They showed a recap of the events of last week, where Swann won his match against Brian Kendrick but was laid out by an errant TJP superkick.
I should note that this was taped before Raw on Monday, so this is in fact not live.
Jack Gallagher defeated Drew Gulak
Fine match. The commentators mentioned that they are in Gulak’s home city, so I guess you can tell how this match is going. Gulak shoved Gallagher into the bottom rope, hurting his neck. Gallagher came back with a headbutt (Mauro Ranallo brought up Katsuyori Shibata after he executed it), then followed with the running dropkick to the corner and a package for the win.
TJP was taping up when Swann walked in. TJP said they might be friends, but that’s out the window next week as it will be the TJP that won the Cruiserweight Classic. He finished by saying the funny thing about luck is that it eventually runs out.
There was a highlight package for Tajiri, who will be coming soon.
Tom Phillips interviewed Jack Gallagher backstage. Ariya Daivari came up, looking not too pleased. Gallagher said he understands why he’d be upset, but as an Extraordinary Gentlemen he’d be more than happy to look past things as he thinks he’s evened up the score. Daivari said no, you embarrassed me. He spoke a little in Farsi then said nothing’s been evened up.
Mustafa Ali and Lince Dorado went to a double countout
Ali cut an inset promo before the match. He said the moment you hear his name, you’ve already made up your mind. He said he won’t be judged by the audience’s preconceived notions, and you will see what he is all about.
There was good back and forth early. Dorado launched off with a springboard moonsault on the floor. Then both were counted out because I guess doing big dives is very bad on a cruiserweight show.
Dorado wanted to shake hands after the match but Ali laid him out with a slap. Dorado countered with a spinning heel kick and sent him reeling.
Noam Dar was backstage flirting with Alicia Fox. She said she remembers what he did last week, dedicating his win to her, but she’s taken. Dar said “Of course you do” then left.
There was a TJ Perkins video package, showing highlights of his win at the Cruiserweight Classic. He likes to do his own style with flair and does feel that he represents his generation.
TJ Perkins defeated WWE Cruiserweight Champion Rich Swann in a non-title match
Pretty good match while it lasted, though it felt a bit short. TJP and Swann were in the ring when Brian Kendrick came out, ready to do commentary.
Swann flipped off the apron but landed on his foot, potentially injuring it. Perkins countered with a twisting crossbody to the floor. They continued to have a pretty good back and forth contest in the ring. Swann hit the tiger bomb but Perkins kicked out. Perkins targeted the leg, applying the kneebar. Swann tried to reach the ropes, but couldn’t get to them and tapped out.
Kendrick hit the ring to “congratulate” Perkins and Swann but they didn’t fall for it. Swann refused a handshake, and when Kendrick turned around he was superkicked by Perkins. Swann and Perkins had a staredown after as the announcers put over the triple threat match at Roadblock: End of the Line.
Final thoughts:
This was a fine show, but nothing really special. They did a good job of putting over the triple threat for Sunday and establishing a few undercard feuds. Taping the show before Raw gave 205 Live a better atmospheric vibe, but still feels like there is something missing here that makes the show worthwhile.
