Recapping American wrestling since 2013. Not only following the current stuff in WWE, Impact and ROH but also going back in time and doing stuff from back then as well.
Red Velvet retains the ROH World Women's Television Championship against Hanako after going for Hanako's eyes.
We hear from Shane Taylor, who says that in America, you are judged by the casualties that you leave behind and not by the content of your character and that nobody cares how you rise to power. He says that days of the true warriors are gone, then says that Shane Taylor Promotions (Shane Taylor, "Taiga Style" Lee Moriarty, "The Captain" Shawn Dean, "Bad News and Tattoos" Carlie Bravo, Trish Adora) is not going to duck anybody and is always prepared to go to war.
Action Andretti and Lio Rush beat Rocky "Azucar" Romero and Homicide.
In backstage footage from Final Battle, "The Natural" Dustin Rhodes and Sammy Guevara celebrate. Dustin says he has been burned by partners before and that he was surprised to see Guevara "110% behind [him]." He also says they went out and did what they said they would do and that Guevara has grown as a man. Guevara says he will keep having Dustin's back, especially at the Tokyo Dome, and Dustin says that if anyone wants a shot at the ROH World Tag Team titles there, they will have it.
Harley Cameron beats Ashley Vox.
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews Red Velvet. Red Velvet says she is tired of everyone asking her the same question, then "Legit" Leyla Hirsch confronts Red Velvet for how he beat her at Final Battle. She admits she has done Red Velvet dirty in the past, and that Red Velvet had to cheat because she knew she could not beat her. Red Velvet appreciates her persistence, then tells her that she has another title shot and that it will be on her time.
Before the next match, Jacked Jameson says Shane Taylor Promotions (Shane Taylor, "Taiga Style" Lee Moriarty, "The Captain" Shawn Dean, "Bad News and Tattoos" Carlie Bravo, Trish Adora) remains him of Santa's reindeer and extends an invitation to Trish Adora to join "the Savage Clauses" and ride their big red sleighs after playing with the elves in Shane Taylor Promotions and their toys.
Shane Taylor Promotions (Shane Taylor, "Taiga Style" Lee Moriarty, "The Captain" Shawn Dean, "Bad News and Tattoos" Carlie Bravo) beat The Iron Savages (Boulder and Bronson) and The Dark Order (Evil Uno and Alex Reynolds) by submission with a cross arm breaker from Lee Moriarty to Evil Uno.
We look back on Willow Nightingale vs. Athena for the ROH World Women's Championship at Death Before Dishonor 2023.
QT Marshall lasts ten minutes against Kalisto in a Proving Ground Match for the ROH World Television Championship and earns a future shot at the ROH World Television Championship.
Here are the top five moments from tonight's show!
Backstage, Adam Pearce tells to keep everything secure as best as they can, as all the top stars are here and Vince McMahon is in the house. He then meets with Vince, who asks him to get signatures from Roman Reigns, Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman on the contract for their match at Payback. Vince recommends he start with Bray Wyatt first, and gives him "the proper attire" for Firefly Fun House before telling him to say hello to Huskus The Pig Boy for him.
Jeff Hardy shows up to start tonight's show. He says that after what "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles did to his knee last week, he is glad to be standing anywhere, much less the ring, and as he says he is ready to defend the Intercontinental Championship, Styles shows up. Styles calls Jeff a liar and a cheat, then says he has had knee injuries before and did not whine and cry to a doctor to get an illegal object on his knee. He says that Jeff had a plan involving the brace he got last week, and that he had him beat last week. Styles says that Jeff knew what he was doing and knew how to play the system, and says that the doctor who treated Jeff will not medically clear him tonight, blaming him for that. Jeff says he was about to issue a challenge...to anyone but him. As Styles becomes further aggressive towards Jeff, Jeff hits Styles with a forearm.
"The Phenomenal" AJ Styles guests on commentary for the next match.
Jeff Hardy retains the WWE Intercontinental Championship against Shinsuke Nakamura in an open challenge that sees Jeff toss Nakamura into "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles at the announce table. After the match, Sami Zayn shows up for the first time in months with an Intercontinental Championship belt of his own and declares himself the real Intercontinental Championship before both men look at Styles, who is in the ring. Sami Zayn kicks Jeff Hardy in the face as Jeff looks at Styles, then calls Jeff a fraud and leaves.
Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Sami Zayn, who says that Jeff Hardy is pretending to be the Intercontinental Champion much like AJ Styles before him, and calls them fradulent champions. When asked why he has not defended the championship for five months, he says he has many reasons and that he is a man of the world and the true Intercontinental Champion in every sense of the word. He then speaks in French and leaves.
It's time for Firefly Fun House. Bray Wyatt says it feels good to be back home with all of his friends, but he cannot help but feel something is missing. He then produces the WWE Universal Championship, and neither monster can take it away this time. He then tells Roman Reigns that it has been a long time and that it is good to see him again. The doorbell then ring, and Adam Pearce shows up dressed as a postman. When "Postman Pearce" asks him to sign the contract for the match at Payback, Bray asks why. He says there is a connection between Bray and "him," then Bray signs. He says that if he knows The Fiends like he does, he just signed a couple of death warrants. "Postman Pearce" then leaves while being weirded out towards Bray, and the segment ends.
Matt Riddle shows up. Riddle says that King Corbin has said that anyone who felt he did not belong on SmackDown was welcome to the King's Ransom, and says that Corbin is scared to face him. He then tells Corbin that if he has something to prove to prove him wrong. After the commercial break, Riddle is still waiting for Corbin, and calls him out again. Corbin soon shows up, but as he approaches the ring, Riddle is attacked from behind by Shorty G before Corbin accepts Riddle's challenge on behalf of Shorty G.
Matt Riddle beats Shorty G. After the match, King Corbin charges into the ring, but retreats when Riddle sees him coming and outsmarts him.
In a WWE Network exclusive from earlier today, Big E is met by The Miz and John Morrison when he does not want to be on Miz TV following their argument on Talking Smack. Sheamus joins Miz and Morrison, but Heavy Machinery (Tucker and Otis) joins Big E.
Backstage, Big E and Heavy Machinery (Tucker and Otis) are looking at sausage in a green-and-yellow lunch box when Bayley and Sasha Banks show up and make fun of them for "playing with their meat" and saying they are only capable of handling a tag team championship.
Backstage, Adam Pearce knocks on Roman Reigns' door to get his signature for the contract, but does not get him and leaves. Meanwhile, Kayla Braxton interviews King Corbin, who says he will break Matt Riddle and prove Riddle does not belong in his kingdom on SmackDown.
Bayley and Sasha Banks show up. Bayley says this is one of the most difficult weeks of her and Sasha's careers, as they have had to defend both of their singles titles and will soon have to defend the Women's tag titles at Payback. She then says that she and Sasha are still the best tag team in the history of the women's division, but when Sasha gets cross with her, Bayley says that Asuka beating her for the Raw Women's Championship is all her fault. After mentioning Sasha's inability to defend a singles title, she says that they have to keep moving forward and that they cannot lose at Payback. Sasha agrees, and says that while Bayley has her back, they can get through anything. She says that while she is no longer "Two Belts Banks," they are still best friends and she knows who she is. Suddenly, "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax show up on the TitanTron. Shayna says Sasha and Bayley's week is about to get worse, and Nia says she hates them even more than Shayna. Shayna also admits she does not like Nia, then says Sasha is known for everything except winning. Sasha is undeterred and says she will get her vengeance on Sunday.
Backstage, Adam Pearce asks Drew Gulak if he has seen Roman Reigns. Gulak asks Pearce if he has seen Braun Strowman, then finds Strowman and hits him with a steel chair before tossing the chair to Pearce. Pearce explains what's going on, and asks Strowman to sign the contract. Strowman says he knows he is looking for Roman, and says he will sign the contract if he can get Drew Gulak in the ring right now.
Backstage, Cesaro asks Nakamura to let him know when he goes for a singles title as they are a time, then Sami Zayn shows up and meets them for the first time in months. Nakamura mentions that Sami has not even given them a phone call, and Cesaro mentions that things have changed in the last four months, such as them being tag team champions. Sami says this was part of his plan. As he proceeds to celebrate with "fellow champions," Cesaro tells Sami that they were in the middle of a private conversation. Sami seems slighted and says that he had to go, then leaves.
Braun Strowman beats Drew Gulak. After the match, Braun Strowman signs the contract on the stage.
Backstage, Kalisto asks Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik to stay backstage, as he has learned from Lince's mistakes from Cesaro last week. After Kalisto leaves, Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura attack Lince and Metalik from behind.
Cesaro beats Kalisto after Shinsuke Nakamura grabs Kalisto from behind, despite Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik stepping in to stop Nakamura. After the match, Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik make up with Kalisto.
Backstage, Adam Pearce meets with Vince McMahon concerning Roman Reigns. McMahon tells him to knock the doors to his dressing room down with his own body.
Backstage, Tamina speaks with Nikki Cross concerning Alexa Bliss. Alexa shows up wearing pigtails with pink tips, saying she has never been better. Nikki cannot help but be reminded of "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt. Alexa goes off on Nikki Cross, grabs the coffee mug in Nikki's hands - the one she gave Nikki last year - and throws it on the floor, shattering it.
Backstage, Sheamus meets with The Miz and John Morrison concerning strategy for The Miz. Morrison says Big E and Heavy Machinery cannot be let into the ring, which causes Sheamus to tell them to follow his lead.
Backstage, Adam Pearce finally meets Roman Reigns. Reigns looks at the contract.
Big E and Heavy Machinery (Tucker and Otis) beat The Miz, John Morrison and Sheamus after Sheamus walks out on Miz and Morrison after being knocked off the ring apron after Tucker sends Morrison into him as he complains about the referee not seeing him tag in.
Backstage, Roman Reigns tells Adam Pearce that he will wreck Braun Strowman and Bray Wyatt to take back the WWE Universal Championship he never lost in the first place, and says that's not a prediction, that's a spoiler. It is then revealed that Paul Heyman is sitting next to Roman to end the show.
Talking Smack: Sami Zayn demands to be called the Intercontinental Champion.
It's time for Miz TV to start tonight's show. Team Flair and Team Hogan are in the ring along with The Miz. Hulk Hogan tells "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair that he has put together the greatest Hulkamania team of all time, and asks him what he is going to do when his team destroys Team Flair. Flair says there is no love lost between him and Hogan, and says Hogan has such a big ego he barely exists. He says he has taken teams to war, and at Crown Jewel, it will be like Hogan vs. Flair one more time and Team Hogan will go down. Hogan tells Flair to check the history books, as he has never beaten him and he will never beat Team Hogan now, especially when he has guys with a heart of gold in Shorty G, athletic prowess in Ali and power in Rusev. After Hogan says every dog needs a bone to chew on and that Team Hogan will chomp on Team Flair, Sami Zayn says Shorty G could stand on Ali's shoulders and still be only have the man Shinsuke Nakamura is. Shorty G says he has accepted who he is and is honored to be part of Team Hogan, and says he will prove people wrong when Team Hogan wins. Ali says he doesn't have to pay attention to Sami, as Sami is "just a mouthpiece." King Corbin tells Ali that he is in the presence of a king and that Crown Jewel was named in his honor, and that he will take Team Flair to victory. He then says Roman Reigns will let everyone down, as this is his kingdom now. Corbin says that Roman will bow to him like the fans do, as the fans need a ruler with an iron fist. Roman tells Corbin to shut up before making fun of his royal garb, saying everybody likes it when he looks stupid and not when he acts stupid. Shorty G proposes they have a six-man tag match, and Hogan says this is a good idea, saying it will make for a good preview of Crown Jewel. Sami says he appreciates the offer and that they will take it under consideration, then head towards the back. Hogan then proceeds to make of them, and Sami tells them that they're on. Sami then says he tweaked his neck on the flight and is on the "do not touch" list. He then says that he knows somebody who is itching for an opportunity that can replace him, then brings him out: Cesaro. Team Hogan ends up getting the upper hand, forcing Team Flair to retreat.
Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode beat The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Big E) with a schoolkid pin from Ziggler to Kofi. After the match, The Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder) show up and attack The New Day, then Heavy Machinery (Tucker and Otis) show up and fight Ziggler and Roode.
Before the next match, Lacey Evans says she has far too much respect for herself as a woman and an athlete to compete with Camron Conners, and says that she is going to turn around and walk away, as the fans here don't deserve to see her compete, anyway. Lacey then walks away, but as soon as Camron Conners turn her back on Lacey, Lacey runs back into the ring and hits the Woman's Right for the win. Lacey Evans beats Camron Conners.
Backstage, Nikki Cross says Bayley is feeling the pressure of being a champion, and that she is more than happy to take the SmackDown Women's title from her. She faces Mandy Rose tonight, and while Mandy is beautiful, this is SmackDown, not a beauty pageant.
Firefly Fun House returns with a funeral for Ramblin' Rabbit. Bray Wyatt gives Abby, Huskus and Mercy the chance to say a few kinds words about Ramblin' Rabbit, then we see Ramblin' Rabbit's corpse as Bray says that his mom always wanted an open casket. As Bray kisses Ramblin' Rabbit, he hears some strange noises, then Ramblin' Rabbit coms back to life. Ramblin' Rabbit talks about his time in Hell, then Mercy the Buzzard eats Ramblin' Rabbit and kills him again.
Before the next match, Drew Gulak re-introduces himself before trying to continue his Brawn Strowman/Tyson Fury Powerpoint presentation, with this one being ways that Strowman can lose to Tyson Fury. The first slide shows Tyson Fury hitting Strowman with his fist, but before Gulak can show the second slide, Kalisto gets the match started early.
Kalisto beats Drew Gulak. During the match, Braun Strowman shows up, and this distracts Drew Gulak, allowing Kalisto to hit the Salida del Sol for the win. The Lucha House Party retreats before Strowman grabs Gulak and hits him with a running powerslam. Strowman gets a microphone, but the fans chant "One more time!" and Strowman hits Gulak with another running power slam. Strowman then says this is what happens when one disrespects, then says Gulak deserves to be in the ring, unlike Tyson Fury. Strowman then tells Tyson Fury that he will send him back to where he belongs at Crown Jewel when he gets these hands.
Michael Cole interviews "The New" Daniel Bryan in the ring. When asked if the "Yes! Movement" is back, Daniel Bryan considers how to answer the question when Shinsuke Nakamura and Sami Zayn show up. Sami states that Nakamura holds no ill feelings towards Daniel for beating him, and states that they found his win impressive. He then addresses Michael Cole's "Yes! Movement" question with footage from last November of Daniel stating that the version of him fans love - and the "Yes! Movement" itself - is dead, and that he is a new Daniel Bryan. Sami then states that people booed Daniel because they did not like "The New" Daniel Bryan, then says he has known Daniel for a while, that "The New" Daniel Bryan is the real Daniel, that he believes every word and that the fans have no honor and care only for themselves. Sami says that Daniel Bryan has more in common with him and Nakamura than with the fans, as he is also a vegan and a man who loves the environment, and says that the three of them are "three true artists." Sami says he and Nakamura are artists and that Daniel is one of the best artists, then says Daniel is at a crossroads and that he can either bring back the "Yes! Movement" to "cater to the nitwits" or move forward and join them. Sami tells Daniel they they can take his career to new heights, make the world a better place and do more than the fans ever could, and asks if he wants to move backwards with the fans or move forwards with them. Daniel thinks about it, then considers giving Sami his hand before walking between them and walking away.
We see WWE employee and breast cancer survivor Holly talk about her battle with cancer for Susan G. Komen.
Bayley and Sasha Banks guest on commentary for the next match.
Nikki Cross beats Mandy Rose.
Cain Velasquez and Rey Mysterio show up. Rey talks about Brock Lesnar's attack on his son Dominic, then says Dominic is as tough as they come and that there is no doubt that he is a Mysterio. He says that nobody else is strong enough to take a beating from Lesnar, and calls the attack on Dominic the worst night of his life, especially when he could not help him, but says that Dominic is okay. He says this would not be possible without the fans' support, and Rey thanks the fans on his behalf, and that Dominic has stated that nothing will stop him from becoming a WWE Superstar. Rey then says it is time for Brock Lesnar to pay for what he has done to Dominic, and at Crown Jewel, Velasquez will drop Lesnar and put a scar on the other side of his face. Rey then calls Lesnar out for one last face-to-face confrontation before next Thursday, then Lesnar and Paul Heyman show up on the TitanTron, revealing they are backstage. Heyman tells Rey and Velasquez that Lesnar has better things to do tonight than to have a face-to-face confrontation with Velasquez, and when Rey gets impatient with them, he reveals that Lesnar has attacked Dominic - who is now on the floor - again.
Backstage, Rey Mysterio and Cain Velasquez are in the trainer's room with Dominic when Brock Lesnar shows up and attacks both men, throwing Cain Velasquez into Dominic as he hits him with an F5.
Backstage, an angry Cain Velasquez calls out Brock Lesnar.
Team Hogan (Shorty G, Ali, Roman Reigns) beats Team Flair (King Corbin, Shinsuke Nakamura, Cesaro).
In footage from earlier today, General Manager Drake Maverick thanks Oney Lorcan and Humberto Carrillo for last week's victory. Lorcan wants to face Drew Gulak again, but Drake mentions that both men have a win over Gulak after last week. Maverick makes a match where both Lorcan and Carrillo face each other tonight, with the winner going on to face Drew Gulak for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship at Clash of Champions.
Ariya Daivari beats Kalisto after going for the mask to block the Salida del Sol. After the match, Ariya Daivari attacks Kalisto again, and Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik run in to make the save. Daivari tells Lince Dorado to dump The Lucha House Party (Kalisto, Lince Dorado, Gran Metalik) before leaving.
Backstage, Sarah Schreiber interviews "The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese. Nese confirms he will do anything and everything to win back the Cruiserweight Championship, but says he needs to change how he goes about things, as being "The Premier Athlete" isn't doing it.
Backstage, The Singh Brothers (Samir and Sunil Singh) say it has been anything but lights, camera and Bollywood action since they come back, and that their performance has been anything but award-winning. They plan to look at some old footage and come back as the greatest tag team of all time.
Humberto Carrillo beats Oney Lorcan to face Drew Gulak for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship at Clash of Champions. After the match, Drew Gulak appears on the TitanTron, clapping and congratulating Carrillo on his recent victories before telling him that he will teach him a whole new course in pain and punishment while reminding everyone that if change is the rule, then he is the law.
General Manager Drake Maverick states that Mike Kanellis is still welcome to compete in 205 Live if he wishes, and that he will not do anything to hamper his career. He also states that he will continue to be a fair General Manager.
Humberto Carrillo vs. Lince Dorado ends in a double count-out after Dorado trips Carrillo on the apron, keeping him from getting back in the ring in time. After the match, Carrillo attacks Dorado.
We hear from "The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese, who felt he would win back the WWE Cruiserweight Championship last month. Now he knows he has to be more than a premier athlete to become Cruiserweight Champion again, and tonight is his opportunity to face Gulak again. While last time didn't go like he wanted, he will walk out of the ring in five days as WWE Cruiserweight Champion, for he will not know where he stands in the division if he does not stand.
Backstage, Ariya Daviari talks to Lince Dorado, saying everyone should be talking about Dorado and that Humberto Carrillo is just angry with him. He also tells Dorado he can be the break-out star of The Lucha House Party if he can just "lose the dead weight." Dorado refuses to listen to this, but says there is a reason Kalisto is in tonight's Six-Pack Challenge along with him. Gran Metalik shows up, and Ariya tells Dorado to think about what he said before leaving.
Oney Lorcan beats "The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese, Akira Tozawa, "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher, Kalisto and Ariya Daivari in a Six-Pack Challenge to face Drew Gulak for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship at SummerSlam. After the match, Drew Gulak shows up and has a staredown from the ramp with Oney Lorcan.
Oney Lorcan beats Kalisto in his 205 Live debut after getting his knees up to counter a top rope 450 splash. Buddy Murphy is seen in an angry mood backstage during the match.
Backstage, Cedric Alexander meets with General Manager Drake Maverick, who mentions that Alexander has lost his two most recent matches. He tells him he will get his match with Oney Lorcan and that it will be hard-hitting and exciting, and he needs him at 100%.
Backstage, Dasha Fuentes interviews "The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese, who says that all the pressure is on Buddy Murphy, who knows he will beat him. As he continues to talk, he is attacked from behind by Murphy. This leads to a backstage brawl. The brawl spills onto the stage, and two referees have to keep both men apart. Security and officials eventually have to step in. The brawl eventually ends with Tony Nese coming out on top.
Akira Tozawa beats Mike Kanellis after Mike Kanellis is caught grabbing onto Maria Kanellis for leverage only for Tozawa to reverse the pinfall into one of his own.
We see a video package for "The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese vs. Buddy Murphy for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship at WrestleMania to end the show.
"The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese beats Kalisto to advance in the Cruiserweight Championship tournament.
In the locker room, Humberto Carrillo and "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher re-watch Carrillo's match with TJP last week, then Gallagher tells Carrillo that Drew Gulak's match will be a masterclass in tearing an opponent apart after reminding Carrillo of the risks he takes in the ring.
Backstage, General Manager Drake Maverick talks with Mike and Maria Kanellis. Next week, Mike will get a match next week after taking his opponent to the limit last week.
Drew Gulak beats The Brian Kendrick with the Gu-Lock to advance in the Cruiserweight Championship tournament.
Maria Kanellis guests on commentary for the next match.
Kalisto beats Mike Kanellis with a schoolkid pin.
We hear from Drew Gulak and "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher, who welcome Humberto Carrillo to 205 Live and offer to volunteer their guidance to him in his next match as part of their plans for a better 205 Live. We then hear from Ariya Daivari, who says that Buddy Murphy is running around like he owns the place while Hideo Itami made his name by systematically destroying opponents. He says that Hideo will prove himself by destroying Akira Tozawa tonight, then Hideo speaks in Japanese.
We see footage from earlier today where "The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese and Noam Dar brawl in the parking lot until officials - and Buddy Murphy - pull Nese off of Noam Dar. We then go backstage, where Kayla Braxton announces that Noam Dar has not suffered any injury and that "The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese has been suspended. Buddy Murphy shows up, reacts to Nese's suspension, then wants to know who his next challenger is so he can knock them down.
Akira Tozawa beats Hideo Itami after Hideo Itami accidentally drop kicks Ariya Daivari in the face. After the match, Ariya Daivari helps Hideo Itami up, then levels him with a clothesline.
Humberto Carrillo beats Gran Metalik. Both men show respect after the match.
Backstage, General Manager Drake Maverick talks with Drew Gulak and "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher regarding Humberto Carrillo, saying Carrillo has a huge upside. Gulak leaves upset, while Gallagher just leaves. Afterwards, "The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese shows up wanting a rematch with Noam Dar. Drake says he will consider it, but Noam Dar keeps talking about his upset victory, and if Drake won't grant it, he will have to find his own opportunity.
We hear from Akira Tozawa, who says he came to America to make a name for himself, and that he will become a two-time Cruiserweight Champion.
Backstage, Lince Dorado and Kalisto talk about 2019, and Lince says the Cruiserweight Championship will take The Lucha House Party (Kalisto, Lince Dorado, Gran Metalik) to the next level. Kalisto says he will show his opponents that he is a threat and that The Lucha House Party will show the power of lucha.
Backstage before the next match, Kayla Braxton interviews Hideo Itami. Ariya Daivari says Hideo is the only person in the next match who has not been Cruiserweight Champion, which only makes him more hungry and more dangerous. Also, Buddy Murphy guests on commentary for the next match.
Hideo Itami beats Kalisto and Akira Tozawa in a Triple Threat Match. During the match, Buddy Murphy leaves the announce table and attacks all three men, but Kalisto and Tozawa fight back and lay Buddy Murphy out.
Kalisto beats Lio Rush to qualify for the Fatal 4-Way Match for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship at Royal Rumble after Lio Rush is distracted by Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik's noisemakers, allowing Kalisto to recover and hit the Salida del Sol for the win.
Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Drew Gulak. Gulak says there are many words to describe himself with, but an underdog is not one of them as The Brian Kendrick and Akira Tozawa are "low rent brawlers" and this is a wrestling match. Because of this, Gulak says that Tozawa is at a disadvantage due to the fact that there are now rules, and when Tozawa steps to him, he will tap out. Meanwhile, Akira Tozawa is seen training with The Brian Kendrick.
General Manager Drake Maverick says he has been contacting General Managers from other brands and looking for talent elsewhere, which will lead to new faces and more competition. He expects everyone to rise to the occasion as 205 Live continues to be the top destination for the best cruiserweight wrestling in the world.
Akira Tozawa beats Drew Gulak after countering a superplex to qualify for the Fatal 4-Way Match for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship at Royal Rumble.
Next week: Cedric Alexander vs. Hideo Itami in a qualifying match for the Fatal 4-Way Match for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship at Royal Rumble!
We hear from Cedric Alexander, who says that Hideo Itami's intimidation factor does not work on him and that next week, he will beat him just like when they fought last time. We then hear from Ariya Daivari, who says that next week, Cedric is facing a different Hideo Itami. Next week, Cedric will get a lesson in respect.
Akira Tozawa beats "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher after Gallagher spends too much time telling the fans to shut up. After the match, Drew Gulak admits his team is not living up to its full potential, and says it is time to revisit an old learning tool of his: the PowerPoint Presentation. We go to Slide #10 of 277: No mercy. Interestingly, the art of the person in the slide looks very much like The Brian Kendrick. Gulak says mercy has its place, but not in the ring, as it is weakness. He says that starting right now, the team has no weakness, sentimentality or weak links. He also says there is no place for former Cruiserweight Champions who have lost their edge and are holding him back like dead weight. The Brian Kendrick snaps and attacks Gulak and Gallagher, but is outnumbered. Gallagher and Gulka tease leaving the ring, then go back in to take the boots to Kendrick some more and go back on the attack.
We see a video package for the Cruiserweight Championship match between Buddy Murphy and Cedric Alexander at Super Show-Down.
Kayla Braxton interviews General Manager Drake Maverick. Maverick states that both Hideo Itami and Mustafa Ali have been given a week to recover, and that their rivalry must come to an end. Kayla Braxton interviews General Manager Drake Maverick. Maverick states that both Hideo Itami and Mustafa Ali have been given a week to recover, and that their rivalry must come to an end.
Next week: Lio Rush issues an open challenge!
TJP shows up in a Lucha House Party (Kalisto, Lince Dorado, Gran Metalik) T-shirt before the next match, and tosses it at Kalisto's face.
Kalisto beats TJP after Lince Dorado runs in as TJP rips at Kalisto's mask. After the mask, TJP rips Kalisto's mask off, and Kalisto has to cover his head and Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik run into the ring. TJP flees through the crowd with Kalisto's mask.
Before the next match, The Brian Kendrick tells "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher that there is one thing he cannot stand. Gallagher asks if it is Toronto, Ontario, Canada, but Kendrick says that goes without saying and says that it is really people who don't know their place. Gallagher says that describes Akira Tozawa well, and Kendrick tells Tozawa it was just business when they attacked him. Instead of moving on, however, Tozawa demanded a match against him, and Kendrick promises he will get more pain and suffering.
Akira Tozawa beats The Brian Kendrick.
Kayla Braxton interviews Buddy Murphy and "The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese. Murphy says he came to 205 Live to become the Cruiserweight Champion, and he almost did it. When Kalisto cheated them, it opened his eyes, and tonight, he and Nese are sick of playing around.
Hideo Itami vs. Michael Blaise ends when Mustafa Ali's music hits, and Ali - in street clothes - chases Hideo Itami out of the ring and into the crowd, daring Hideo Itami to fight him.
We hear from Cedric Alexander, who says Drew Gulak sunk to an all-new low last week by attacking two men to complain about losing before running away when he showed up. He says that Gulak exposed himself as a spineless hypocrite, and gives him one chance to redeem himself next week when he calls him out so he can finish what Gulak started.
Buddy Murphy beats Kalisto in an intense match that also sees Lince Dorado, Gran Metalik and "The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese get ejected from ringside due to physical involvement in the match.
Kalisto beats "The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese. After the match, Kalisto is confronted by Buddy Murphy, who blocks him from running up the ramp before pushing him towards the ring. Lince Dorado shows up and makes the save, and when Buddy Murphy runs at him and Kalisto, he eats a double superkick.
In footage from earlier today, General Manager Drake Maverick moderates the contract signing for Drew Gulak vs. Cedric Alexander for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship at SummerSlam. Drew is about to say something, but Cedric signs the contract before he can say it. Drew then admits Cedric has had a good year, but has not had anything since WrestleMania. Cedric says he has defended the championship all over the world, but Drew says that while the championship was not on the line, his potential competitors wear themselves out so he can take all the glory. Drew says that Cedric will be known as "the Brock Lesnar of 205 Live" as he signs the contract. Cedric tells Drew to watch the show tonight, as The Brian Kendrick will soon be in for a world of hurt.
Lio Rush shows up. He says that there are apparently a lot of people who are irritated that he did not give Akira Tozawa his rematch, but he is a hot commodity and that everyone wants a piece of him. He says he was tempted to give Tozawa his rematch, but he says it is just not fair as he has already found somebody way more qualified to face him. That person, Ricky Martinez, is already in the ring. He calls his opponent "the real deal," and says he has heard a lot of good things about him. He also bets that he can put up a better fight than Akira Tozawa.
Lio Rush beats Ricky Martinez. After the match, Akira Tozawa shows up, but when he gets in the ring, Lio Rush gets out.
Cedric Alexander beats The Brian Kendrick after reversing a Sliced Bread #2 into a Lumbar Check. During the match, Drew Gulak shows up to guest on commentary, and distracts Cedric Alexander in the process. After the match, Drew Gulak stares down Cedric Alexander from the apron, and after a war of words, Cedric is attacked from behind by "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher. Gulak then tells Cedric that he will teach him a lesson he will never forget, but General Manager Drake Maverick shows up with a bunch of referee and threatens to cancel Gulak's title match at SummerSlam if he touches Cedric. Gulak, Kendrick and Gallagher leave the ring to end the show.
Buddy Murphy accompanies "The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese to the ring before the next match.
Kalisto beats "The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese by disqualification. During the match Buddy Murphy is not happy with the noisemakers from Dran Metalik and Lince Dorado, and this distracts Tony Nese. Murphy helps Nese up, and when Kalisto gets Nese back in the ring, Murphy punches Kalisto in the back, ending the match. After the match, this leads to a brawl between the team of Murphy and Nese and the team of Gran Metalik and Lince Dorado. Metalik and Dorado come out on top, and Nese has to hold Murphy back.
Backstage, General Manager Drake Maverick welcome Noam Dar back when TJP suddenly shows up as Maverick says things have changed since he was gone. TJP says everything has changed for the worse. TJP demands a rematch against Noam Dar, and Maverick says he's got one next week.
We see a video package where Hideo Itami says that he will beat Cedric Alexander and become WWE Cruiserweight Champion.
Akira Tozawa shows up to watch from ringside for the next match.
Lio Rush beats Colin Delaney.
After the match, Akira Tozawa tells Lio Rush he is great, but asks him what he has done in 205 Live lately and says he has done nothing. He says Rush calls his own shots, but asks Rush if he wants to fight him. Rush, wanting to fight him, asks for the microphone. Tozawa messes with him, fakes him out, then drops the microphone before he can go for it again. Suddenly, General Manager Drake Maverick shows up. Maverick says he is the one who makes the matches around here, and makes Lio Rush vs. Akira Tozawa official for next week.
We hear from Drew Gulak, who says that with the Lucha House Party (Kalisto, Lince Dorado, Gran Metalik) behind them, he, "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher and The Brian Kendrick are moving on to greater prizes and are watching tonight's main event very closely.
Cedric Alexander retains the WWE Cruiserweight Championship against Hideo Itami.
Akira Tozawa beats "The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese.
Backstage, Cedric Alexander meets with General Manager Drake Maverick looking to see who his next challenger for the Cruiserweight Championship is. Maverick has no idea, but Alexander wants to build his legacy by taking on all comers. Maverick is surprised that Cedric wants Hideo Itami for an opponent, but Cedric tells him that he wants the notch on his belt as Hideo has earned a match despite being a jackass.
Lio Rush beats Dewey James in his 205 Live debut. After the match, Dasha Fuentes interviews Lio Rush, who says that he is the future of the Cruiserweight Division and that he can do things in the ring that everyone else in the locker room can only dream of. He admits the other guys in the back are good, but they're not him, as they have no style, finesse or presence. He is the man of the hour, which means that every hour on the hour is his time and that 205 Live is soon going to feel the rush.
Backstage, Renee Young interviews Cedric Alexander, who says that he is well aware of how dangerous Hideo Itami is in the ring. If he wants to lead as a champion, he cannot turn down a challenge. Therefore, Hideo is welcome to take him on and he is not scared of him. Suddenly, Hideo Itami shows up and gets physical with Cedric, and General Manager Drake Maverick quickly shows up with some referees before the situation gets worse.
Next week: Buddy Murphy vs. Mustafa Ali in a no-disqualification match!
The Brian Kendrick, "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher and Drew Gulak beat Kalisto, Gran Metalik and Lince Dorado in a six-man tag team elimination match after grabbing at Kalisto's mask before making him submit to the Gu-Lock. During the match, Gulak manages to remove Lince Dorado's mask, but Dorado is able to get it back on outside of the ring. Also, Lince Dorado is eliminated with a Gu-Lock by Gulak after Kendrick shows up after being eliminated to yank Kalisto off the ring apron. After the match, Gulak takes Penelope, Kalisto's pinata mascot, off the commentary table and rips Penelope apart before tossing Penelope into the crowd.
General Manager Drake Maverick announces that Hideo Itami will not be competing or appearing in this week's 205 Live due to his actions, as ruining a main event match for selfish reasons will not be tolerated.
Kalisto walks a mini-pinata mascot with Drew Gulak's face on it to the ring before the next match. Meanwhile, Dasha Fuentes interviews The Brian Kendrick, "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher and Drew Gulak. Kendrick says their opponents are the top team in 205 Live and that they must go through them to become the best. Gallagher says their opponents' tactics will no longer work. Gulak says that he, Kendrick and Gallagher will teach Kalisto, Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik a lesson, and prove that anyone who steps up to him will be tapping out.
Kalisto, Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik beat Drew Gulak, The Brian Kendrick and "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher after Lince Dorado rolls Kendrick up to counter the Captain's Hook. During the match, Drew Gulak almost wins the match on a roll-up, but the referee catches him grabbing Kalisto's tights.
We hear from Hideo Itami, who speaks in Japanese before saying that Mustafa Ali and Buddy Murphy do not deserve to be champions or to be in the main event, while he will become a champion and make the fans respect him.
Buddy Murphy meets with General Manager Drake Maverick, who doesn't care what Drake has to say and will not wrestle unless he gets a match with Hideo Itami. Drake says Mustafa Ali wants a match with Hideo Itami, but that is not happening, either. He asks Buddy to come to his office with a request, not an ultimatum, and to keep the peace until the time comes.
We hear from Mustafa Ali, who says he was close to stopping the unstoppable and beating Buddy Murphy until Hideo Itami put him down. He is getting back up, and tonight, he is getting one step closer to the Cruiserweight title against "The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese. He hopes that both Buddy Murphy and Hideo Itami are watching.
Akira Tozawa beats Steve Irby.
We see another vignette for Lio Rush, who says he has been waiting for the right time with the right hook and the right line. He's been fishing for gold of the right kind, and feels disrespected for not being put in two Cruiserweight tournaments. He says it is time for things to be put in order and no longer be misunderstood, and that the world will know why he is the right man at the right place at the right time.
We hear from "The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese, who says Mustafa Ali made a mistake challenging him on his way back to the title picture. He is ready to prove himself, and he will make a statement at Mustafa's expense.
We hear from TJP, who says that he is not in another high-profile match, but he will keep on working out, and when the time comes, General Manager Drake Maverick will go from remembering him as the one who carried 205 Live to remembering him as the one that got away.
Buddy Murphy accompanies "The Premier Athlete" to the ring for the next match. Buddy Murphy soon surrounds Mustafa Ali along with Tony Nese, but Cedric Alexander shows up to even the numbers game.
Mustafa Ali beats "The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese. During the match, Buddy Murphy and Cedric Alexander brawl after Buddy tries to protect Nese when the latter rolls out of the ring, and they eventually brawl their way to the stage and into the back. After the match, Mustafa Ali says he knows General Manager Drake Maverick and that he wants to give the people want they want. He knows he, Buddy Murphy and Hideo Itami want to each other's head off, and he demands a Triple Threat Match between them next week. Afterwards, Dasha Fuentes interviews Drake Maverick, and says that Hideo Itami has ruffled Mustafa and Buddy's feathers. He makes the Triple Threat Match between Hideo Itami, Mustafa Ali and Buddy Murphy official for next week.
Drew Gulak guests on commentary for the next match.
The Brian Kendrick and "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher beat Kalisto and Lince Dorado after Drew Gulak trips Dorado off the top rope while Gallagher has the referee distractd, allowing Kendrick to win with the Captain's Hook.
Mustafa Ali thinks that Cedric Alexander will retain and that he will be the one to beat Cedric for the Cruiserweight title. "The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese, however, thinks Buddy Murphy will win and that the Age of Alexander is over.
Dasha Fuentes interviews General Manager Drake Maverick. He is excited for tonight's main event, as is the rest of the roster. As for TJP, he says that to get to where you want to be on 205 Live, you have to do it in the ring, not on social media. He says that Cedric fought hard in the ring to defend the Cruiserweight title in his home state, and that Buddy Murphy has steamtrained his way to a title shot. He says that whoever wins tonight has his full backing as Cruiserweight champion.
Cedric Alexander retains the WWE Cruiserweight Championship against Buddy Murphy.
The Brian Kendrick and "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher beat Kalisto and Lince Dorado.
Apollo Crews beats Mojo Rawley. After the match, Mojo Rawley attacks Titus O'Neil and sends him shoulder-first into the ring post before attacking Apollo again.
We are introduced to Joseph Connors, James Drake, "Flash" Morgan Webster, Kenny Williams and Tyler Bate.
Tyler Bate beats Kenny Williams, Kalisto and TJP in a Fatal 4-Way Match.
We see a video package chronicling the events between Cedric Alexander and Buddy Murphy. Murphy vs. Alexander for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship will take place in two weeks.
Next week: Akira Tozawa vs. Hideo Itami!
Cedric Alexander meets with Mustafa Ali in the locker room. All of a sudden, they are met by "Flash" Morgan Webster, who says that 205 Live has just received a touch of flash.
Before the next match, Dasha Fuentes interviews Drew Gulak, James Drake and Joseph Connors. The three of them say their will take pleasure in tearing their opposition apart, and that they have been building up teamwork all day. Tonight, they will better their opponents into submission and put both the Cruiserweight and UK Divisions on notice.
Cedric Alexander, Mustafa Ali and "Flash" Morgan Webster beat Joseph Conners, James Drake and Drew Gulak.
The Brian Kendrick and "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher beat Akira Tozawa and Hideo Itami after some miscommunication between Tozawa and Itami. After the match, Hideo brushes Tozawa off and shoves him to the mat before leaving.
We hear from Drew Gulak, who says Kalisto squandered his opportunity at Greatest Royal Rumble and that he is not surprised. He says that Kalisto barely squeaked by last week, too. He then says his tactics will not work this week, and that he will show how to earn a victory in his vision of a better 205 Live when he makes him tap out.
It is revealed that Buddy Murphy's weight is back down to 203.9 lbs. When General Manager Drake Maverick offers to shake his hand, Murphy demands his title match.
Buddy Murphy quickly beats Liam Louis by referee stoppage after a destructive double powerbomb. After the match, Cedric Alexander shows up, and he and Buddy Murphy brawl on the entrance ramp. Cedric gets the upper hand in the brawl, and chases Murphy to the back.
Next week: The Brian Kendrick and "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher vs. Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik!
Dasha Fuentes interviews Cedric Alexander, who says he sent his message. If Buddy Murphy wants the WWE Cruiserweight Championship, he knows where to find him.
We hear from The Lucha House Party (Kalisto, Gran Metalik, Lince Dorado). Greatest Royal Rumble may not have been what he hoped for, but Kalisto says that his friends picked him back up. He then says Drew Gulak is no match for him.
Drew Gulak beats Kalisto with the Gulock in a match that also sees Gulak nearly rip Kalisto's mask off. During the match, Mustafa Ali vs. Buddy Murphy is announced for next week.
