Prior to tonight’s SmackDown at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, three matches were taped for this week’s episode of 205 Live. The tapings were headlined by a tag match where WWE Cruiserweight Champion Buddy Murphy & Tony Nese teamed against Mustafa Ali & Cedric Alexander.
– Noam Dar defeated Mike Kanellis (w/ Maria Kanellis)
Dar won after a distraction from the Lucha House Party, who have been feuding with Kanellis and TJP.
– Hideo Itami defeated an enhancement wrestler
This was Itami’s first appearance on 205 Live since losing a falls count anywhere match to Ali last month. Ariya Daivari made his return to 205 Live after the match and attacked Itami’s opponent. Daivari then shook hands with Itami.
– Cedric Alexander & Mustafa Ali defeated WWE Cruiserweight Champion Buddy Murphy & Tony Nese
This episode of 205 Live will premiere on the WWE Network at 7 p.m. Eastern time tomorrow (Wednesday, November 28).
A tag team main event is set for next week’s 205 Live.
During last night’s episode, it was announced that WWE Cruiserweight Champion Buddy Murphy & Tony Nese will face Mustafa Ali & Cedric Alexander next week. Murphy retained his title against Ali at Survivor Series.
Murphy and Ali both cut promos on this week’s episode. Murphy appeared in front of the crowd and bragged about his win. Nese then defeated Noam Dar, with Murphy distracting Dar for the finish. Ali cut a selfie promo saying he isn’t running from the pain of the loss and wants to embrace it so he can use the pain, turn it into power, and become Cruiserweight Champion.
Murphy & Nese vs. Ali & Alexander was then announced for next week during a segment where Drake Maverick met with Alexander backstage.
It was also announced that Hideo Itami, who lost a falls count anywhere match to Ali last month, will return to television on next week’s 205 Live. The episode is being taped at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Tuesday before premiering on the WWE Network at 7 p.m. Eastern time on Wednesday.
After becoming champions at EVOLVE 114, NXT’s Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford) and Fabian Aichner had their first title defenses this weekend.
The Street Profits retained their EVOLVE Tag Team titles against JD Drake & Anthony Henry at EVOLVE 115 in Livonia, Michigan on Friday. They also retained against AR Fox & Leon Ruff at EVOLVE 116 in Oak Lawn, Illinois on Saturday.
Aichner defended the EVOLVE Championship for the first time in Livonia, defeating fellow NXT wrestler Kassius Ohno.
Another WWE wrestler was also in action at the events, with Mustafa Ali defeating DJZ in Livonia and Darby Allin in Oak Lawn.
Here are the full results:
EVOLVE 115 —
– Barrett Brown defeated BSHP KNG
– Mike Fierro defeated Juntai
– Harlem Bravado defeated Leon Ruff, Adrian Alanis, and Jason Kincaid in a four-way match
Bravado stole the win by hitting his Straight Cash Homie finisher on Ruff.
AR Fox and The Skulk (Fox’s students) came out after, Fox said he was proud of Ruff and Alanis, and they were then interrupted by Austin Theory and Priscilla Kelly.
Kelly said that Theory is Fox’s most successful student. Theory said he should be The Skulk’s role model and coach and that Fox feeds off the careers of his students.
– Austin Theory defeated AR Fox
Theory stole the quick win with a roll-up after Kelly knocked down Ayla Fox on the outside and Fox was checking on her.
As Theory and Kelly were heading to the back, Fox asked for one more match. Fox said it would be an unsanctioned fight. If Theory wins, Theory gets The Skulk and Fox’s wrestling school. If Fox wins, Theory has to show them respect. Theory accepted the challenge.
– Mustafa Ali defeated DJZ
Ali countered the ZDT into a sunset flip to get the win. DJZ got a WWE Cruiserweight title belt from a fan after the match, handed it to Ali, and Ali held it ahead of his match against Buddy Murphy at Survivor Series.
– Josh Briggs defeated Cody Vance
Briggs, who dealt with flight issues to get to the show, won quickly with the M5 (chokeslam into double knees). Briggs then attacked Vance and gave him another M5.
– SHINE Champion Allysin Kay defeated Shotzi Blackheart to retain her title
Kay retained with a discus lariat. She helped Blackheart up after the match but then pushed her.
– EVOLVE Tag Team Champions The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford) defeated WWN Champion JD Drake & Anthony Henry to retain their titles
Drake and Henry attacked The Street Profits as they were trying to get in the ring, but The Street Profits ended up retaining with their spinebuster/frog splash combo.
Ford got the pin on Drake and seemed to set up a future WWN Championship match against him as they got in a face off after the match.
– EVOLVE Champion Fabian Aichner defeated Kassius Ohno to retain his title
Aichner survived Ohno’s strikes and hit a sit-out powerbomb to retain after struggling to get Ohno up.
Anthony Henry came out, clapped for Ohno and Aichner, and called the match amazing. Henry said he’s sick and tired of being unappreciated and guys like Aichner coming in and taking spots. Ohno tried to talk to Henry, but Henry said he wants Aichner to go back to where he came from. Henry insulted Ohno and shoved him.
Ohno went to leave but got back into the ring to show Aichner respect.
– AR Fox defeated Austin Theory in an unsanctioned match
Ayla Fox brawled to the back with Priscilla Kelly near the end and AR Fox hit the Foxcatcher on Theory to retain control of his wrestling school and The Skulk.
EVOLVE 116 —
– Jake Lander defeated Joey O’Riley in a Zero1 USA World Junior Heavyweight Championship number one contender’s match
– Adrian Alanis defeated Barrett Brown
– Josh Briggs defeated Jason Kincaid
Kincaid had Briggs on the top turnbuckle, but Briggs hit the M5 from the top rope for the victory.
– Freelance Wrestling Champion Isaias Velazquez defeated GPA to retain his title
Velazquez is the champion of the local Freelance Wrestling indie promotion and retained with a superkick and DDT.
– EVOLVE Champion Fabian Aichner defeated Anthony Henry by DQ
This was a non-title match. Henry thought he got the win with a double stomp, but Aichner got his foot on the ropes during the count. Henry argued with the referee and shoved him down for the disqualification.
JD Drake, Henry’s tag team partner, came out to talk sense into Henry and get him away from the referee.
Austin Theory and Priscilla Kelly made their way down, staring at Aichner as he left. Theory said he’s embarrassed Drake is WWN Champion because Drake doesn’t look like him.
Drake called Theory an entitled millennial and called out Theory’s lack of experience. Drake said he’s been busting his ass in the ring almost as long as Theory has been alive. Drake talked about all he’s sacrificed for the business to pave the way for people like Theory.
Drake told Harlem Bravado to come out for their triple threat WWN title match.
– WWN Champion JD Drake defeated Harlem Bravado and Austin Theory in a triple threat match to retain his title
After Theory had prevented him from getting the win earlier, Drake pinned Bravado by hitting his Drill Bit slam for the second time and a moonsault from the top rope. Drake and Theory teased fighting after the match before Theory left.
– Matt Knicks defeated Cyrus Satin, BSHP KNG, and Mike Fierro in a four-way match
Knicks stole the win by hitting Satin with a Michinoku driver after giving Fierro a superkick.
– Kassius Ohno defeated Shane Strickland
Ohno missed a moonsault off the top near the finish but got the better of a striking exchange by hitting the high-tension elbow for the win.
Anthony Henry came out after and said he’s frustrated. He said he’s been in the business for 15 years and new guys keep taking his opportunity. Henry called Ohno one of the greatest wrestlers he’s ever seen and said he wants to wrestle him.
Henry asked Ohno to accept his apology, but Ohno said he hasn’t heard one yet. Henry said he’s very sorry for what he did to Ohno, Aichner, and the referee from his match earlier. He again asked Ohno for a match.
Ohno said he accepted Henry’s apology, that he’d talk to some people, and that maybe they’d see each other in the ring sooner rather than later.
– EVOLVE Tag Team Champions The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford) defeated AR Fox & Leon Ruff to retain their titles
The Street Profits retained with their spinebuster/frog splash combo on Ruff after Dawkins ducked and Ruff accidentally took out Fox and The Skulk with a dive to the outside.
Ford cut a promo praising Fox, Ruff, and The Skulk and talked about returning home to Chicago. The Street Profits then partied in the ring with their opponents and The Skulk.
– Mustafa Ali defeated Darby Allin
This was also a homecoming for Ali. Allin refused to stay down despite the punishment he was taking from Ali. Allin got a couple of two counts, Ali countered into the Koji Clutch, and Allin lost after passing out in the move.
Ali cut a post-match promo saying he respects Allin because Allin has heart. Ali said he’s going to win the Cruiserweight Championship from Murphy at Survivor Series and wants to come back to EVOLVE in Chicago and give Allin a shot at the title.
Ali said Allin is on a long and difficult road, but if he stays on the path — he’ll get to where he wants to be. Allin was still disappointed over the loss and left the ring.
After thanking everyone for coming to the show, Ali pointed out that his wife and daughter were in the crowd, brought his daughter into the ring, and talked about what can happen if you work hard.
WWE has added a Cruiserweight Championship match to the card for Survivor Series.
On this week’s episode of 205 Live, it was announced that Cruiserweight Champion Buddy Murphy will defend his title against Mustafa Ali at Survivor Series. The pay-per-view is taking place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California on November 18.
Ali defeated Tony Nese in a number one contender’s match on the October 31 edition of 205 Live to set up him getting the title shot. A taped promo with Ali aired on this week’s show, and Murphy defeated Mark Andrews in a non-title match.
After Ali won his match against Nese, there was an angle where WWE teased Cedric Alexander having Ali in position for a Lumbar Check as he was making the save for Ali and helping him up — but Alexander congratulated Ali instead of attacking him.
Murphy won the title from Alexander at Super Show-Down in Melbourne, Australia last month.
With the tapings taking place in Manchester, England, there will be some involvement from WWE’s United Kingdom division on next week’s 205 Live.
It was announced last night that Cruiserweight Champion Buddy Murphy will face Mark Andrews in a non-title match on next week’s episode.
Murphy’s next challenger was decided on this week’s 205 Live, with Mustafa Ali defeating Tony Nese in a number one contender’s match. When Ali will be getting his title shot against Murphy wasn’t confirmed.
After Ali defeated Nese, there was a post-match angle where Cedric Alexander made the save for Ali. WWE teased Alexander having Ali in position for a Lumbar Check as he was helping him up, but Alexander congratulated Ali and Murphy came out to stare them down as the show ended.
Mickie James & Bobby Lashley vs. Bayley & Finn Balor and Carmella & R-Truth vs. Naomi & Jimmy Uso are set for next week’s Mixed Match Challenge. Nothing has been announced for SmackDown.
Drake Maverick thanked Mustafa Ali and Hideo Itami for having a fantastic falls count anywhere match last week, with WWE showcasing Ali’s big win.
Brian Kendrick faces Jack Gallagher in tonight’s opener, and we got Saturday Night’s Main Event-esque promos from both before Maverick called them two cunning wrestlers. The main event features Mustafa Ali facing Tony Nese in a number one contender’s match.
Gallagher came out to face Kendrick, who showed no fear with Drew Gulak being out there on commentary.
Brian Kendrick defeated Jack Gallagher
Gallagher slapped Kendrick, who responded with a series of forearm shots. Kendrick landed a baseball slide and talked smack before the distraction allowed Gallagher to attack. Gallagher worked Kendrick over with a variety of strikes and holds before getting two off an elbow drop.
Gallagher thrust kicked Kendrick in the jaw before Kendrick demanded more. Kendrick responded with big forearms and a calf kick for two. Kendrick got the Captain’s Hook, but Gallagher made it to the ropes. Gallagher snapped Kendrick’s neck on the rope and got a rear naked choke on, but Kendrick made it to the ropes.
Gallagher avoided a Sliced Bread but ate a superkick. Gulak went to attack Kendrick, but Akira Tozawa made the save and Sliced Bread won it for Kendrick.
Maverick and Cedric Alexander met. After a 180-day reign as champion, Alexander wondered why he doesn’t get the first title shot against Buddy Murphy. Maverick told Alexander he will give him his rematch — but only when he feels he’s ready since he’s on a losing streak and needs to be at a championship level to make the most of the chance.
Maverick remains the best GM act in all of wrestling, and Alexander bought the argument and seemingly had no problem with it.
Gran Metalik defeated an enhancement wrestler
Metalik flipped around a bit to start before hitting a big overhand chop. He landed a rope-walk elbow to win quickly. After the match, TJP jumped Metalik and took his mask off.
Murphy hyped up Nese before he was asked about a meeting with Maverick. Murphy said that next week’s show will involve the United Kingdom division, and he wants to face Mark Andrews.
Ali got taped up backstage in the trainer’s room.
Backstage, Maria Kanellis told Dasha Fuentes to leave because she’s better at the job, and she asked Mike Kanellis what it’s like to be the best cruiserweight on the show. TJP interrupted and Maria said she can tell he’s begging for help — and that’s fine. They are open to negotiating business.
Mustafa Ali defeated Tony Nese in a number one contender’s match
Nese attacked Ali’s ribs to start and landed some quick kicks before Ali rebounded. Ali flew off the ropes and messed up a leapfrog in a way that thankfully didn’t damage the one leg he came down on before getting a running rana. Nese bailed and ate a dropkick and a plancha — however, Nese grabbed Ali and gave him a fallaway slam on the metal ramp.
Nese kicked away at Ali’s ribs and locked on a reverse bear hug and a knee to the gut. Ali got a desperation schoolboy for two, but Nese got a near fall off a Northern Lights suplex. Nese locked on a bodyscissors before drilling him with a spinning heel kick to the ribs.
Nese talked smack up top, but he got pulled down and hit his head on the buckle. Nese recovered and hit a Randy Savage neck snap before missing a moonsault. Ali mustered up whatever strength he had left and landed a sunset flip into a Liger Bomb. Ali sent him over the top with a lariat and dove onto him with a huge flip. A crossbody hit, but Ali couldn’t get the cover right away and only got two.
Ali landed a series of superkicks, including one to the back of the head for 2.5. Ali hit a huge DDT for two and went up top, but Nese hit a big uppercut. Nese landed the big Dean Malenko super gutbuster for two and stomped away on Ali’s ribs in the corner. He tore at the tape before punting the ribs in a blind rage. The referee told Nese to stop — and Ali cradled Nese to win.
Nese went to attack Ali, but Alexander came down and ran Nese off. Alexander held Ali in such a way that he could Lumbar Check him — but he didn’t and played it off like he was just here to support him. Whenever Alexander turns on Ali, it’s going to be fantastic — hopefully it’s after Ali wins the title.
Murphy came out and had a staredown with Ali and Alexander to close the show.
Prior to last night’s SmackDown in Atlanta, Georgia, three matches were taped for this week’s episode of 205 Live.
– Brian Kendrick defeated Jack Gallagher
Drew Gulak tried to get involved, but Akira Tozawa made the save for Kendrick.
– Gran Metalik defeated an enhancement wrestler
The name of Metalik’s opponent wasn’t shown. This lasted about a minute. TJP attacked Metalik after the match and stole his mask, then the rest of the Lucha House Party made the save for Metalik and covered up his face with a towel.
– Mustafa Ali defeated Tony Nese in a number one contender’s match
This was made last week after Ali defeated Hideo Itami in a falls count anywhere match. Nese had won a fatal five-way against Cedric Alexander, Lio Rush, Metalik, and TJP the week before that.
They had a really great match — probably the second best of the night behind AJ Styles and Daniel Bryan’s WWE Championship match on SmackDown. Alexander came out and helped Ali to his feet. Cruiserweight Champion Buddy Murphy stared down Ali and Alexander at the top of the ramp.
Drake Maverick narrated a video package showcasing the entire Mustafa Ali vs. Hideo Itami feud to set up their falls count anywhere match tonight.
Vic Joseph welcomed us to the 100th episode of 205 Live as Lince Dorado entered with the rest of the Lucha House Party to face Mike Kanellis. Kanellis has retained the entire presentation he had before, and so even on this show, it feels like his ceiling is very low.
Mike Kanellis defeated Lince Dorado
Dorado used his speed to get an early lead on Kanellis, who was consoled by Maria Kanellis on the outside. Dorado dominated until Maria acted as a distraction and Kanellis jumped him. Kanellis put on a long chinlock before going for a modified surfboard. Percy Watson talked about Maria having been in the ring with John Cena and a variety of other legends to put over her appearance in the battle royal at Evolution.
Dorado freed himself and landed a rana for two. Kanellis missed a stinger splash and hit a high kick before getting two off a super rana. The bronco buster hit, but Kanellis got a spinebuster for 2.9. Dorado sent Kanellis out, a pescado hit, and the Shooting Star Press landed solidly, but it only got two!
Kanellis attacked Kalisto and Gran Metalik before Dorado landed a rana. However, Kanellis snapped the rope into his face and won with Cross Rhodes.
Maverick sat down and thanked the fans for allowing 205 Live to get to 100 episodes. Maverick said that a match will be held next week to determine Murphy’s next opponent.
Brian Kendrick said that Drew Gulak and Jack Gallagher tried to take him out, but he’ll take out Gallagher next week.
Lio Rush cut a promo claiming he didn’t lose in last week’s fatal five-way and Cedric Alexander didn’t have him beat before Tony Nese won. Rush said that he’s still undefeated in one-on-one competition.
Buddy Murphy said he doesn’t have many thoughts about who will be in the match next week — other than feeling it should be Tony Nese. Nese said he should get a title shot just for winning the fatal five-way, but he’ll beat whoever Maverick has lined up next week.
Mustafa Ali defeated Hideo Itami in a falls count anywhere match
Itami started things off by kicking Ali hard in the head to the floor. Ali landed a series of chops and went up top, but Itami kicked him down to the floor and got two. Itami dominated with shots around ringside and landed a fast knee to Ali’s gut. Ali avoided another one and landed a kneeling superkick, a standing superkick, and a superkick to the neck.
Ali and Itami brawled near the timekeeper’s area. Ali got tripped up on the barricade and hit the floor hard. Ali threw Itami over the announce table, but Itami took him down for a single leg crab before Ali escaped. Ali ate a kick off the table into a chair for 2.5.
Amid the crowd, Ali hit a big superkick for two. Itami kneed him around and then threw him into the steps. Itami landed a nasty lariat on the ramp for 2.5. Itami stood on top of the steps and ate a giant crossbody off the top — and Itami’s head smacked the mat hard for 2.5.
Itami stacked the steps up and Ali went chest-first on them. Itami set up a conchairto with a set of steps, but it missed and Ali got a flying DDT on the floor. Ali set up a table and won with a 450 through the table off the top to the floor!
Maverick said that this was Ali’s biggest win and he is in the match to get a shot at Murphy. It will be Ali vs. Nese next week.
As was announced earlier this month, Mustafa Ali will be wrestling at EVOLVE 115 in Livonia, Michigan on November 9 and EVOLVE 116 in Oak Lawn, Illinois on November 10. Ali’s opponents were revealed today, with him facing DJZ in Michigan and Darby Allin in Illinois.
Kassius Ohno is set to wrestle at EVOLVE 117 in Queens, New York on December 15 and EVOLVE 118 in Deer Park, New York on December 16. He’ll also be a guest trainer at a seminar that WWN is holding in Long Island on December 16.
EVOLVE Tag Team Champions Chris Dickinson & Jaka issuing an open challenge has been set up for EVOLVE 114 in Ybor City, Florida this Sunday. On Twitter, it’s being teased that The Street Profits (NXT’s Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford) will be the team to face Dickinson & Jaka.
With the working relationship that exists between WWE and EVOLVE, Adam Cole and Velveteen Dream have worked dark match main events for EVOLVE this year. Cole defeated WALTER in June, and Velveteen Dream defeated Austin Theory and Allin last month.
Prior to tonight’s SmackDown at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, WWE taped the 100th episode of 205 Live.
The tapings featured a falls count anywhere main event and Mike Kanellis making his 205 Live in-ring debut. Mustafa Ali and Hideo Itami’s feud led to Ali getting the win against Itami in tonight’s falls count anywhere match.
In his first match for 205 Live, Mike Kanellis (w/ Maria Kanellis) defeated Lince Dorado. Their match was set up when Mike & Maria arrived on 205 Live two weeks ago, interrupted Dorado vs. Lio Rush, and Mike beat down Dorado. A promo aired last week where Mike said it wasn’t anything personal — it was business and part of a bigger plan that includes the Cruiserweight Championship.
With season two of Mixed Match Challenge going on, 205 Live is airing on the WWE Network at 7 p.m. Eastern time on Wednesdays.
Another WWE wrestler is set to make a couple of in-ring appearances for EVOLVE.
EVOLVE Wrestling announced today that 205 Live’s Mustafa Ali will be in action at their shows in Livonia, Michigan on November 9 and Summit, Illinois on November 10. Opponents for Ali weren’t announced, but EVOLVE noted that he’ll be in “main event quality matches.”
The show in Illinois will be a homecoming for Ali, who is from the Chicago area and wrestled on the Chicago indie scene before signing with WWE.
With WWE and EVOLVE having a working relationship, Adam Cole and Velveteen Dream have wrestled in dark match main events for EVOLVE this year. Cole defeated WALTER in June, and Velveteen Dream defeated Austin Theory and Darby Allin last month.
Theory (w/ Priscilla Kelly), Allin (November 10 only), Shane Strickland (November 10 only), DJZ (November 9 only), AR Fox & The Skulk, Anthony Henry, JD Drake, and Josh Briggs are also advertised for EVOLVE’s November events.
205 Live was again taped before SmackDown as this week’s show took place at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado.
– Lio Rush defeated Noam Dar
Rush slapped Dar in the face before this started. The match went about 10 minutes and ended with Rush pinning Dar with a frog splash.
– Mustafa Ali vs. Hideo Itami
This went about 20 minutes. There was an unreal apron spot by Ali where he hit the 054 from the top rope. The referee called the match after a five count and both wrestlers were helped to the back after being attended to at ringside.
Ali’s storyline on 205 Live recently has been Drake Maverick trying to prevent him from pushing himself too hard.
– Brian Kendrick defeated an enhancement wrestler
Kendrick tapped him out in under 10 seconds. Gulak then assaulted Kendrick’s opponent after the match as Kendrick and Jack Gallagher looked on.
With 205 Live moving to a taped format due to Mixed Match Challenge season two, this episode will air on the WWE Network at 7 p.m. Eastern time tomorrow as part of a block with NXT and the Mae Young Classic.
Daniel Bryan and The Miz’s storyline heading into SummerSlam will continue on tonight’s episode of SmackDown.
WWE is hyping that Miz will be making a SummerSlam announcement tonight. Bryan challenged Miz to a match at the August 19 pay-per-view last week, but Miz put out a video over the weekend where he declined the challenge and said he deserves better than a match with Bryan.
Miz tweeted yesterday: “I know my worth, I’ve heard @WWEDanielBryan and ‘#SDLive Management’s’ offer … but I will NOT compete for anything less than I am worth. That said, I will make MY #SummerSlam announcement tomorrow. On my terms.”
AJ Styles addressing Samoa Joe’s promo from last week where he insulted Styles and said Styles has put being WWE Champion ahead of his own family is also advertised for tonight. Charlotte Flair & Becky Lynch will team against Peyton Royce & Billie Kay on the show, and The New Day are set to face Cesaro & Sheamus in the finals of the tournament to decide The Bludgeon Brothers’ Tag Team title challengers for SummerSlam.
Mustafa Ali vs. Hideo Itami will main event tonight’s 205 Live. Both shows are taking place at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida.
Another segment for SmackDown and two matches for 205 Live are set for tonight.
Ahead of their SmackDown Women’s Championship match at Money in the Bank on June 17th, WWE is advertising that Carmella will unmask Asuka by revealing a “never-before-told truth” about her. Charlotte Flair vs. Becky Lynch, Naomi & Jimmy Uso vs. Lana & Aiden English, and a contract signing for AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura’s last man standing match at Money in the Bank will also take place tonight.
On 205 Live, Mustafa Ali vs. Buddy Murphy and Brian Kendrick vs. Lince Dorado have been announced. Ali and Murphy have been positioned as the two top challengers for Cedric Alexander’s Cruiserweight Championship. Murphy defeated Ali on the May 8th edition of 205 Live before losing a title match to Alexander last week.
Kendrick & Jack Gallagher have been feuding with the Lucha House Party and defeated Dorado & Kalisto last Tuesday with the help of Drew Gulak.
Lince Dorado & Gran Metalik were hyped up as international stars in a pre-show package building up their match with Brian Kendrick & Jack Gallagher.
Tony Nese said he’ll show the world that he’s still the premiere athlete, while Buddy Murphy is facing Mustafa Ali and wants to make up for losing out on his Cruiserweight title shot at the Greatest Royal Rumble. Nigel McGuinness, Vic Joseph, and Percy Watson talked about tonight’s card, and McGuinness discussed Murphy’s quest to become a champion once again.
The Lucha House Party came out to face Kendrick & Gallagher. Drew Gulak slapped hands with fans — but made sure to wipe his hands off on his suit afterwards. He joined commentary for this match.
Lince Dorado & Gran Metalik defeated Brian Kendrick & Jack Gallagher
Gallagher worked a headlock on Dorado before Dorado locked on a headscissors. We got some comedy with Gallagher doing headstands and trying to escape, so Dorado slapped him on the backside to break that up. McGuinness teased Cruiserweight Tag Team titles being a thing with all these tag matches.
Metalik tagged in and hit a double-jump dropkick for two. Kendrick got a blind tag and Metalik hit a flip dive. Kendrick connected with a jumping kick to the back of the head, then kicked Metalik before crossfacing him a few times. Gallagher tagged in and worked on the arm before Kendrick came back in to work on it more.
Metalik booted Gallagher off the apron and tagged in Dorado, who dropkicked Kendrick. Kendrick hit Sliced Breas and Gallagher got a near fall when Metalik made a save. The House Party hit a stereo superkick on the heels, with Dorado winning with a Shooting Star Press.
Mustafa Ali cut a selfie promo on a train track about how he’s built to go and Murphy’s built for show. Ali said it’s about clearing the way for his own path to success and Murphy can either move willingly or he’ll make him.
Murphy told Nese he needs to move on from the gauntlet match and Nese wished him luck. Murphy said Ali is his only blemish so far in this division and he’s had a tougher time getting used to weight cuts, but he wants to win tonight and hopes the champ is watching.
Nese came out to count his abs and destroy a jobber.
Tony Nese defeated Keith Clayball
Watson mocked Joseph for not being ripped, telling him to find a gym. Joseph said he knows one — his brother Jim. Nese was back to being a full-on heel by mocking the fans. McGuinness said that he’s heard some good things about Clayball before saying that Nese needs matches like this to get back on track. He quoted Winston Churchill about going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm for what he’s doing.
Nese did the crunch kicks in the corner, but Clayball avoided the corner knee and ate a boot. Nese rebounded and hit a big double-arm lariat to the jaw. A corner knee strike ended it and got the win for Nese.
There was a video showcasing Hideo Itami’s NXT run before Triple H, JBL, and Michael Cole put him over. Itami said he came here to prove what a superstar he is. He said he didn’t like teaming with Akira Tozawa, doesn’t need a partner, and Tozawa didn’t deserve him.
Drake Maverick and Cedric Alexander met, with Maverick letting the brawl Alexander had last week slide. Next week, 205 Live will face off and team up with the WWE UK division.
Buddy Murphy defeated Mustafa Ali
Murphy shoved Ali down but missed a big stomp. Ali avoided a powerbomb and chopped away. Murphy lifted him up off a rana attempt and went for a rana of his own, but he ate a rana from Ali anyway and went to the apron. Murphy was sent into the announce table, then made Ali go splat with a suplex on the floor.
Alexander looked on from backstage via a television as Murphy kicked away at Ali’s back. They each went for crossbody blocks and met in the middle. A sleeper was locked on and Murphy ran Ali back and head-first into the buckles.
Ali trapped Murphy in the ropes and hit a deja-vu tornado DDT for two. Well, that was nuts. Murphy hit a big punt kick and turned a powerbomb into a Yokosuka cutter for two. Murphy hit a trifecta of powerbombs, but Ali countered another powerbomb with a spike X-Factor. He went for a super rana to the floor, but Murphy tossed him off and Ali did a backflip, landing on his feet before hitting a superkick to the jaw. That was insane, and the crowd came alive as he tossed Murphy back in for two.
Ali went for a 450, but Murphy dropped a knee on his arm before slamming it into the buckle and slamming the arm down hard. Ali cradled him and went for a tornado DDT, but Murphy grabbed him, hammerlocked him, tossed the shoulder into the buckle, and took him out with Murphy’s Law. This was an outstanding match.
