‘WWE 205 Live’ Review (March 12th 2019)
Welcome to this week’s 205 Live review, right here on Nerdly. I’m Nathan Favel and we have boy band…wait, is not boy band. Oh, we also have more cruiserweight tournament matches, so MMMBop your big/small/fat/flat ass back after the commercial break for more Chappelle Show. Our legal team has informed me that as of 2017, nobody has an ass any more. I apologize for my insensitive nature. …and now, more Masterpiece Theatre.
Match #1: Cedric Alexander def. Oney Lorcan
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Following an impressive WWE 205 Live debut against Humberto Carrillo, NXT Superstar Oney Lorcan was determined to defeat Cedric Alexander and get one step closer to competing for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship at WrestleMania. However, The Soul of WWE 205 Live is laser-focused on returning to The Grandest Stage of Them All and reclaiming the title. Lorcan presented a unique challenge for Alexander, as the hard-hitting striker has a reputation for his sometimes wild demeanor. The Soul of WWE 205 Live had to find the right strategy balancing speed and striking, all the while absorbing brutal chops from his opponent.
After a skirmish on the top rope, Lorcan fended off a potential superplex and took down his opponent with a perfectly executed blockbuster. Unable to capitalize, Lorcan nearly fell victim to Alexander’s patented Lumbar Check, but The Soul of WWE 205 Live’s back gave out – a testament to Lorcan’s ability to dismantle his opponent. Seizing the moment, Lorcan executed the Half and Half but was unable to secure the win. Alexander responded by dropping Lorcan on the ring apron before nailing a perfect Michinoku driver. Frustrated that Lorcan was still not defeated, anger overwhelmed Alexander, and he unleashed on Lorcan, only to be leveled by a European uppercut. Once again taking advantage of the opening, Lorcan hit a Half and Half from the top rope, but Alexander miraculously kicked out. Irate, Lorcan began slapping the former champion, and just as he turned to the ropes, Alexander grabbed him and hit the Lumbar Check to advance to the finals.
My Take: 3.5 out of 5 – This was some fine stuff that delivered another great tournament match. The moves were crisp and fresh, like a salad that has been drowning in cold water for six hours. The action was all over the place, but never too far out of the realm of reality. That sounded stupid, but I couldn’t think of anything else. Oney took advantage of this rare opportunity and showed why he has been one of the best for years. Cedric had a good night as well. Me Tarzan, you Jane. I liked this match and I didn’t see why you wouldn’t as well.
Match #2: (Main Event) Tony Nese def. Drew Gulak
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Drew Gulak kicked off WWE 205 Live by making a prediction that Tony Nese would collapse under the pressure of the tournament semifinals – claiming that’s what he always does. The history between Nese and Gulak is certainly rich – they are former tag team partners turned rivals – but Gulak has historically defeated The Premier Athlete. Knowing the stakes of the bout, Nese fought through tremendous pain, but Gulak’s masterful strategy of targeting specific body parts allowed him to apply another submission hold and demand Nese tap out. The Premier Athlete’s incredible conditioning was on full display, as he showed off his incredible athleticism to dominate Gulak with an incredible sequence culminating with a near-fall following a split-legged moonsault.
Desperate, Gulak took down Nese with a rare dropkick before executing a double powerbomb but was still unable to secure the pinfall. Gulak looked primed to attempt another powerbomb, but Nese struck back and had victory in his grasp until Gulak rolled away from a 450 splash. Gulak continued to turn up the pressure but was unable to lock in the Gulock. After breaking free from Gulak’s grasp, Nese drove his opponent into the corner with a German suplex but was unable to hit the Running Nese. Leveling The Premier Athlete with a clothesline, Gulak finally applied his patented submission hold. Fighting for his WrestleMania opportunity, Nese refused to tap out and somehow rolled on top of Gulak to score a shocking pinfall victory and advance to the finals against Cedric Alexander.
My Take: 4 out of 5 – This was a great match that sold me on the finals of the tournament. This had everything you’d need to enjoy it and I don’t see why you wouldn’t. This was a feast of great action and a great main event.
News Of The Night:
- Tony Nese vs. Cedric Alexander happens in the Semi-Finals.
- Ariya Daivari will return, soon.
- Mike Kanellis has one more chance to prove himself in competition.
Final Verdict: 4.5/5
Now this is what I like. A simple show with great wrestling and the promise of more great wrestling. It’s a shame that the Cruiserweight title will not likely be on the Wrestlemania main card, but at least we get this tournament.
