On the latest episode of WWE 205 Live, NXT Cruiserweight Champion Lio Rush faced Raul Mendoza in an edge-of-your-seat contest. Plus, Isaiah “Swerve” Scott battled Ariya Daivari in a rematch from last week!
Isaiah “Swerve” Scott def. Ariya Daivari
Last week, Isaiah “Swerve” Scott answered Ariya Daivari’s challenge and won his first match as a member of the WWE 205 Live roster. However, Daivari claimed he was not ready for the bout and demanded a rematch. Scott obliged and aimed to reinforce his previous victory.
Still riding high from joining Triple H and the NXT army at the end of SmackDown, Scott made his way to the ring, but Daivari attacked him before the match began. After “Swerve” confirmed to officials that he could still compete, the match was underway.
As Scott managed the pain from the aftermath of the pre-match ambush, Daivari maintained his aggression, trying to keep the speed of his opponent in check. Despite The Persian Lion’s ruthless offense, Scott displayed his other key attribute – resilience. Both Superstars traded near-falls with high-impact maneuvers and counters, even taking each other out with a double clothesline.
Growing frustrated and taunting his opponent, Daivari only fired up Scott and found himself on the receiving end of an innovative attack before curtailing the momentum with a suplex off the top. After Daivari missed a high-risk move, “Swerve” launched into the air with a huge kick to secure the win.
Gentleman Jack Gallagher def. Ray Jazikoff
Looking to rebuild momentum in the Cruiserweight division and hone his in-ring abilities, Gentleman Jack Gallagher battled Ray Jazikoff in singles competition.
Showing off his innovative technical abilities, Gallagher kept Jazikoff on defense. However, the British Superstar was leveled by his opponent before quickly rebounding with the Gentleman’s headbutt. Taking the fight to the outside, Gallagher used the fan barricade to his advantage and delivered a series of furious strikes before executing the Gentleman’s dropkick at ringside and yet another inside the squared circle for the victory.
Lio Rush def. Raul Mendoza
Last week, Raul Mendoza picked up a major victory against former NXT Cruiserweight Champion Tony Nese. However, the win came after The Premier Athlete was distracted by current champion Lio Rush at ringside. As a result, Mendoza wanted a match with Lio Rush to prove that he didn’t need The Man of the Hour’s help to win. Despite the match being non-title, Mendoza had a huge opportunity to make his case for a potential title challenge.
Early in the contest, Mendoza and Rush each showed off their blinding speed, bringing them to a virtual stalemate.
Recalibrating his strategy, the NXT Cruiserweight Champion turned up his aggression to take control and slow the pace of the match. Although The Man of the Hour enjoyed an advantage, Mendoza once again sped up the pace, taking Rush off the top rope before unleashing a power-based offense that kept Rush on defense. Using his size and power in contrast to Rush to his advantage, Mendoza kept the champion at bay and quelled two attempts by The Man of the Hour to regain momentum.
Avoiding a high-risk maneuver from his opponent, Rush battled Mendoza on the ring apron, exchanging strikes before being decimated by a superkick. Mendoza attempted a suplex, but Rush countered, driving his opponent to the outside and flattening him with a moonsault. Once again back in the ring, The Man of the Hour kicked his acceleration into high gear and nearly scored a pinfall following a fast-paced flurry of strikes.
Mendoza battled back, delivering a series of jaw-dropping moves of his own, bringing the WWE Universe to the edge of their seats. They continued to trade strikes, with Rush nearly forcing Mendoza to tap out to a single-leg crab. Countering the hold, Mendoza was met by a springboard come up before succumbing to the Final Hour.
After the match, Rush showed his respect for Mendoza by giving the upstart a fist bump before taking his title in celebration.
Daivari wasn’t ready last week
Last week on WWE 205 Live, Isaiah “Swerve” Scott competed in his first match as an official member of the WWE 205 Live roster against longtime Cruiserweight division grappler Ariya Daivari. After The Persian Lion issued the challenge on Twitter, Scott was quick to respond, looking to make a splash.
“Swerve” did just that and picked up an impressive victory against Daivari Dinero using a combination of resilience and uncanny speed. However, Daivari is laying claim that he was not ready for Scott and has demanded a rematch. “Swerve” is happy to oblige, so long as there are no more excuses if Daivari loses again.
Mendoza doesn’t need Rush’s help
Amid the verbal sparring between Tony Nese and NXT Cruiserweight Champion Lio Rush last week during The Premier Athlete’s match with Raul Mendoza, the NXT Superstar capitalized on a distraction and scored the win against Nese. However, Mendoza isn’t satisfied with his victory and wants to prove to The Man of the Hour that he can win matches on his own. Additionally, Mendoza hopes to use the opportunity to make his own case for a potential title opportunity.
Don’t miss the most exciting hour of television, WWE 205 Live, immediately following Friday Night SmackDown tonight at 10/9 C, streaming live on the award-winning WWE Network.
