'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
We were shown the #1 contender's match between Angel Garza and Tony Nese from Wednesday. Lio Rush's two possible challengers have been impressive as of late.
Nese, a former Cruiserweight Champion in his own right, hoped to get back to the top where he belonged. Garza, a recent addition to WWE's roster, looked to prove his worth with a victory over the Premier Athlete.
Garza was able to end Nese's time in the sun, for now, taking him down with the Wing Clipper. With that, Rush will defend his title next week on NXT.
#2 Lio Rush vs Raul Mendoza
Rush tried to surprise Mendoza with some speed, but the Luchador was easily able to keep up with the champ, even countering his duck and run offense with a nasty running enziguri. Rush found himself outside where a tope con hilo took him to the ground.
Back inside the ring, a lifted rolling neckbreaker set up for a springboard moonsault. Rush kicked out at two, and finally caught his opponent with a step up enziguri. However, as he climbed the ropes, Mendoza sent him crashing to the mat with a kick to the head.
Mendoza brought Rush up in a rolling surfboard stretch, before modifying it, bringing Rush's shoulders back even further. The champion fought out and rolled up Mendoza for a near fall. A second roll-up was used to bait Mendoza, who sat up just in time for a rolling roundhouse to the head.
A pair of clotheslines set up for the handspring back elbow, followed by the handspring double kick on the apron, sending Mendoza to the floor. A dive connected, and Mendoza was sent back in for the Come Up stunner. Mendoza kicked out at two.
Mendoza caught Rush with a fisherman buster, but the champion again kicked out. The Champ of the Hour avoided a corkscrew splash and rocked Mendoza with another spinning roundhouse, finishing him off with a spinout Unprettier.
Results: Lio Rush defeated Raul Mendoza via pinfall.
Another strong showing for Mendoza, but the 24-year-old Piece of Gold once again proved why he was at the top of the division tonight.
