With WrestleMania right around the corner, you would think that every second of television would be important. Unfortunately for 205 Live, that isn’t the case. We saw Austin Aries become #1 Contender for Neville’s Cruiserweight Championship last week by winning an Elimination Fatal Five-Way match, but the rest of the Cruiserweight Division feels uncertain. This is shown by the only advertised part of this week’s show, which is Austin Aries’ WrestleMania message to Neville.
Opening Segment
Neville challenges Mustafa Ali to a match tonight after Ali interrupted his promo last week by entering into the arena for his match. Ali defeated Drew Gulak last week, but the self-professed King of the Cruiserweights is a whole other type of opponent.
Tony Nese vs. TJ Perkins
Both Tony Nese and TJ Perkins are very talented members of the Cruiserweight Division who have failed to find consistent success as of late. TJ Perkins was most successful coming out of the Cruiserweight Classic, where he won the finals to become the Cruiserweight Champion. He lost the belt to Brian Kendrick a few months later and has failed to win a big match since, including two losses in #1 Contender’s Fatal Five-Way matches. Nese has never been in the title picture, probably because with every win he gets, he seems to get two losses.
Tony Nese exposes a middle turnbuckle during the match, and he uses it to his advantage at the end by German suplexing TJ Perkins into it. While Perkins is knocked out, Nese finishes him off with the Running Nese, giving the Premier Athlete his first win in a few weeks. Winner: Tony Nese
Interview
Last week, Drew Gulak lost to Mustafa Ali and through his frustration, he said that 205 Live needs to change. He clarified his comments this week, saying that the WWE Universe cheers the high flying and risk taking action, promoting a dangerous environment for the Cruiserweight Division. Gulak is making it his mission to fix the “broken” 205 Live.
Akira Tozawa vs. Unnamed Local Wrestler
Brian Kendrick appeared on Monday Night Raw last week and had “found” Akira Tozawa’s passport. Tozawa apparently got it back, since he is back and able to work.
The match takes about 10 seconds, with the snap German suplex being the only move done before the three count. Winner: Akira Tozawa
The Stamina Monster calls out Brian Kendrick for a fight and when Kendrick doesn’t show up, Tozawa starts heading to the back. However, he is blindsided by Kendrick disguised as a security guard. This was another lesson for Tozawa: appearances can be deceiving.
Backstage Segment
Noam Dar intercepts another package that was supposed to be delivered to his girlfriend, Alicia Fox. Dar knows that Rich Swann is sending these gifts to Fox week after week, and he challenges Swann to a match. Next week, they will face each other in singles action to settle this “like men.”
In-ring Segment
According to Austin Aries, his promo segment with Neville didn’t work, so he is here to try it again without the King of the Cruiserweight. Instead, he just interviews himself. Aries is about to reveal some “embarrassing” information about the Cruiserweight Champion when Neville interrupts. Aries wants nothing to do with Neville and joins the commentary team while Neville turns his attention to his match.
Neville vs. Mustafa Ali
Austin Aries has been preparing for weeks for his Cruiserweight Championship WrestleMania match, and now it is Neville’s turn. Mustafa Ali is on of the most surprisingly talented athletes on 205 Live, and Neville getting a win here will help him build momentum before he faces the man who calls himself the Greatest Man That Ever Lived. Fortunately for Aries, his seat at the announce table gives him a close look for scouting the champion.
Neville hits Mustafa Ali with a German suplex off of the top rope, slams him into the ring post, then finishes him off with the Rings of Saturn submission move. Winner (via submission): Neville
