We saw the return of an exciting NXT star tonight, as Jake Atlas appeared on 205 Live for the main event. In an excellent match, Atlas faced off against one of the newest highlights of 205 Live in Ari Sterling.
Before we got to that, though, we saw a rematch from the show last week. Asher Hale got caught with a roll-up by 205 Live newcomer Guru Raaj. Tonight was a chance for redemption for the mat technician.
Asher Hale vs Guru Raaj on 205 Live
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Asher Hale looked to avenge a loss to Guru Raaj on 205 Live last week. A quick shoulder block sent Hale to the mat, though, frustrating him. Back in the ring, a major hip toss sent Hale overhead.
Hale was sent outside, again, with a massive clothesline. However, the 205 Live newcomer seemed to injure his hand on the clothesline.
Hale brought Raaj onto the apron and popped the neck with a twisting corkscrew using his feet. Raaj struggled from here on out as Hale targeted the neck. A Muta Lock was synched in, and Hale added an extra twist to it, nearly getting the submission victory.
Raaj went for the bulldog but failed to connect. However, a roundhouse to the leg and a dropkick to the jaw finally allowed Raaj to hit it. Hale barely kicked out. Asher hammered Raaj with a kick and hit a rolling cravate neckbreaker. A fisherman's driver spiked Raaj, finally breaking Asher Hale's 205 Live losing streak.
Results: Asher Hale defeated Guru Raaj via pinfall on 205 Live.
Grade: B
Jake Atlas vs Ari Sterling on 205 Live
The newest Ace of 205 Live Ari Sterling had a huge opportunity tonight against the always stellar Jake Atlas. A former contender for the NXT Cruiserweight Championship, Sterling could earn a lot by defeating Atlas.
Sterling hit a hurricanrana, but Atlas landed on his feet. Sterling pulled off a similar feat of athleticism, leading to a stalemate of sorts in this 205 Live main event. Sterling rocked Atlas with a step-up enzuigiri but was met with a running single leg crescent kick by Atlas.
Jake Atlas was rocked with a series of rights and clotheslines but kicked out of a springboard sunset flip. A rolling ax kick bounced Atlas' face off the mat, but it wasn't enough to put him away.
Atlas went after the leg, looking for a submission victory on 205 Live with a single leg Boston Crab. Sterling barely escaped and dropped his opponent with a flatliner.
Atlas stunned Sterling with a pop-up knee strike and a running uppercut. After shaking off Sterling's strikes, he hit a fallaway slam for a near fall. Atlas moved up top but was sent across the ring with a flying hurricanrana from Sterling. Somehow, Atlas kicked out.
In the end, though, it was Atlas who came out on top. Sterling missed a 450 Splash and was sent into the corner with a German suplex. Atlas followed with the always impressive Cartwheel DDT.
Results: Jake Atlas defeated Ari Sterling via pinfall on 205 Live.
Grade: A
After the match, Ari Sterling happily shook the hand of Jake Atlas. A fantastic cruiserweight match ended with a great show of respect. Gotta love it.