May 23, 2017
Episode 26
(aired live)
#205Live
City: Toledo, OH
Venue: Huntington Center
Commentary: Tom Phillips, Corey Graves
Ring Announcer: Greg Hamilton
Video
The Brian Kendrick tells the tale of Akira Tozawa, the disrespect he’s shown to Kendrick, and the lessons Kendrick has taught Tozawa over the past few months. The final lesson comes tonight in a street fight.
Intro Video
“Hail to the Crown” by CFO$
Match 1
Rich Swann vs Ariya Daivari
(referee: Danilo Anfibio)
Result: Rich Swann wins via pinfall after a Phoenix Splash
Time: 6:30
Match Thoughts
Good match. Daivari was angry about last week, and it showed in how he wrestled. He was aggressive, and I really like how that helped the match. Daivari dominated the first half of the match, but Swann came back with some strong offense towards the end. I’d like to see this little feud continue.
Ring Area
After the match, Noam Dar shoves Swann off the turnbuckle and out to the floor as he’s celebrating. Dar and Alicia Fox gloat in the ring while Swann tries to recover.
Video
Clips of the history between Neville and Austin Aries.
Ring Area
Corey Graves has both Neville and Austin Aries live via satellite. Neville thinks it’s funny that people think his submission match with Aries will be his biggest challenge yet. Aries takes everyone on a trip down memory lane and talks about how Neville took the cheap way out in their previous title matches. He knows that Neville can’t get out of this third match and still hold on to his title. Neville says Aries is in no condition to step into the ring with him.
Match 2
Cedric Alexander vs Johnny Boone
(referee: Ryan Tran)
Result: Cedric Alexander wins via pinfall after a lumbar check
Time: 1:34
Match Thoughts
A squash. Cedric opened with a massive back elbow and followed up with a few more powerful moves in this quick match.
Video
In a parody of a political campaign video, Drew Gulak asks for support to rid 205 Live of showoffs and high-flyers.
Match 3
Street Fight
The Brian Kendrick vs Akira Tozawa
(referee: Dan Engler)
Result: Akira Tozawa wins via pinfall after a diving senton from the top turnbuckle through a table on the floor
Time: 14:50
Match Thoughts
Very good match. They gave them plenty of time for this one, and they deserved it. Tozawa started fast and strong, surprising Kendrick. Eventually Kendrick used some dirty tricks to get the upper hand and the match became more even. Momentum shifted a few times, and both guys used some violent tactics. The finish to this one was quite good and memorable.
Show Impressions
This was a good show. The main event was definitely the highlight of the night, but everything else was good too. Nice story line progression, nice rivalry building, a triumphant and emphatic return, and a pair of good matches bookending the show.
Match of the Night
Kendrick vs Tozawa
I’ll probably come back and watch this one every now and then. I really liked it.