IMG Credit: WWE

205 Live
Date: November 20, 2020
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Winter Park, Florida
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Nigel McGuinness

Things were changed up a bit last week when Curt Stallion became the new #1 contender to the Cruiserweight Title. It’s nice to have some new names around here getting some focus, but the question now becomes where does everyone else go. That’s part of the trick that 205 Live has had trouble with in the past so hopefully it is better this time around. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Opening sequence.

Bollywood Boyz vs. Ever Rise

I can do this. I can do this. I can do this. Ok so Nigel dancing around during the Boyz’ entrance is funny. We pause for a dance off before the Boyz jump the two of them to start. A double clothesline into a double fist drop has Sunil in trouble and Martel drives him into the corner. Sunil elbows him in the face for one and grabs the armbar before handing it off to Samir. It’s already back to Sunil, who takes over with an armdrag into an armbar. Hold on though as Parker grabs the camera, which is enough to send Samir into a frenzy.

The distraction lets Martel get in a cheap shot and the backbreaker gets two on Samir. The neck crank goes on, followed by a step up elbow to the back for two. Samir manages to backdrop Parker to the floor though and the diving tag brings in Sunil to clean house. The Bollywood Blast gets two on Martel with Parker making the save. The referee gets rid of Sunil so it’s an assisted Codebreaker to Samir, only to have Sunil hit Martel with the camera for the pin at 8:55.

Rating: C-. The action was fine and somehow the Boyz are growing on me a bit. There’s something about the enthusiasm they show when they’re doing their thing that makes them fun to watch and that’s what we got to see here. Not a memorable match or anything but since this is the 205 Live tag division, it was as good as you can ask for.

Post match Ariya Daivari comes out to join commentary and to yell at the Boyz for not helping him become #1 contender last week despite paying them well.

We look at Curt Stallion becoming #1 contender last week.

Curt Stallion doesn’t know why Santos Escobar didn’t shake his hand last week but maybe Escobar just isn’t familiar with him. Escobar needs to smarten up then because Stallion is coming for the Cruiserweight Title.

Tony Nese vs. Ashante Adonis

Daivari is on commentary and continues complaining about these young whippersnappers. Adonis’ threat of a shot the face sends Nese outside early on, where he grabs a headset and says he can do this all day. Adonis doesn’t like the delay and throws his wristband at Nese so the fight is on again. That goes to Adonis as well, with some shots to the face in the corner setting up a backdrop.

They head outside with Adonis sending Nese face first into the announcers’ table and glaring at Daivari at the same time. The distraction lets Nese throw the ring skirt over Adonis’ head and hit a dropkick to take over, much to Daivari’s delight. Back in and the Lionsault connects for two, followed by the required chinlock.

That also means the required comeback as Adonis fights up and hits a suplex. A flapjack drops Nese so Daivari gets up off commentary with the distraction…..allowing Adonis to hit a DDT for two. As usual, Daivari can’t do anything right. Nese is back with a spinning kick to the face for the same as Daivari loads up a chain around his fist. He almost hits Nese by mistake before charging into the ring and right into a spinebuster. Adonis hits the Long Kiss Goodnight for the pin at 8:06.

Rating: C. Much like with Stallion last week, at some point you have to just give someone a win and that’s what they did here. There were some shenanigans afoot, but at the end of the day, Adonis pinned him with a superkick and that’s all you could have asked for here. It wasn’t a particularly great match, but at least they let someone move up the ladder, which is always an issue around here.

Overall Rating: C. This was more of a show about the future and there is nothing wrong with doing that. Above all else, 205 Live needs something to draw in some interest and you can only get so far with the same people over and over. The problem is we reached that point so long ago that 205 Live has lost a lot of its potential. New stars can help, but they have a long way to go. At some point you have to start though and the last two weeks are a good sign in that direction.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2004 Monday Night Raw Reviews (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2019/08/26/new-book-and-e-book-kbs-complete-2004-monday-night-raw-reviews/

And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

IMG Credit: WWE

205 Live
Date: November 13, 2020
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Winter Park, Florida
Commentators: Nigel McGuinness, Vic Joseph

It’s time for a special show as we are at the 205^th episode of 205 Live. This time around that means we are going to be seeing a five way match to crown a new #1 contender to the Cruiserweight Title. That should mean we have a long and well put together match which won’t likely change all that much. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

We open with a history of the show and the cruiserweight division, which has done rather well at various time. Granted it’s the absolute bottom of the barrel but the matches have been good. We also get some quick looks at some of the more important cruiserweights, including Brian Kendrick, Drew Gulak, Tony Nese, Akira Tozawa, Ariya Daivari and the Bollywood Boyz (ok some of them are better than others).

Next up is a recap of the current originals vs. newcomers story, setting up tonight’s five way.

Opening sequence.

Ariya Daivari vs. Tony Nese vs. Curt Stallion vs. Ashante Adonis vs. August Grey

One fall to a finish for the future title shot. Adonis drops to the floor to start and Nese and Daivari beat the other two down. Stallion and Grey fight the two of them off and have a staredown of their own, with Grey grabbing a quick rollup for two. Daivari and Nese run back in to jump them, which is enough to bring Adonis back in to clean house. That doesn’t last long and it’s Adonis being sent outside as well, only to have Grey break up another, ahem, anticipated showdown.

Stallion strikes Grey down but it’s Adonis coming back in for a dropkick. A hard whip into the corner rocks Grey so Stallion stomps Adonis down, only to have Daivari and Nese jump both of them again. Stallion gets suplexed down but Grey slips out of one and hits a belly to back for two on Nese. Grey avoids Nese’s Lionsault but Daivari pulls him outside and the villains take turns sending Grey face first into the announcers’ table. The beating heads back inside, including Daivari intercepting Adonis.

Nese grabs the chinlock on Grey until Adonis grabs a sleeper on Nese for the break. Daivari clears the ring until Stallion sneaks up from behind with a German suplex and a DDT. Nese makes the save until Daivari comes back in to Rock Bottom Adonis. Daivari isn’t done as he sends Grey into the steps and hits the Persian Lion splash. Stallion is right back in to cover Daivari for two but it’s Nese coming in with a 450 to Stallion for two of his own.

Grey gets back up….and here are the Bollywood Boyz to beat him down. Now it’s Ever Rise coming in to hammer on Adonis and Grey as well, as Nese and Daivari seem to have paid for all of these people. Adonis, Stallion and Grey get together to fight them off so Daivari wraps a chain around his fist and knocks Adonis out. Grey makes another save so Nese makes one of his own. Nese catches Stallion on top but he slips out and hits a super reverse Spanish Fly to pin Nese for the title shot at 18:38.

Rating: B-. As usual, 205 Live can get a lot better if they are given the time and a reason to fight. Bringing in the extra people to help fight out the young guns is a good idea too as it actually makes things feel a little bigger, though the combined forces of the Bollywood Boyz, Nese/Daivari and Ever Rise are less intimidating than the NWO B Team. Stallion winning is a good choice and while I don’t think he’ll win the title, it’s nice to see someone getting a boost in this division for a change.

Overall Rating: B-. These one match shows are always a little weird but they did well enough here. The history of the show wasn’t the focal point here but that’s the right idea, as the history will only show you how far the show has fallen. What we got here was good enough though and hopefully Stallion vs. Escobar can work out well. Good show here, and nicely done with making it feel special.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2004 Monday Night Raw Reviews (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2019/08/26/new-book-and-e-book-kbs-complete-2004-monday-night-raw-reviews/

And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

IMG Credit: WWE

205 Live
Date: November 6, 2020
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Nigel McGuinness

This show has been getting a little bit better as a result and that is a good thing to see. Things have started taking a familiar but still somewhat new direction and hopefully we get to see a good show this week again. I’m not sure what that is going to entail, but the former Evolve guys are at least something new. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Opening sequence.

Ashante Adonis vs. Mansoor

They lock up to start with Mansoor taking him to the ropes for a shove. An armbar works a bit better on Adonis but he gets caught in a front facelock. Adonis grabs a flapjack but gets knocked off the top for the crash to the floor. Mansoor’s dropkick through the ropes connects for two back inside as the pace has picked up.

Back in and Mansoor grabs a front facelock of his own and they even tease a knockout for a change. That’s broken up with a faceplant and Adonis hits a heck of a dropkick. A high crossbody into a kick to the head sets up a small package for two on Mansoor but he catches Adonis on top. The electric chair Death Valley Driver finishes Adonis at 8:06.

Rating: C+. Again, Mansoor continues to be one of the best and most consistently solid wrestlers around here so hopefully he gets an upgrade in the near future. Adonis has been doing fine as well and it s a good example of taking one of the dozens of people you have on the roster and turning them into something. If WWE could do that more often, it’s almost scary to imagine how fast they could restock the shelves.

Post match, respect is shown.

Curt Stallion and August Grey are ready to take care of Ariya Daivari/Tony Nese later tonight.

Santos Escobar says next week is the 205^th episode of 205 Live so we’ll be seeing a five way match for a future Cruiserweight Title shot. I’ve heard worse ideas.

Tony Nese/Ariya Daivari vs. Curt Stallion/August Grey

Nese drives Grey into the corner to start and it’s Daivari coming in for some loud chops. Stallion comes in off a blind tag though and it’s time to work on Daivari’s taped up elbow. A double stomp to the chest gets two on Daivari but Nese gets in a cheap shot from the apron to take over. Daivari’s neckbreaker gets two and Nese blasts Stallion in the face for two more.

Stallion grabs a small package for two though and rolls straight over for the hot tag to Grey. House doesn’t get a chance to be cleaned though as Nese gets in a shot from the apron and the Lionsault connects for two. Daivari suplexes Grey but pulls him up at two, which can’t be a good idea. Nese’s chinlock keeps Grey down and Daivari’s follows, though it doesn’t work so well.

Nese splashes Grey on the back and puts on a bodyscissors Grey, who elbows his way to freedom. The hot tag brings in Stallion to clean house and everything breaks down. Stallion gets sent outside so Grey has to fight both of them at once, which actually works for a change. Back up and Stallion hits a heck of a suicide dive to drive Daivari into the announcers’ table. Nese sends Stallion hard into the steps though and he heads back inside, only to get rolled up for two. The kickout sends Grey into the ropes, where Daivari gets in a cheap shot with a foreign object to give Nese the pin at 12:57.

Rating: B-. This was one of the better matches in recent 205 Live time as they had time, a formula and some cheating to make the veterans look like they couldn’t keep up with the younger team. The rookies need something like this and even though they didn’t win, the fact that they are having actual competitive matches serves as a good sign for their future.

Overall Rating: B-. It’s a good show with a pair of solid matches that is still off the air in just over half an hour. They are doing some nice things around here and you have a few interesting stories. I’m not sure what to expect from the show going forward, but at least we have some potential going forward. That hasn’t been the case in a long time, though I’m not sure if I have any reason to believe it’s sticking around. I’ll take what I can get though and that includes a good show here.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2004 Monday Night Raw Reviews (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2019/08/26/new-book-and-e-book-kbs-complete-2004-monday-night-raw-reviews/

And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

IMG Credit: WWE

205 Live
Date: October 30, 2020
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Nigel McGuinness, Vic Joseph

There have actually been a few changes around here as of late, with the biggest ones being in the form of some fresh stars. I don’t believe for a second that it is going to matter in the long run, but it is nice to see something new taking place for a change. It’s certainly better than some of the things we had been getting so let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Opening sequence.

Vic: “Welcome to Boo-05 Live.” I’ll allow it.

Ariya Daivari vs. Curt Stallion

Tony Nese joins commentary and yes, he and Daivari are called Originals, as they are somehow already back to that. Stallion grabs a headlock to start as Nese doesn’t think much of these new guys. Daivari can’t get away without a pull of the hair so Stallion chops away but gets sent face first into the buckle. A belly to back suplex drops Stallion as Nese is kind of incensed over Vic offering him Skittles.

Daivari bails to the floor from the threat of a right hand but a Nese distraction lets him drop Stallion again. Back in and the cocky Daivari stomps away, setting up the chinlock. Stallion fights back with some strikes to the face but a neckbreaker cuts him down for two. They’re on the floor again, with Nese doing some rather nice Stallion taunting.

Back in again and we hit the camel clutch but Daivari’s Arn Anderson style jump down onto Stallion’s back is countered with the raised knees (also Anderson style). Daivari crotches him on top though as this is a lot more back and forth than I would have bet on. The Persian Lion splash gets two but Stallion is back with a jumping double stomp for the same. Stallion sends him outside in a crash, headbutts Nese, reverses the hammerlock lariat and rolls Daivari up for the pin at 9:07.

Rating: C-. Nothing of note here but the important thing is Stallion getting the pin. At some point you have to do something with someone new and while Stallion might not be the next big thing, he’s certainly better than nothing. Daivari is a made man around here and is going to be a focal point almost no matter what, so it isn’t like the lost hurt him at all.

Earlier today, Brian Kendrick talked to Mansoor but Ever Rise interrupted to talk trash and set up the main event.

Ever Rise vs. Mansoor/Brian Kendrick

Martel wristlocks Mansoor to start and Mansoor can’t even roll out of it. Back up and Mansoor reverses into an armbar of his own but it’s off to Parker for some shots to the face. Kendrick comes in as well and starts cranking on Parker’s arm as well. It’s back to Mansoor for more of the same but Martel comes back in to take over. That doesn’t last long either as Mansoor gets over to Kendrick for the comeback tag.

The back to back tagging keeps Parker in trouble until Martel pulls him away from a charge in the corner. A snap suplex gets two on Kendrick but Martel clotheslines Parker by mistake. That’s not enough for another tag yet though as Parker pulls Mansoor out to the floor. The ankle lock doesn’t last long either and Martel misses an elbow, allowing the hot tag to Mansoor. House is cleaned but Mansoor’s Sliced Bread is cut off. Kendrick makes a save of his own and now Sliced Bread can finish Parker at 10:02.

Rating: C-. Not much to this one but the tagging was rather fast paced. Ever Rise continues to be the most nothing tag team in WWE (yes that includes the Bollywood Boyz) and a win over them doesn’t mean much. I can go for more of Mansoor though and the match was good enough while it lasted. The problem continues to be the lack of anywhere important to go for these people, but that’s part of being on 205 Live.

Overall Rating: C. Average. Humdrum. Boring. Nothing to see. The same stuff you always get around here. It was nice to have the newer names getting wins but at the same time, I don’t know how much more I can take of having the old vs. new and random tag team pairings. We’ve had the same kind of themes around here since the show began and there’s no reason to believe it’s going to change. I can’t get annoyed at a thirty minute show, but I can’t get excited about it either, as usual.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2004 Monday Night Raw Reviews (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2019/08/26/new-book-and-e-book-kbs-complete-2004-monday-night-raw-reviews/

And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

IMG Credit: WWE

205 Live
Date: October 23, 2020
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Nigel McGuinness

We are on the way to the Cell, which has nothing to do with this show whatsoever. 205 Live continues to be a show that is almost kind of sort of a way to advance the cruiserweights. Granted that usually means the cruiserweights not big enough to make it to NXT, but you can get a few surprises here and there. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Opening sequence.

Brian Kendrick vs. Mansoor

Kendrick grabs a headlock to start and takes it to the mat as Mansoor tries to find a way out. Back up and Kendrick armdrags him down, only to get caught in a chinlock. That’s broken up and Kendrick is already looking frustrated, which isn’t the best sign. Mansoor flips out of a belly to back suplex and scores with a dropkick. A middle rope bulldog gets two on Kendrick but he kicks Mansoor out of the air to cut him off.

They slug it out of the corner until Kendrick pulls him down into an armbar. That’s broken up and Mansoor hits a jumping clothesline into a spinebuster, followed by a Falcon Arrow for two. The moonsault misses but Mansoor is right back up with a sitout powerbomb for two more. A quick facebuster gives Kendrick the same though and another powerbomb is countered with a hurricanrana to send Mansoor into the corner. Kendrick hits a butterfly superplex for two but Mansoor pulls him into a cradle for the pin at 8:50.

Rating: C+. Mansoor continues to be one of the most consistently booked stars on the show and I could go for seeing more of him. I’m still not sure why he is only around every so often but he is certainly doing something right in the ring at the moment. Now just find something a little bit better for him and they could be going somewhere.

Post match Kendrick shakes and raises Mansoor’s hand, but doesn’t seem happy about it.

Video on Jordan Devlin, the same one which aired on NXT UK. He’s been wrestling for a long time and finally reached the peak of his career. Now he’s stuck at home and he sees Santos Escobar with the Cruiserweight Title, but that belongs to Devlin. Come take it from him.

Escobar has responded via Twitter and doesn’t seem overly impressed.

We look back at the six man tag from NXT, with Legado del Fantasma beating Ashante Adonis, Isaiah Scott and Jake Atlas.

The Bollywood Boyz (the Singh Brothers) are back and Nigel McGuinness is rather pleased. They’re back and promise to bring the star power and charisma to go with the lights, camera and Bollywood action. And that’s it. It’s better than calling them the Singh Brothers I guess.

We look back at Tony Nese costing Curt Stallion $10,000 against Ariya Daivari last week.

Stallion says he has a second chance to make a first impression and tonight, he’s proving himself to Nese.

Curt Stallion vs. Tony Nese

The bell rings and here’s Ariya Daivari to offer a distraction so Nese can jump Stallion from behind. Daivari joins commentary as Stallion strikes away and hits a White Noise onto his knee for two. Nese is right back with a kick to the head and we hit the chinlock. That’s broken up so Nese goes with the Lionsault for two instead. The bodyscissors stays on Stallion’s ribs but he has to elbow his way out of a torture rack.

Stallion knocks him into the corner and adds a running basement dropkick. There’s a DDT for two so Nese rolls outside, only to get dropped with a moonsault from Stallion. Daivari starts yelling, so Stallion drops him with a headbutt. Back in and the Running Nese finishes Stallion at 7:25.

Rating: C. Stallion got to showcase himself a bit and that’s the point of something like that. It makes sense to have him come close to beating Nese but not being able to pull it off, because that would be a heck of an upset. I’m not sure if I need to see what seems to be another random pair of heels on this show again, but this place has about three stories to run over and over again.

Post match Daivari gets in to stand next to Nese but they leave before jumping Stallion. Commentary talks about the two of them being 205 Live originals, because we’re doing that story AGAIN.

Overall Rating: C+. Having some fresh talent around here is a good thing but I’m not sure how much I believe in 205 Live being able to make them last. This show has not have the best track record for about four years now and given that we are now doing Old vs. New again, things aren’t exactly looking up. What we got here worked though, and I’ll take that over my usual apathy on this show.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2004 Monday Night Raw Reviews (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2019/08/26/new-book-and-e-book-kbs-complete-2004-monday-night-raw-reviews/

And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

IMG Credit: WWE

205 Live
Date: October 16, 2020
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Nigel McGuinness

It’s the post Draft edition of the show and that isn’t likely to mean a thing. You never know what to expect around this show, save for cruiserweights, wrestling, and not much of a run time. Hopefully it winds up being another rather easy to watch show, which has tended to be the case over the last few weeks. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Opening sequence.

Here’s Ariya Daivari for the Daivari Dinero Division, meaning he’s facing two men and if either beat him, they get $10,000.

Ariya Daivari vs. Anthony Greene

Greene is from Evolve and is very 80s. Daivari drives him into the corner to start for a slap to the face but another attempt is blocked with some right hands from Greene. A running elbow takes care of that though and Daivari whips him hard into the corner. Daivari stomps him down in the corner but misses a charge in the corner, allowing Greene to get some near falls off a pair of rollups. A hurricanrana gets two more but a spinning high crossbody misses. The hammerlock lariat gives Daivari the pin at 3:22.

Rating: C-. I’ve liked the little I’ve seen of Greene before and he did fine here. You can’t get much out of a three minute match but it wasn’t quite a squash so Greene did what he could under the circumstances. It’s interesting to see the Evolve guys trickling in, as there is a lot of talent who could offer some fresh energy around here and NXT.

Ariya Daivari vs. Curt Stallion

Daivari keeps the money because it wasn’t a pin or submission.

Brian Kendrick vs. Isaiah Scott

They lock up to start with Kendrick going to an early armbar. Scott can’t quite spin out so the armbar stays on for a bit until Scott grabs his own on the mat. Back up and Kendrick forearms away in the corner, only to get caught in a rolling Downward Spiral for two. Kendrick’s arm gets sent into the corner so it’s a hammerlock belly to back suplex to stay on the injury.

Kendrick kicks his way out of an armbar but he has to go to the ropes to escape a cross armbreaker attempt. They head outside with Kendrick sending him head first into the steps to bang up the back/neck a bit. Back in and Scott punches him in the face but misses a charge in the corner. A neckbreaker gives Kendrick two and there’s another one over the middle rope.

Sliced Bread is broken up though and Scott hits a suplex. The middle rope elbow to a seated Kendrick’s back keeps him in trouble but Kendrick sends him to the apron. Another neckbreaker is countered into a backdrop to the floor but Kendrick is fine enough to get a mostly one armed Captain’s Hook back inside. Scott gets up so Kendrick hits Sliced Bread for two. Kendrick takes him up top but Scott flips him down hits him in the arm, and grabs the JML Driver for the pin at 10:14.

Rating: B-. I’ve always liked Scott and this was two talented wrestlers getting some time to have a good match. They stripped away everything else that could have made the match stupid and let them use their talents to make it work. I can’t say I’m surprised given who was in there either and this felt like one of the better matches this show has seen in awhile.

Post match Kendrick teases ignoring a handshake but eventually gives one to end the show.

Overall Rating: C+. Again, they didn’t do anything stupid here and it was by the numbers with talented performers (yes including Daivari). I liked them bringing in some fresh names as this show could use some new faces and Nese vs. Stallion could be taking place next week. Good show here, and at less than twenty eight minutes, you can’t argue with much here.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2004 Monday Night Raw Reviews (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2019/08/26/new-book-and-e-book-kbs-complete-2004-monday-night-raw-reviews/

And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

IMG Credit: WWE

205 Live
Date: October 9, 2020
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Nigel McGuinness

It’s the post Draft show and I can’t imagine much of anything is going to change very much around this show. That might not be the best thing in the world, but 205 Live isn’t exactly the top priority around here. I’m having to strain to remember what happened last week, which isn’t a good sign for any show. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Opening sequence.

Ariya Daivari vs. Jake Atlas

Daivari does seem to be in better shape and starts jabbing away. Atlas knocks him into the corner and they’re on the floor in a hurry. Back in and a quick neckbreaker over the middle rope puts Atlas in trouble again. A chest first whip into the corner sets up a chinlock on Atlas, with Daivari slamming him head first into the mat. Atlas fights up and they slug it out until Daivari grabs a layout reverse DDT.

Rating: C-. The match wasn’t all that interesting in the first place but both guys were looking crisp for the most part. That being said, the ending didn’t do it any favors as the idea was to set up a likely tag match next week. It isn’t exactly a top level feud in the first place and now we get to see more. This could have been worse though, and I’ll take that on this show.

Post match Nese leaves and Daivari smiles, setting up the hammerlock lariat to lay Atlas out again.

We look back at Brian Kendrick beating Ashante Adonis a few times but Adonis keeps learning.

The Singh Brothers are coming back but this time, it’s the Bollywood Boyz. As it should have been a long time ago.

Video on Santos Escobar retaining the Cruiserweight Title over Isaiah Scott at Takeover.

Brian Kendrick vs. Ashante Adonis

Trilogy match time and commentary casually mentions that this is the 200^th episode. Adonis’ headlock doesn’t work so well but a dropkick puts Kendrick down on the ropes. A Cactus Clothesline puts both of them outside and it’s Kendrick sending him into the barricade. The Russian legsweep sends Adonis into the barricade again and a leg lariat gets two back inside.

The armbar goes on for a bit, followed by a bunch of forearms to put Kendrick down in the corner. A high crossbody into a DDT gives Adonis two, followed by a spinebuster for the same. Kendrick is back with four straight big boots to set up the Captain’s Hook but Adonis rolls out. Adonis hits a low superkick and the Long Kiss Goodnight (superkick) finishes Kendrick at 8:27.

Rating: C. The match itself was fine, but it was nice to see them trying to make someone into a new star. This show really needs someone like that and while I’m not sure if Adonis is the kind of person to become the next big thing, he is someone fresh and that is a great thing to see. They also built this up with Kendrick beating Adonis before until he Adonis finally learned enough to get the win.

They shake hands to end the show.

Overall Rating: C. This was a bit of a mixed bag for the show as they need to add in a new star but also set up a feud between the more established stars. In other words, you would have no idea that the main shows had been completely reset. I’m still not sure what the solution is around here, but what they’re doing isn’t going to draw in any extra viewers.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2004 Monday Night Raw Reviews (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2019/08/26/new-book-and-e-book-kbs-complete-2004-monday-night-raw-reviews/

And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

IMG Credit: WWE

205 Live
Date: September 25, 2020
Location: Amway Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Byron Saxton, Nigel McGuinness

Last week saw 205 Live turn into the Ariya Daivari Show and I’m not sure why anyone thought that was going to be their best idea. Thankfully this show has a tendency to change things up almost weekly so there is a good chance that it will be something different this week. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Opening sequence.

Mansoor vs. Ashante Adonis

Adonis takes him down in a hurry to start and throws in an early taunt. That earns Adonis an armbar and you can see the frustration/surprise setting in. Adonis fights up and spins out so Mansoor takes him down with a reverse DDT. Back up and Adonis snaps Mansoor’s throat across the top to put him outside and a neckbreaker gets two. We hit the chinlock for a bit, followed by a flapjack to give Adams two more.

Mansoor jawbreaks his way to freedom from another chinlock and something close to a Vader Bomb gives him a breather. The middle rope bulldog gets two more but Adonis pulls him down into Brian Kendrick’s Captain’s Hook (nice touch). That’s broken up as well though and Mansoor hits his electric chair into a Death Valley Driver for the pin at 7:57.

Rating: C. I know I say this every time he’s out there but Mansoor is someone who looks good and I don’t know why he isn’t getting a lot more time. He has the look, is smooth in the ring and has a cool finisher. What else can you ask for out of him? I’m not sure why he isn’t around very often, but I could go for a lot more of him.

Video on Santos Escobar vs. Isaiah Scott.

Isaiah Scott vs. Ariya Daivari

Daivari works on the arm to start so Scott takes him down by the leg without much effort. That’s reversed into a headlock but Scott is right back with a quickly broken chinlock. Scott bends then arm back and snaps it down onto the mat for an always painful looking moment. There’s a basement dropkick to put Daivari in the corner and they head outside with Scott hammering away.

As they head back in, Daivari grabs a DDT, setting up a neckbreaker for two. The crossface chickenwing goes on until Scott fights up with an elbow to the face. Scott sends him outside for a kick to the face and the rolling Downward Spiral gets two back inside. Daivari plants him down again though and it’s the Persian Lion splash for his own two. The hammerlock lariat is broken up though and it’s the House Call for the pin at 10:33.

Rating: C+. That might be the best Daivari match I’ve ever seen and a lot of that is due to Scott. He is one of the more talented wrestlers around today and I’m glad to see him getting a bigger role at Takeover. I’m not sure if he’s winning the title, but I’m also not sure what he does next if he loses.

Overall Rating: C. They did indeed switch things up here and that’s kind of a strange way to go. Daivari was built up as a bigger deal with an idea last week and then he loses the next? It’s a little weird as you would think they would have built him up further, but then again everything has been rushed as of late so it isn’t all that surprising. The wrestling was pretty good this week too, with Scott and Mansoor both shining as usual. Nice little show, and again the thirty minute run time helps a lot.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2004 Monday Night Raw Reviews (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2019/08/26/new-book-and-e-book-kbs-complete-2004-monday-night-raw-reviews/

And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

IMG Credit: WWE

205 Live
Date: September 18, 2020
Location: Amway Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Nigel McGuinness

This show is turning into Friday’s Main Event as I’m running out of ways to describe it. They’re doing some good enough things, but at the same time it isn’t a show that you would ever need to watch whatsoever. There are a few stories around here though and that can be rather helpful to make the show easier to watch. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Opening sequence.

Ariya Daivari vs. Eli Night

This is the first of three Daivari matches (….Why? What did I do to them?) and if anyone beats him, they get $10,000. Daivari suplexes him to start and stomps away in the corner, followed by the leg lariat. There’s the running dropkick in the Tree of Woe and the hammerlock lariat finishes Night at 1:28.

Ariya Daivari vs. Bobby Flacco

Flacco practices a form of karate called Miyagi-do, uses a crane kick, and insists that he is the best around and no one is going to keep him down. A clothesline and some kicks to the ribs have Flacco in trouble and he gets knocked to the floor in a hurry. Back in and Flacco misses a high crossbody, setting up the hammerlock lariat for the pin at 1:59.

Ariya Daivari vs. Jason Cade

Cade is something of a name on the indies and snaps off a hurricanrana to start. That just earns him a Rock Bottom for two and a superkick makes it worse for Cade. The hammerlock lariat ends Cade at 2:00. Well at least they kept it short, but I’d still love to know what WWE sees in Daivari.

We look at Danny Burch upsetting Tony Nese last month, partially thanks to the returning Daivari.

Danny Burch vs. Tony Nese

Daivari joins commentary as Nese sends Burch into the barricade to take over. Back in and a running elbow gives Nese two, setting up the chinlock. Burch fights up with a suplex as Daivari talks about how generous his three challenges were. Nese hits a dropkick to cut him off though and we’re right back to the chinlock. Burch gets to his feet again and nails a headbutt for the double knockdown.

It’s Burch slugging away to start the real comeback, including a very high backdrop. The German suplex into a hard clothesline gives Burch two but Nese kicks him in the face. The Lionsault misses so Burch grabs a Crossface, sending Nese over to the ropes. Nese is right back with the pumphandle driver for two but the Running Nese misses as well. They fall out to the floor and Daivari stands up to offer a distraction. Burch kicks him away but Nese uses the distraction to hit the running knee for the pin at 14:07.

Rating: C. The match was fine enough and it’s nice to see someone getting some extra time like this. Burch is someone who can have a fine match with almost anyone and Nese is a good heel for around here. The ending does set up a Daivari match, but at the same time it sets up a Daivari match, which is a far too common situation around here.

Overall Rating: D+. This was a show that happened and for some reason Daivari was involved in everything. I’m not a Daivari fan in the first place but having one guy in on everything is a bit much for any show. It was definitely the minor league edition of the show and one of their weaker in a good while now.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2004 Monday Night Raw Reviews (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2019/08/26/new-book-and-e-book-kbs-complete-2004-monday-night-raw-reviews/

And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

IMG Credit: WWE

205 Live
Date: September 4, 2020
Location: Amway Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Drew Gulak

I’m not sure what to expect from this show anymore but they tried something a little different last week with three matches instead of the usual two. I don’t know if that is going to solve things around here, but the recent shows have not been as dull as the ones in the last few weeks before. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Opening sequence.

Ariya Daivari vs. Tehuti Miles

Daivari hits him in the face to start and says he’ll be Miles’ veteran. More right hands put Miles down and Daivari shouts about Miles being a piece of trash. That’s enough to fire Miles up and he unloads in the corner with some rights of his own. Miles goes to the apron but gets kicked into the announcers’ table to put him back in trouble. Back in and Daivari hammers away, setting up a neckbreaker for two.

The chinlock goes on for a bit, followed by a heck of a clothesline to put Miles down. Back up and Miles grabs a DDT for a breather and there’s a spinebuster for two. Miles misses something off the top though and Daivari runs him over again. The hammerlock lariat misses for Daivari and Miles rolls him up for two more. Daivari is back with a superkick though and the hammerlock lariat finishes Miles at 6:18.

Rating: C-. I don’t know how to believe it but they actually have a storyline developing here. Miles was his usual self to start but then got serious and came close to beating Daivari a few times. If they keep going through with that, they could have a little something with him. It’s certainly better than nothing and the match wasn’t too bad either.

Post match Miles pulls himself up and Daivari teases a handshake before pulling the hand away. Makes sense.

We look at Isaiah Scott pinning Santos Escobar on NXT.

Mansoor vs. Colby Corino

That would be Steve’s son, who is almost a veteran to mess with my head that much more. They run the ropes to start until it’s an atomic drop into a clothesline to drop Colby. A middle rope bulldog connects and we hit the chinlock to keep Corino down. Colby gets back up and sweeps the leg to drop Mansoor off the middle rope. A seated abdominal stretch doesn’t last long as Mansoor fights up and hits a hanging TKO. The One Winged Angel into the Death Valley Driver finishes Corino at 3:18.

Rating: C. The more I see of Mansoor the more I like of him and that’s a nice thing to have around. He really could be a full time guy on some show and I don’t get why he isn’t. Corino showed some fire here too and they had a completely watchable, and even energized match given how little time they had.

We look back at Ever Rise failing to cheat to win against Oney Lorcan/Danny Burch.

Ever Rise vs. Oney Lorcan/Danny Burch

Rematch from last week and Ariya Daivari joins commentary because I must have been evil in some past life. Before the match, Ever Rise yells at Vic Joseph for having a big mouth. Lorcan and Parker start with both guys taking turns dragging the other into the corner for tags. Burch gets taken into the corner for some alternating stompings but it’s quickly back to Lorcan to run people over.

Martel breaks it up with an elbow to the head and it’s Parker stomping away against the ropes. Parker gets two off a snap suplex and we hit the seated armbar. Lorcan fights up with a running shoulder but a drop toehold into an elbow to the back cuts him off again. Parker gets kicked away though and the hot tag brings in Burch to clean house. A German suplex into a running clothesline gets two on Martel but here is Legado del Fantasma to hit Parker with a chair for the DQ at 5:30.

Rating: C-. The match wasn’t the point here and that’s perfectly fine. Above all else it is nice to see some storyline advancement, even if it was on such a low level. Bringing in Legado, especially with the champ involved, makes things seem more important, which has been a big problem around here for a long time. Nothing match, but at least it offered something.

Post match Legado destroys all four of them, including duct taping Ever Rise’s mouths shut to end the show.

Overall Rating: C. For once this show actually gave me some hope and that’s a very nice feeling to have. What mattered here was they felt like they actually had a goal to the show and they made me want to see a little more. They haven’t done something like this in a very long time so hopefully they keep it going for a long time to come.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2004 Monday Night Raw Reviews (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2019/08/26/new-book-and-e-book-kbs-complete-2004-monday-night-raw-reviews/

And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6