09th Aug2018

‘WWE 205 Live’ Review (August 7th 2018)

by Nathan Favel

205-live-header

Welcome to the 205 Live review, right here on Nerdly. I’m Nathan Favel and we have Tom Cruise battling Henry Cavill for the right to play Superman in Man of Steel 2. Actually, they probably aren’t going to make Man of Steel 2, so they’re fighting over whether Cavill’s mustache ruined Justice League. The mustache didn’t ruin Justice League, but Joss Whedon being combined with Warner Brother’s greed and Zack Snyder’s bad ideas (he had quite a few good ones though) did kill that movie. Anyway, I’m Sal Mandini… wanna wrestle?

Match #1: Tony Nese & Buddy Murphy defeated The Lucha House Party (Lince Dorado & Kalisto) w/ Gran Metalik

My Take: This was a good match that had a nice pace and some good moves. I like the Lucha House Party, although I would say they veer a little too close to the way The New Day work, which can be a little much from time to time, but is still very enjoyable regardless. I would hate for their wrestling ability to become secondary to their gimmick, but that is the price for working for Vince McMahon. Nese and Murphy were excellent here and showed as much promise as ever. I wouldn’t mind seeing more bouts between these two teams over time.

Match #2: Noam Dar def. Sean Maluta

The following is courtesy of WWE.com:

After a triumphant return to WWE 205 Live against TJP, Noam Dar met The Cruisergreat in a rematch and nearly reinjured his left knee in a disappointing defeat. However, The Scottish Supernova wasn’t letting TJP into his head and was focused on Cruiserweight Classic and NXT competitor Sean Maluta. As the match got underway, Dar and Maluta grappled to a stalemate, but a kick to the gut gave Maluta the advantage. Seizing the opportunity, Maluta began targeting his opponent’s left knee. However, as Maluta advanced, Dar recalibrated and took down his opponent with a series of well-timed strikes before executing his patented NovaRolla for the victory.

My Take: This was a fine little match that gave Dar some nice screen time. I enjoyed the technical work here and thought this was a good way to give Maluta a few minutes to shine as well.

Match #3: Hideo Itami def. Mustafa Ali

The following is courtesy of WWE.com:

Although Mustafa Ali spent time in the hospital last week and was advised by doctors that he’s been pushing himself too hard, The Heart of WWE 205 Live insisted to WWE 205 Live General Manager Drake Maverick that he was ready to compete. Ali’s resilience faced a major test in the form of the hard-hitting Hideo Itami. Early in the battle, Ali managed to avoid his opponent’s strikes and maintain control with agile counters and quick strikes. Forcing Itami to the outside, Ali soared to the outside and flattened his opponent. However, The Heart of WWE 205 Live came down awkwardly, and although he did damage to Itaimi, he also began to favor his back.

Moving back into the ring, Ali continued the pressure but paused to favor his lower back, thus allowing Itami to strike. The two Superstars began trading brutal strikes in and out of the ring. The Japanese Superstar unloaded on his opponent with brutal kicks to the chest that forced Ali to the floor. Continuing to exchange blows with Ali on the ring apron, Itami charged forward with a dropkick, driving Ali back first into the ring post. Itami mercilessly continued his attacks, leaving Ali reeling. Inside the ring, the Japanese striker methodically kicked the devastated Ali, seemingly proving that all was not well with The Heart of WWE 205 Live. Even as Ali attempted to counter his opponent’s advances, Itami would only strike harder.

However, Ali has proven himself to be one of the most resilient Superstars in WWE and battled back, mounting a surging offense before being stopped dead in his tracks as he rolled into the ring, directly into a brutal kick from Itami. Refusing to stay down, Ali again found the energy to charge forward and take control, again attempting – this time successfully – his rolling facebuster. With the WWE Universe behind him, the Chicago native continued to push forward, entering another exchange with his opponent that left them both laid out in the center of the ring.

Hideo once again took control, nearly scoring a pinfall following a Falcon Arrow. As the battle raged, the Japanese Superstar prepared a superplex but was countered, and Ali scored a near pinfall with a jaw-dropping powerbomb. The match continued with a series of counters, ending with Itami tossing Ali into the turnbuckle. Frustrated that he couldn’t secure victory, Itami dragged Ali to the corner and prepared to dropkick his opponent into the steel steps. Ali managed to move away and execute an uncanny DDT from the top rope to the floor below. With victory in sight, Ali prepared to execute the 054, but he lost his balance before being taken down by Itami.

With Ali caught on the ropes, Itami executed three brutal running dropkicks to secure a hard-fought victory. After the match, Ali was unable to leave the ring on his own power, leaving WWE 205 Live General Manager Drake Maverick scrambling to help The Heart of WWE 205 Live.

My Take: This was an excellent main event that felt like a big match. Itami is one of wrestling’s best and reminded us all of it, yet again, with this match. Ali is doing really well as an earnest figure and his performances are starting to really gain traction. Triple H and who-ever is helping book these cards may not be the ultimate booking committee, but they are good, with no doubt… not the Hollaback Girl kind either. I would say this has the chance to be the best WWE match of the week, right along with the tag match that main evented the Smackdown card from last night.

News Of The Night:

  1. Drake Maverick was great tonight in the video packages he narrated and the in-ring appearances he made.
  2. Akira Tozawa vs. Lio Rush happens next week.
  3. Alexander vs. Gallagher happens next week.

Final Verdict: This was an excellent card that was wonderfully produced. 205 Live feels like it is finally making some strides towards the World Championship Wrestling Cruiserweight division it is clearly inspired by.

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