NXT
Date: June 22, 2021
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Wade Barrett, Beth Phoenix

It’s another pretty big show this week as Kyle O’Reilly faces Kushida. That’s an interesting way to go but it doesn’t do much good for the Cruiserweight Title. The easiest way to make a title valuable is to have people fight over it and the title isn’t on the line here. We also find out what the Diamond Mine is, which has me curious. Let’s get to it.

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

The narrated recap talks about Samoa Joe’s return last week and the chaos between Adam Cole and Kyle O’Reilly.

Here is Adam Cole to pick his opponent for his match against Kyle O’Reilly. Cole isn’t going to do that because no one is going to tell him what to do. Samoa Joe may be back, but he isn’t the big star around here anymore. Cue Carmelo Hayes to say he’ll change Cole’s mind. Cole wants to know how so Hayes says RUTHLESS AGGRESSION and slaps him in the face to start things off.

Carmelo Hayes vs. Adam Cole

Hayes starts fast by hitting a springboard clothesline to put Cole on the floor, setting up the big dive. Back in and Cole stomps away in the corner, setting up a suplex so he can wipe the dust off of his hands. A neckbreaker looks to set up a low superkick but Hayes is back up with a hard clothesline for two. Hayes tries to go up but gets knocked to the floor in a heap.

Back to back whips into the barricade take us to a break with Hayes in trouble. We come back with Cole hitting a running knee in the corner but Hayes is back with a pump kick. Something like a suplex into a cutter gets two on Cole, who grabs a Backstabber for two of his own. Cole goes up but dives into a superkick, only to get superkicked out of the air as well. The Panama Sunrise finishes for Cole at 12:27.

Rating: B-. You can feel the potential with Hayes, who has the poise and skill to back it up. He doesn’t seem like someone who is trying to get in everything he can but rather having a match that he has planned out. It worked well here, and having him hang with Cole for twelve minutes is a good idea.

Frankie Monet is talking to the Robert Stone Brand about how they are all going to win their matches tonight. Robert Stone comes in and gets scared by Frankie’s dog.

Zoey Stark helped Io Shirai last week because Shirai gave her the big break around here. Shirai comes in to say she respects Stark.

LA Knight talks about taking out Cameron Grimes and the fans chanting or Cameron Grimes. It turns out that Grimes cares about DiBiase instead of the money. That makes Grimes a total idiot and Knight will drink to that for sure.

Here is the Way for a chat. Johnny Gargano thinks he should be the handsome, hard working, headband working, respectable family man to be the NXT Champion again. He was champion for 57 days and NXT has never been better. At Takeover, Gargano outclassed Karrion Kross and he can do it again any day. Cue Pete Dunne and Oney Lorcan to interrupt and Austin Theory isn’t happy. Dunne tells him to try it but Gargano calls them off. They don’t partake of in hijinks or shenanigans anymore and it’s time to go. Gargano leaves but Theory stops to point fingers at Dunne, earning him a snap. That’s perfect Theory.

Cameron Grimes arrived earlier and paid some of the attendants for being nice. Someone asked how Ted DiBiase was doing at the nursing home and gets punched in the face. Grimes throws some money at him and says that was for Ted.

Adam Cole isn’t talking about Kyle O’Reilly when William Regal comes in. Regal says there is no animosity between Cole and Samoa Joe. Cole provoked him and got Clutched out, so that’s it. That’s not enough for Cole, but he leaves anyway.

The battery from last week is now at 31%.

Johnny Gargano and Austin Theory go into William Regal’s office to complain about Pete Dunne and Oney Lorcan. Gargano wants consequences and bribes Regal with a new pencil. Regal has an idea: a tag match for later tonight.

Zoey Stark/Io Shirai vs. Robert Stone Brand

Shirai fireman’s carries Aliyah to start but puts her down to chop away. A flapjack plants her again and there’s a basement dropkick to the side of Aliyah’s head. The slingshot knees to the chest connect and it’s off to Stark for an armbar. A sliding clothesline drops Aliyah again so it’s off to Kamea, who hits a rolling kick to the face for two. Stark comes back in for a running double stomp to the back but Kamea elbows her down again.

Cue the Way to watch and the distraction lets Kamea drop Stark as we take a break. Back with Stark still in trouble, including Kamea dropping Aliyah down onto her for two. The bodyscissors goes on but Stark gets over the hot tag to Shirai. House is cleaned for a bit until Aliyah grabs a northern lights suplex. That doesn’t last long either as it’s back to Stark for a suplex of her own, setting up the moonsault to finish Kamea at 9:42.

Rating: C. The Stone Brand continues to be lovable losers and little more than that. They still don’t exactly feel like major stars, but at least they are established enough to lose a match like this and still make the other team feel like they did a little something. Odds are they are going to be pawns for Frankie Monet in one way or another and that is not a bad place for them.

Post match here are Dakota Kai and Raquel Gonzalez to help the Way surround Stark and Shirai. The brawl is almost on but Ember Moon and Shotzi Blackheart come in as well as the Way stays on the floor. Samoa Joe comes out to call in security to break things up.

Kushida is looking forward to his match with Kyle O’Reilly.

We look back at Tommaso Ciampa/Timothy Thatcher beating the Grizzled Young Veterans. As a result, Thatcher and Ciampa get a Tag Team Title shot at the Great American Bash.

The Way vs. Pete Dunne/Oney Lorcan

Gargano armdrags Dunne down to start and hands it off to Theory, who uses his bad hand for a not very bright chop. Dunne takes Theory down and starts cranking on various limbs before taking him into the corner. Lorcan comes in to work on the wrist but Theory gets in a quick shot for two of his own. Dunne isn’t having that and takes him back down to crank on the arm, including some finger bending.

We hit the seated armbar into the kick to the bad arm but Theory manages to fight up. After knocking Lorcan to the floor, Theory hits a big dive to take him down but it’s a double half nelson slam onto the apron to send us to a break. Back with the arm stomping continuing but Theory kicks Dunne into the corner. Lorcan is right there in time to break up the tag, meaning it’s a big forearm allowing the tag to Gargano.

House is cleaned and it’s rather quickly back to Theory for a springboard Spanish Fly for two on Lorcan. Gargano escapes the Bitter End though and Dunne is planted with a DDT. A running Blockbuster drops Theory so Dunne comes back in to kick him down, setting up the arm cranking until Gargano makes the save.

Gargano comes back in to kick away at Dunne, including the rolling version to send him outside. Back in and Dunne is sent into Lorcan but it’s a half nelson slam/powerbomb combination for two on Gargano. Theory makes the save but can’t hit his own powerbomb to Dunne. An enziguri drops Lorcan again but Gargano is back up with a suicide DDT to Dunne on the floor. One Final Beat finishes Lorcan at 14:18.

Rating: B. If they are trying to turn the Way, or at least Gargano and Theory, face, this was a good start as they played the roles well. These two are so much goofy fun together that it would be an easy way to go, especially with the idea of Johnny Gargano/Takeover/Wrestling challenging Karrion Kross for the NXT Title at Takeover. Heck of a match here, though I could also see Dunne getting the shot. Those question marks are what make NXT thrive and it is nice to have them back.

Post match, Karrion Kross comes out to drop Gargano.

The battery is at 40%.

Karrion Kross and Scarlett run into Samoa Joe, who is reminded that nothing physical can happen unless Joe is provoked. Joe: “Of course champ.” Kross and Scarlett leave, but Pete Dunne pops up for the staredown with Joe.

Next week: a triple threat match to crown new #1 contenders to the Women’s Tag Team Titles.

Elektra Lopez vs. Frankie Monet

Monet headlocks her down to start and it’s time to fight over a wristlock. Lopez backs into the corner so Monet poses a bit and runs her over again. Some mounted shots to the face have Lopez in more trouble but she comes back up with a shot to the face. A pump kick drops Money for a second but two shots of her own set up the Road to Valhalla to put Lopez away at 3:26.

Rating: D+. Fairly short and to the point here as Monet beat her up, posed a lot and then won. That’s why you bring in someone like Lopez, who has a unique enough look to get some interest and then lose anyway. Monet is someone who came in ready to be a star and very well could be again for a long time to come. The Robert Stone deal is fine for a start, especially if she can steal them from Stone.

Bronson Reed isn’t sure what is going on around here but Hit Row comes in. Top Dolla says everyone is colossal until Colossus walks into the room. They don’t like Ever-Rise either.

Earlier today, Ever-Rise went to spray point Hit Row’s car but Top Dollar was inside, sending them running off.

Ever-Rise vs. Hit Row

That would be Ashante Adonis/Top Dolla, with the latter running Chase Parker off the apron to start. Matt Martel gets dropped as well and it’s off to Adonis for a dropkick. Parker saves Martel from a powerslam and Ever-Rise knocks Dolla to the floor. This proves to be a bad idea as Dollar comes back in to wreck more things. The Long Kiss Goodnight sets up a powerbomb/neckbreaker combination (with a nasty landing) to finish Martel at 2:32. Hit Row has great presence, but they aren’t completely polished in the ring.

Mercedes Martinez is ready for a mixed tag against Tian Sha next week. Xia Li and Boa jump her from behind but Jake Atlas kicks Boa in the head for the save.

Kyle O’Reilly is ready for the main event.

The battery is at 51%, putting it into green.

Here’s what’s coming next week.

Kyle O’Reilly vs. Kushida

Kyle takes him to the mat to start but Kushida winds up on top in the grapple. They get up to a standoff so O’Reilly goes for a kneebar. That’s broken up as well so Kushida takes him down and twists on the arm. Back up and O’Reilly takes him into the corner where a double headbutt puts both of them down.

We take a break and come back with Kushida working on the ankles but O’Reilly slips out. A kneebar is broken up with Kushida looking for the Hoverboard Lock, which is countered into a cross armbreaker which is countered into the Hoverboard Lock which is countered into a choke which is countered into a kick to O’Reilly’s arm. O’Reilly blocks a kick but Kushida is right back with a bridging northern lights suplex for two.

Kushida goes up but dives into a kick to the chest, setting up another kneebar from O’Reilly. That’s countered into a cradle for two but O’Reilly is back up with a rebound lariat to put him down as well. The brainbuster gives O’Reilly two so he heads to the apron, where Kushida sends him arm first into the post.

They trade kicks to the arm until Kushida’s hammerlock suplex drops O’Reilly onto the apron and out to the floor. Back in and they trade more kicks but Kushida still can’t get the Hoverboard Lock. Another attempt mostly works but O’Reilly gets smart by putting his hands in his trunks to avoid all of the pressure. O’Reilly finally manages to roll out and cradle Kushida for the pin at 14:26.

Rating: B+. Yep this was great and I’m not sure why that should be a surprise. They traded holds and strikes for the better part of fifteen minutes until one of them got pinned. Everything looked crisp, they didn’t do very many ridiculous looking things and it felt like a struggle. This was a heck of a main event and is more than worth the time to find if you want to see something awesome from this style.

Post match here is Adam Cole to brawl off with O’Reilly. Cue three guys in hoodies with one of them jumping Kushida. The guys are revealed as Roderick Strong, Tyler Rust and Hideki Suzuki (not named). Malcolm Bivens comes in to hand Strong the Cruiserweight Title and says THIS IS THE DIAMOND MINE to end the show. I’m intrigued, while also being annoyed that I thought Strong was the battery guy.

Overall Rating: B. When the only thing close to bad (and that is debatable) on your show is a three minute squash, you’re having a pretty good week. This was a heck of a show and felt like the NXT of old, with a mixture of very good wrestling, building for the future and leaving me intrigued about where things go. Awesome show here, and it’s nice to have NXT feeling like it’s old self again.

Results
Adam Cole b. Carmelo Hayes – Panama Sunrise
Zoey Stark/Io Shirai b. Robert Stone Brand – Moonsault to Kamea
The Way b. Pete Dunne/Oney Lorcan – One Final Beat to Lorcan
Frankie Monet b. Elektra Lopez – Road To Valhalla
Hit Row b. Ever-Rise – Powerbomb/neckbreaker combination to Martel
Kyle O’Reilly b. Kushida – Cradle

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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205 Live
Date: May 14, 2021
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Winter Park, Florida
Commentators: Tom Phillips, Nigel McGuinness

Last week was quite the change of pace as we had some fresh blood around here and they actually got some big wins. It was nice to see that for a change, though odds are it does not last. There is a good chance those things are knocked right back down to normal this week, though you never can tell. Let’s get to it.

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

Opening sequence.

Ariya Daivari vs. Asher Hale

Hale is better known as Anthony Henry. Daivari gets shoved out of the corner to start and Hale slaps on a headlock. Hale does it a second time to prove whatever point he’s going for but Daivari puts him on the middle rope instead. That means a diving headlock takeover so Daivari goes with a knee to the ribs this time instead. Back up and Hale hammers away, setting up a one footed dropkick for two. Daivari bails so Hale is right there with a running knee off the apron.

They head back inside with Daivari taking him down off a quick suplex and hammering away in the ropes. We hit the chinlock for a bit but Hale rises up thanks to the power of clapping. A scoop powerslam gives Hale two and some exploder suplexes put Daivari down a few more times. Hale enziguris him into a DDT for two but Daivari manages to crotch him on top. The Iconoclasm sets up the Persian Lion splash for two more and Daivari is stunned on the kickout. The hammerlock lariat is loaded up but Hale reverses into a bridging O’Connor roll for the pin at 8:19.

Rating: C. Hale showed me more here than I have seen from him in any other match so it seems that they are actually giving a few people a first foot in the door. That is what I’ve been asking for in the last year plus so well done on getting to the right idea. Daivari looked fine here too and it was a perfectly acceptable match.

Bolly-Rise is sitting around a table and talking about the new names around 205 Live. Ever-Rise brings up their talk show and the Bollywood Boyz sound confused. They’ll watch this weekend though.

We look at Kushida retaining the Cruiserweight Title in a 2/3 falls match against Santos Escobar on NXT.

Ari Sterling vs. Tony Nese

The fans want to know Daivari’s whereabouts as Nese works on the arm to start. Sterling reverses to do exactly the same and snaps off an anklescissors to put Nese in the corner. Back up and Sterling plants him again, with Nese bailing to the floor for a breather. Sterling gets pulled into the ring apron to put him in trouble for a change, followed by a whip into the barricade to make it worse.

Back in and Sterling manages an enziguri and a northern lariat to rock Nese again. You don’t do that to Nese though who hits a spinning kick to the face for two, setting up the bodyscissors. Nese picks him up and drives him into the corner, but a superplex is countered into a failed powerbomb attempt. Instead, Sterling hits a running hurricanrana to bring him back down and there’s a spinwheel kick to put him on the floor.

Back in and Nese catches him with a rolling palm strike but he misses a 450. Sterling hammers away again and gets two off a neckbreaker. Nese knees him in the face though and the sunset driver gets two. A powerbomb gives Sterling the same but he misses something off the top. The German suplex into the corner sets up the running Nese to give Nese the pin at 12:07.

Rating: B-. That might be a little high but it was someone in their second WWE match against Tony Nese on 205 Live. This was another great showcase for Sterling, who has a lot of heart in his matches and it shows every time. That being said, Nese was very good here as well and they had a heck of a match, even though I might have gone with a different winner.

Overall Rating: C+. They had a pair of good matches and showcased some new names. Nese and Daivari are still good hands in the ring despite my losing any interest in them years ago, making this a good way to spend thirty three minutes. The show still needs something for these people to fight over though, which makes the complete lack of the Cruiserweight Title all the more frustrating. Still, good stuff this week.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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NXT
Date: May 18, 2021
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Winter Park, Florida
Commentators: Beth Phoenix, Wade Barrett, Vic Joseph

It’s time for a big main event with the North American Title being defended inside a cage. Johnny Gargano has to defend against Bronson Reed, which could set up a heck of a Tsunami to crush Gargano for good. That could be quite the match as you have two talented people in there, plus a lot of other things on the show. Let’s get to it.

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

We open with a look at the cage match.

Toni Storm vs. Zoey Stark

Stark starts fast and drives her into the corner to hammer away, setting up a springboard missile dropkick. They head outside with Storm getting knocked around until she manages to whip her into the steps. The running hip attack crushes Stark against the steps and Stark barely beats the count. The chinlock doesn’t last long so Storm boots her down for two.

Stark grabs a backslide for two and nails an enziguri to put both of them down as we take a break. Back with Stark reversing Storm Zero into a hurricanrana for two, followed by a half nelson suplex for the same. Storm is back up with Storm Zero for two and shock exists. That’s fine with Storm, who grabs a judo throw and spins it over into a DDT, which drops Stark on her head (that was TERRIFYING) for the pin at 11:30.

Rating: C+. They got me with the finish as I was thinking Stark was going to win after surviving Storm Zero. Granted I would hope they could come up with a better way to do it than by dropping Stark on her head, but at least she seems to still be alive. Storm really needed the win, and if she can get a less disturbing finisher, she should be good to go.

Post match here is Frankie Monet to stare at Storm.

Legado del Fantasma is ready for MSK but Tommaso Ciampa and Timothy Thatcher come in to say not so fast. Thatcher goes into Spanish to say…..I believe “the cat does not have shoes.” Ciampa: “That makes perfect sense.” The match seems to be made for later.

Cameron Grimes comes up and says park his car, but he’s in Ted DiBiase’s spot. He gets a match with the valet, who happens to be Jake Atlas, for later.

The Way is at a spa, where Indi Hartwell admits that Candice LeRae was right about everything, including Dexter Lumis. As you might have guessed, Lumis is giving her the massage, though she can’t see him due to the cucumbers over her eyes.

We get a Prime Target on Karrion Kross vs. Finn Balor II. Kross was feeling the injuries from the match for weeks and can’t believe Balor survived as long as he did. At the end though, Kross left with the title. Balor says getting back up is how you keep going though and it’s time to go. Pat McAfee is ready for the rematch and Paul Heyman says everyone is interested in the match, even Roman Reigns. As for a spoiler….it’s a little too close to call. Next week, it’s round two. More greatness from these videos, as usual.

Cameron Grimes vs. Jake Atlas

Before the match, Grimes says everyone is glad to see Ted DiBiase, but he has a video on the REAL DiBiase, including all kinds of bad things happening to him over the years. Atlas dropkicks him to the floor before the bell and we take a break. Joined in progress after a break with Grimes hammering away but charging into a boot to the face. A springboard armdrag sets up a running enziguri in the corner, followed by the middle rope hurricanrana for two.

Grimes clotheslines him down and grinds an elbow into the chest in the corner. Atlas sends him chest first into the corner and snaps off a German suplex….as Ted DiBiase arrives in his limo. Something misses off the top and Grimes snaps off the flipping powerslam. The Cave In is loaded up but we’ve got Ted DiBiase in person, allowing Atlas to grab a rollup for the pin at 4:51.

Rating: C-. The action wasn’t the point here and Grimes losing to Atlas in this kind of situation isn’t going to hurt him. Grimes vs. DiBiase continues to be one of the best things going on in all of wrestling today and I want to see where it keeps going. I’m not sure if it is going to be but they have me wanting to see it every week.

Post match Grimes gives chase but DiBiase is in the limo, saying that Grimes will never be a Million Dollar Man. Ranting ensues again.

Bronson Reed is ready to make everything he has put into his career worth it by winning the North American Title. He has been around the world but now he is going to be here, winning the title and telling his wife that they did it.

We get a sit down interview with Pete Dunne, talking about how he can win any title he wants at any time. He has never had a bad match and even when he loses, people leave the ring a different person. Dunne talks about being influenced by British style and everything he has put together over the years (with the required Fit Finlay reference). The fans’ influence makes a huge difference and he can’t wait to see what is next.

Alexander Wolfe vs. Killian Dain

The rest of Imperium (minus Walter) and the still scared Drake Maverick are here too. Dain punches him into the corner to start but gets kicked and uppercutted for his early efforts. Some uppercuts from Dain allow him to send Wolfe into the corner. Fabian Aichner knocks Maverick off the apron and there’s a German suplex to Dain. Marcel Barthel throws in a chair but Wolfe takes too long, allowing Dain to hit a running crossbody for the pin at 1:49.

Post match, Imperium turns on Wolfe and beats him down, setting up the posing.

Raquel Gonzalez and Dakota Kai are done with Mercedes Martinez and are ready for the Women’s Tag Team Titles. Ever-Rise come in (with coffee mugs) to say Shotzi Blackheart and Ember Moon are the #1 contenders. They plug their show, but Gonzalez doesn’t watch it. Matt Martel says that sounds like she wants to hit him….and she does, dropping him with one slap. These guys are good.

Legado del Fantasma vs. Tommaso Ciampa/Timothy Thatcher

Wilde dances at Ciampa to start, who takes him outside for a ram into the barricade. Back in and we hit the front facelock on Wilde, setting up the chinlock. Thatcher comes in for a hammerlock on Mendoza, followed by a headscissors from Ciampa. Mendoza fights up and raises a boot in the corner to cut Ciampa off. Thatcher comes back in for a headlock into an ankle lock.

With that still on, Ciampa comes in with his own to Wilde but stereo rollups get….no count because two of the people are illegal. Stereo enziguris put everyone down and we take a break. We come back with Ciampa hitting a string of running clotheslines in the corner. Mendoza breaks up the hanging DDT on Wilde as we see Mendoza’s busted nose being checked on during the break. Ciampa gets punched and chopped in the corner but Mendoza misses a charge into the post.

The hot tag brings in Thatcher to hammer away in the corner, with Ciampa getting to do the same. Legado gets Ciampa into the corner for a clothesline and some moonsaults get two. Thatcher breaks up the Russian legsweep/boot combination and Wilde nails the big running flip dive. Back in and the hanging DDT gets two on Wilde with Mendoza making the save. Cue the Grizzled Young Veterans to jump Ciampa though and now the boot/Russian legsweep is good for the pin at 15:41.

Rating: C+. What we got was good but we got quite a bit of it as this match felt long. Legado is a solid team, though it’s weird to have heels who fly around like they do. At the same time though, it sets up the Veterans vs. Ciampa vs. Thatcher, which more than works for everyone involved. Legado likely gets a title shot too so that is a well used match.

Bobby Fish says his business is with Pete Dunne and Oney Lorcan. The torn tricep was a long recovery, but now he is back and there is a debt to be paid. First up is Pete Dunne because they have unfinished business. Next week, they can finish it.

Back at the spa, the Way’s credit card is declined. They think it is Austin Theory, but the spa employee called the credit card company and found out that it was something about a florist three weeks ago. Indi Hartwell puts the pieces together and realizes that Dexter Lumis still loves her. Hartwell runs off screaming this over and over as Candice LeRae is stunned. Beth: “Forget Bennifer! INDEX IS BACK!!!”

Johnny Gargano is ready to prove that Bronson Reed is not on his level. Gargano stops the unstoppable inside of a steel cage.

Aliyah vs. Sarray

Sarray starts fast with a springboard armdrag into a basement dropkick but Jessi Kamea grabs a leg. Aliyah gets in a few shots of her own but walks into a spinning kick to the face. There’s a German suplex into a missile dropkick from Sarray, followed by a running dropkick against the ropes. The high collar suplex finishes Aliyah at 2:25.

Shotzi Blackheart and Ember Moon are ready for the Way again and it’s time to get gritty and wild. Howling ensues (Moon: “That’s what she said.”).

Hit Row vs. Ariya Daivari/Tony Nese

That would be Ashante Adonis/Top Dolla, with the former taking over on Nese to start. Dollar hits a World’s Strongest Slam/Wasteland at the same time and it’s already back to Adonis for the corner stomping to Daivari. A superkick drops Nese and Dolla has to calm Adonis down. Something like an AA into a neckbreaker gives Dollar the pin on Daivari at 2:20.

Post match, Hit Row brags about the win, with Isaiah Scott promising to watch the North American Title match.

William Regal announces Legado del Fantasma vs. MSK for the Tag Team Titles in two weeks. There are going to be some new stars in the cruiserweight division, and also next week it’s Dakota Kai/Shotzi Blackheart vs. Ember Moon/Raquel Gonzalez.

Here’s what’s coming next week, including Frankie Monet’s debut, Cameron Grimes and Ted DiBiase in a Million Dollar Faceoff, plus Balor vs. Kross II.

North American Title: Johnny Gargano vs. Bronson Reed

Gargano, with Austin Theory, is defending inside a cage. An early escape attempt doesn’t work for Gargano as Reed pulls him back and shoves Gargano out of the air without much trouble. Reed sends him into the cage a few times and drives his face into the steel to make it worse. A missed charge hits cage, but the slingshot spear doesn’t work because of the cage.

That lets Reed snap off a hanging DDT but Theory is there to cut off a climb attempt. Gargano superkicks the knee out and we take a break. Back with Reed hitting a super Samoan drop for a delayed two. That means it’s time to go up but Gargano powerbombs him back down. It’s too early for Gargano to escape though as Reed pulls him back in and sits on his chest. A powerbomb is countered with a grab of the cage though and Gargano hits a poisonrana to put both of them down.

One Final Beat is countered with a toss into the cage but Theory slams the door on Reed’s head. Now One Final Beat can give Gargano two so it’s time to go up. Reed is right there to catch him with a superbomb but makes the mistake of climbing, allowing Theory to cut him off. Gargano gets headbutted off the top and Theory gets punched down. The splash to the back sets up the Tsunami to give Reed the title at 15:25.

Rating: B. This was exactly how such a match should have gone, with Reed overcoming the obstacles/odds and winning clean in the end. There was no fluke here either, as that Tsunami is one of the best looking finishers going today. Gargano was a good choice as champion because he could do something like this, but is more than enough of a legend to be back just fine in a few weeks. Solid main event here, and a good example of how a telegraphed finish isn’t a bad thing.

Pyro goes off for the celebration to end the show.

Overall Rating: B. Pretty awesome show here as they had a bunch of nice stuff capped off by the big main event, which more than delivered. I can always go with watching NXT get to do their thing and show how a good show is supposed to be put together. They have things set up for weeks now while delivering this week as well. That’s an efficient two hours and it was worth the watch here as usual.

Results

Toni Storm b. Zoey Stark – Judo throw spun into a DDT

Jake Atlas b. Cameron Grimes – Rollup

Killian Dain b. Alexander Wolfe – Crossbody

Legado del Fantasma b. Tommaso Ciampa/Timothy Thatcher – Russian legsweep/running enziguri to Ciampa

Sarray b. Aliyah – High collar suplex

Hit Row b. Tony Nese/Ariya Daivari – Fireman’s carry flipping neckbreaker to Daivari

Bronson Reed b. Johnny Gargano – Tsunami

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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

AND

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205 Live
Date: April 30, 2021
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Winter Park, Florida
Commentators: Tom Phillips, Nigel McGuinness

It’s another show from the cruiserweights and odds are we are not going to be seeing any of the bigger names of the division. I don’t know if it is some kind of a Coronavirus thing or just a weird choice, but you would think that some of the more prominent cruiserweights could pop up here every now and then. I would say maybe tonight, but I wouldn’t get my hopes up. Let’s get to it.

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

Opening sequence.

Jake Atlas/August Grey vs. Bollywood Boyz

Sunil headlocks Grey to the mat to start and then runs him over with a shoulder. They go to a standoff so it’s a fist bump and a double tag to bring in Samir to roll Atlas up. The kickout sends Samir outside in a crash so it’s time for Atlas to chop away back inside. Atlas elbows Samir down and puts on a bodyscissors to work on the ribs.

Grey comes back in and sends Samir chest first into the buckle. Samir manages to get in a shot of his own and the hot tag brings in Sunil to clean house. The top rope elbow gets two on Atlas but Sunil is sent into Samir to knock him to the floor. Atlas hits a good superkick on Sunil and Grey adds the spinning high crossbody for the pin at 6:45.

Rating: C. Pretty nice match here as Grey and Atlas are fine enough as a team. Granted that isn’t going to get them very far as there are only two regular teams on this show and they just beat one of them. At least it is a slightly different way for them to go though as it isn’t like there is anything else for the two of them to do.

Post match here are Ariya Daivari/Tony Nese to interrupt the celebration as they have a match of their own.

We look at Legado del Fantasma beating Kushida/MSK on NXT.

Tony Nese/Ariya Daivari vs. Ever-Rise

Nese takes Martel down to start and hands it off to Daivari for some kicks to the head. It’s already back to Nese for the cover and the forearms to the back keep Martel in trouble. Daivari snapmares him into a chinlock as Martel stays down. A dropkick gives Nese two but Martel is back up with a clothesline. Nese knocks Parker off the apron like a good villain should and the springboard moonsault connects. Daivari adds the Persian Lion splash for two but Martel gets in a shot of his own, allowing the hot tag to Parker.

A Gory Bomb gets two on Nese but he’s right back up to go to the corner. Nese’s superplex is countered into a super spinning neckbreaker but Daivari is back in with a reverse DDT for two. Martel is taken up top for a running palm strike and an Iconoclasm. Nese gets two off a 450 but Martel is right back with a powerbomb into a Boston crab. Daivari makes the save with a superkick but Parker comes in for one of his own. Everything breaks down and it’s the Sweet Taste to finish Nese at 11:53.

Rating: C. What else is there to say about a Nese and Daivari match? It feels like we have seen about a hundred of them at this point and that doesn’t exactly leave you with much to get excited about. Ever-Rise have turned into some rather enjoyable good guys and yet there still isn’t much of a reason to care about what you’re seeing here. Totally passable match and that’s the end of my enthusiasm.

Overall Rating: C-. This was indeed an episode of 205 Live, featuring mostly the same people having matches that we have probably seen before. I know I make the same criticisms of this show over and over but that is because we keep seeing the same things over and over. I’m not even expecting things to change any longer, but it would be nice to be able to believe that they could. As usual though, it’s hard to really get mad at a 30 minute show, but it isn’t easy to get interested either.

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NXT
Date: April 20, 2021
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Winter Park, Florida
Commentators: Wade Barrett, Beth Phoenix, Vic Joseph

They are going to have a hard time topping what they did last week but NXT can figure it out as well as anyone else. The big story tonight is the return of Kyle O’Reilly for the first time in a long thirteen days, though it isn’t clear what he’ll be doing. You could easily put him into the title picture with Karrion Kross but he might be dealing with Adam Cole for a bit longer. Let’s get to it.

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

Opening sequence.

Here is Kyle O’Reilly……in a jean jacket, a hat and sunglasses. Kyle talks about what a great time he is having and asks if we can turn the lights up. Oh never mind as it’s just the sunglasses making things seem dark. Anyway, he is so happy because Adam Cole isn’t here and that makes things better. Now it is time to move on, but what is next for him? At Takeover, he learned that you need that killer instinct to succeed. He needs to go after a title, but which one? Should he try for the workhorse title with the North American Title? Or should he go after Karrion Kross and the biggest evil NXT has ever seen?

Cue Cameron Grimes to interrupt, because he knows that O’Reilly can deliver. Grimes likes Cool Kyle and thinks they could have some merchandising options. O’Reilly joins him in TO THE MOON and of course he loves the idea. After thanking Grimey for the Dogecoin tip, O’Reilly starts wondering about his first opponent tonight. He can’t get the sunglasses to work but realizes that it’s Grimes, who he drops with a right hand. I think I really like this O’Reilly, as goofy as it is.

Sarray arrived earlier today but Zoey Stark, her opponent for later, interrupted. Starks would like to face her, and Sarray agrees to the match. This was announced in advance but at least there is a quick explanation. I’m not sure it needed one, but it was there.

LA Knight is ready to take out Dexter Lumis, because tonight they’re going eye to eye.

LA Knight vs. Dexter Lumis

Knight takes him into the corner as commentary tries to figure out Lumis’ psyche. Lumis knocks him down and the threat of the Silence sends Knight outside in the hurry. Back in and Lumis scares him into the corner and knocks him outside again. They head back inside and Knight grabs a jumping neckbreaker, meaning it’s another trip to the floor.

We take a break and come back with Lumis grabbing a spinebuster, followed by the belly to back suplex for two. Lumis knocks him outside again but Drake gets in a drop toehold into the steps. Hold on though as here is Indi Hartwell on the others side of the barricade to distract Lumis. Knight gets in a cheap shot and yells at Hartwell, allowing Lumis to hit a slingshot dive. Lumis looks at Hartwell again though and it’s a bulldog driver (ignore Lumis’ head not hitting the mat) for the pin at 9:51.

Rating: D+. I wasn’t feeling this one but the right person won. Knight still has a long way to go but getting a win here while the other two get to do the angle should serve him well. Lumis and Hartwell is the first mildly interesting thing Lumis has done so far in NXT so maybe they have a bit of an idea for him for a change.

Post match Hartwell gets on the apron and seems ready for a kiss but here is the Way to take her to the back.

Leon Ruff asks Isaiah Scott if he liked getting sent into a locker last week.

Beth Phoenix sits down with Io Shirai and asks about the beginning and ending of her title reign. Shirai is ready for the title rematch but for now, her body needs some rest. Cue Franky Monet (with dog of course) to introduce herself to Shirai and be a bit in awe of Phoenix. Since Shirai is taking some time off, she is willing to fill Shirai’s spot. That earns her some yelling in Japanese, which Monet does not understand. Shirai: “I LIKE CATS!” Monet kisses her dog as Shirai leaves.

Breezango vs. Grizzled Young Veterans

Breezango are in British palace guard gear this week (yes this includes the large hats). The Veterans don’t like it but get knocked to the floor in a hurry anyway. We settle down to Gibson hammering on Breeze but getting pulled into an armbar. Drake dives into the corner to prevent Gibson from crashing, meaning Fandango can be taken down into a chinlock. That’s broken up in a hurry with the Veterans being sent outside for the stereo dives.

We take a break and come back with Drake being sent into the ropes and seeming to hurt his knee. The referee checks on him and Gibson uses the distraction to poke Fandango in the eye in some quality cheating. Gibson rips at Fandango’s face but it gets broken up in a hurry, allowing the hot tag off to Breeze. Everything breaks down and Breeze hits a Russian legsweep for two. Drake’s rollup gets a close two and it’s a blind tag back to Gibson. Ticket to Mayhem finishes Breeze at 9:01.

Rating: C. Pretty to the point match here as Breezango continues to be that team who doesn’t do much but are former champions so they are in a nice enough place. The Veterans should be the next challengers to MSK and I’m assuming they are going to have the match sooner rather than later. If nothing else, it means we might be seeing more of the creative cheating.

The Way cuts off an Indi Hartwell interview but here’s Bronson Reed to say let love love. Reed talks about the North American Title but Austin Theory gets between them and says Johnny is Papa John. The only way Reed is getting another title shot is by beating Theory, which sounds good to Reed. Gargano points out that Reed beat Theory last week, which seems to be a surprise. Theory is great in this role.

Cameron Grimes is happy to have bought a Ja Morant (NBA) NFT….but it seems that there was a huge bid after the auction so someone else has bought it instead. That someone: TED DIBIASE! Grimes: “TED DIBIASE!!!!!” The cameo will be excellent.

Sarray vs. Zoey Stark

They fight over a test of strength to start but Stark can’t break the bridge. Sarray is back up with a dropkick to the knee and a lot of screaming before tying up the leg. Stark’s legs are tied up for a Muta Lock but she makes the rope in a hurry. A basement clothesline gets two on Sarray and some elbows to the neck get the same. Sarray fights up and drives Stark into the corner. Stark is knocked to the apron and a dropkick to the knee puts her on the floor.

Back in and they strike it out with Sarray getting the better of things. A running basement dropkick against the ropes rocks Stark and a fisherman’s suplex gives Sarray two. Stark is right back with a suplex into a sliding knee for two of her own. A 450 (which was a Swanton and would have missed by two feet anyway) misses Sarray so Starks kicks her in the head for two instead. Sarray hits her own kick and a high collar suplex finishes at 7:13.

Rating: C+. Sarray was energetic but she didn’t exactly blow the doors off here. I’m not wild on Stark losing just after she got her big win over Toni Storm but odds are she’ll be back. They had a good enough match though, despite being a bit sloppy at times. Sarray seems to be the next big thing in the division and I’ve heard worse ideas.

Respect is shown post match but here is Toni Storm to jump Stark. Sarray clears her off.

Dakota Kai and Raquel Gonzalez are asked about Io Shirai wanting the Women’s Title shot. Kai says you can’t always get what you want, including her not getting to study witchcraft at Hogwarts. She also DOES NOT like the suggestion that she wants the Women’s Title though.

Candice LeRae wants Indi Hartwell to talk to William Regal but Dexter Lumis pops up again and Hartwell leaves with him. LeRae doesn’t notice and goes to Shotzi Blackheart and Ember Moon to challenge them for the titles. Now LeRae gets it and is dragged into a locker room for the beating.

Video on Kushida becoming the new Cruiserweight Champion last week.

Here is Kushida, who is giving out a title shot of his own.

Cruiserweight Title: Oney Lorcan vs. Kushida

Kushida is defending. They go to the mat to start with Kushida working on a headscissors but Lorcan reverses into something like an STF. A missed kick to the head lets Lorcan grab a pretty aggressive headlock. That is broken up as well and Kushida kicks him to the floor as we take a break. Back with an exchange of strikes in th middle until a running uppercut gives Lorcan two.

Lorcan grabs an abdominal stretch before planting him for two. They strike it out again but this time the chops just fire the champ up. Some running shots in the corner have Lorcan in trouble and there’s the top rope knee to the arm. Lorcan blocks the Hoverboard Lock though and a running Blockbuster gives Lorcan a pretty late two. Back up and Kushida goes after the arm again, setting up the cartwheel into the basement dropkick. More kicks to the arm set up the Hoverboard Lock to retain the title at 9:24.

Rating: B-. I was liking this one and it is nice to see Kushida getting to showcase himself again. This has been more of the old Kushida, who was awesome in his New Japan days and is now getting to show a bit more of that. He isn’t going to be his entire old self, but at least we got a good one here. Lorcan can hang with almost anyone and he got to show off again here.

Post match here is Legado del Fantasma to jump Kushida. MSK comes in for the save to clean house.

Mercedes Martinez thinks Raquel Gonzalez is ducking her. That’s cool, because Martinez can take out Dakota Kai and it can be one on one for the title.

Candice LeRae is rather banged up but comes up to see the Way. Indi Hartwell pops in to say she and Dexter Lumis made eye contact! Oh and she talked to William Regal, who has given the Way a Women’s Tag Team Title shot. Johnny Gargano is happy but Candice can’t even put her hands in for the celebration.

Imperium vs. Ever-Rise

Fabian Aichner/Marcel Barthel for Imperium, with Alexander Wolfe in their corner. Barthel beats on Chase Parker to start and it’s quickly off to Aichner for more of the same. Cue Killian Dain and Drake Maverick for a distraction though, allowing Matt Martel to grab a rollup for two on Aichner. That’s enough for Imperium, who finishes Martel with the European Bomb at 1:53.

Kyle O’Reilly comes to the ring for the main event but runs into Karrion Kross and Scarlett in the back. Sneering ensues.

Kyle O’Reilly vs. Cameron Grimes

O’Reilly goes right for him to start and grabs an armbar. That’s reversed into one from Grimes but O’Reilly is out in a hurry. It’s time to start the strikes, including the running knee against the ropes. Some kicks to the ribs and leg have Grimes in trouble but he chops his way to freedom. O’Reilly counters a sunset flip into another armbar so Grimes rolls into the ropes to escape. A suplex drops O’Reilly on his head and we take a break. Back with Grimes whipping him hard into the corner and grabbing the chinlock.

O’Reilly breaks that up and knees Grimes in the ribs to put him down. The series of strikes drops Grimes again but it’s too early for a heel hook. Instead O’Reilly grabs a guillotine to knock Grimes mostly out, followed by a running knee to the chest. Grimes is right back up with a swinging Side Effect for two of his own. They’re both down for a bit before getting to their feet again for the strike off. Grimes hits his flipping powerslam for two but O’Reilly flips him inside out with a clothesline. A brainbuster plants Grimes and the top rope knee finishes for O’Reilly at 13:29.

Rating: B. This was feeling like a standard not quite squash for O’Reilly and then turned into a much better than expected back and forth match. Grimes can hang with anyone and it is nice to see him being the steady hand who can be put into this spot. They were trading bombs there at the end and while I didn’t exactly believe that the upset was coming, it wasn’t as cut and dry as I would have expected. Well done on a good main event.

Overall Rating: B-. Two matches carried this show and that is not exactly surprising. The main focus was on the Way this week and a lot of the major stars were nowhere to be seen, or at least not doing anything important. What we got worked out well though and it was a very quick two hours, as NXT tends to be. Another good show here, which probably shouldn’t be a surprise.

Results

LA Knight b. Dexter Lumis – Bulldog driver

Grizzled Young Veterans b. Breezango – Ticket to Mayhem to Breeze

Sarray b. Zoey Stark – High collar suplex

Kushida b. Oney Lorcan – Hoverboard Lock

Imperium b. Ever-Rise – European Bomb to Martel

Kyle O’Reilly b. Cameron Grimes – Top rope knee to the back

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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205 Live
Date: February 26, 2021
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Winter Park, Florida
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Nigel McGuinness

Another week, another 205 Live and I’m not sure how excited I can be about that. Hopefully this week winds up being a little better than usual because there isn’t much else to say about the whole thing. You never know what you might get out of this week’s show, but there is always a potential upside to the whole thing. Let’s get to it.

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

Opening sequence.

Mansoor/Curt Stallion vs. Ever-Rise

Stallion and Martel start things off with Parker taking him up against the ropes and then getting in a shove. That earns Martel a headlock takeover and then a shoulder gives Stallion one. It’s off to Mansoor vs. Parker as we continue the back to back first gears. Parker grabs a headlock but Mansoor reverses into one of his own. Stallion comes back in to keep up the headlocking and an elbow to the face gets two. It’s already back to Mansoor for two off a suplex, followed by a double armdrag to put both of them down at once.

Hold on though as here are the Bollywood Boyz to give Ever-Rise a pep talk, despite Ever-Rise not seeming interesting. Back in and a blind tag lets Martel come back in to powerbomb Mansoor and another blind tag lets Martel break up a sunset flip. Parker misses a step up elbow drop though and Stallion comes back in to start cleaning house. Stallion’s top rope splash hits raised knees as everything breaks down. Sweet Taste drops Mansoor and there’s a big boot to Stallion. Not that it matters though as the Boyz accidentally distract Parker and Mansoor grabs a rollup for the pin at 9:33.

Rating: C. This was fine again but the big question now is where we go with the Boyz vs. Ever-Rise. They have been doing these things for months now but with nothing in the way of a big show, it can be hard to figure out where this kind of thing is going to end. I’m sure the blowoff match is going to work well, though I’m not sure where it is actually going to take place.

We look back at Ariya Daivari and Tony Nese attacking August Grey and then beating him in last week’s main event.

Tony Nese vs. August Grey

Ariya Daivari and Jake Atlas are here too. Nese takes him down by the leg to start but gets reversed into an armbar. That’s broken up for a standoff and it’s Grey grabbing a slam but having to go after Daivari. Nese’s baseball slide doesn’t work but he gets in a cheap shot to the throat to take over. Back in and the Lionsault gets two so Grey is right back up with the spinning high crossbody for two of his own.

Nese grabs the gutwrench powerslam to take over again and we hit the bodyscissors. That doesn’t work either as Grey fights up with a jawbreaker into a neckbreaker. Nese catches him on the top but misses the 450. That’s enough to get Daivari on the apron so Grey can be tossed outside, meaning Daivari knocks Atlas silly. There’s the suicide dive from Grey to take out Nese and it’s So Much Prettier to finish Nese at 7:13.

Rating: C. Another completely watchable match which isn’t exactly something I would want to see again, or that I’m going to remember in the next five minutes or so. That is the problem with most of the matches on this show and that was the problem again here. I’m sure that is going to set up another tag match or something, because that’s how these shows always work on this show.

Overall Rating: C-. This was one of those shows that wasn’t exactly thrilling and didn’t make me want to keep watching in the future. That’s a common problem on this show and it keeps happening time after time. What on here is supposed to make me come back? The low level tag teams fighting each other? Another old vs. new tag match? I’d hope they can come up with something better, but I’ve been waiting for that one way too long now.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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205 Live
Date: February 19, 2021
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Winter Park, Florida
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Nigel McGuinness

It’s another week and I still have no idea what to say about this show. Odds are it’s going to be Tony Nese and Ariya Daivari dealing with some other young whippersnappers because that’s all they have done for months. Oh and some Ever Rise/Bollywood Boyz stuff because that’s still going. Let’s get to it.

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

Opening sequence.

Curt Stallion/Jake Atlas/Ashante Adonis/Mansoor vs. Bollywood Boyz/Ever-Rise

Well it’s different enough. Mansoor and Martel get things going but it’s off to Parker in a hurry for a double shoulder. Samir comes in and gets caught in an armbar so Ashante comes in, only to get elbowed down by the Boyz. That doesn’t last long so it’s off to Martel vs. Atlas, the latter of whom helps Stallion shoulder Martel down for two. Parker comes in and gets caught in Stallion’s headlock as the rapid fire tagging continues.

Adonis comes back in and gets distracted by Martel, allowing the Boyz to take him down. We finally slow down a bit with Adonis getting beaten up by the rotating villains. Sunil grabs a chinlock for all of ten seconds before Adonis is sent back into the corner for more stomping. A drop toehold into an elbow to the back gets two and a top rope back elbow is good for the same.

Martel can’t slam Samir onto Adonis though and it’s off to Atlas to clean house. Everything breaks down again and Adonis dropkicks Parker for two. Mansoor’s Death Valley Driver gets the same but he gets taken down into the Power and the Glory (Did I miss Power and Glory becoming the most influential team ever???) for another two. A bit of miscommunication lets Mansoor grab a Falcon Arrow for two as everything breaks down again. Stallion comes in off the blind tag and headbutts Sunil for the pin at 9:59.

Rating: C+. It might not have been good, but it was absolutely energetic and that’s a lot better than the usual around here. I’m still not interested in the Ever Rise/Bollywood Boyz deal, but some kind of continuing story is better than none. Just find something for all eight of these people to do and this show might be able to get somewhere, because the talent is there.

Earlier today, Ariya Daivari and Tony Nese jumped August Grey for stealing his chains.

We look at Santos Escobar backing out of his match with Karrion Kross on NXT. The match happens next week or Escobar loses the title.

Karrion Kross is ready to end Escobar.

Ariya Daivari vs. August Grey

Tony Nese is on commentary. Grey goes at Daivari to start but gets hit in the ribs. An early attempt to go after Grey’s leg lets him kick Daivari to the floor, setting up a high crossbody back inside. A belly to back suplex gives Grey two but Daivari is right back with a DDT for the same. We hit the neck crank on Grey but he slips out and grabs a sunset flip for two.

There’s a neckbreaker to drop Daivari, who pops right back up with a sleeper. The Rock Bottom plants Grey for two more but Grey ducks the hammerlock lariat. A superkick connects to Daivari and they’re both down again. Grey sends him out to the apron and then clotheslines him to the floor but stops to glare at Nese. Daivari is sent inside but Nese holds up Daivari’s chains to distract Grey (they are rather shiny). The distraction lets Daivari get in a dropkick and the hammerlock lariat is good for the pin at 6:57.

Rating: C-. I’m not sure how many times this match has taken place, but the problem is that it feels like one we have seen a dozen or so times. As usual, that is one of the major problems around here: there is nothing to fight over and it becomes rather tiring in a hurry. The match was fine, but how interesting is Daivari vs. Grey really going to be able to be?

Overall Rating: C. And so ends another rather uninspiring edition of 205 Live. The opener was fun but that’s a pretty rare situation around here. The show has a lot of problems, but the biggest is the lack of anything to fight over. Daivari won the main event this week. Is that going to change anything? Is Daivari ever going to be moved up to another level? Of course not, as the Cruiserweight Champions (yeah remember there are two of them) are never here, so what is the point of this show? Other than giving the wrestlers a short show to say they’re still active, I’m missing the point, but when has that ever stopped them?

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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NXT
Date: January 13, 2021
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Winter Park, Florida
Commentators: Nigel McGuinness, Beth Phoenix, Vic Joseph

We’re a little over a month away from Takeover and that means it is time to start putting things together. Last week’s show featured a stacked card with Finn Balor retaining the NXT Title over Kyle O’Reilly, meaning that he is going to need a new #1 contender. This week is also going to focus on the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. Let’s get to it.

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

We open with a recap of last week’s show and a quick look at the Dusty Classic, with three first round matches tonight.

Candice LeRae vs. Shotzi Blackheart

Candice has Indi Hartwell with her. Shotzi ducks a kick to start and shrugs off a neckbreaker, allowing her to go up top. The high crossbody gets two on Candice and it’s time to work on the arm. The armbar sends Candice bailing to the ropes so Shotzi goes after the other arm for a change. This time they go to the apron with Shotzi dropping her onto the steps but managing to avoid getting tossed into the barricade ala the battle royal from a few months ago.

An Indi distraction lets Candice hit a springboard spinning crossbody to the floor and we take a break. Back with Shotzi winning a slugout and nailing the running reverse Cannonball against the ropes. They go to the apron again with Shotzi hitting a DDT and then diving onto Indi and Candice at the same time. Back in and Candice manages a dropkick into the corner into a low superkick for two. Blackheart grabs another DDT but gets distracted by Indi, setting up Mrs. LeRae’s Wild Ride for the pin at 11:22.

Rating: C+. They went back and forth rather well, though it did slip into the succession of spots rather than much of a flowing match at times. I’m not sure on Shotzi losing, but I do get Candice winning here, as the Way still hasn’t been around all that long as an official faction and needs to look strong. Good opener here though, with Indi paying dividends.

Pete Dunne, Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch arrive, which seems to be a surprise.

Here’s Finn Balor for a chat. Balor says this is the day that he’s still the champ. Kyle O’Reilly again showed that he was great but he isn’t on Balor’s level. O’Reilly stepped up and got put down, because now he he is the one eating through a straw. Whoever is coming next better understand that they don’t make the cloth he is cut from anymore.

Cue Pete Dunne and company, with Dunne saying that he knew it would come down to these two to be the face of British wrestling. They were always going to go one on one so Balor tries to start fast. The beatdown gets the better of him through with Dunne taking him down by the arm. O’Reilly runs in for the save but it takes Adam Cole and Roderick Strong to chase the villains off. Balor has an awkward but seemingly respectful staredown with O’Reilly before leaving. Dunne vs. Balor is about as awesome of a match as there is right now, even if Dunne has lost a bit of his mystique.

Johnny Gargano is ready to take out Dexter Lumis and then he’ll beat Kushida too….but here is Austin Theory with some of Lumis’ drawings of the two of them. Gargano doesn’t handle things well.

Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic First Round: Grizzled Young Veterans vs. Ever-Rise

Before the match, Zack Gibson does his usual stuff, saying this is going to be their year. William Regal pops up on the screen to say the tournament is on and we’re ready to go. Gibson drives Martel into the corner so it’s off to Parker, who tries some trash talk. That earns him a beating into the corner so Drake can take him down with a headlock. Parker uses the hair to pull him down and stomp away, with Gibson getting things out to the floor.

An EVER-RISE RULES shout has Drake ready to kill him so Gibson calms things down. Drake fights up again and drops Parker, before throwing in a shot to Martel on the apron. Gibson comes back in for a front facelock and a belly to back slam. A half crab is blocked with some kicks to the face so Drake comes back in for a running elbow in the corner. There’s a spinwheel kick to give Drake two and he grabs the wristlock to cut off a near hot tag attempt.

Parker finally manages to drag Drake over for the hot tag to Martel, who immediately cleans house. There’s a suplex to Drake followed by a running clothesline and it’s already back to Parker. The Sweet Taste is broken up by Gibson and Drake hits a dropkick to Martel. The Ticket to Mayhem sends the Veterans on at 7:58.

Rating: C. They tried but the idea of the Veterans being actually threatened by Ever-Rise is laughable on its best day. The Veterans are going to be favorites to win the whole thing so there was little drama to be seen here. They are one of the better teams going today but could use the boost from a strong showing in the tournament.

Raquel Gonzalez talks about how important last week’s win was for her because just one year ago, Rhea Ripley was the chosen one. She is looking forward to the division and the Women’s Title because she is the baddest b**** around.

Shotzi Blackheart isn’t happy but she’s ready to win the Dusty Classic and beat Candice up on the way. She needs a partner and it needs to be someone she went to war with. Cue Ember Moon and the team is formed in a hurry.

Johnny Gargano vs. Dexter Lumis

Non-title and Gargano has Austin Theory with him. The bell rings and Gargano rips up the picture Lumis drew. That earns him a boot to the face and some right hands from Lumis, who does not appreciate the disrespect. Gargano misses the rolling kick to the head so Lumis is right there to stare at him. They head outside with Lumis ducking the running kick and nipping up to freak Gargano out.

Back in and Lumis gets caught on top but a superplex attempt is cut off by a series of headbutts. Lumis shoves him off the top but misses a Swanton as we take a break. We come back with Gargano in control and driving in knees to the back. Lumis manages a spinebuster though and the comeback is on with some right hands to the face. A slingshot suplex into a legdrop gives Lumis two but Gargano’s crucifix gets the same. The low superkick gets two more and it’s time for a slugout. Lumis has to deal with Theory and even Silences him, but Gargano uses the distraction to grab a rollup pin at 11:12.

Rating: C-. This was certainly a Lumis match, as I couldn’t get into anything they were doing. Lumis can do a few things in the ring but NXT thinks he is the most interesting person around. It’s much more an indifference to him than disdain, but that doesn’t exactly make things much better. Standard Lumis here, meaning the weakest thing on the show.

Post match the beatdown stays on with Gargano grabbing a chair. Kushida runs in for the save and makes Gargano tap with the Hoverboard Lock. Kushida hands him the title and poses for a good visual.

Pete Dunne, Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch are ready to take out the Undisputed Era.

Timothy Thatcher and Tommaso Ciampa have a sitdown interview with Wade Barrett. Thatcher is cleared for the Fight Pit so we’ll do that next week. Ciampa challenged him to this because he wanted to change the culture but Thatcher says Ciampa doesn’t know what he’s getting into. Thatcher talks about Ciampa interrupting Thatcher’s students but Ciampa calls him a piece of garbage as a teacher. Ciampa is ready to change things in the Fight Pit and he’ll see if he still has it.

The Undisputed Era is ready to end Lorcan and Burch. They respect Breezango, but the two of them are in the Era’s way.

Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic First Round: MSK vs. Isaiah Scott/Jake Atlas

MSK is……Nash Carter/Wes Lee, better known as the former Rascalz. Carter (formerly Zachary Wentz) starts things off with Atlas and they go to the mat, only to pop up for a standoff. Atlas’ armbar doesn’t last long so Carter starts flipping around, setting up a jumping back elbow for one. Scott comes in and the flipping around is on, setting up Carter’s springboard corkscrew spinning crossbody.

Lee (formerly Dezmond Xavier) comes in to work on the arm a bit more. Scott takes him into the corner though and Atlas gets in a knee to the ribs. A low bridge from the apron puts Lee on the floor and Atlas takes him down. Carter goes over for the save and Lee adds the flip dive. Vic calls them some rascals and we take a break. Back with Scott having to block a hot tag attempt, meaning Carter gets over to Lee for the tag a few seconds later (even the newcomers get that one).

Atlas gets knocked down so the push moonsault can connect for two as Atlas makes the save. This time it’s Lee getting caught in the corner so Atlas can kick him in the head. Scott’s 450 gets two with Carter having to dive in for the save. Carter hits a big dive onto Atlas on the floor but pops back up in the corner to get the tag from Lee. With Atlas down, it’s a modified Hart Attack with Lee hitting a running Blockbuster into the spinebuster to finish Scott at 11:54.

Rating: B. I’ve been a big Rascalz fan since they debuted so it’s cool to have them here on a stage where people might see them. They looked great here and I could go for a lot more of them. While winning the tournament seems far fetched, it isn’t out of the question and that is the kind of thing that can make the team a big deal in a hurry.

Here are the first four teams in the Women’s Dusty Classic:

Indi Hartwell/Candice LeRae

Kacy Catanzaro/Kayden Carter

Mercedes Martinez/Toni Storm

Shotzi Blackheart/Ember Moon

More teams to be announced and the first match is next week.

Video on Boa/Xia Li and their mystery master.

Scarlett, with Karrion Kross, uses Tarot cards to say things are about to get bad, especially for Finn Balor.

Xia Li vs. ???

The awesome entrance takes three times longer than the match, as Li finishes with the spinning kick to the face in 22 seconds.

Post match Li ties her in the ropes and beats her up even more, much to the master’s approval.

Kacy Catanzaro and Kayden Carter are ready to win their first round match over Mercedes Martinez and Toni Storm. They’re used to being overlooked though and beg everyone to do just that.

Isaiah Scott and Jake Atlas had to be separated. Bronson Reed handles the separating and Scott doesn’t seem to like that.

Next week: more first round matches, plus the Fight Pit.

Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic First Round: Undisputed Era vs. Breezango

Adam Cole/Roderick Strong for the Era here with Kyle O’Reilly in their corner. Breeze headlocks Cole to start and shoulders him down, but both of them try superkicks to no avail. They go with another grapple off to the mat with neither being able to get anywhere. Fandango and Strong come in with Strong grabbing an armbar to take over. Fandango gets in his own armbar as they’re completely even so far. A spinwheel kick gives Fandango two and we go to a break.

Back with Cole kicking Breeze in the head but getting sent outside before the hot tag. Breeze’s dive is cut off with a kick to the head, which is enough for the double tag to Strong and Fandango. Strong slams Breeze onto Fandango for two and it’s back to Cole, who misses the Last Shot. Breeze hits a Backstabber for two on Cole and knocks Strong to the floor. That means a backbreaker/slingshot elbow combination can get two on Cole.

Strong is back in as everything breaks down, meaning everyone can kick someone in the face for the four way knockdown. Cue Lorcan/Burch/Dunne to go after O’Reilly but Finn Balor runs in for the save before the jaw can be crushed again. That doesn’t matter though as Dunne knees O’Reilly in the jaw and Balor’s bad arm is sent into various things. Cole is distracted and walks into a superkick but Strong makes the save this time. The Panama Sunrise is countered but Cole superkicks Fandango out of the air for the pin at 11:57.

Rating: B-. This was the best Breezango match I’ve seen in a long time and that is probably due to having a team like the Era in there to rein them in. You knew the Era wasn’t losing in the first round without a bunch of interference and that was teased here, so there was a bit of drama near the end. I’m curious to see where this is going, which is why you tie an angle into a tournament match like this. Good stuff.

Dunne and company smirk from the stage to end the show as the Era checks on O’Reilly’s injured jaw.

Overall Rating: B. They did a nice job with the opening round of the tournament, which is rarely going to be the most interesting stuff. What matters here is they gave me some interest in every match, with the Veterans vs. Ever-Rise having a bit of a history, a mystery team and then the main event tying into the title feud. Throw in a few other things here and there and it was a nice show up and down.

Results

Candice LeRae b. Shotzi Blackheart – Mrs. LeRae’s Wild Ride

Grizzled Young Veterans b. Ever-Rise – Ticket To Mayhem to Martel

Johnny Gargano b. Dexter Lumis – Rollup

MSK b. Jake Atlas/Isaiah Scott – Spinebuster/Blockbuster combination to Scott

Xia Li b. ??? – Spinning kick to the face

Undisputed Era b. Breezango – Superkick to Fandango

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

205 Live
Date: January 1, 2021
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Winter Park, Florida
Commentators: Nigel McGuinness, Vic Joseph

It’s a new year and things have been feeling a bit new around here. That’s a good thing too as this show has been dying for some fresh blood for what feels like years now. I’m not sure if that is going to be the case again this week but you have to have hope, even around this show. Let’s get to it.

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

Opening sequence.

We see a clip of Mansoor going back to Saudi Arabia in recent weeks.

Mansoor vs. Jake Atlas

Atlas works on the arm to start but gets headlocked down. That’s a little harder to escape than you might think so Atlas tries a belly to back, only to have Mansoor land on his feet. Atlas grabs the leg so Mansoor armdrags him down using said leg before cranking on Atlas’ leg for a change. The half crab goes on for a bit until Atlas kicks him hard into the corner for the break.

A neckbreaker gives Atlas two and we hit the cravate. Back up and Mansoor goes in with some dragon screw legwhips, with Atlas’ leg giving out. The Scorpion Deathlock sends Atlas scrambling for the rope, allowing him to hit another neckbreaker for two more. We hit the pinfall reversal sequence until Atlas kicks him into the corner. Mansoor legwhips him off the top though and ties the legs up for the rollup pin at 7:57.

Rating: C+. I’m still trying to find out when Mansoor became one of the most consistent people around her but it’s getting to be a lot of fun to see him. On top of that, as I’ve asked before, why is he not on NXT? He could hang there well enough, and hopefully just isn’t around here as favor to the Saudis.

Celebrating and handshaking ensues post match.

We look at Lucha House Party beating Legado del Fantasma on this week’s NXT. Gran Metalik is getting a Cruiserweight Title shot at New Year’s Evil.

Curt Stallion is ready to get his hands on Santos Escobar but tonight it’s about the six man tag. He even has special partners in…..Ever-Rise!

Curt Stallion/Ever-Rise vs. Ariya Daivari/Bollywood Boyz

Daivari knees Stallion in the ribs to start and gets two off an early backdrop. A running dropkick to the side of Stallion’s head gets two but Stallion dropkicks Sunil Singh in the face. Sunil gets caught with a running knee/backbreaker combination for two more and it’s off to Samir, who gets caught with a triple fist drop. A cheap shot from behind puts Martel down though and the Boyz get two off a double suplex.

Sunil grabs a chinlock to cut off a comeback attempt but Daivari comes in for a double clothesline. That’s enough for the hot tag off to Stallion to clean house. A DDT gets two on Samir and some step up elbows to the back keep him in trouble. Sunil comes back in with a spinwheel kick but Samir elbows Daivari to the floor by mistake. That’s enough for Daivari but Stallion flip dives onto all three of them. A double Stun Gun into Stallion’s running headbutt finishes Samir at 9:17.

Rating: C. When the heck did Ever-Rise become a fun little tag team? They went from absolutely nothing for weeks to a not half bad team and I’ll take that every time. I know it doesn’t mean anything on 205 Live but at least this show has a little something going for it now and that’s as good as you can ask for around here.

Overall Rating: B-. As I’ve said many times, when the show is only about half an hour long and they get in a pair of nice matches with some people being pushed (or at least built up), it’s quite the use of about half an hour. I could go for more stuff like this, even if it is just a primer for another division of the minor league show. One of their better efforts in recent weeks and I’m liking where it’s going (or at least where it is).

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

205 Live
Date: December 18, 2020
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Winter Park, Florida
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Nigel McGuinness

The seemingly endless road to Curt Stallion getting a Cruiserweight Title shot continues and I’m not sure what that is going to mean for this week. You can all but guarantee who is going to be on the show, but at some point they are going to run out of combinations. Hopefully that is happening soon as we could use a fresh face or two. Let’s get to it.

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

Opening sequence.

Ever-Rise vs. Bollywood Boyz

Tornado tag and the Boyz are so serious that they aren’t even dancing. Everyone fights to the floor in a hurry with the Boyz taking over to start and a middle rope bulldog gets two on Parker. The turnbuckle pad comes off and Martel has to save Parker from a whip into the corner. Martel comes in to crotch Samir onto the top rope though and a backbreaker/running knee combination gives Martel two.

Everyone winds up on the floor again with Samir hitting a springboard dive to take the other three out. Back in and Parker breaks up the Bollywood Blast but Samir hits Parker with a top rope superplex. Sunil’s top rope elbow gets two with Martel having to make another save. Sunil gets in a camera shot for two on Martel with Parker making the save. Samir gets in some right hands in the corner but Sweet Taste onto the exposed buckle knocks him silly for the pin at 6:58.

Rating: C. This was a little better than I was expecting and I heartily approve if it means another over the top Ever-Rise promo. The Boyz are still the kind of team who can absorb loss after loss without it meaning much of anything so this was a fine use of a short match. It’s better than the same stuff over and over so mix it up a bit on the way to the Boyz probably winning the blowoff.

Tony Nese vs. Jake Atlas

Nese kicks him in the ribs to start and sends him outside, followed by a ram into the announcers’ table. Back in and Atlas avoids an elbow and snaps off a headscissors. A belly to back suplex takes Atlas down again and then grabs a snap version for the same. Atlas catapults him into the corner for two so Nese hits a running elbow for another near fall. A running clothesline in the corner sets up another belly to back suplex for another two on Atlas.

The middle rope necksnap into a Lionsault gets two and we hit the chinlock. Back up and Atlas hits a discus lariat before having his sunset flip attempt blocked. That doesn’t work for Atlas as, while still upside down on Nese’s back, he climbs the corner and shoves off (cool) to get the sunset flip for two.

The cartwheel DDT is broken up though and a Cactus Clothesline puts them both on the floor. They beat the count back in so Nese heads back out to grab a chair. It’s just a ruse though as Ariya Daivari runs in to post Atlas. That’s enough to set up the 450 for…..another two as Atlas gets his foot on the rope at the very last second. Atlas hits a Downward Spiral into the cartwheel DDT for the pin at 11:50.

Rating: C. Atlas continues to be the definition of someone who is just kind of there and happens to get a few wins here and there. It’s not a bad idea to push him and the wins are starting to pile up a bit but beating Nese isn’t going to change anything. Nothing to see here, but at least the right person won.

Overall Rating: C. Rather lifeless show here, but that is the kind of thing that you almost have to expect. At the end of the day though, a weak 205 Live is going to be even weaker than the bad WWE shows and that is the case here. Just nothing to see and it was a pretty lame 27 minutes. That time is the key though, and the reason to keep watching the show, even something like this one.

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