Tonight is the third episode of the Cruiserweight Classic, where we continue the first round of the tournament. Big names like Zack Sabre Jr., Drew Gulak, and Brian Kendrick compete tonight. Four competitors will advance to the second round, and the first round will finish out next week. Who will advance and be one step closer to making a huge statement for themselves?
Zack Sabre Jr. (England) vs. Tyson Dux (Canada)
Zack Sabre Jr., representing England, has been making waves in the independent scene over the last year. His technical style has been very impressive, and Daniel Bryan calls him one of the best technical wrestlers in the world, regardless of weight class. Sabre Jr. uses “escapology,” which focuses on reversing holds over implementing impactful ones.
Tyson Dux has nearly 20 years of experience, and the Canadian has his last shot at making it to the “big leagues” of WWE. Dux almost joined WWE in 2004, but he suffered a severe knee injury which put him on the shelf and inevitably ended his chances with WWE.
Zack Sabre Jr. transitions into every submission imaginable, and uses his submission smarts to put Dux away with the Umaplata. Zack Sabre Jr. will face the winner of the match later tonight between Drew Gulak and Harv Sihra. Winner (via submission): Zack Sabre Jr. | Eliminated: Tyson Dux
Drew Gulak (United States) vs. Harv Sihra (India)
Drew Gulak is known for his submission tactics, and he has made a name for himself in Philadelphia. Like Zack Sabre Jr., Gulak prefers to wrestle closer to the mat to ground his opponents, while most cruiserweights use a high-flying style.
Harv Sihra is one half of the Bollywood Boys (the other half is his older brother, who is also in this tournament).
After an emphatic superplex from Harv Sihra, Drew Gulak pulls himself together. Gulak locks in the Dragon Sleeper hold out of nowhere, giving Harv Sihra no choice but to submit. Gulak advances to the second round, where he will face Zack Sabre Jr. Winner (via submission): Drew Gulak | Eliminated: Harv Sihra
Anthony Bennett (United States) vs. Tony Nese (United States)
5’5″ without hair, and 5’10” with hair, Anthony Bennett is perhaps the smallest competitor in the Cruiserweight Classic. The hair-odynamic cruiserweight brings a technical style to the ring, as well as some light-heartedness.
Tony Nese has the size advantage over Bennett by a few inches and about 50 pounds (194 to Bennett’s 145). In order to earn a spot in this tournament, Tony Nese had to win two matches several months ago in the EVOLVE promotion (Evolve is known to be well-connected with WWE).
After hitting a pumphandle powerslam on Bennett, Nese finishes him off with a 450 Splash for the win. Nese will advance to Round 2 where he will face the winner of the next match. Winner: Tony Nese | Eliminated: Anthony Bennett
After the match, Bennett seems shaken up from the powerslam, so hopefully he is not suffering from the concussion.
Brian Kendrick (United States) vs. Raul Mendoza (Mexico)
Raul Mendoza represents Mexico, and he of course brings along the lucha libre style as well. His style makes sense when he points out that his wrestling idol is Eddie Guerrero, who helped popularize cruiserweights of all kinds in the United States.
Brian Kendrick (sometimes referred to as The Brian Kendrick) is in search of redemption. Before the New Day became the longest reigning WWE World Tag Team Champions, Brian Kendrick held that record alongside Paul London. London and Kendrick were an exciting tag team that helped vitalize the midcard of the mid-late 2000s. Not long after Kendrick focused on a singles career, he was released by WWE. The Cruiserweight Classic can help Kendrick get himself where he belongs: in a WWE ring.
After an inverted headlock hip throw, Brian Kendrick locks in the Bully Choke on Mendoza for the victory. Kendrick advances to the second round, where he will face Tony Nese. Winner: Brian Kendrick | Eliminated: Raul Mendoza
