Wednesday marked the final night of the first round of the WWE’s Cruiserweight Classic.
Rich Swann def. Jason Lee
From the minute Jason Lee, representing Hong Kong, stepped through the entrance with his nunchucks, it was clear these two were showmen. Swann was also flamboyant leading into a match that really showed off two athletic performers.
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In addition to his speed and agility, Lee displayed excellent technical ability on the mat and nearly got the pin on a slick roll-up combination. In the end, though, Swann – a Baltimore native and member of the NXT roster – got the finish with a decidely impressive 450 splash from a standing position near the corner.
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Swann gets the win and will be a force to be reckoned with in this tournament and beyond.
Noam Dar def. Gurv Sihra
Noam Dar, who was born in Israel but wrestles out of Scotland, was perhaps one of the hottest names coming into the Classic. He’s incredibly young at just 23 years old, but he’s already won titles in a variety of promotions worldwide.
Wednesday’s match was another showcase for Dar. After some traditionally agile work gave Sihra the early advantage, Dar took over late with a grinding, technically sound style that included a crisp suplex that helped lead into a knee bar finisher that gained the finish.
Jack Gallagher def. Fabian Aichner
This match was absolutely loaded with action. Aichner had the advantage in the “eye test,” as he easily had the size and physique advantage. Built something like a miniature Cesaro, Aichner was one of the larger men in the bracket at 203 pounds.
He also delivered some absolutely eyepopping moves, from a double-jump springboard from the top rope, bouncing off both corners, to a sit-out powerbomb that countered a guillotine by Gallagher. In the end, though, the British grappler took the win with an absolutely vicious dropkick in the corner.
Johnny Gargano def. Tommaso Ciampa
This match got a star next to it for most fans as soon as it was announced, with NXT tag team partners Gargano and Ciampa squaring off. The match itself delivered on the hype, and it probably left many wondering if the meeting should’ve been reserved for a later round.
Ciampa absolutely brutalized Gargano for much of the match, including a savage slam on the ring apron that looked like a sure finish. Each time, though, Gargano fought back, and he eventually got the best of Ciampa in an exchange of back-slides and roll-up attempts.
Afterward, Ciampa appeared to reject his partner’s offer of a handshake, but he returned to the ring to sit down next to Gargano for an embrace and to raise the victor’s hand.
