fantasma on NXT tonight after Escobar defeated Tyler Breeze in a non-title match. Escobar got the win after involvement from Mendoza and Wilde.
205 Live kicked off this week with an Ariya Daivari promo. Daivari, in a boat and on a body of water, called out all of the notable cruiserweights: Santos Escobar, Tony Nese, Drake Maverick, etcetera. Ultimately, Daivari made it clear that he intended to return to 205 Live.
Joaquin Wilde and Raul Mendoza (with Santos Escobar) defeated Tony Nese and Isaiah “Swerve” Scott
On the and only first match of the show, two of the only 205 Live storylines came to ahead. Tony Nese took the lead as the first legal man, perhaps in a show of responsibility to his newfound ally. Likewise, Raul Mendoza began the match for El Legado del Fantasma. Mendoza and Nese traded holds in an opening grappling exchange that set a good opening pace. The two continued to up the pace in the mere seconds that followed. Nese avoided an attack from Mendoza with a flip which led to a quick set of strikes. A bested Mendoza was then forced to tag in the pristine Joaquin Wilde. Isaiah Scott tagged in to challenge Wilde.
Scott and Wilde grappled back and forth after becoming legal. The two both gained an advantage on the mat. After an extended portion of mat control by Wilde, Scott used head scissors to create separation. Wilde, not allowing Scott to follow up, grabbed the hair of Scott to initiate a referee forced break. Scott grew enraged by this dishonorable act. This led to Scott thoroughly unloading on Wilde in the corner; Scott was showing a real sense of urgency combined with unfamiliar brutality.
Scott sent the still dazed Wilde to the outside. Instead of maintaining a sense of focus for the match at hand, Scott turned his attention to NXT Cruiserweight Champion Santos Escobar who had accompanied his underlings to the ring. After a staredown with the champion Scott returned to the ring, Escobar seemed to be unphased by the passion of Scott. Escobar then coached Wilde with an intriguing calmness. Said coaching caused Wilde to storm the ring with an intensity of his own. Scott tagged out as he was soon forced into his own corner.
Nese stifled the attempted momentum of Wilde with a takedown. Nese tagged in Scott once more, this time the two launched a short two-man attack on Wilde. The double team offense continued as Nese and Scott traded tags. The budding partnership of Nese and Scott had seemingly left Wilde far behind in the match.
Wilde’s break came after Mendoza slammed Scott to the mat while the referee was not looking. Wilde dropped Scott chin first onto his knee and tried in vain for a pin. Wilde tagged in Mendoza. Wilde and Mendoza then delivered a double Alabama slam followed by a double dropkick to Scott. Scott kicked from the pin attempt that followed. Mendoza was able to land some offense on Scott before tagging in Wilde again. Scott was immediately able to gain separation after Wilde became legal.
Scott successfully went for the hot tag which allowed Nese to reenter the fray with ferocity. Nese initiated a brilliant sequence that he punctuated with a pump handle driver and a believable near fall. Nese locked in a deep Boston crab in the center of the ring. Before Mendoza was able to break up the submission, Scott landed a takedown on the would-be interferer and tried for an armbar. Wilde was able to push Nese into Scott from the bottom of the crab, breaking up both submissions.
Wilde now had Nese grounded for the first time. Wilde climbed to the top rope but was uppercut immediately by Nese. Nese tried to crawl for Scott’s tag after the uppercut but Wilde, who was still seated on the top rope, grabbed the hair of Nese. Nese then without hesitation jumped for a rana on his highly elevated opponent to break his grip. With Wilde flat on his back, Nese was able to tag in Scott.
Scott hit the ring with a burst of energy. A clothesline hit the mark as Wilde tried to return to his feet. Mendoza tried to intervene but was met with a back-body drop as soon as he entered the ropes. This allowed Scott to show off with a quick ground sequence and a German suplex. Scott tried to end the match with a strong kick to the head but Wilde kicked out of the pin that followed.
Scott tried to maintain his control, but Mendoza grabbed at his ankle from the outside. Wilde was able to break free from Scott and connect with a DDT. Mendoza tagged in before landing a springboard moonsault. Nese broke up the pin attempt that followed. At this point, a four-way brawl ensued. Nese and Scott gained the upper hand as they sent their opponents crashing to the outside. Nese and Scott then dove onto their opponents. Scott sent Mendoza back into the ring and connected with a double foot stomp but Wilde was able to break up the pin just before the referee’s count of three.
Nese tagged in and hoisted Mendoza onto his shoulders. Scott climbed to the top rope. The two were setting up for something big. Before said setup could be actualized Escobar climbed the ring steps and stood on the apron gaining the attention of the referee, Nese, and Scott. Wilde pushed the now distracted Scott into the floor from the top rope. Nese tried for a rollup in the moments that followed, but Mendoza had sneakily tagged in Wilde. Wilde was then able to connect with a double knee face breaker on the confused Nese. This allowed Wilde to hold Nese in place for a Mendoza enziguri. Nese was then pinned by Wilde.
This match was good. Just as it began feeling long-winded, it came to a close. Storywise it succeeded in further establishing the current cruiserweight hierarchy; El Legado del Fantasma is at the top, everyone else is playing catch up.
Also worth noting is crowd response. Early in the match, the crowd seemed quite loud, at least speaking in terms relative to the empty arena WWE shows. Whether this was a rather fervent set of attendees or a change in mixing, it’s hard to say.
A video highlighting Scott aired on NXT last week. He pointed out that he’s the only person to defeat Santos Escobar in WWE and said he’ll win the NXT Cruiserweight Championship from Escobar the next time they face off.
This will be the first time Imperium have wrestled since retaining their titles against Breezango on the June 17 episode of NXT. Indus Sher came out to ringside during that match, then Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch appeared and brawled with them as Imperium vs. Breezango was going on.
Tonight’s NXT will also feature Finn Balor vs. Timothy Thatcher vs. Dexter Lumis to determine the next participant to qualify for the ladder match for the vacant NXT North American Championship at TakeOver XXX. NXT Champion Keith Lee will respond to Karrion Kross tonight, Johnny Gargano will face Roderick Strong, and new Robert Stone Brand member Mercedes Martinez will take on Shotzi Blackheart.
Drake Maverick’s return to 205 Live was not without narrative. The cruiserweight brand’s former general manager came to the ring with a taped up shoulder and an obvious stiffness.
Following the bell’s sounding, Leon Ruff initiated a tie-up with Maverick that Maverick was forced to break from. Maverick wore a face of frustration as he created separation. Ruff tried for a second tie-up and this time took Maverick to the mat and tried for a quick pin. Maverick kicked out but was visibly off-put by the exchange. In the third tie-up, Maverick took control of the arm of Ruff. Ruff was able to fight free with a strong elbow but only after being pressed to the mat and having his arm contorted. Ruff tried to follow up but the referee prevented him from doing so; Maverick was holding his nose and walking from corner to corner.
After Maverick’s referee enforced breather Ruff tried to follow up once more but was laid out with a lariat. Ruff took a while to rise to his feet and was dropped once more after regaining some footing. Maverick unloaded with clotheslines, a dropkick, a bulldog, and a senton all in quick succession. Maverick stood over Ruff and waited for him to rise, but Ruff was unable to. Instead Ruff crawled in Maverick’s direction, using his hands to drag himself forward. Maverick sprung into action with a sunset flip bomb that sent Ruff into the corner. This move was as quick as it was brutal. Maverick then climbed to the top, jumped, and pinned Ruff for the win.
Maverick looked exceptionally strong in this match. It feels as if he still has something to prove.
Danny Burch, Oney Lorcan, and Mansoor defeated Matt Martel, Chase Parker, and Tehuti Miles
Mansoor and Tehuti Miles started this match as the legal men, but Miles tagged Chase Parker in immediately following the bell. Mansoor and Parker entered a tie-up that saw both men trade holds. Parker tagged in Matt Martel who was then thrown across the ring by a Mansoor arm drag. Mansoor allowed Oney Lorcan to tag in and begin wearing down Martel. Lorcan then returned the favor, tagging in Danny Burch who aided in the stretching.
Lorcan, Burch, and Mansoor traded tags until Mansoor was left with a headlock on Martel. Martel was able to break free with a knee to the midsection of Mansoor. Miles tagged in to relive his partner. Mansoor, without hesitation, went off on Miles with fists-a-plenty. The partners of Miles tried to help, but both were laid out by Mansoor, who landed a big clothesline on Miles causing Martel and Parker to hit the ring. Burch and Lorcan hit the ring in response, causing a six-man staredown. Parker and Martel fell back from the staredown, as did Burch and Lorcan. Chaos was averted, at least for the time being.
Lorcan tagged in and tried to roll up Miles. Parker jumped into the ring to break up the pin. Burch and Mansoor were stopped by the referee as they tried to enter which allowed for Martel to strike Lorcan. Miles was then able to connect with a dropkick against his dazed opponent. Miles mounted Lorcan from where he beat Lorcan’s face. Miles led Lorcan to his corner. Martel, Parker, and Miles traded tags and team-based maneuvers until Parker was left as the team’s legal man. Parker, in a very favorable position, climbed to the top rope from which he leaped. Instead of furthering his team’s lead, Parker found himself on the wrong end of Lorcan’s boot. Lorcan then crawled for and succeeded in getting the hot tag.
Burch, now the legal man, began unloading on both members of Ever-Rise. As his team’s last standing body, Miles tagged into the match and was promptly hit with a snug German suplex and an impactful clothesline. Burch tagged in Mansoor, who was rolled up after becoming legal. Mansoor kicked out but the momentum seemed to be in Miles’s favor again. Miles tried to send Mansoor to the outside but Mansoor was able to keep his footing on the apron from where he connected with his corkscrew neckbreaker. Mansoor then lept to the outside with a corkscrew dive to further emphasize he was in control.
Burch and Martel entered the ring and traded strikes. The two struggled for advantage, but Parker entered the fray just in time. Martel and Parker laid out Burch but before they could turn around, Lorcan landed a double blockbuster from out of nowhere.
Mansoor and Miles were still the legal men. As Mansoor re-entered the ring, he set up for a second corkscrew neckbreaker on Miles but was sidestepped by the already wiser Miles. Miles tried for a backslide, but Mansoor rolled out into a pin of his own for the win.
This match was really nothing special – it sort of just happened. There was never a real sense of drama, and there was not a near great enough display of athletics to carry the match.
All in all, it was really just a rehashing of recent events. Mansoor pinned Miles clean for the third time and hopefully final time, at least for now. Mansoor can prove nothing more against Miles.
As the bell sounded, Tehuti Miles threw his jacket in the face of Mansoor, which diverted the attention of Mansoor and allowed Miles to connect with multiple strikes. Miles stepped away momentarily after Mansoor crumbled in the corner. Mansoor took this as an opportunity as he attacked Miles on his way back but his offense was cut short by a Miles knee strike.
Miles whipped Mansoor into the corner, Mansoor crumbled. Miles hunched over his fallen opponent in jest. Monsoon took advantage once more by grabbing the leg of Miles and securing a headlock. Miles after receiving a few strikes to the head rose back to a standing position from where he grabbed Mansoor.
Miles connected with enough strikes to force a referee break. Mansoor used the time provided to recoup partially. Mansoor stuffed a head smash and began to strike Miles. Mansoor’s striking moved the two across the ring. Mansoor attempted to punctuate his attack with a backdrop and a pin, but Miles kicked out. Mansoor used a standing suplex, Miles kicked from the pin that followed.
Mansoor grabbed Miles in a chinlock. Miles fought to free himself from said hold, which he eventually did by rolling Mansoor to the outside. Mansoor tried to return to the ring quickly, but was met with a dropkick while standing on the apron. Miles took his offense to the outside.
Miles drove the body of Mansoor into the barricade and plexiglass shield. Miles returned to the ring as did Mansoor at the count of nine. Miles connected with a neckbreaker followed by an extended period on the mat. He connected with a facebuster followed by a failed pin attempt.
Miles tried to send Mansoor to the outside again. Mansoor landed on the apron and ducked the followup attack from Miles, who was left in a flummox. He was then hit with a neckbreaker. Mansoor entered a fury from where he unloaded on Miles. An inverted atomic drop set Mansoor in position. He lifted Miles onto his shoulders, pulled in his head, and connected with what appeared to be the one-winged angel for the win.
This match worked fine in validating Mansoor’s win from last week (in a much better match) as well as further establishing his new finish. It played off of a simple story of overconfidence meeting persistence and done so adequately. Not fantastic but it served its purpose.
A look in at an El Legado del Fantasma meeting followed. The meeting basically glossed over recent events in a vague way before Santos Escobar made some ominous statements in regard to the future.
Tony Nese defeated Chase Parker (with Matt Martel)
Tony Nese quickly tossed Chase Parker to the mat as the match got underway. Nese allowed Parker to return to his feet, but took him down with a single leg in the moments that followed. Neese attacked the ankle of Parker with a pair of holds. Parker tried to fight to his feet, but was flattened with a shoulder tackle. Nese then locked on, what was described by commentary as a leg-based abdominal stretch. Nese transitioned to the arm of Parker from where Parker was able to try for and succeed in forcing a referee break.
Matt Martel grabbed the leg of Nese as he attempted to follow up. Nese was not caught off guard, however, as he connected with a back elbow on Parker who was trying to run at his seemingly distracted opponent. Nese then performed a fantastically athletic offensive sequence. Parker kicked out from the pin attempt that followed early. Nese then temporarily turned his attention back to the arm of Parker.
Nese then ran Parker across the ring for a leaping rope cutter. Once on the floor following the cutter, Nese was confronted by Martel. This allowed for Parker to connect with a dropkick on the distracted Nese. Parker turned his attention to the left arm of Nese. A bulldog sent Nese to the mat from where Parker continued the attack on the arm.
Nese finally produced some separation by driving Parker into the turnbuckle. Nese furthered the separation and a subsequent momentum shift with a kick to a midsection. This led perfectly into a high-speed sequence which was culminated with a spinning heel kick. Nese followed up with a moonsault and a pin attempt from which Parker kicked out.
Nese lifted Parker for a driver, but was interrupted by Martel. Nese then drove the body of Parker into Martel, effectively stifling his interference. Nese tried for the driver again, but Parker rolled through. Nese responded to Parker with a spinning kick and a successful pin.
Martel blindsided Nese following the match, but before Parker could aid in the delivery of their team finish, Isaiah “Swerve” Scott hit the ring for the save.
This was a fine match with entertaining athleticism. Seeing follow up with the budding Nese/Scott alliance is an interest builder. Really there is nothing about this match to complain about.
All in all this show was a solid and easy watch. The narrative elements aided in the show’s digestibility as did the short match times. A fine episode that seemingly will be built upon.
Gargano and Scott argued on last week’s show after Scott tried to break up a backstage brawl between Candice LeRae and Mia Yim.
LeRae vs. Yim in a street fight is also set for Great American Bash night two.
The final nights of NXT’s Great American Bash and AEW’s Fyter Fest are both airing this Wednesday. The Great American Bash will be headlined by NXT Champion Adam Cole and NXT North American Champion Keith Lee facing off in a winner-take-all title vs. title match. Lee was confirmed as Cole’s opponent for the match by retaining the North American title against Finn Balor and Gargano in a triple threat match on NXT two weeks ago.
Great American Bash night two will also feature Legado del Fantasma (NXT Cruiserweight Champion Santos Escobar, Raul Mendoza & Joaquin Wilde) vs. Drake Maverick & Breezango in a six-man tag match.
Isaiah “Swerve” Scott defeated Matt Martel (with Chase Parker)
Isaiah Scott and Matt Martel entered a collar-and-elbow tie-up immediately following the opening bell. Martel successfully used an arm drag which was celebrated by Chase Parker, who accompanied him to the ring. A second collar-and-elbow tie-up saw Martel transition into a headlock. From the headlock, Martel bounced from the ropes and delivered a shoulder tackle to Scott. Scott kipped up and used an arm drag of his own. Martel recovered in the corner with aid from Parker, he was taunted by Scott as this was happening.
A third tie-up then began. Scott found himself backed into the corner where the referee forced a break. Martel taunted Scott. In what was the fourth tie-up, Scott pushed Martel to the ground and landed a few forearms. Scott pulled back and allowed Martel to return to his feet.
Martel tried for an overhand right but was sidestepped by Scott. Scott rolled around before trapping the head of Martel between his feet for a head-scissor takedown. A frustrated Martel rose and chopped Scott. Scott chopped Martel back causing him to fall. Scott continued chopping Martel before advancing to a wider variety of strikes.
Martel retreated to the corner from where he kicked the pursuing Scott. Scott was slapped by Martel, but was unphased. Scott connected with an uppercut that sent Martel to the mat. Scott climbed to the second rope but before he could jump was pulled down by Parker.
The referee called for the disqualification as Ever-Rise attacked Scott. Scott was continually stomped by the pair before, out of all people, Tony Nese hit the ring for the rescue. Nese scared Martel and Parker away from Scott before asking the referee to turn this into a tag match. The referee agreed to the match’s making before the ring announcer concretized the match with an official announcement.
Isaiah “Swerve” Scott and Tony Nese defeated Ever-Rise (Matt Martel and Chase Parker)
Nese and Scott, who were seemingly rivals this time last week, were now a team. Before the match could begin Nese and Scott were already in a spat, both men wanted to start the match. Scott demanded he starts regardless of his condition. Parker, who was starting the match for his team, immediately jumped Scott as soon as the bell sounded. Nese reached for the tag but Scott was already being dragged across the ring by Parker. Martel tagged in and began a team-based assault. Martel and Parker traded legality as they beat down the already attacked Scott.
Parker as the legal man tried for a suplex, but was blocked by Scott. Scott connected with a standing suplex of his own. Scott was obviously damaged and considered tagging in Nese but instead turned his attention to Parker. Parker soon after landed a punch that forced Scott to step back towards his corner. Much to the dissatisfaction of Scott, Nese tagged himself into the match.
Nese immediately took the offense to Parker. After gaining significant control of the match, Nese offered the tag to Scott. Scott begrudgingly accepted the tag and aided Nese in delivering a double standing suplex. Scott began to attack the left leg of Parker but was quite quickly kicked off. Parker ran and got the tag. Martel struck Scott before taking him to the ground.
Martel kept the pressure on Scott before tagging into Parker once more. Parker landed an elbow drop and tried for the pin but Scott kicked out. Scott, now on the ground, was receiving calls for a tag from Nese. As Scott inched closer and closer for a tag Martel tried to disrupt the opposing team by attacking Nese. Nese cartwheeled over Martel and connected with a nice forearm. Nese returned to the apron just in time for the tag from Scott.
Nese hit the ring with ferocity. A set of high impact strikes left Parker laid out. Martel hit the ring and was immediately thrown out by Nese. Nese then ran the length of the ring with Parker’s head in his control. Nese jumped the top rope to drag the throat of Parker against it while simultaneously landing on the recovering Martel.
Nese climbed to the second rope and connected with a picture-perfect moonsault which he followed with a kicked from pin attempt. Martel hit the ring again, and this time he created a long enough break for Parker to grab Nese. Parker positioned Nese up and connected with a gory bomb. The pin attempt that followed was broken up by Scott.
All four men were now in the ring. After a momentary staredown, a brawl ensued. Martel and Scott were soon on the outside of the ring. Parker tried to roll up Nese, but found himself on the receiving end of a spinning heel kick after Nese rolled through.
Nese pulled Parker into the corner and connected with a running knee. Nese then called for Scott to tag in. Scott accepted the tag and ascended to the top rope from where he connected with a double foot stomp. Scott pinned Parker and secured the victory.
Nese and Scott shook hands following their win but Scott still seemed confused by his newfound ally.
This match was very solid in both of its phases. The cut short singles portion of the match played off a simple “Anything you can do I can do better” theme before its end. Thankfully its quick ending was not actually the end as tag match that followed seamlessly its theme into one of the unlikely allies.
The tag portion of the match was fast-paced and story-driven. While it was short from perfect it made every second count.
While on the topic of this match, Nese’s involvement in the second phase is intriguing. While his motivations are unclear what is clear is he has some motivation. Finding them out is something to look forward to.
Legado del Fantasma (Joaquin Wilde & Raul Mendoza with Santos Escobar) defeated Leon Ruff and Liam Gray
As soon as the bell sounded, Joaquin Wilde laid Leon Ruff out with a clothesline. Ruff had his arm attacked in the moments that followed. After an atomic drop and a moonsault, Raul Mendoza tagged in. Mendoza picked Ruff apart as the match continued. Ruff lucked into a tag after being tossed in the general direction of his partner. Liam Gray was able to get in some sparse strikes before being hit with a clothesline. Gray took a flip bump. Wilde tagged in again and held Gray in position for a running kick. Wilde then pinned Gray for the win.
Legado del Fantasma stood tall in the center of the ring following their victory.
A decisive squash. There is absolutely nothing in this match to complain about. It had a simple purpose that was easily achieved.
A light feeling out process started the match. Instead of fully engaging in the match, Tony Nese fell to a knee and flexed. This was before the two reentered a short lockup. Nese broke said lockup after Isaiah Scott gained the advantage. Nese then teased a test of strength but took down Scott with a single leg before Scott could lock in his fingers.
Nese held onto the leg of Scott but soon found himself inside Scott’s guard. Scott took the arm of Nese but before he was able to capitalize Nese forced a rope break; Nese pushed the face of Scott instead of breaking cleanly. Scott pushed the face of Nese in retort. Nese was visibly unpleased by this interaction and charged Scott. Scott jumped Nese, which triggered a brief exchange that saw Nese back down on the mat.
Scott now had Nese under his control. He freely transitioned to different body parts of Nese, but ultimately held him in a side headlock. Nese broke the headlock multiple times, but found himself in it once more almost immediately. Finally, Nese was able to stand back into the corner, forcing the referee to break.
Nese successfully created distance with a back elbow which he used to attempt a moonsault. Scott avoided the dive, but Nese landed on his feet. Nese then dodged Scott’s attempted elbow with what was akin to a standing backbend. Nese tried for offense of his own but met a similarly impressive dodge from Scott. Scott landed an arm drag and returned the match to the mat. Scott torqued the arm of Nese. Nese was able to stand and again cause the rope break.
Nese struck Scott immediately following the break. Nese then took control of the head of Scott, ran him across the ring, and jumped to the floor, driving the neck of Scott into the top rope in the process. Nese pulled Scott from the ring by his foot and gestured to the ring steps. Before Nese could drive Scott into them Scott stuck out his boot. Scott then proceeded to walk the entirety of the ring; he chopped the chest of Nese while him into any barrier he could. Nese retreated to the inside of the ring but Scott pulled him back to the outside. Nese was able to avoid an attack of Scott’s by lifting him onto the apron. Nese met Scott, picked him up, and dropped the flat of his back onto the apron.
Scott laid on the outside of the ring until the referee counted to six Scott was immediately hit with a back elbow upon reentry. Nese meticulously struck Scott before going for a pin attempt. After Scott kicked out Nese grew frustrated. Nese toyed with Scott which allowed Scott to temporarily reenter the fray. Scott showed signs of life for a moment but was dropped by Nese with a leg sweep.
As Scott laid flat on his back Nese traveled to the top rope where he delivered a picture-perfect moonsault on Scott. Scott kicked from the pin attempt that followed. Nese kept up the pressure with two backdrops and a pin attempt which Scott kicked out from.
Nese once again turned to toy with Scott. Scott was able to stand and chop Nese in response. As Scott looked to be in a good position Nese synched the head and tried for a suplex. Scott fell to his knees to block. Nese and Scott struggled. Nese lifted Scott for the suplex but failed to bring him over. Nese stepped back and kicked Scott before trying for the suplex again. Nese placed his head in the perfect position for Scott. Scott synched the head of Nese and connected with the suplex Nese had been fighting for. This was a very fun exchange.
Scott climbed to the top rope – Nese met him with a stunning fist before he could jump. From the top Nese grabbed the head of Scott, he still was digging for the suplex. Scott pushed Nese off but before he could regain his footing Nese grabbed his head for the suplex once more. Scott shoved Nese down and before Nese could grab him again Scott jumped. On his decent Scott grabbed Nese with a rollup. Nese rolled through and tried to kick Scott’s head from his shoulders. Scott kicked out from the pin attempt that followed.
Nese used body scissors in an attempt to keep Scott grounded. Scott punched Nese in order to free himself. Nese slapped Scott as the opponents rose to their feet. Nese then grabbed the hair of Scott and tried to humiliate him with a collection of insults. Scott snapped up and connected with a barrage of quick strikes. Scott then dove from the middle rope with an uppercut to the back of Nese. Nese tried to seek safety on the outside but was immediately met with a punt. After Nese rolled in Scott connected with a flat liner. Nese kicked out from the pin attempt that followed.
A gassed Nese then traveled to the corner. Scott tried for something but was pushed off by Nese. Nese then traveled to the middle rope and leaped with a dropkick. Scott pushed off the kick and transitioned over the body of Nese into waist control. Scott used this control to connect with a suplex and a near fall. Scott set up for the house call kick, but Nese stepped out of the way. Scott tried to regain offensive control but found himself inside the Boston crab after Nese stuffed a dropkick attempt. Scott struggled but eventually rolled out of the crab. Nese planted Scott with a power slam. Scott kicked out once more.
Nese positioned Scott in the corner for his running knee finish, but Scott lifted Nese over the top rope and onto the apron before Nese could connect. Nese allowed Scott to fall over his head onto the outside. Once standing outside of the ring Nese connected with a spinning forearm. Nese then sent Scott crashing into the ring steps. Nese rolled Scott into the ring and climbed to the top rope. Nese connected with a moonsault. Scott grabbed the bottom rope in the pin attempt that followed creating another near fall. Nese looked agitated.
Nese, not knowing how to finish Scott, traveled to the outside where he picked up a chair. The referee yelled at Nese and eventually convinced him to drop the chair. Scott kicked him as soon as he did. Scott connected with two double foot stomps which resulted in a successful pin.
This match being the only match on the card meant it had to go long, and it felt long. It is a strange decision to let a half-hour match end with a sequence that started with a referee distraction. It made Nese look barmy and incapable.
This is not to say this match did not have its shining moments though. For example, Nese’s struggle for a suplex drew me in even if it was forgotten relatively quickly. The athleticism was there, the execution was there, but ultimately the match didn’t seem to have a clear start-to-finish story to tell.
One match is set for tonight’s episode of 205 Live.
WWE announced this afternoon that the rivalry between Isaiah “Swerve” Scott and Tony Nese will continue with a singles match between them airing on 205 Live tonight. The two most recently faced off when Scott, Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch defeated Nese, Tehuti Miles & Jack Gallagher in a six-man tag match on 205 Live two weeks ago.
Though it was confirmed earlier this week that multiple people in WWE have tested positive for COVID-19, tapings for tonight’s SmackDown and 205 Live were held at the WWE Performance Center today.
WWE has announced that SmackDown will feature a tribute to The Undertaker following his apparent retirement from in-ring competition. That will include Undertaker and AJ Styles’ Boneyard Match from WrestleMania 36 airing on SmackDown tonight.
Styles defending his Intercontinental title against Drew Gulak, Sheamus presenting “a toast to Jeff Hardy,” and Braun Strowman responding to Bray Wyatt were announced for tonight’s SmackDown but aren’t being advertised on WWE.com as of now.
One of those is a six-man tag match. Isaiah “Swerve” Scott will team up with Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch against Tony Nese, Jack Gallagher & Tehuti Miles.
After Miles got a win against Burch the previous week, Lorcan defeated Miles on 205 Live last Friday. Like in his win against Burch, Miles tried to roll-up Lorcan while holding his tights for leverage. Burch alerted the referee about it, Miles started arguing with Burch, and Lorcan rolled up Miles to get the win.
Scott defeated Gallagher on 205 Live last week after turning an armbar attempt by Gallagher into a pin. Nese then attacked Scott after the match.
Ever-Rise (Chase Parker & Matt Martel) vs. EVOLVE’s Leon Ruff & Adrian Alanis will also air on 205 Live tonight. Ever-Rise previously lost to Lorcan & Burch on an episode of 205 Live last month.
Oney Lorcan with Danny Burch defeated Tehuti Miles
205 Live kicked off with a sort of run back from last week. A reminder that Tehuti Miles scored a surprise win over Danny Burch on the last 205 Live broadcast. This week Miles would be tried with Burch’s tag team partner Oney Lorcan.
Lorcan and Miles engaged in the opening seconds. Lorcan looked to be all business while Miles seemed to be overweening following his victory. Miles shrugged off each tie-up before being taken down. Miles did not take long before kipping up from even a disadvantaged position with an air of earned, even if over present, confidence.
Lorcan chopped and uppercut Miles in response to his complacency. Miles rolled to the outside wherein he encountered Burch. The two began a verbal spat that left Miles distracted. Lorcan chopped Miles once more. Lorcan tried for an Irish whip but found himself on the receiving end of a reversal into a flapjack. Miles intensified his game, he clubbed the back of Lorcan and stomped him in the corner. Miles then placed Lorcan over the middle rope where he choked him with a knee. Miles taunted Lorcan, running his hands through his hair and kissing his biceps before dropping an elbow on a worn Lorcan.
Miles taunted for an extended period, which allowed Lorcan to try for a comeback in his offensive footing with a chop. Miles kicked Lorcan after selling the chop before propping him up and dropping him with a neck breaker. Miles continued his taunting of Lorcan. Lorcan was sent to the mat with a shoulder block and had his arm attacked with a hold that was transitioned into a Fujiwara armbar. Lorcan fought to his feet, but was met with an immediate club to the back. Miles could not help but jeer his downed opponent.
Lorcan responded to the sneer remarks interspersed with chops by entering a rage. Lorcan chopped, uppercut, and elbowed Miles with an incredible intensity. Lorcan then tried to lift Miles who resisted the lift with a rollup. Miles had the tights. Burch called out to the referee from the outside who broke up the pin that would have otherwise left Miles with a second surprise victory. Miles yelled at Burch before Lorcan rolled up Miles. Miles was unable to kick out from the unexpected pin leaving Lorcan the victor.
This match built from what was left last week. It was competently wrestled and leaves the viewer interested in what is to come. So many paths are open in this blooming storyline that anything short of a compelling journey would be a disappointment. This surely is to be continued in the coming weeks.
Isaiah “Swerve” Scott defeated Jack Gallagher
Following the bell, Jack Gallagher tried to avoid a tie-up instead of going for a distanced strike. Isaiah Scott closed the with a clinch distance but was immediately thrown to the ground. Gallagher did not fully engage with Scott on the mat he instead stood over him. Scott tripped the legs of Gallagher and transitioned into a top position. Gallagher secured the guard momentarily before standing with the foot of Scott in hand. Gallagher continued a wear down ground attack with interspersed standing.
While reaching for the legs of Scott, Gallagher was pulled into an armbar. Gallagher struggled free and in the process gained a phenomenal position on the back of Scott. Gallagher clubbed the head of Scott in devastating fashion. Gallagher tried for the arm of Scott but in doing so gave Scott the opportunity to escape his doom. Gallagher drug Scott to a standing position and tried for a whip but was caught with a rana in response.
Scott snapped into action. Scott shot Gallagher across the ring with a dropkick. Scott then jumped from the second rope with an uppercut to the back of a now seated Gallagher. Gallagher kicked from the pin attempt that followed. Scott positioned himself for a top rope dive but Gallagher rolled to the apron. Scott tried for a boot but was caught. Gallagher took the leg of Scott that he now had in hand and snapped it into the turnbuckle post. Gallagher attacked his now enervated opponent with light kicks.
Gallagher taunted Scott. Scott stood up to his taunter but was dropped. This did not stop Scott from standing up once more. This time Scott withstood enough strikes to get in one of his own. Scott landed two large kicks to the chest before being blocked on his third. Gallagher in his riposte uppercut Scott multiple times. When given a moment Scott faked another kick to the chest and tripped Gallagher as he went for the block. Scott connected with the house call kick. Gallagher rolled to the outside but was booted to the floor from an incandescent Scott. Scott drove the head of Gallagher into the mat who then kicked out from the pin attempt that followed.
Scott kicked repeatedly at the chest of Gallagher, but Gallagher took the kicks with Hulk style ease, rising after each blow. Scott ran at Gallagher. Gallagher leaped and synched in a guillotine choke on an unsuspecting Scott. Scott soon fell to the mat. Scott slowly fought back to a standing position before showing a burst of energy. Scott lifted Gallagher over his head and laid him out with a brainbuster.
Both men rose to their feet at the same time. Scott showed early signs of life, but was met with an elbow that rendered him on his back. Gallagher climbed to the top rope with his back turned. Scott met Gallagher atop the ropes. Scott tried for a superplex but while in the air, Gallagher transitioned over, landing on Scott in position for a pin. Scott kicked out.
Scott and Gallagher rose to their feet simultaneously once again. Gallagher then smashed his skull against the chin of Scott in brutish fashion. Scott collapsed but kicked out from the pin attempt. Gallagher boiled over in shock as well as frustration. Gallagher clubbed Scott. Gallagher tried for an armbar but was rolled through. Scott won the match with a rollup pin.
Tony Nese then ran from the back and attacked the winner. Gallagher looked over the limp body of Scott following said attack.
This match was fantastic bell to bell. Gallagher could believably finish a match at any moment. Scott gelled with Gallagher’s style in particularly great fashion.
The NXT Interim Cruiserweight Championship tournament finals then played in full.
While both exclusive matches of the night ending in roll ups might be a little off putting, they each benefited from their finish. The show was fast paced and a very easy watch. This was the best 205 Live in months, definitely the show’s best exhibit during the COVID pandemic.
