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205 Live Recap: Hideo Itami Debuts

Photo from WWE.com

This week, 205 Live continues to build upon the foundations laid down by last week’s episode. Kalisto and his newfound partner, Gran Metalik, take on Gentleman Jack Gallagher and The Brian Kendrick. The main event sees a rematch between Cedric Alexander and Drew Gulak, and the highlight of the show is the debut of Hideo Itami.

Kalisto & Gran Metalik vs. Gentleman Jack Gallagher & The Brian Kendrick
Last week, Kalisto took on Gentleman Jack Gallagher and just like their clash a couple weeks ago, this match ended with The Brian Kendrick assaulting the former Cruiserweight Champion. The second time, however, Kalisto had some backup in the form of Gran Metalik, who saved his fellow luchador by dispatching of Gallagher and Kendrick. Appropriately, this has led to tonight’s tag team match where there are no numbers games to benefit the heels.

Kalisto hits Gallagher with the Salida Del Sol, but Kendrick rushes into the ring to break up the pinfall. Instead of getting out of the ring, Kendrick continues the assault to get himself disqualified. Kendrick and Gallagher throw Kalisto out of the ring before focusing on Metalik. They targeted Metalik’s knee throughout the whole match and they jam it between the steel steps and the ring post to inflict further damage and potentially injure the King of the Ropes. Winners (via disqualification): Kalisto & Gran Metalik

Hideo Itami vs. Colin Delaney
For years, the WWE Universe was waiting for the main roster arrival of Hideo Itami. After a one-off appearance in the inaugural Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, Itami had an injury-filled run in NXT. Now with the Cruiserweight Division in full swing, Itami has found a place to compete in great matches against some of the top in-ring competitors from around the world. Enzo Amore is in the division, too.

This is not Itami’s first main roster match this week, however. On Monday Night Raw, Itami’s longtime friend Finn Balor was being assaulted by the Miztourage when Itami appeared to save his friend and to make an important first impression. His first and only match on Raw saw him score the victory for his team when he hit Curtis Axel with the Go to Sleep, which he invented.

For those who want to learn more about Itami, check out his feud this year with his former friend Kassius Ohno. It was full of hard-hitting affairs that displayed Itami’s potential as a ruthless heel. Ohno is about twice the size of anyone in the Cruiserweight Division, so expect the amount of damage Itami can dish out to be doubled.

For tonight, Itami pretty much toys with Colin Delaney the whole time. He shows off how hard he can strike before finishing Delaney off with the Go to Sleep, winning his debut match as part of 205 Live and the Cruiserweight Division. Winner: Hideo Itami

Cedric Alexander vs. Drew Gulak (w/Enzo Amore)
Last night on Raw, Cedric Alexander took full advantage of his second chance when he defeated Drew Gulak to become the new #1 Contender for the Cruiserweight Championship. Enzo Amore has been disappointed with the entire Zo Train. Noam Dar racked up several losses before getting knee surgery, Tony Nese was shown “his place” last week, and Drew Gulak picked up one win among many losses. This match is an opportunity for Gulak to redeem himself and wear down Alexander before Amore has to defend his title against him.

Alexander has Gulak set up for a superplex, but Gulak fights him off. Since Gulak is never on the ropes, he is struggling with what to do next. By the time he starts making up his mind, Alexander scoops him off of the second rope and transitions right into the Lumbar Check to score a second consecutive victory over Gulak this week. Winner: Cedric Alexander

After the match, Enzo Amore looks to start a fight with Cedric Alexander when Ariya Daivari tries to attack him from behind. Alexander realizes and ducks a clothesline attempt, then he hits one last Lumbar Check to stand tall while the show ends.

Written by Travis Brinkley

Travis Brinkley is the Wrestling Contributor for Get More Sports who watches WWE and Lucha Underground. Occasionally, he will also write about sports video games.

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