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205 Live promised to put an end to a long-term rivalry between two of the best that the purple brand had to offer. Ariya Daivari has had major issues with August Grey ever since the latter came to the brand last year. Tonight, both men looked set to the settle score once and for all.
WWE's land of the cruiserweights saw a new announce team from tonight. With Tom Phillips gone, Vic Joseph stepped into his old slot alongside Nigel McGuinness. On his first night back, Joseph was forced to deal with the Bollywood Boys, much to his chagrin.
We kicked things off with one of 205 Live's newest highlights, Ari Sterling, taking on Sunil Singh.
Ari Sterling vs Sunil Singh w/Samir Singh on 205 Live
Ari Sterling stunned Sunil Singh with a flash knee strike to the nose. Samir tried to roll in and pull twin magic, but they were obviously not the same person. The distraction worked, though, as Sunil took out the leg of 205 Live's latest top prospect with a high-speed chop block.
We were told by the 205 Live commentary team that Ari Sterling refused the help of Asher Hale earlier on, which looked like a poor decision considering The Singhs' game plan tonight.
Sunil continued to work over that weakened leg, but Sterling was able to send his opponent over the ropes as he leapt up for a big stomp.
Unfortunately, Singh recovered quickly and dragged Sterling to the ring post, wrapping that injured leg around the steel. Ari responded by pulling him head first into the post. Sterling couldn't keep control, though, and was trapped in the Bollywood Lock.
Sterling barely got to the ropes in time and began to pick things up with a kicking combination. The rolling ax kick connected, but another distraction from Samir allowed Sunil to roll him up for a two-count.
Sterling kicked out and hit the step-up enzuigiri. The sidewalk slam facebuster (Baja Blast) spiked Sunil, giving Sterling a great win.
Results: Ari Sterling defeated Sunil Singh via pinfall on 205 Live.
Grade: B+
Ariya Daivari vs August Grey on 205 Live
The 205 Live OG lost initial control of the match as August Grey brought him down by the shoulder. However, Ariya Daivari countered an Irish whip, sending Grey into the corner and hitting a big kick to the sternum.
August responded with a neckbreaker and a hurricanrana, sending Daivari to the floor. A big dive rocked 205 Live's resident brawler. However, the floor was where Daivari felt most comfortable. Daivari Dinero repeatedly launched Grey into the announcer's desk to turn things around.
That weakened midsection served as a new target. Daivari pelted Grey with a series of knees to the ribs before bringing him to the mat with a pair of body scissors. After a kitchen sink knee to the gut, a running dropkick cracked August on the skull for a near fall.
Grey got back to his feet, hitting the 205 Live veteran with a step-up enzuigiri. However, he missed his top rope crossbody, allowing Daivari to hit the Persian Splash. A Camel Clutch was locked in, but Daivari couldn't get the win.
Grey fought out, leading to both men running into one another with clotheslines. The youngster got the better of Daivari and battered him with a series of chops. A back suplex planted Ariya, who rolled to the floor. Grey didn't allow any reprieve, bouncing Daivari off the barricade. Back inside, the rope-walking crossbody connected.
A brainbuster spiked Daivari, but Grey couldn't put him away in this 205 Live main event. Daivari avoided the So Much Prettier and hit his reverse DDT for a two-count. Grey ducked the Hammerlock Lariat, but a Hammerlock DDT bounced him off the mat for yet another near fall.
Grey responded with a twisting press backdrop, transitioning into a single leg Boston Crab. Daivari broke away, but couldn't keep away from the So Much Prettier.
Results: August Grey defeated Ariya Daivari via pinfall on 205 Live.
Grade: B+
Commentary brought up Kushida's open challenge, claiming Grey could be next in line for the NXT Cruiserweight Championship.
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