205 Live
Date: February 12, 2021
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Winter Park, Florida
Commentators: Nigel McGuinness, Vic Joseph

We’re fully back to normal here and that may be rather hit or miss depending on your tastes. I’m not exactly thrilled to see some of the 205 Live people again but that has been the case for a long time now. As usual, they need some kind of a way to pick up the pace around here but I have no reason to believe that is going to take place anytime soon. Let’s get to it.

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

Opening sequence.

Mansoor/Ashante Adonis vs. Samir Singh/Chase Parker

It worked so well last week you see. Singh headlocks Mansoor down to start but gets reversed into a headscissors. The first gear holds continue with an exchange of armbars until Mansoor sends him into the corner for the tag off to Parker. Adonis comes in for an armbar of his own and then grabs a headlock.

It’s back to Singh to stomp away and a double suplex gets two on Adonis. We hit the alternating chinlocks but Adonis is up in a hurry with the tag off to Mansoor to clean house. That’s cut off in a hurry and the Bollyrise Blast gets two as Adonis makes the save. Mansoor’s Falcon Arrow gets two on Singh as everything breaks down. The Long Kiss Goodnight finishes Singh at 7:41.

Rating: C-. This felt like I was watching a Lethal Lottery match and I’m almost worried to see where we go next with the Boyz and Ever Rise. I do appreciate the opponents being different from last week but it’s not the most interesting story. Then again, I’m not sure who else there is to put out there.

Post match, Mansoor and Adonis do the Bollywood dance.

We look back at August Grey beating Jake Atlas last week and then getting jumped by Tony Nese and Ariya Daivari (that’s like a merit badge around here).

Jake Atlas vs. Tony Nese

The bell rings and here’s Ariya Daivari to join commentary. Nese slams Atlas down to start and stomps away in the corner but Atlas snaps off a hurricanrana. A running elbow cuts that off in a hurry but Atlas is right back with a neckbreaker. Nese isn’t having any of that and kicks him in the face and hits a hard whip into the corner.

A suplex gives Nese two and we hit the bodyscissors. Atlas fights up and hits a hard clothesline but gets pulled into a waistlock. Some kicks put Nese down and the standing moonsault connects for no cover. Atlas plants him with a brainbuster for two so Daivari throws in the chain. The referee does his job for once so here’s August Grey for another distraction, allowing Atlas to grab a rollup pin at 9:59.

Rating: C. As I’ve been saying for a long time now, this is what we get around here. We’re setting up yet another old vs. new/us vs. them tag match and I can’t bring myself to care about the idea again. I understand that they are stuck with what they have available but DANG is there no one other idea they can run out there?

Overall Rating: C-. Another show that felt like it could have been from any point in the last three plus years. That is becoming a bigger and bigger problem around here as just seeing some of these names facing each other in very similar stories isn’t the most thrilling stuff. Then again this isn’t the most thrilling show and it isn’t on the wrestlers, but that doesn’t make it much better. The usual completely acceptable but forgettable show here.

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: 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:

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205 Live
Date: December 25, 2020
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Winter Park, Florida
Commentators: Nigel McGuinness, Vic Joseph

We’re almost done with the year and that means one more 205 Live to wrap things up. Last week’s show focused on a rather energetic tag match and Mansoor, making me wonder what we are going to be seeing this week. Odds are we are going to be seeing a bit more of the same though, because Santa Claus doesn’t come to 205 Live. Let’s get to it.

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

Opening sequence.

Samir Singh vs. Chase Parker

Nigel: “Tis the season to be Bolly!” Sunil Singh and Matt Martel are here too. Samir knocks him to the apron to start and chokes with the boot. A kick to the face puts Parker on the floor, where Ever-Rise takes Sunil out. That earns Parker a suplex on the floor, followed by one on the mat back inside for two.

Samir hits a top rope elbow to the face and a backbreaker keeps Parker down. A sleeper goes on until Parker sends him chest first into the buckle for the break. Samir is knocked outside so Sunil, who doesn’t look like him and is in different gear, tries to switch places with him. The referee, not being a numskull, doesn’t allow it, leaving Parker to hit Sweet Taste for the pin at 6:11.

Rating: C-. It’s hard to believe that Ever-Rise is starting to get some momentum but what matters here is the fact that they are getting some wins. No this isn’t going to mean anything beyond 205 Live, but they are getting a little credibility, which is going to mean more when someone beats them again. That’s fundamental wrestling, even if the Boyz had to look like morons for their failed switch attempt.

Curt Stallion talks about earning the Cruiserweight Title shot and Santos Escobar is running from him. Escobar is stealing time from him right now, but Stallion always collects his debts. He’ll see Escobar soon. Very basic stuff here, but Stallion sold it and it wasn’t the usual cliches.

Mansoor vs. Raul Mendoza

No seconds for Mendoza for a change. Mansoor takes him down by the leg to start and then does it again to prove his point. Back up and Mendoza takes him down as well, meaning it’s time for the pose. Some armdrags send Mendoza to the floor though and Nigel is rather pleased. Mendoza manages to send him back first into the apron though and there’s a slingshot hilo to stay on said back.

The chinlock with a knee in the back doesn’t do much good but Mendoza pulls him off the apron for a big crash. Mendoza stomps away in the corner and a dropkick is good for two. A second dropkick sets up the chinlock but Mansoor fights up and avoids a charge into the post (with Mendoza flying out to the floor). An atomic drop into a spinebuster puts Mendoza down and Mansoor adds a suicide dive to the floor.

Back in and the Sands of Time is countered into a rollup to give Mendoza two. Mansoor flips over him though and grabs a Texas Cloverleaf/Scorpion Deathlock hybrid, with Mendoza going straight to the ropes. A swinging suplex drops Mansoor again but Mendoza has to bail out of a phoenix splash. The landing bangs up his knee and Mansoor’s slingshot neckbreaker is good for the pin at 12:30.

Rating: C+. The Mansoor pretty goodness continues as he is one of the more entertaining wrestlers going on this show today. I’m still not sure why he isn’t working more regularly but it wouldn’t shock me to see him winning the Cruiserweight Title at the next Saudi Arabia show. For now though, he’s almost a special attraction around here and that’s a rather nice surprise.

Overall Rating: C. They basically had a run of the mill show here, because there was no reason to do anything out of the ordinary. Yeah it’s Christmas, but how many people watch 205 Live in the first place? Mansoor is becoming one of the better things about the show so it’s pretty nice to see him around here. It has been awhile since this show has had someone like that so if it keeps up, good for him and them.

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: 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 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

IMG Credit: WWE

205 Live
Date: July 24, 2020
Location: WWE Performance Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Drew Gulak, Vic Joseph

This show has become one of the more intriguing of the minor shows and I’m not sure if that’s a good thing. While it doesn’t feel like it matters in the slightest, they have at least brought it up to another level beyond the useless show it was just a few months ago. Hopefully they can continue with those lofty goals tonight. Let’s get to it.

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

Opening sequence.

Drake Maverick vs. Leon Ruff

Ruff gets an entrance for a change. Feeling out process to start and a lockup goes nowhere. Ruff grabs a quick rollup for two and Drake seems to think a little differently in a hurry. Drake takes him down by the arm but Ruff elbows him in the face for a breather. A hard clothesline takes Ruff down though and the comeback (Maybe?) is on, including a bulldog into a backsplash. Drake sunset bombs him into the corner and goes up top for a rather delayed top rope elbow and the pin at 3:45.

Rating: D+. Well that was short. They were playing up the idea that Maverick wasn’t taking things seriously at first and then turned it on near the end. It was kind of a weird match as Maverick but he needs a new direction after the destruction at the hands of Legado del Fantasma.

Post match Maverick says he’s coming for the Cruiserweight Title.

Video on Isaiah Scott, the same one from NXT.

Oney Lorcan/Danny Burch/Mansoor vs. Ever Rise/Tehuti Miles

Mansoor scares Miles into the corner to start so it’s of to Parker instead. A drop toehold into a headlock has Parker in trouble and Martel’s cheap shot earns him an armdrag. Lorcan grabs an armbar on Martel and hands it off to Burch to stomp on the hand. Mansoor’s atomic drop keeps Martel down and it’s off to Miles. That’s fine with Mansoor, who takes him down by the head and unloads with right hands.

Everything breaks down for a second with the villains bailing to the floor in a hurry. We settle down to Miles elbowing Lorcan in the face but Martel sneaks in for a dropkick to take over. It’s Lorcan getting caught in the corner and Miles chokes away on the rope. Ever Rise manages to do something right with an assisted whip into the corner and a step up elbow drop for two.

A shot to the face allows the hot tag to Burch and house is cleaned in a hurry. Everything breaks down again and Burch is pulled to the floor. Mansoor hits his slingshot neckbreaker (dubbed Seek And Destroy) but Miles gets to the floor to save himself. That means a dive from Mansoor and it’s a Samoan drop/top rope Blockbuster combination from Ever Rise to Burch. Another Seek And Destroy misses so Mansoor Oklahoma rolls Miles for the pin at 8:07.

Rating: C. Not terrible here and the main thing is they’re starting to build someone up in Mansoor. He is a case where they could come up with someone new for a change and that’s what the division needs. If nothing else, having him eventually take the Cruiserweight Title in Saudi Arabia could be a heck of a moment. Maybe it could even mean the slightest something to fans in America.

Overall Rating: C-. It’s almost strange to see them actually building things up around here. The show still doesn’t need to exist, but at least they’re trying to do something for a change. I’m not sure how long that is going to last as this show is hardly consistent, but at least they’re doing something for a change. Now just stop pretending that Miles and Ever Rise are interesting and we could be somewhere.

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: July 17, 2020
Location: WWE Performance Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Drew Gulak

I’m cautiously optimistic about this show as they have started treating it as something a little more important than filler. That being said, you can only expect so much out of a show supplementing the division that is usually filler for the developmental show. Last week’s show was pretty good though so let’s get to it.

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

Opening sequence.

Tehuti Miles vs. Mansoor

Rematch from last week. Miles throws his jacket at Mansoor to start and stomps away in the corner, followed by a heck of a whip into the corner. Mansoor comes back with a backdrop for two and a suplex with a floatover gets two. The chinlock goes on but Miles fights up and dropkicks him to the floor.

Some whips into various things have Mansoor in more trouble and they head back inside. Miles gets two off a neckbreaker and we hit the bodyscissors. A flapjack gives Miles two more but he misses a dropkick and gets caught with the slingshot neckbreaker. The electric chair Death Valley Driver finishes Miles at 7:22.

Rating: C-. Mansoor continues to improve while Miles continues to be someone who should feel like a breakout star but just never comes off as one. What we got here was fine enough, but it wasn’t exactly a match that I needed to see twice in a row. The wrestling wasn’t much, but I could go for more Mansoor.

We see the Legado del Fantasma segment from NXT, with the trio talking about wanting to bring back the real lucha libre.

We look at Isaiah Scott and Tony Nese joining forces to take out Ever Rise.

Tony Nese vs. Chase Parker

Matt Martel is here with Parker. Nese throws him down with ease and strikes the double bicep pose to play to his strengths. Some takedowns into an STF and then a reverse Figure Four with his legs (best way I can put it) have Nese even more in control. Martel’s distraction attempt doesn’t work as Parker gets taken down by some legsweeps and kicks to the chest.

The second distraction causes Nese to go outside after Martel, allowing Parker to get in a shot from behind. A bulldog gets two and we hit the armbar. Another bulldog attempt doesn’t work though and Nese is back with the Lionsault for two. Martel tries to interfere again but Nese shrugs it off and kicks Parker in the face for the pin at 6:53.

Rating: C-. Why yes, Ever Rise does lose again, as they always do. They’re adequate in the ring but they’re a couple of losers who I don’t recall ever winning a match outside of a quick squash. That’s not exactly worthy of a feud anywhere, including here on this show. Nese feels like he could beat them on his own, let alone with a partner.

Post match Ever Rise beats Nese down but Isaiah Scott runs in for the save to end the show.

Overall Rating: D+. Well they do have stories again, but egads they aren’t exactly thrilling. The wrestling is fine enough but when you go from Scott facing Johnny Gargano and teasing a match against Santos Escobar, it’s a little dull to see him against Ever Rise. Again though, the show is only 27 minutes long so how annoying can it be?

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