WWE 205 Live
Episode 110
#205Live
Original Air Date: January 2, 2019
Event Date: December 28, 2018
(available on the WWE Network)
City: Pittsburgh, PA
Venue: PPG Paints Arena
Commentary: Vic Joseph, Nigel McGuinness, Percy Watson
Ring Announcer: Greg Hamilton
Video
Drake Maverick welcomes everyone to the first 205 Live of 2019. Tonight, the first two challengers for Buddy Murphy’s title will be determined.
Intro Video
“Hail to the Crown” by CFO$ featuring From Ashes to New
Match 1
Kalisto w/ Gran Metalik, Lince Dorado vs Lio Rush
(referee: Charles Robinson; stipulation: the winner qualifies for the fatal four way Cruiserweight Title match at Royal Rumble; watching in the back: Buddy Murphy, Tony Nese)
Result: Kalisto wins via pinfall after Salida Del Sol
Time: 14:18
Match Thoughts
Very good match. As expected, this was a very fast-paced match. It slowed a bit after the initial rush, but it never really slowed down a lot. This was pretty even throughout, and though the finish involved some shenanigans, this was still highly entertaining. It was definitely a good way to start 2019 for 205 Live.
Backstage
Kayla Braxton asks Drew Gulak if he considers himself the underdog in his match tonight. Gulak says he is a lot of things, but in a wrestling match, he is not an underdog. Jack Gallagher agrees.
Backstage
The Brian Kendrick helps Akira Tozawa warm up by holding some punching pads with Drew Gulak’s face on them.
Backstage
Drake Maverick announces that there will be new faces on 205 Live in 2019.
Match 2
Drew Gulak vs Akira Tozawa
(referee: Mike Chioda; stipulation: the winner qualifies for the fatal four way Cruiserweight Title match at Royal Rumble; watching in the back: Buddy Murphy, Tony Nese)
Result: Akira Tozawa wins via pinfall after a diving senton
Time: 17:12
Match Thoughts
Very good match. Gulak punished Tozawa with many holds and submissions, and Tozawa fought back with his speed and resilience. This was a very good fight that seemed to get more serious and competitive as it went along. I would have been fine with either man winning, though not caring who won didn’t detract form the match.
Ring Area
Cedric Alexander says that he doesn’t scare easily, and he’s not scared of Hideo Itami. Next week, Cedric will beat Itami once again.
Backstage
Ariya Daivari speaks for Hideo Itami. Daivari says the Itami that Alexander will face next week is not the same Itami that he faced last year. Cedric is going to get a lesson in respect.
Show Impressions
This was a good show. It felt important, and the matches delivered.
Match of the Night
Drew Gulak vs Aikra Tozawa
Both matches were very good, but I think I enjoyed the main event a little more. I think the distraction in the finish of the opener put it a little under the main event.
Official Results: https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-205-live/2019-01-02