August 17, 2016
Round 2 – Part 2
(taped July 14, 2016)
#CWC
City: Winter Park, FL
Venue: Full Sail University
Commentary: Mauro Ranallo, Daniel Bryan
Control Center: Corey Graves
Ring Announcer: Mike Rome
Video
Last week, Gran Metalik and Kota Ibushi advanced to the next round.
Intro Video
“Take a Stand” by CFO$
Video
Jack Gallagher is a gentleman. Akira Tozawa will never give up.
Match 1
Akira Tozawa vs Jack Gallagher
(referee: Jason Ayers)
Result: Akira Tozawa wins via pinfall with a bridging German suplex
Time: 11:38
Match Thoughts
Great match. Gallagher seemed to be the fan favorite and really showed his technical skills, making Tozawa look foolish at times with some of the predicaments Gallagher put him in. Gallagher worked on Tozawa’s legs very, very well which added a lot to the match. Tozawa showed his toughness and speed as he attempted to mount a comeback since Gallagher kind of dominated a large portion of the match. This was a great way to show exactly what both wrestlers can do.
Video
Pro wrestling is Hoho Lun’s life. Noam Dar wants to be the best.
Match 2
Noam Dar vs Hoho Lun
(referee: Eddie Orengo)
Result: Noam Dar wins via submission with a knee bar
Time: 7:02
Match Thoughts
Pretty good match. Hoho Lun seemed outclassed again in this match. Dar was much more confident and crisp with everything he did. He also had a game plan (to work on Lun’s leg to set him up for a submission) while Lun was just surviving.
Video
Tony Nese will be the biggest name coming out of the tournament. Brian Kendrick might not get another chance.
Match 3
Brian Kendrick vs Tony Nese
(referee: Shawn Bennett)
Result: Brian Kendrick wins via submission with a bully choke
Time: 13:43
Match Thoughts
Really great match! The tone was set immediately when Kendrick charged and Nese leveled him with a knee. Kendrick took a beating, using any trick he could to stay in the match. It built up to a great finish that was completely believable and very satisfying.
Show Impressions
The second round continues to be better than the first (which was already really good). The winners are becoming more difficult to choose which makes the matches even more exciting. I was very, very pleased with how this episode turned out, and seeing the third round develop has me very pleased.
Match of the Night
Brian Kendrick vs Tony Nese
After watching Tozawa versus Gallagher I thought that might be my pick for the night, but once again Kendrick showed how valuable experience is when it comes to putting together a great match. I also liked Nese a lot more here than in his first round match.