The former Ashante “Thee” Adonis is officially under AEW contract and has been for six months, according to Fightful Select.
Tehuti Miles debuted during Sunday’s Ring of Honor TV tapings in Jacksonville, Florida, with the outlet noting he actually signed with AEW the first week of September.
Miles hadn’t wrestled anywhere since a loss to Ricky Saints last June on WWE NXT. His deal ran out on August 10 and signed with his new home a month later. It’s unclear what took so long for him to make his debut or why he didn’t work any indie dates.
The 36-year-old signed with WWE in 2019, debuting in NXT. He worked frequently on the 205 Live show and eventually was part of Hit Row along with Swerve Strickland (then Isaiah Scott), AJ Francis (then Top Dolla) and B-Fab, who is the only remaining member left within WWE.
He, Francis and B-Fab were eventually called up to the main roster in August 2022 before returning to NXT in the summer of 2024. He never held either WWE or NXT gold.
Tehuti Miles, aka Ashante “Thee” Adonis, is no longer with WWE.
He posted a statement to social media on Sunday revealing that his WWE chapter has closed.
Adonis wrote:
“After 6 unforgettable years under the WWE lights, the time has come for me to close that chapter. I’m filled with nothing but gratitude for every opportunity, the experiences, lessons, and incredible talent I’ve had the chance to work with. I’m truly excited to show the world what I can really do. Sometimes you gotta get off multiplayer and progress your story mode. I believe i’m the face of the future and the reason your girl stopped texting you back
This is a brand new beginning. I am becoming the best version of myself. You have only seen a glimpse of my true potential, and im just scratching the surface. I know that to some this can be a dark time, but stars can’t shine without darkness. – Thee Adonis Out For bookings, please contact me here: [email protected]”
Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp later reported that Adonis’ WWE contract expired rather than him being released. It’s the second time he has left the company. As a member of Hit Row, he was released in late 2021 before returning the following year.
Prior to signing with WWE in 2019, Adonis wrestled for Maryland Championship Wrestling as well as Ring of Honor under the name Elijah King. He also served in the United States Army from 2008 to 2013, completing tours in Afghanistan in 2010 and 2011. After leaving the Army, he attended the University of Maryland and made the school’s Division 1 football team as a walk-on running back.
Adonis’ last match was a loss to Ricky Saints on the June 24 edition of NXT.
After 6 unforgettable years under the WWE lights, the time has come for me to close that chapter. I'm filled with nothing but gratitude for every opportunity, the experiences, lessons, and incredible talent I've had the chance to work with.
The group formerly known as Hit Row are set to reunite at an independent wrestling show next month.
MCW Pro Wrestling has announced that Shane “Swerve” Strickland, AJ Francis, Tehuti Miles, and Briana Brandy will all be appearing at their Spring Fever event on Saturday, March 19. The show is being held at Tall Cedars Hall in Parkville, Maryland.
“The 2022 #MCWSpringFever Tour kicks off on Saturday night March 19th in Parkville, MD with special guests & former #WWE / #NXT Stars formerly known as Hit Row,” MCW Pro Wrestling wrote. “Tickets Are On Sale Now & Going FAST”
The 2022 #MCWSpringFever Tour kicks off on Saturday night March 19th in Parkville, MD with special guests & former #WWE / #NXT Stars formerly known as Hit Row🔥🔥
Strickland was formerly known as Isaiah “Swerve” Scott in WWE, Francis was known as Top Dolla, Miles was known as Ashante “Thee” Adonis, and Brandy was known as B-Fab. The group formed in NXT, with Scott holding the NXT North American Championship once before Hit Row were called up to the main roster.
Hit Row were drafted to SmackDown last October. But shortly after their SmackDown debut, Brandy was released from her contract. The remaining members of Hit Row were then released two weeks later.
In the opening stretch, Adonis gained a few moments of control. Daivari would respond with some light offence before a dropkick from Adonis provided an opening to scale to the top rope. At the top, Daivari laid out Adonis, sending him crashing back to the mat.
After the fall, Daivari and Adonis traded strikes; Adonis emerged from the exchange victorious. A sidestep subverted Daivari’s attempt at saving his momentum. A crossbody and a near fall from Adonis followed.
Adonis tried again for a move, but this time overshot Daivari. Adonis sold his leg upon landing, prompting Daivari to rush in; Adonis stopped the rush with a sudden spinebuster. However, Adonis was unable to follow up as a quick dropkick to the injured leg left Daivari back in control.
Daivari then hit the hammerlock lariat but intentionally interrupted his own pin that would have granted him a win. Daivari then taunted his all but defeated opponent before slowly climbing to the top rope from where he lept, delivering the Persian splash. Daivari laid into the pin lackadaisically, giving Adonis enough breathing room to not only escape but transform it into a pin of his own, a pin that Daivari was unable to break.
This was fine. Nothing spectacular, but focused enough to deliver an entertaining watch.
Jake Atlas defeated Tony Nese
Nese and Atlas proved to be on equal footing in the opening moments. After trading holds and reversals, Atlas took Nese to the mat with an arm drag and controlled said arm for some time. Nese eventually found the ropes, and the break gave him space and the correct timing to connect with a running hotshot.
Nese dragged Atlas to the outside before repeatedly driving him into the apron of the ring. Back inside the ropes, Nese stomped on Atlas’s body before taking him to the mat with body scissors. As Atlas struggled to free himself from Nese’s control, Nese connected with a suplex. The momentary spacing created by the manoeuvre seemed to allow Atlas back into the match, but Nese stopped any momentum Atlas was gaining with a devastating roundhouse kick.
Nese hoisted Atlas into the torture rack. Atlas not only escaped the submission but quickly turned it into a brainbuster; A standing moonsault and a near fall punctuated the Atlas rally that followed.
Atlas tried for a sunset flip, but Nese blocked it. Nese connected with a swift kick to the temple and a springboard moonsault resulting in another Nese near fall. Nese then insulted Atlas, triggering a melee which turned into a counter exchange. Atlas connected with a lariat and a cartwheel DDT before pinning Nese.
This was quite good. Atlas is a part of a rare breed of true babyfaces, and Nese his perfect heel complement.
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.
205 Live began with a rematch; the man formerly known as Tehuti Miles, now Ashante Adonis, was to once again wrestle the man who triggered this change in personas, The Brian Kendrick.
Kendrick in the early going looked to be regretting his words of wisdom towards Adonis late last month. Kendrick shoved Adonis, only for Adonis to pursue him with his newfound intensity. Adonis gained an early lead from this point which was lost after a big boot from Kendrick. Kendrick pummeled Adonis while avoiding all of his reversal attempts.
Kendrick eventually gave an inch to Adonis in the way of separation which Adonis fully capitalized on, landing a momentum nullifying clothesline. An Adonis spinebuster and head kick resulted in a pair of near falls. Finally, after a brief struggle, Adonis landed a DDT but taunted Kendrick in the moments following. Kendrick took advantage, secured the captain’s hook, and submitted Adonis.
Kendrick and Adonis shook hands just as they did in their match two weeks ago.
This match, in the same manner as their last, was fine in the ring and played further into the same story. The Adonis rebranding seems to be a means to further confirming the already established character of Miles following his first Kendrick match. Adonis is now more intense than ever but is still overconfident.
Chase Parker and Matt Martel (Ever-Rise) defeated Andrew Lockhart and Erik Lockhart
This match was a complete and total squash. Neither member of Ever-Rise gave up even an inch of offense to either Lockhart. The match was executed well enough considering its contents.
Raul Mendoza and Joaquin Wilde (w/ Santos Escobar) defeated Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch
Oney Lorcan and Joaquin Wilde started this match with a nice progression of chain wrestling. Wilde eventually won out and was able to trade tags with his partner Raul Mendoza in hopes of furthering their advantage. Danny Burch was able to secure a tag after Lorcan fought into his corner, a tag that Burch was able to take full advantage of. After regaining momentum for his team Burch delivered a double suplex with the aid of Lorcan.
Wilde was able to interfere on behalf of his team which allowed Legado Del Fantasma to stomp Burch into the mat. Wilde and Mendoza both traded tags as they further damaged Burch. Burch dug down deep to tag Lorcan back into the match, a tag which set a passion-filled Lorcan free. Lorcan effectively shifted the match back into his team’s favor before tagging Burch back in where he, with the help of Lorcan, landed an elevated DDT. Mendoza was forced to break the pin attempt that followed.
Burch and Wilde were now on seemingly equal ground and it was Burch who was getting ahead. A massive German suplex triggered a reaction from Santos Escobar. Escobar hopped onto the apron but before anything could come of it Ever-Rise entered the ThunderDome. Ever-Rise initiated an attack on Escobar which drew the attention of Burch, which lasted no more than three seconds. Wilde was able to roll up his distracted opponent and effectively steal the win.
This match was well structured and well-executed from bell to bell. The finish, while a bit flaky, was a followup from a reasonably angered Ever-Rise. All in all, a good watch.
The Brian Kendrick was quick to disrespect Tehuti Miles following the bell. The returning Kendrick kicked the golden fanny pack of Miles to the mat before the two had even made contact. The pair exchanged brief words before entering a tie-up. Both men traded advantage but it was Miles who succeeded in landing a quartet of arm drags.
Miles took his time as he taunted Kendrick, an act which left Kendrick visibly unhappy. Kendrick landed a kick in retort before driving Miles into the corner. Miles was able to fight free and connect with a peppering of strikes, an Irish whip, and a dropkick. Miles tried for the pin but Kendrick kicked out. Miles took time again to taunt Kendrick, who he was seemingly far ahead of. This allowed Kendrick to roll an unfocused Miles up for a quick pinfall victory.
Kendrick extended his hand to Miles, which Miles reluctantly shook.
This match was here to serve as a critical moment in the story of Miles, at least on the surface. His loss to the wiser Kendrick and the subsequent show of respect should be a catalyst for character development, especially considering his winless 205 Live record.
The match itself was quick and to the point. Nothing was included that need not be and yet it did not feel as if it was missing anything. This was not meant to be a showcase of athletics but instead strictly a device of narrative, and at that, this match fully succeeded.
Tony Nese defeated Liam Gray
Liam Gray was immediately flattened by Tony Nese with a back elbow. Gray tried for separation, but was crushed at every turn by Nese. Nese stood over Gray, taunting him before launching him into the corner with a German Suplex. Nese hit a running knee on Gray before Nese then pinned Gray for the win.
Nese entirely pulverized this man. In fact, Gray was given no offense whatsoever. Nese’s intensity only furthered his gains from this slaughter.
Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch defeated Chase Parker and Matt Martel (Ever-Rise)
Oney Lorcan and Matt Martel started this match, but it was Danny Burch who tagged in moments after the match started and secured a headlock on Martel. Martel was able to tag in Chase Parker, who was also grabbed by a Burch headlock.
Martel was able to make a stealthy tag of which Burch was none the wiser. Burch tried chasing Parker, who he thought was legal, but was clubbed by Martel. Martel dropped a few elbows on Burch before Parker was tagged in again. Parker dropped a bigger elbow on Burch and tried for a pin that Burch kicked out from.
Martel, now legal, hoisted Burch onto his shoulders but Burch was able to wiggle himself free and tag in Lorcan. Lorcan leveled both Parker and Martel with uppercuts. Burch and Lorcan’s attempts at tandem offense were then repeatedly interrupted by Parker at every turn.
Parker, now legal, landed a diving neckbreaker with assistance from Martel. Lorcan barely kicked out from the pin attempt that followed. Parker and Lorcan struggled for a suplex from the apron but only by the aid of Martel was Parker able to come out ahead. The referee then proceeded to yell at both Martel and Parker for their disregard for the rules, allowing Lorcan to make a sly tag of his own. Martel was quickly thrown to the outside by Burch, leaving Parker alone with his fresh opponent. Burch quickly secured a crossface and forced Parker to tap out.
It turns out that Ever-Rise is not a babyface pairing, in spite of their babyface-ish showing last week, in fact, they are as underhanded in tactic as ever. What purpose, if any, this match served other than reverting last week’s happenings is hard to say.
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.
Following the night’s initial bell, Tehuti Miles and Mansoor did a stare down. Miles landed two leg kicks, each of which caused Mansoor to pull back. Mansoor, instead of keeping his distance, shot in for a takedown, which he succeeded in getting before being kicked off immediately after. Mansoor tried for a move, but seemed to be stuck in his movement. Miles hoisted Mansoor over his shoulder before synching a headlock.
Miles and Mansoor traded the headlock back and forth. After escaping a prolonged headlock, Mansoor connected with two arm drags but Miles avoided the third. Miles tried to take advantage but Mansoor was able to land the third arm drag before Miles could capitalize. Mansoor sent Miles to the outside with a clothesline. Miles came back in by grabbing the legs of Mansoor moments later. Mansoor, who was now on the mat, was dragged under the bottom rope before being catapulted into it. Miles struck Mansoor, who sold the throat.
Mansoor soon found himself hung over the middle rope. From this position, Miles applied his weight to the damaged body part. Mansoor fell to the mat from where Miles tried for a pin; Mansoor kicked out. Miles lifted Mansoor with a neckbreaker. Miles lifted Mansoor again, landed a second neckbreaker, and tried for the pin once more. Mansoor kicked again. Miles synched in a rear chinlock.
Mansoor sold the rear chinlock as if his lights were going out. Right before the fade to black Mansoor fought to a standing position from where he fell, sending Miles to the outside. Miles grabbed the leg of Mansoor again but Mansoor rolled through, creating a plausible near fall in the process. Mansoor struck Miles before landing an atomic drop into a spinebuster. Mansoor waited for Miles to rise to his feet but Miles sidestepped the attack sending Mansoor over the top rope and onto the apron. From the apron, Mansoor and Miles entered a brief struggle which ultimately saw Mansoor connect with a slingshot neckbreaker. Miles kicked out from the pin attempt that followed.
Mansoor, now in a state of desperation, climbed to the top rope. From the top, Mansoor dove only for Miles to evade his attack. Miles lifted Mansoor, who landed on his feet, for a facebuster. Miles then lifted Mansoor onto his shoulder. Mansoor wiggled free and landed an enziguri. Mansoor then lifted Miles onto his shoulders, pulled in his head, and landed what was essentially the one winged angel at an angle. Miles was then pinned making Mansoor the victor.
This match was dodgy. Miles and Mansoor struggled to get on the same page early on and the match’s layout was lackluster. Things in the opening minutes just happened, the finish just happened – the match just sort of happened. I am still not sure what the narrative to this match was.
Prior to and immediately following the bell’s sounding, Oney Lorcan dawned a serious game face. He really looked as if he had something to prove. Santos Escobar and Lorcan entered a tie-up that broke almost as soon as it started. Lorcan was forced to pull away – his arm was still damaged from his encounter with Timothy Thatcher at NXT’s Great American Bash. Lorcan tried to tie-up once more but Escobar, like a shark to blood, grabbed the arm. Escobar took Lorcan to the mat with an arm drag and applied pressure to the arm once grounded. Lorcan fought to a standing position and into the ropes to force a break.
Lorcan chopped the chest of Escobar with his injured arm. Escobar not only did not flinch from the strike he also poked at Lorcan who was pulling back due to self-inflicted pain. Escobar took Lorcan to the mat and continued to put pressure on the arm. Escobar used his chin as a point of pressure in a truly unique form of torture. Lorcan was eventually able to free himself by rolling Escobar onto his back and into a pin. The two men rose to their feet.
Escobar secured another takedown. This time Escobar used the position to lift Lorcan by his arm. Escobar used his shoulder and the ropes to attack the injury of Lorcan. Escobar, in a haze of confidence, stepped back and played to the crowd. Lorcan took advantage of this by trying for a pin. After the subsequent kick-out, Lorcan secured control of Escobar. Escobar was able to escape by grabbing the leg of Lorcan. Escobar stepped over Lorcan, leg still in hand, and into a single leg crab. From the crab, Escobar was sure to tie the arm of Lorcan into the move. Escobar soon let go of the leg and turned his attention solely to the arm. Lorcan crawled to the ropes in order to secure the break.
Escobar landed a suplex but only after placing the arm of Lorcan under his weight. Lorcan tried to retaliate after being hoisted to his feet, but was dropped almost immediately after. Escobar then grabbed the arm of Lorcan and slammed it into the ring post. A slow climb to the top rope from Escobar then ensued. Lorcan took this as an opportunity as he met Escobar with an uppercut. The two then entered a struggle atop the ropes. Escobar jumped to the apron, slamming the arm of Lorcan into the turnbuckle in the process. As Lorcan lay in agony, Escobar grabbed his arm again. This time he slammed it back into the post. Lorcan’s arm was continually attacked in the minutes that followed. Strong strikes, extended holds, the whole works.
Escobar at this point was toying with his prey. Only after a missed enziguri from Escobar did Lorcan show signs of life. A barrage of strikes that was punctuated with an impassioned uppercut left Lorcan in the driver’s seat for the first time, at least he would be in the driver’s seat if he were able to follow up. Lorcan sold his injury as if his arm was broken. After trying to approach after prolonged selling, Lorcan had his arm attacked once more. Escobar lifted him up and planted him with the phantom driver which resulted in a pinfall victory.
This match was excellent. From the opening moments to the match’s conclusion it was clear that these men had a powerful and concise story to tell. Escobar’s brutal display of malice was matched in theatrics only by Lorcan’s consistent showing of agony. When a meeting of seemingly unrelated storylines results in such an excellent integration it is worth celebrating.
NXT Cruiserweight Champion Santos Escobar is making his 205 Live in-ring debut on tonight’s episode of the show.
WWE has announced that Escobar vs. Oney Lorcan in a non-title match is set for tonight’s 205 Live. Escobar made his first appearance on 205 Live last week when he accompanied his Legado del Fantasma stablemates Raul Mendoza & Joaquin Wilde for their win against Leon Ruff & Liam Gray.
On night two of NXT’s Great American Bash this Wednesday, Legado del Fantasma defeated Drake Maverick & Breezango in a six-man tag match. Escobar got the win by pinning Maverick after hitting the Phantom Driver.
Lorcan lost to Timothy Thatcher on Great American Bash night one last week. After the match, Thatcher refused to immediately let go of the Fujiwara armbar that he submitted Lorcan with.
Mansoor will also be in action as he faces Tehuti Miles on tonight’s 205 Live. This will be the first time Mansoor has wrestled since March. He’s wrestled on 205 Live once before, defeating Brian Kendrick in November 2019.
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.
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.
In-ring action is returning to 205 Live this week.
WWE has announced two matches for tonight’s 205 Live episode: Tony Nese vs. Jack Gallagher and Tyler Breeze vs. Tehuti Miles. This will be the first time 205 Live has had new matches in over a month.
WWE has aired “The Matches That Made Me” 205 Live episodes over the past four weeks, featuring members of the cruiserweight division choosing one match that inspired them to become a wrestler and one of their favorite matches from their WWE careers. Brian Kendrick, Ariya Daivari, The Singh Brothers, and Oney Lorcan were spotlighted on those shows.
Nese and Gallagher are both out of contention in NXT’s interim Cruiserweight Championship tournament. Nese went 0-3 in Group A, while Gallagher went 1-2 in Group B. Group action will wrap up with Kushida vs. Drake Maverick and El Hijo del Fantasma vs. Akira Tozawa taking place on NXT next Wednesday.
Miles, who joined the WWE Performance Center last August, has recently been used in enhancement matches on NXT and Raw.
Last week’s 205 Live featured Jeremy Borash making his WWE television debut and hosting the show with Tom Phillips.
