205 Live Results: Top NXT rivals team up; Incredible finish to Women's Dusty Cup match

Can this unlikely duo knock off two of the best 205 Live has to offer?

Tony Nese and Ariya Daivari vs Tommaso Ciampa and Timothy Thatcher on 205 Live

The 205 Live OGs were originally set to face Desmond Troy and Ashante "Thee" Adonis. After a serious beatdown from Karrion Kross on Wednesday, Adonis was forced to exit the tournament, leaving an opening. After gaining each other's respect during the Fight Pit, Tommaso Ciampa offered the opportunity to Timothy Thatcher to take Adonis and Troy's spot.

Thatcher made his 205 Live debut, and what would probably be his only match on this brand, starting the bout off with Ariya Daivari. Thatcher completely dominated Daivari, working over his arm and wrist. A modified bow and arrow stretched Daivari's body nearly to a breaking point.

Daivari broke away and managed to tag out. Tony Nese went for a roll-up while Thatcher was still focused on Daivari, but he quickly kicked out. The former Cruiserweight Champion severely struggled, and things didn't get any easier when Tommaso Ciampa stepped inside a 205 Live ring.

Can @NXTCiampa & #TimothyThatcher successfully work together in this #DustyClassic matchup against @TonyNese and @AriyaDaivariWWE on #205Live? pic.twitter.com/SBF0HhuzHc

— WWE (@WWE) January 23, 2021

Ciampa trapped Nese in a front face lock in the middle of the mat, preventing Nese from kicking up his fast-paced offense. Nese managed to drive Ciampa into his corner, tagging in his partner. The Premier Athlete of 205 Live then hit a chop block, allowing Daivari Dinero to further target the knee by wrapping it around the ring post.

Can @AriyaDaivariWWE get @NXTCiampa to tap!?#205Live #DustyClassic pic.twitter.com/seAt75rThJ

— 205 Live (@WWE205Live) January 23, 2021

That leg was still severely damaged from the Fight Pit, and the 205 Live OGs knew it. A Figure-4 trapped Ciampa in the middle of the ring as Ariya Daivari did his best for a submission victory. Ciampa tried to drag himself to his corner, and nearly did so. Nese ran in and hit Thatcher, and when Thatcher tried to get in he accidentally distracted the referee. That let Nese bring Daivari, and Ciampa, back to his corner.

The OGs continued to work over the knee, but an enziguri from Ciampa stunned them long enough for the Thatch-as-Thatch-Can Instructor to take over. A series of suplexes and strikes left the cruiserweights battered, bruised, and struggling to figure out where they were.

Thatcher snatched Daivari up in a high heel hook, nearly snapping the tendon. Nese broke it up and hung Thatcher up on the top rope. The triangle moonsault, and Daivari's Persian Splash, earned the 205 Live OGs a near fall that was only broken by Ciampa.

Ciampa tagged back in and took the fight to both Nese and Daivari. Ciampa and Thatcher caught both men diving with a pair of leaping knee strikes. As Nese tried to get back in the ring, Ciampa caught him with Willow's Bell.

Results: Tommaso Ciampa and Timothy Thatcher defeated Tony Nese and Ariya Daivari via pinfall on 205 Live.

Grade: A

.@NXTCiampa and #TimothyThatcher are moving on in the #DustyClassic!#205Live pic.twitter.com/hRm2uXet79

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) January 23, 2021

Thatcher and Ciampa weren't fully "there" yet. As they stared at one another, there was still some animosity there. Still, this may be a true dark horse in the Dusty Cup.