Lars Sullivan and NXT Champion Tommaso Ciampa both did their best to make sure Velveteen Dream would be in no condition to compete at TakeOver: WarGames II. Find out how the provocative Superstar weathered the storm to send an unmistakable message to The Blackheart.
Kalisto & Lince Dorado defeated TJP & Mike Kanellis (with Maria Kanellis). (205 Live)
Wearing Gran Metalik’s mask – as well as the other masks he’s collected from The Lucha House Party – TJP joined forces with Mike Kanellis to face off against their mutual adversaries. Hoping to continue to build momentum after an impressive victory against The Revival on Raw, Kalisto and Lince Dorado were ready for a fight and looking for retribution against The Cruisergreat and Kanellis.
Early in the contest, TJP attempted to rip off Kalisto’s mask but was quickly countered as Kalisto and Dorado unleashed an offensive flurry that didn’t skip a beat and forced TJP to the corner for the tag. Kanellis didn’t fare much better, and the duo was forced to the outside to re-strategize.
After TJP and Mike enjoyed a brief advantage – earning the shrieking approval of Maria Kanellis at ringside -- Dorado knocked both opponents outside the ring with an impressive flurry of offense and made the tag to Kalisto. With a full head of steam, Kalisto kept TJP on defense, but he didn’t see a tag to Kanellis, who took advantage by flooring his opponent.
Kalisto fired back at Kanellis and made a much-needed tag to Dorado, who fought off each off his adversaries. After sending each of their opponents out of the ring, The Lucha House Party executed a jaw-dropping double moonsault. Moments later, however, Dorado found himself caught in TJP’s excruciating Kneebar. Barely making the save, Kalisto took down The Cruisergreat before diving to the outside and flattening Kanellis.
As The Golden Lynx attempted to score a pinfall, TJP ripped off Dorado’s mask. Taking pride in his accomplishment, he showed off his newest trophy, not realizing Dorado was wearing a second mask underneath. By the time TJP realized what was happening, it was too late; in the blink of an eye, Dorado pounced with a wicked hurricanrana into a pin to score the 1-2-3. (Via WWE.com)
Early in the contest, TJP attempted to rip off Kalisto’s mask but was quickly countered as Kalisto and Dorado unleashed an offensive flurry that didn’t skip a beat and forced TJP to the corner for the tag. Kanellis didn’t fare much better, and the duo was forced to the outside to re-strategize.
After TJP and Mike enjoyed a brief advantage – earning the shrieking approval of Maria Kanellis at ringside -- Dorado knocked both opponents outside the ring with an impressive flurry of offense and made the tag to Kalisto. With a full head of steam, Kalisto kept TJP on defense, but he didn’t see a tag to Kanellis, who took advantage by flooring his opponent.
Kalisto fired back at Kanellis and made a much-needed tag to Dorado, who fought off each off his adversaries. After sending each of their opponents out of the ring, The Lucha House Party executed a jaw-dropping double moonsault. Moments later, however, Dorado found himself caught in TJP’s excruciating Kneebar. Barely making the save, Kalisto took down The Cruisergreat before diving to the outside and flattening Kanellis.
As The Golden Lynx attempted to score a pinfall, TJP ripped off Dorado’s mask. Taking pride in his accomplishment, he showed off his newest trophy, not realizing Dorado was wearing a second mask underneath. By the time TJP realized what was happening, it was too late; in the blink of an eye, Dorado pounced with a wicked hurricanrana into a pin to score the 1-2-3. (Via WWE.com)
Lio Rush defeated Josh Morrell. (205 Live)
Next week on WWE 205 Live, Lio Rush will face former WWE Cruiserweight Champion Cedric Alexander after The Man of the Hour confronted and taunted The Soul of WWE 205 Live at the WWE Performance Center, where the recently slumping Alexander was looking to rediscover his edge.
Looking to make an example out of his opponent Josh Morrell, Rush unexpectedly found himself on defense. Morrell mounted an impressive effort that caught Rush off guard. In an act of desperation, Rush knocked his opponent off the top rope to the outside. Showing off a new, more aggressive side, The Man of the Hour unleashed his rage on Morrell, battering his opponent in the corner before executing the Final Hour for the win.
After the match, Rush took the microphone and dedicated his match to Cedric Alexander. Acknowledging Alexander’s losing streak, Rush addressed The Soul of WWE 205 Live’s decision to “go back to school” at the WWE Performance Center, respecting Alexander’s hard work. However, Rush claimed no one works harder than he does and promised to put a permanent end to The Age of Alexander. (Via WWE.com)
Looking to make an example out of his opponent Josh Morrell, Rush unexpectedly found himself on defense. Morrell mounted an impressive effort that caught Rush off guard. In an act of desperation, Rush knocked his opponent off the top rope to the outside. Showing off a new, more aggressive side, The Man of the Hour unleashed his rage on Morrell, battering his opponent in the corner before executing the Final Hour for the win.
After the match, Rush took the microphone and dedicated his match to Cedric Alexander. Acknowledging Alexander’s losing streak, Rush addressed The Soul of WWE 205 Live’s decision to “go back to school” at the WWE Performance Center, respecting Alexander’s hard work. However, Rush claimed no one works harder than he does and promised to put a permanent end to The Age of Alexander. (Via WWE.com)
WWE Cruiserweight Champion, Buddy Murphy defeated Mark Andrews. (205 Live)
In his first match since winning the WWE Cruiserweight Championship, Buddy Murphy wanted to make a bold statement in Manchester, England and requested a match against one of NXT UK’s brightest stars – and no stranger to WWE 205 Live – Mark Andrews. The Juggernaut of WWE 205 Live was also hoping to send a message before his impending title defense against Mustafa Ali at Survivor Series.
Well aware of Andrews’ blinding speed and other-worldly agility, Murphy looked to overpower his opponent, carefully picking the right angle to launch an attack. The Superstars battled to a stalemate until Murphy asserted his power, tossing Andrews into the corner before driving him out of the ring.
Driving Andrews face-first into the corner, Murphy began to methodically stalk his prey, executing precision strikes and tossing Andrews around the ring. Targeting Andrews’ arm, shoulder and neck, Murphy had the match well in hand until Andrews countered with a jaw-breaker and followed up with a reverse hurricanrana that sent the champion to the outside.
The relentless Andrews dove through the ropes, knocking Murphy over the announce table. Far from finished, Andrews continued to attack, sending The Juggernaut reeling around the ring. Murphy tried to fight back with Murphy’s Law, but he was again countered.
Murphy finally got back in the fight by overpowering Andrews and executing a huge powerbomb for a near-fall, but Andrews immediately answered with his Stundog Millionaire, giving the Welsh Superstar the opening he needed to ascend the ropes and look to hit a Shooting Star Press. As Andrews took flight, Murphy narrowly got his knees up before dropping Andrews with a ring-rattling Murphy’s Law for the win. (Via WWE.com)
Well aware of Andrews’ blinding speed and other-worldly agility, Murphy looked to overpower his opponent, carefully picking the right angle to launch an attack. The Superstars battled to a stalemate until Murphy asserted his power, tossing Andrews into the corner before driving him out of the ring.
Driving Andrews face-first into the corner, Murphy began to methodically stalk his prey, executing precision strikes and tossing Andrews around the ring. Targeting Andrews’ arm, shoulder and neck, Murphy had the match well in hand until Andrews countered with a jaw-breaker and followed up with a reverse hurricanrana that sent the champion to the outside.
The relentless Andrews dove through the ropes, knocking Murphy over the announce table. Far from finished, Andrews continued to attack, sending The Juggernaut reeling around the ring. Murphy tried to fight back with Murphy’s Law, but he was again countered.
Murphy finally got back in the fight by overpowering Andrews and executing a huge powerbomb for a near-fall, but Andrews immediately answered with his Stundog Millionaire, giving the Welsh Superstar the opening he needed to ascend the ropes and look to hit a Shooting Star Press. As Andrews took flight, Murphy narrowly got his knees up before dropping Andrews with a ring-rattling Murphy’s Law for the win. (Via WWE.com)
Heavy Machinery defeated The Forgotten Sons (with Jaxson Ryker).
With every duo jockeying for position in the crowded NXT Tag Team division, two of the heaviest-hitting teams — Heavy Machinery and The Forgotten Sons — threw down with zeal in a rollicking clash. The outlook was bleak for Otis Dozovic & Tucker Knight at first as Steve Cutler & Wesley Blake used quick tags to expertly cut off the ring and take turns targeting Dozovic’s arm. Tucker Knight altered the complexion once he tagged in, somersaulting off the top rope onto Cutler for a two-count, but The Forgotten Sons regained the advantage after a combination lungblower/elbow drop.
Cutler & Blake looked to continue their double-team tactics when Dozovic re-entered the match, but by that point, Heavy Machinery had figured out The Forgotten Sons’ strategy. Before Cutler could leap off the top rope for a 2-on-1 attack on Dozovic, Knight pushed Cutler to the floor and Dozovic smothered Blake with a pop-up powerslam to give Heavy Machinery the win.
Like a well-oiled bulldozer, Heavy Machinery continue to roll through whatever stands in their way in the NXT Tag Team division. (Via WWE.com)
Cutler & Blake looked to continue their double-team tactics when Dozovic re-entered the match, but by that point, Heavy Machinery had figured out The Forgotten Sons’ strategy. Before Cutler could leap off the top rope for a 2-on-1 attack on Dozovic, Knight pushed Cutler to the floor and Dozovic smothered Blake with a pop-up powerslam to give Heavy Machinery the win.
Like a well-oiled bulldozer, Heavy Machinery continue to roll through whatever stands in their way in the NXT Tag Team division. (Via WWE.com)
Shayna Baszler, Kairi Sane prepare for NXT Women’s Title rematch at TakeOver, with a twist.
As Shayna Baszler, flanked by her Four Horsewomen cohorts Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir, boasted to Cathy Kelly about being the first two-time NXT Women’s Champion in history backstage, NXT General Manager William Regal interrupted with big news concerning The Queen of Spades’ title.
Regal informed Baszler that Kairi Sane, the Superstar she beat to win the championship, was invoking her rematch clause and that the rematch will take place at TakeOver: WarGames II. Regal wasn’t done there, adding that because of Baszler and Sane’s tumultuous past, the Nov. 17 title bout will be a 2-out-of-3 Falls Match! (Via WWE.com)
Regal informed Baszler that Kairi Sane, the Superstar she beat to win the championship, was invoking her rematch clause and that the rematch will take place at TakeOver: WarGames II. Regal wasn’t done there, adding that because of Baszler and Sane’s tumultuous past, the Nov. 17 title bout will be a 2-out-of-3 Falls Match! (Via WWE.com)
Dakota Kai defeated Taynara Conti.
Coming off a stellar performance in the 2018 Mae Young Classic, Taynara Conti showed great intensity against Dakota Kai. The Brazilian Superstar and self-proclaimed “Real Black Belt of NXT” whipped Kai around the ring with judo throws and demonstrated cruel determination as she went after Kai’s wrist and relentlessly trash-talked the Kiwi Superstar.
Conti’s aggression, however, was no match for The Captain of Team Kick’s educated feet. After creating some space between herself and Conti, Kai unleashed a torrent of kicks, each one rocking Conti more than the one before it. Kai face-washed Conti twice in the corner and then sped into a flipping backstabber dubbed the “Kairopractor” to snare the victory. (Via WWE.com)
Conti’s aggression, however, was no match for The Captain of Team Kick’s educated feet. After creating some space between herself and Conti, Kai unleashed a torrent of kicks, each one rocking Conti more than the one before it. Kai face-washed Conti twice in the corner and then sped into a flipping backstabber dubbed the “Kairopractor” to snare the victory. (Via WWE.com)
Johnny Gargano revealed his motive for attacking Aleister Black.
Johnny Gargano returned to the scene of the crime — the Full Sail Live parking lot — to break his silence and reveal, finally, why he attacked Aleister Black in August. It’s unlikely that NXT fans will find much comfort in his explanation.
Walking to the exact spot where Black’s unconscious body was found nearly three months ago, Gargano expressed no remorse for his actions. Though the ambush caused The Dutch Destroyer to miss months of action (including, most notably, a chance to reclaim the NXT Title from Tommaso Ciampa at TakeOver: Brooklyn IV), Gargano said the assault was “nothing personal” and that Black simply “got in the way” of Gargano fulfilling his promise to take down The Blackheart.
Gargano insisted that he’s still the same man he’s always been — i.e., the “good guy” and the “hero at the end of the story.” The only difference now, Gargano claimed, is that he realizes he must fight dirty sometimes.
Looking ahead to his match with Black at TakeOver: WarGames II, Gargano said he accepts the fact Black wants to kick his face off, but added that he’s not afraid. Gargano ended his confession on a menacing note, saying he left Black laying once before, and promises to do so again at TakeOver. (Via WWE.com)
Walking to the exact spot where Black’s unconscious body was found nearly three months ago, Gargano expressed no remorse for his actions. Though the ambush caused The Dutch Destroyer to miss months of action (including, most notably, a chance to reclaim the NXT Title from Tommaso Ciampa at TakeOver: Brooklyn IV), Gargano said the assault was “nothing personal” and that Black simply “got in the way” of Gargano fulfilling his promise to take down The Blackheart.
Gargano insisted that he’s still the same man he’s always been — i.e., the “good guy” and the “hero at the end of the story.” The only difference now, Gargano claimed, is that he realizes he must fight dirty sometimes.
Looking ahead to his match with Black at TakeOver: WarGames II, Gargano said he accepts the fact Black wants to kick his face off, but added that he’s not afraid. Gargano ended his confession on a menacing note, saying he left Black laying once before, and promises to do so again at TakeOver. (Via WWE.com)
Lars Sullivan defeated Velveteen Dream.
Ten days out from Velveteen Dream’s NXT Title Match against champion Tommaso Ciampa at TakeOver: WarGames II, Lars Sullivan had one objective in mind: Destroy Dream and render him unable to battle The Blackheart in Los Angeles, creating a void that could only be filled by the Rocky Mountain monster.
Knowing what he was up against, Dream pushed the pace, knocking Sullivan to the floor and sending him face-first into the steel steps. It takes much more than that to stop The Freak, however, and Sullivan used his immense power to turn the tide. He tossed Dream back-first onto the ring apron and battered him with huge slams, but a top-rope diving headbutt missed the mark, allowing Dream to recoup and hit the big man with an amazing Dream Valley Driver that brought NXT fans to their feet.
Dream then set up for his signature elbow drop, at which point Ciampa approached ringside. Opting to send a message to The Blackheart instead of continuing his attack on Sullivan, Dream took down the NXT Champion with a flying double axhandle. Once he returned to the ring, however, Dream was immediately thrashed by Sullivan’s Freak Accident and pinned.
Vindicated by victory, Sullivan stomped to the locker room, while Ciampa entered the ring to pick the bones of his next challenger. The Blackheart was stunned, though, when Dream turned it around on him and nailed Ciampa with a twisting DDT onto the NXT Title. Referees swarmed the ring to prevent Dream from crashing down on Ciampa with the Purple Rainmaker, but their pleas fell on deaf ears and Dream landed the elbow drop like a dagger through The Blackheart. NXT went off the air with the Dream holding the NXT title aloft, possibly a preview of what’s to come at TakeOver: WarGames II. (Via WWE.com)
Knowing what he was up against, Dream pushed the pace, knocking Sullivan to the floor and sending him face-first into the steel steps. It takes much more than that to stop The Freak, however, and Sullivan used his immense power to turn the tide. He tossed Dream back-first onto the ring apron and battered him with huge slams, but a top-rope diving headbutt missed the mark, allowing Dream to recoup and hit the big man with an amazing Dream Valley Driver that brought NXT fans to their feet.
Dream then set up for his signature elbow drop, at which point Ciampa approached ringside. Opting to send a message to The Blackheart instead of continuing his attack on Sullivan, Dream took down the NXT Champion with a flying double axhandle. Once he returned to the ring, however, Dream was immediately thrashed by Sullivan’s Freak Accident and pinned.
Vindicated by victory, Sullivan stomped to the locker room, while Ciampa entered the ring to pick the bones of his next challenger. The Blackheart was stunned, though, when Dream turned it around on him and nailed Ciampa with a twisting DDT onto the NXT Title. Referees swarmed the ring to prevent Dream from crashing down on Ciampa with the Purple Rainmaker, but their pleas fell on deaf ears and Dream landed the elbow drop like a dagger through The Blackheart. NXT went off the air with the Dream holding the NXT title aloft, possibly a preview of what’s to come at TakeOver: WarGames II. (Via WWE.com)