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Prior to his return match, Mustafa Ali met up with Cedric Alexander, saying that he wished it was him that the champ was tagging with during tonight's main event. Alexander said that he just needs to get back to 100% and that he was fine with his tag team partner, Akira Tozawa, who was seen hyping himself up before waving to Ali and Alexander.
Mustafa Ali vs Local Competitor
After a month away from in-ring competition, Mustafa Ali was finally allowed to compete. Ali's first opponent was against a local competitor, but before the match began, Hideo Itami's music hit, as the deadly striker cut a promo on the Heart of 205 Live.
"I came to watch your match," said Itami. "I missed you! I hope you're feeling better, good luck." Itami stood at the top of the ramp and continued to play mind games as Ali made quick work of his opponent.
Ali caught his opponent with multiple knife-edge chops before landing a perfect dropkick, then baited him into the corner, landing a kick to the face before planting him with the rolling springboard X-Factor.
Ali then hit a superkick before staring into the soul of Itami. Ali finished up with the 054, picking up a victory in his return match.
Results: Mustafa Ali won via pinfall.
205 Live General Manager Drake Maverick was seen backstage with Drew Gulak and Jack Gallagher. Maverick said that he expects no chaos in tonight's main event. Gallagher said that if there is any chaos, it might have something to do with Maverick being distracted by his managerial duties with the Authors of Pain.
Maverick said what he does on Monday nights will not affect his job on 205 Live, and if Gallagher and Gulak want, he can introduce them to AOP. The Cruiserweights declined, and Gulak said he believed they could all have a great working relationship once he's Cruiserweight Champion.
What makes Sting special? His first AEW opponent opens up RIGHT HERE.
