Tyler Breeze is “a little bit of everything” in his current WWE role.
Since being released by WWE in 2021, Breeze has stuck around the company in a behind-the-scenes position that has included hosting digital content, guest coaching, writing for NXT, and more. He explained his role while speaking with Denise Salcedo for a new interview.
“I’m kind of, you know, I’m going to say a jack of all trades,” Breeze said. “If you need me to show up on NXT and wrestle for the North American title, I do that. If you need me to be on UpUpDownDown, we do that. If you need me to come to some 2K events or you need me to host some Fanatics Live, I’m a little bit of everything. So I wait for the call and I show up. I’m like Batman in a sense.”
Breeze still wrestles on the indies and owns the Flatbacks training school in Florida with NXT wrestler Shawn Spears. In September of last year, Breeze worked a match on NXT when he faced Ethan Page for the North American Championship. It was a special Homecoming episode that took place at Full Sail University, which was the original home of NXT when Breeze was one of the top stars on the brand.
UpUpDownDown, which is operated by Xavier Woods, is an official WWE YouTube channel focused on video games.
Woods and Breeze help coordinate on the WWE 2K video game series by giving feedback each year, specifically when it comes to the MyGM mode that they’re big fans of. The next installment in the series — WWE 2K26 — is set to be released on March 13.
Surprises galore took place on NXT ahead of next week’s Homecoming event at Full Sail University.
Former NXT Champion Carmelo Hayes was the first to make a surprise appearance, backing up Trick Williams against DIY. However, Carmelo made it clear the former friends had not patched things up, accusing Williams of ‘squatting’ in his house. DIY challenged the two for a match for next week’s show, which will be live at Full Sail.
Later, after Tavion Heights defeated Ethan Page in a flag match, Tyler Breeze made his surprise NXT return, coming out to his old music and wearing his old outfit. He laid down and took selfies next to the laid out Page, setting up a North American title match for next week.
The end of NXT saw Jacy Jayne enraged that Fallon Henley and Jazmyn Nyx failed to win the number one contendership match for the WWE Women’s Tag Team titles. She berated her two stablemates as two cars pulled up to the Performance Center. After the commercial break, Stephanie Vaquer, Tiffany Stratton, and Rhea Ripley all came out after Jayne declared she was the greatest NXT Women’s Champion of all time. The three NXT veterans headed down to the ring and took out Fatal Influence to close out the show.
During a commercial hyping next week’s show, NXT teased that additional names from the past could be appearing with Bobby Roode, William Regal, and Triple H all being shown.
Tyler Breeze says he’d like to wrestle on TV again.
The 37-year-old appeared on the Gabby AF podcast recently and said he sees no reason why he couldn’t reunite with his former tag team partner, Fandango—now known as JDC—in TNA Wrestling.
“I want to be back on TV wrestling. So wherever that happens to be, I would like to continue to wrestle because I am still able to, and I don’t see why I’m not doing it. So I would like to do that. That is probably my immediate goal—to be back on TV wrestling.”
“I think it would be cool to team back up with Dango in TNA and go against the Hardys. I’ve been in WWE with Jeff and Matt, but I’ve never wrestled them ever. So I think a tag with Dango against the Hardys would be cool.”
Beyond the Hardys, Breeze mentioned Joe Hendry, Ricky Saints, Dalton Castle, and others he’d like to face.
“I think working with somebody like Joe Hendry would be cool. On the other side of things, I think working with the newly crowned Ricky Saints would be cool. I know that it’s kind of been out there for a long time where like a Dalton Castle (match) would be really cool. A different match there. An Orange Cassidy match would be really cool. I would love to work with my good friends Cole and Swiss again—Claudio (Castagnoli) and (Adam) Cole. PAC, I would love to rekindle that one. I worked with Neville a bunch, and he was awesome. Yeah, there’s a bunch.”
Breeze was trained by Lance Storm at the Storm Wrestling Academy in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He signed with WWE in 2010 and remained with the company until his release in 2021.
He debuted his Tyler Breeze character in 2013 and was called up to the main roster under the gimmick in 2015. His tag team with Fandango, Breezeango, debuted in 2016 and later moved to NXT in the summer of 2019, where they won the NXT Tag Team Championship the following year. In 2019, Breeze and Shawn Spears opened the Flatbacks Wrestling school in Apopka, Florida.
In May 2021, Breeze and Fandango were among WWE roster cuts that also included Matt Menard, Angelo Parker, Tony Nese, Marina Shafir, The Bollywood Boyz, and Ariya Daivari.
Earlier this month, former WWE wrestler Tyler Breeze returned to the ring for the first time in more than two years.
Breeze defeated Matt Cross at a show for Next Generation Wrestling in Nashville, Tennessee. Breeze won the NGW Championship in the match. It was his first time wrestling since being released by WWE in June 2021.
Breeze spoke about his return during an interview with A2D Radio. Breeze said he didn’t expect to be away from the ring for two years, but he liked being home after he was on the road for so long. Breeze said being back in the ring is pretty cool and he’s enjoying it.
It’s pretty cool, man. I never really planned on taking two years off, but after doing this for 15 years and being in WWE for 11 years to where I really didn’t take any time off. I was lucky I didn’t have any surgeries, I took care of myself pretty good, but I was on the road going. So when I finally got that call, I was like, ‘Alright. I’m just gonna chill for a little bit.’ And then I really liked it and then I liked being home and then all of a sudden, I went, ‘Hmm, yeah, I’m just gonna keep doing this.’ And then it was like a year turned into two years. I still got to scratch the wrestling itch a little bit with Flatbacks [training school] with training people, but I wasn’t really missing like being on the road at all. I really liked being at home, I liked waking up in my bed and making breakfast and just typical stuff that people take for granted that I never got to do.
So, again, I was in no real hurry. I was like, ‘Ah, if something happens, if something pops up that could be really fun, maybe I’ll do.’ But really for the most part, I wasn’t against it but I wasn’t missing it. And then it just so happens that [Shawn] Spears, who I train with, he went, ‘Hey, I need an opponent for a match. Would you want to do it?’ And I said, ‘Sure, I could do that.’ So I was like, ‘Well, I’ll do one, I’ll do one.’ And then that same promoter was like, ‘Oh, would you also like to do this show and this show?’ And I went, ‘Yeah, I might as well. Why not?’ So then, somebody saw that so then all of a sudden, they offered me and then all of a sudden, my September’s full of bookings and everything else and I went, ‘Alright, I guess I’m back here.’ So then it was, you know, kick into high gear to get new music, new gear, get in shape, all that stuff.
My first booking was what — a week ago, two weeks ago — and yeah, it was fun, man. The thing that you always, and I think it’s the reason why we do this or why people have a hard time stepping away, is the crowd. The crowd is always — like it’s just so fun. Wrestling is never the problem, like if people get entitled or they get egos or they get whatever, the wrestling part is never the problem. The wrestling and the crowd is why we do it. It’s so fun, man. Being back in front of them, very cool. I’m excited to take more bookings and kind of get back out there. Again, it’s been two years. So. jumping back in there, it feels a little bit fresh and it feels fun and I’m enjoying it.
A2D Radio asked Breeze if he thinks there’s a chance he could wrestle for a bigger promotion like WWE, AEW or Impact Wrestling. Breeze said he’s open to it, but it’s not something that he’s actively seeking out.
I think it’s possible. I definitely wouldn’t say that I’m retired or opposed to any of that. Obviously, I’m still young, I’m still athletic, and I still do all the stuff that I did before. I think if the right moment, right opportunity popped up and talked to the right people and everything lined up, I’d go, ‘Yeah, cool. Why not?’ But I’m not actively seeking it either. I like everything that’s going on right now. I’m very, very happy with everything that’s going on. If something popped up that could add to that happiness, fantastic. But, yeah, I’m open to whatever.
Breeze said he still has a great relationship with WWE and has guest coached at the Performance Center here and there. Breeze is also still part of Xavier Woods’ UpUpDownDown YouTube channel.
Breeze’s full interview with A2D Radio is available to watch below:
WWE cut another 14 wrestlers this past week, with many who had been regulars on 205 Live, plus former main roster performers Tyler Breeze & Fandango, the Bollywood Boyz and Killian Dain, the husband of Nikki Cross.
It’s obvious that the names were not decided as recently as two weeks ago since on the 6/8 episode of NXT, Breeze & Fandango got a win over Imperium, and shot an angle where Breeze was buried underneath the Imperium flag, which appeared to be a way to revive that program.
Also on the list of cuts were 205 Live regulars Tony Nese, Ariya Daivari and August Gray, along with the tag team of Ever Rise, which had been getting TV time of late with NXT, Curt Stallion, who got a few week push on NXT and then was forgotten about and did some 205 Live dates, Arturo Ruas, a Brazilian amateur wrestler, Marina Shafir, who former high-level judoka who was part of the Ronda Rousey led Four Horsewomen, Tino Sabbatelli, a former legitimate NFL player noted for a great physique who would have been a major star had he come along in the 70s, and Killian Dain, the husband of Nikki Cross.
During a Twitch stream that took place earlier today, Breeze said that he appreciated he had stayed with WWE for eleven years, as most people don’t last that long.
“I was with the company for eleven years,” he said. “An eleven year run in the biggest wrestling company in the world is unheard of, it’s a huge thing. Most people are there for three or four years. The fact that I was there for 11, fantastic, more than I could ask for.”
He also said that he had not expected to be fired, but assumed it could happen, adopting the mentality of preparing to be fired since the day he got hired. As it relates to his future, he said that he would set up a Cameo and have some ideas for a Patreon, and would continue streaming.
“I’ll be streaming and we have a lot of stuff to figure out,” he said. “A lot of stuff is still in the works. Yes, I’m setting up my Cameo again, I’m just waiting for them to approve it. There’s a lot of stuff in the air that we’re slowly figuring out. You guys will kinda know as I know. We’re trying to figure out a lot of stuff.”
“Will I continue my wrestling career? I don’t know, we’ll have to see,” he said when asked. “I haven’t decided yet.” Breeze also confirmed that he had a 90 day no-compete clause.
Breeze was one of fourteen people that were released by WWE on June 25. Fandango, his long-time tag team partner, was also cut.
Sterling (formerly known as Alex Zayne) and Hale (Anthony Henry) are both new additions to the 205 Live roster. Sterling was part of the group of signees that joined the WWE Performance Center last December, while Hale joined the Performance Center this February.
Sterling made his WWE debut by defeating Samir Singh on 205 Live three weeks ago. He lost to Nese the following week but then defeated Hale on last Friday’s show.
Hale’s WWE debut was a loss against Cameron Grimes on NXT three weeks ago. On 205 Live, Hale has defeated Daivari but lost to Sterling.
In storyline, Nese and Daivari are the veterans of 205 Live who don’t like newcomers to the brand. Nese & Daivari were most recently in action on NXT last week, losing to Hit Row’s Top Dolla & Ashante “Thee” Adonis.
Cruiserweight Champion Santos Escobar is set for non-title action on this week’s episode of NXT.
WWE announced tonight that a non-title match between Escobar and Tyler Breeze will take place on NXT this Wednesday. There was an angle on NXT last week where Legado del Fantasma attacked Breezango in the parking lot and abducted Fandango.
Legado del Fantasma brought Fandango to the ring later on last week’s show, with Escobar cutting a promo about how Breezango disrespected and mocked lucha libre culture. Breeze tried to make a save for his partner but was laid out by Raul Mendoza and Joaquin Wilde. Escobar then warned that this would be Isaiah “Swerve” Scott’s future if he speaks Escobar’s name again.
Karrion Kross vs. Danny Burch, Bronson Reed vs. Damian Priest, and a TakeOver qualifying match between Kushida, Cameron Grimes, and an opponent who has yet to be announced are also set for Wednesday’s show. Plus, WWE will follow up on last week’s confrontation between Adam Cole and Pat McAfee.
The winner of the Kushida vs. Grimes vs. mystery opponent match will become the third wrestler to qualify for the ladder match for the vacant North American Championship at TakeOver XXX, joining Reed and Priest.
An immediate change to the typical 205 Live atmosphere was noticeable as instead of playing to a non-existent crowd, Tyler Breeze, and all other wrestlers, played to a makeshift crowd of WWE talent.
In the opening moments of the match, Tony Nese and Breeze entered a lock-up. Nese broke the lock-up and flexed his arm; let my satisfaction be known in hearing a crowd respond to the narcissism of Nese. What a fantastic change in scenery.
Nese and Breeze reentered a lock-up. Breeze came out in an advantaged position that saw Nese in a partial choke. Nese tried and tried before eventually succeeding in breaking the hold. As Breeze tried to return the match to the mat, he was on the receiving end of a strong kick from Nese.
Nese mounted Breeze, punching him multiple times before standing to bask in a field of boos. Breeze tried to escape the attack of Nese by migrating to the corner but there he was caught by a barrage of stomps. Nese landed a slam and then went for a pin that was answered.
Following the pin attempt, Nese secured back mount wherein he attacked the eyes of Breeze. The referee stopped the attack with a count which allowed Breeze to transition into the guard of Nese. Breeze postured up and leveled Nese with a strong forearm followed by a few weak ones. Nese pulled away.
As Breeze tried to follow up, he was struck in the throat. Nese then took the head of Breeze, ran him across the ring, and jumped to the outside leading Breeze’s throat across the top rope. Nese ascended to the top rope where he dove. Breeze avoided the dive. Nese’s flight was graceful; his crash, on the other hand, was better described as unpleasant.
Breeze landed two forearms to the face, a kick to the midsection, and a dropkick all in short succession after both men rose. Nese tried to reverse a whip but was met with a kick. As Breeze tried for further offense Nese rolled to the outside and tripped a running Breeze. Nese climbed to the top rope again and landed a picture-perfect moonsault. Breeze kicked out from the subsequent pin attempt.
As both men rose from their position of prostration, Nese positioned Breeze for a back to belly piledriver. Breeze fell from the back, rolling Nese up in a seamless changeover. Nese kicked out but was kicked in the midsection and dropped with an atypical move best described by my estimation as an over the shoulder facebuster. Breeze tried for another pin but Nese kicked out.
Breeze began a slow climb to the top rope but was cut short by an uppercut from Nese. Breeze fell into perfect position for a running knee but was able to avoid the attack before it could be delivered. Breeze, now on the outside, grabbed the legs of Nese; one leg on the left side of the post the other leg on the opposite side. Breeze took the left leg of Nese and whipped it into the post. Nese tried to hobble away from his attacker but was grabbed by Breeze who synched a single leg crab on the appropriate leg. Nese cried out in pain as he crawled ever so slowly to the bottom rope with each second passing seemingly being a possible end.
Nese rolled to the outside, still selling the effects of his now destroyed leg. Breeze then jumped from the apron with a forearm smash that sent Nese to his back. Breeze rolled Nese into the ring before grabbing him for a release German suplex. Nese landed on his feet, then jumped, and then connected a double foot stomp before returning to selling his supposedly injured leg. Nese, after a failed pin attempt, grabbed his leg once again. Nese then scaled the ropes again and jumped. He was caught by Breeze. It is also worth mentioning that Nese was caught only after landing on his leg.
Nese pulled away, entered a sprint, and then was put down by Breeze with a spinebuster. Breeze then lifted Nese and dropped him once more with a uranage. Nese kicked from Breeze’s pin attempt.
Breeze pulled Nese to his feet and positioned him for the unprettier. Nese pushed Breeze to the corner to avoid. Nese ran at Breeze, seemingly forgetting he had a bum leg, and laid him out with a spinning back elbow. Breeze was then sat in the corner in the perfect position for a running knee that he was hit with at full speed, with the supposedly damaged knee mind you. Nese pinned Breeze for the win.
This match had potentially fantastic moments, but ultimately fell short due to its inconsistency. The improved ambiance and skill of both men should have produced a better match. An injured leg was introduced partway through the match only to be forgotten in the closing moments and then to be remembered again after the concluding bell. As to why, I cannot tell you.
Tehuti Miles defeated Danny Burch
Tehuti Miles snubbed Danny Burch in the initial lock-up. He then entered a proper lock-up for a moment before snubbing Burch again. An annoyed Burch ran at Miles, who escaped to the outside. Burch grew in his annoyance. The two locked up again. This time Miles took down Burch with a pull to the legs. Miles then proceeded to walk over the face-down body of Burch.
This disrespect caused Burch to snap. He struck Miles on the ground before taking him down with a headlock. Burch worked a mean headlock, interspersing his hold with brutal palm strikes. Miles fought to his feet, only to be sent to the ground with a shoulder tackle. Miles was then uppercut, chopped, and forearm smashed across the ring. Burch stomped Miles into the corner forcing a referee separation.
Miles took advantage of this separation by pulling down the rope as Burch tried to continue his assault, sending him to the outside. Burch tried once again to continue his offense but was met with a dropkick as he tried to reenter the ring. Miles rolled Burch into the ring and assumed a full mount. Ground and pound followed. A more serious Miles stood and dropped the straps of his attire. Miles then stomped Burch into the corner. Burch was then dragged into a standing position and returned to a grounded one with a neck breaker. Miles tried for a pin, but failed.
Miles then grabbed Burch with a chin lock. Burch tried to return to his feet while still being in the chin lock but was dropped once more with a neck breaker. Miles tried and failed another pin before synching another chin lock that was ultimately broken. Burch then stuck Miles thrice before climbing to the second rope for a dropkick. Burch landed an enziguri that he followed with a brutal German suplex.
Burch connected with a lariat that sent Miles to the outside. Miles was rolled into the ring by Burch who was looking to finish his wounded opponent. Before he could think, Burch was rolled up by Miles for the surprise victory.
This match was very good. Both men played to their strengths and ultimately came out looking good. The finish was unexpected but satisfying. What this win means for Miles is hard to say but hopefully, it is the groundwork for a bright future.
This show was far better than the last few renditions of 205 Live simply due to the live crowd. What they added to the show is all too easy to understate. The matches themselves varied in success but are worth considering a watch if you are partial to any of the performers.
Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch defeated Chase Parker and Matt Martel (Ever-Rise)
205 Live’s introductory match this week was a rematch from this week’s episode of NXT. The pairing of Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch got the better of the former team 3.0 in their last meeting.
As the bell sounded, Burch entered a collar-and-elbow tie-up with Matt Martel. The tie-up was broken by the referee after it worked its way into the corner. As Burch and Martel felt each other out, Butch walked in the direction of the Ever-Rise corner wherein he was attacked by both Martel and Chase Parker. Parker tagged in as the two double-teamed Burch.
Parker landed a shoulder tackle once he became Burch’s lone attacker, however during his fall following the previously mentioned shoulder tackle Parker’s leg was apprehended by Burch. Burch stood, Parker’s ankle in hand, and tagged in Oney Lorcan.
Lorcan chopped Parker multiple times prior to an Irish whip attempt. Parker stepped through and reversed Lorcan’s attempted whip sending Lorcan into the corner. Parker then tagged Martel back into the match. Ever-Rise tried to once again double team their opponent but Lorcan, with an uppercut and a single leg Boston crab, was able to take out both men. Lorcan seemed to be in a favorable position with the crab locked in.
A breakup was attempted, but was met with resistance by Burch. Burch was thrown into the hold, breaking it up.
Lorcan was then attacked by both members of Ever-Rise in their corner. Both Martel and Parker took turns tagging each other in and out. Lorcan, after being continually assaulted, was eventually able to float over into a neck breaker. A hot tag followed.
Burch entered the ring and landed a couple of strikes on Parker before having one stuffed. Parker sent Burch to the corner, but Burch met him with a high boot. Burch was then given time to ascend the ropes to deliver a flying dropkick to Parker. Burch ran the length of the ring to deliver a clothesline to a cornered Parker, which was immediately followed by an enziguri which was followed by a release German suplex.
As Parker staggered back to a standing position, he came into close contact with a running clothesline from Burch. Burch covered Parker, but Martel entered the ring in time to break up the pin.
Martel attempted to interfere with Burch further, but was answered with a headbutt. Burch put Parker on the top rope, but Parker pushed his way down. Martel sneakily tagged himself in while Parker simultaneously set up for a double-team elevated neck breaker. Burch was hit with the impressive move in what could have been a completely believable finish. Lorcan entered the ring to break up the pin before that could be realized.
Burch rose to his feet, as did Martel. Both men looked to be winded. Burch connected with a flurry of uppercuts that he tried to follow with a running move but he was stopped by the elbow of Martel. Martel tried for a scoop slam, but Burch floated over into a crossface. Parker hit the ring to try and break the hold, but was immediately stopped by Lorcan. Lorcan sent Parker to the mat with a single leg Boston crab. Martel then tapped to Burch’s crossface.
This match was good, though it seemed to be without purpose. Why Ever-Rise needed to rechallenge Burch and Lorcan remains a mystery to me especially seeing as they were defeated again.
Isaiah “Swerve” Scott defeated Tyler Breeze
Isaiah Scott and Tyler Breeze started this match with an arm drag display that left Scott in a seated position. Scott’s face looked flustered, almost as if he should not have been bested in that interaction. Breeze taunted his seated opponent with a pose in the corner à la Eddie Guererro.
The two then entered a collar-and-elbow tie-up that found its way into the corner. Breeze, being in the advancing position, looked as if he would act in good faith and break cleanly. He did not. He instead ran towards Scott but was leaped over. Scott rolled Breeze in and tried for a kick, but came up short. Scott was visibly discomposed after his miss.
The two stood and reentered a collar-and-elbow tie-up. This time Breeze was backed into the corner. Scott, instead of breaking the tie-up, whipped Breeze into the other corner sending him crashing into the mat.
Scott tried to follow up on his gained advantage with a move from the ropes but slipped during his climb. Breeze then kicked Scott sending him tumbling to the outside. Scott grew even more upset with what was his third fumble. He hesitated to reenter the ring and was ultimately punished by Breeze for his hesitation as Breeze took to the outside for an attack. Breeze blindsided Scott with an elbow before driving him into the barricade.
Breeze sent Scott back into the ring for a cover but was met with a strong kick out. Breeze suplexed Scott and tried for another pin, but met the same fate.
Breeze whipped Scott into the corner before clubbing his back with forearms. Scott began to enter a berserker-style rage as Breeze clubbed away. Scott turned and landed an excellently brief and impactful strike that sent Breeze to the floor. Breeze looked to be out but was able to roll to the outside. Scott wasted no time as he jumped the ropes onto the apron and stomped the head of Breeze. Scott sent Breeze into the after a slam into the barricade and went for a pin that Breeze was able to kick out from.
Scott climbed the ropes, but Breeze stood to meet him. Breeze was unable to stop Scott from jumping but he was able to dodge Scott’s attempted stomp. Breeze landed an enziguri on a turned Scott and pinned him. Scott kicked out. Breeze hesitated in his followup which allowed Scott to float over a suplex attempt. Scott picked up Breeze but Breeze flipped straight to his feet. Breeze went for a rollup but Scott kicked out. Scott then went for a roll-through of his own but instead of a pin Scott transitioned into a suplex. Scott went for the pin but Breeze kicked out.
Scott set up for the house call, his finish, but missed. Breeze tried for the supermodel kick but was caught by Scott. Scott tried for a spinning forearm smash, but again, was caught by Breeze. Scott was able to finally break the stalemate with a neck breaker. Somehow he was unable to follow up and Breeze connected with a supermodel kick. Scott kicked out of the subsequent pin.
Both men returned to their feet. Breeze started to club Scott with forearms again. Breeze lifted Scott to the second rope. Scott kicked Breeze before he could connect with a move. A dazed Breeze then climbed the ropes, Scott escaped under him. Breeze was then lifted by Scott and dropped with the confidence boost. Scott pinned Breeze for the victory.
This match’s first act was good. It dragged in the second. I can not understate how much better this match would have been if it had come to a close following Scott’s initial moment of rage. It just went way too long. The simple, concise story of a frustrated Scott overcoming his early stumbles was lost in the falling action.
Big Takeaways: 205 Live returned to the WWE Network with a stellar main event that saw Jack Gallagher defeat fellow interim NXT Championship tournament competitor Tony Nese.
Tyler Breeze defeated Tehuti Miles
205 Live’s return to the WWE Network was not without a significant change. Said change was immediately noticeable, even prior to the completion of Tyler Breeze’s entrance, as the new announce team of Cory Graves and Byron Saxton could not go a minute before playing to the insolent jerk and naive pushover announce team cliche. This thankfully wasn’t terribly noticeable throughout the show.
Following the bell’s sounding, Tehuti Miles threw the towel he had brought with him to the ring in the face of Breeze. Miles unloaded strikes on Breeze in the corner forcing a referee separation that allowed Breeze a window of opportunity. Breeze connected with a knee from the corner which led into a short sequence that was punctuated with a spine buster.
Miles rolled behind ropes. Breeze attempted to continue his offense but was stopped by the referee due to Miles’ continued state of rope clinching. Miles, not allowing the opening to pass him by, struck Breeze while the referee was attempting to create separation. Miles landed a dropkick to Breeze which sent Breeze to the floor. While alone in the ring, Miles posed on his side as he waited for Breeze’s reentry to the ring.
Breeze rolled in and was met with plenty of stomps that were followed by punches that were followed by a neck breaker. Breeze kicked from a pin attempt and Miles continued his attack. More stomps, a second neck breaker, and a second pin attempt left Breeze in an unfavorable position.
Breeze showed signs of life, but was repeatedly met with more offense from Miles. Miles continually slowed the pace of the match which ultimately led to a point that allowed Breeze to connect with a surprise supermodel kick. Breeze was unable to capitalize as Miles successfully regained the match advantage.
With Miles in the driver’s seat, Breeze looked to be in an unwinnable position but hesitation from Miles on what would have been a third neck breaker allowed Breeze to spin into the unprettier. Breeze hooked the leg and secured the victory.
This match told a simple story competently; Breeze was consistently outmatched but ultimately came out on top due to Mile’s cocksureness. Nothing felt at stake but as a one-page drama, it was fine.
Jack Gallagher defeated Tony Nese
Both Jack Gallagher and Tony Nese seemed to have something to prove heading into this match. Both men are in poor position in the ongoing round-robin tournament for the Interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship.
The initial feeling out featured chain wrestling that resulted in both men on the mat. Gallagher, in his new brutish form, ended the mat grappling with raining elbows. Nese was forced to withdraw, but even in retreat, he was met with strikes from an unwavering Gallagher. Nese rolled to the outside.
Gallagher then directed his attention not to his competitor that was laid out on the Performance Center floor, but to the announce team. Nese returned to the ring and was able to gain a favorable position in the match by blocking an attempted strike from Gallagher. Nese then led a succinct sequence that returned the match to the mat. Gallagher fought to his feet and was immediately returned to the mat in a headlock. On his second fight to a standing position, Gallagher incorporated strikes to the midsection which forced Nese to break the hold.
In his bid for sustained control, Nese sent Gallagher into the ropes with an Irish whip. Gallagher floated over the shoulder of Nese and attempted to score the win with a crucifix pin on the rebound. Nese kicked from the pin and proceeded to attack Gallagher as if it had never happened. Gallagher was sent to the outside after Nese Irish whipped him into the corner but quickly rolled back into the ring. Nese picked Gallagher up for a scoop slam before returning to a hold on the mat.
Gallagher turned into the guard of Nese and once again reigned fists on his grounded opponent. Instead of continuing his attack, Gallagher stood up and walked away which allowed Nese to grab his legs and secure the Boston crab. Gallagher rolled his body free from Nese’s hold. Both men, under their own volition, exited the ring. Following a pithy struggle, Gallagher proceeded to drive the head of Nese into the barricade.
Gallager rolled Nese into the ring once more, this time maintaining wrist control. Gallagher mockingly kicked Nese before being met with a forearm. A rattled Gallagher then attempted a kick with Nese’s wrist still in hand, but Nese ducked. Nese lifted Gallagher, but Gallagher broke free.
A struggle once again ensued. Nese, in seeming consummation, sent Gallagher to the mat once more with a rope to the throat followed by a picture-perfect moonsault. Gallagher answered the pin with a strong kick out. Gallagher once again rose to his feet but was firmly planted with a back-to-belly piledriver. Gallagher kicked out once more.
Gallagher, now in a state of complete daze, crawled to the corner. Nese lowered his kneepad and entered a sprint but before connecting with his strike, Gallagher rose again and met his running opponent with a headbutt to the sternum. Both men were on equal footing afresh. Both men traded failed roll-ups, missed strikes, and dropped lifts before Gallagher was sent into the ropes. Gallagher bounced against the ropes into a rolling elbow. Nese fell to the mat with Gallagher falling onto him for the pinfall victory.
Though I felt a slight clash of styles, this match was very good from start to finish. If these are the men performing poorly in this tournament, then this belt must be a true prize worth chasing. Gallagher continues to impress with his new rough-hewn persona and Nese refused to quit.
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.
Three weeks ago, Kushida was part of the Team NXT vs. 205 Live originals 10-man elimination tag match on 205 Live. He was revealed as the final member of Team NXT on that show, replacing Lio Rush. Team NXT won the match after dissension between Gallagher and his teammates. Kushida and Isaiah “Swerve” Scott were the two members of Team NXT left standing at the end.
Kushida defeated Joaquin Wilde on the episode of NXT that aired last night.
Tomorrow’s 205 Live will be the third time Kushida has wrestled on the show. He teamed with Gallagher to defeat Akira Tozawa & Brian Kendrick when 205 Live took place at Madison Square Garden in September.
Matt Riddle vs. Roderick Strong and Tyler Breeze vs. Austin Theory are both airing on NXT this week. NXT Champion Adam Cole will also share a “special message” on the episode.
“Just days ago, Adam Cole became the longest reigning NXT Champion in history, surpassing Finn Bálor’s 292-day turn as titleholder,” WWE.com wrote.
“The Undisputed ERA’s leader has a special message for the NXT Universe, and plans on sharing it tomorrow night. Just what does Cole have in store? Find out tomorrow on NXT at 8/7 C on USA Network!”
Cole celebrating becoming the longest-reigning NXT Champion in history had originally been announced for last week’s show. WWE was also building up Cole defending the title against Velveteen Dream at TakeOver: Tampa. Starting on April 1, several of the matches that were planned for TakeOver will air on NXT television over the next several weeks.
Riddle & Pete Dunne are the current NXT Tag Team Champions. They won the titles from Cole and Strong’s Undisputed Era stablemates Kyle O’Reilly & Bobby Fish at NXT TakeOver: Portland last month.
There was a backstage segment on NXT two weeks ago where Theory insulted Breeze for not panning out as a superstar. Breeze responded by calling Theory a flash in the pan.
Candice LeRae vs. Kayden Carter and Xia Li vs. Aliyah will also air on NXT this week, with the winners qualifying for the number one contender’s ladder match that had originally been scheduled for TakeOver: Tampa. WWE has also announced that Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano will have to answer to Triple H after their brawl at the Performance Center two weeks ago.
The presentation of the new NXT Cruiserweight title belt from Saturday was shown, along with Jordan Devlin winning the championship in the fatal four-way match at Worlds Collide.
The capper of “For the first time ever, the NXT Cruiserweight title is in the hands of an NXT UK superstar” wasn’t exactly the “boyhood dream has come true!” of its era, but it was an attempt to make the moment seem important.
Jon Quasto and Aiden English were on commentary this week. Ariya Daivari helping Brian Kendrick defeat Danny Burch last week was shown to set up a rematch between Burch and Kendrick tonight. Tyler Breeze faces Angel Garza in the main event on the road to WrestleMania.
Even with his DJZ-esque air horn in his intro, Joaquin Wilde came out to dead silence.
Joaquin Wilde defeated Raul Mendoza
English talked about Wilde bringing unreal energy, and he did the air horn bit to no reaction. A long headlock by Mendoza led to them fighting over an Irish whip before trading one counts from leg trips.
Mendoza got a “Woo” from the crowd off some corner chops before locking up the arm for a bit. Wilde went up and ate a dropkick to the stomach before a spinning uranage got two. Wilde hit a poison rana, the recoil, and the Wilde Thing ended it.
Everything but the actual finish looked good — just popping a guy up into a pair of boots doesn’t look like it should do much damage.
Danny Burch defeated Brian Kendrick (w/ Ariya Daivari) by DQ
Kendrick stalled on the floor for a while before Burch fought him on the floor and threw him into the steps. He tossed Kendrick into the barricade before Kendrick threw Burch over the announce table, with Burch selling his left knee.
Kendrick worked away on the knee before attacking Burch’s throat on the rope. Daivari tried to get involved, but Burch fought him off and then landed a corner lariat and a high kick.
A missile dropkick got two for Burch. Daivari tried to help Kendrick get the win like last week, but the referee caught him this time. Burch hit a headbutt and locked on a crossface, but Daivari attacked for the disqualification. This actually got a chorus of boos, so that was impressive.
Kendrick ran a chair into the back of Burch’s left knee and went to Pillmanize him until Oney Lorcan returned and ran out with his own steel chair to make the save.
It was announced that NXT Cruiserweight Champion Jordan Devlin will make his 205 Live debut next week.
Angel Garza defeated Tyler Breeze
Garza entered with his right shoulder covered in kinesio tape, which may not be the best thing for him since his shoulder’s been an issue for years.
They fought over a lock-up for a bit before Garza got tackled and Breeze posed. Garza stopped on an Irish whip and teased taking off his tear-away pants, but Breeze hit an enzuigiri to prevent it. Garza faked Breeze out mid-ring and they went back and forth until Garza faked him out on the fakeout, pulled him to the floor, and put the boots to him.
Garza put Breeze in the second rope and booted the stomach for two before hitting a shotgun dropkick. The pants were then off! That got the best reaction of the night, then Garza hit a PK in a tree-of-woe position for two.
Breeze hit a flying forearm and a dropkick from the side before a big corner forearm shot. The Supermodel Kick hit for 2.5. Breeze then went for a kick, but Garza landed a hard knee for two.
Garza hit a dropkick and went up for a moonsault, but Breeze rolled to the other side. They repeated it and Garza attacked before a springboard moonsault met the boots of Breeze. Breeze got a small package for two before the Wing Clipper gave Garza the win and handed Breeze his first loss on 205 Live.
