Swerve Scott vs El Hijo del Fantasma-Interim Cruiserweight Champion Tournament
This was a good opener! This interim champion tournament thing has been producing some solid matches and it’s a great way to get other people on the shows. Plus, they’re definitely trying to keep the prestige in the cruiserweight division, which is also good. Let’s not go back to that nonsense that plagued 205 Live for a while.
Winner: Swerve Scott
Grade: B-
I’m a fan of Gargano slander so Dominik Dijakovic gets an automatic A+ for calling out Johnny Boy.
Candice LeRae vs Kacy Catanzaro
Johnny Gargano should leave the ring announcing to the professional. However, this was a great to establish this new LeRae. She’s still kind of in that “The Wife” role but I’m thinking that this heel run might actually let us see more personality and get us more invested in her. She’s been a cheerleader sidekick for too long and it’s robbed her of momentum. The match could’ve been better but it is what it is.
Winner: Candice LeRae
Grade: C-
The Newly Bros Game
I love Matt Riddle. Sometimes I feel like they just give him free reign to just say and do whatever he wants because they know it’ll be entertaining. Also I love the self-aware pothead jokes. The easiest form of comedy and Riddle is superb at it. I really want details about Riddles threesome on a washing machine. Also Imperium showed up and just kinda laid them out. Cue sad game show trombones.
Grade: B
Charlotte Flair vs Mia Yim
This was a fun, competitive match and I really enjoyed it. I actually didn’t know much about the history between Flair and Yim, but it’s awesome that they were able to work it into the match. Flair looked like a strong champion, which she is, but Yim is still a credible competitor. Honestly, I’d like to see another match between the two of them, perhaps with the title on the line or maybe with a stipulation.
Winner: Charlotte Flair
Grade: B+
Dexter Lumis vs Shane Thorne
This match just…happened. No joke, I went to finish up my night skincare routine and the match was already over.
Winner: Dexter Lumis
Not Graded
Drake Maverick vs Tony Nese-Interim Cruiserweight Champion Tournament
Maverick isn’t going anywhere! But also I’m super confused because why is he continuing to wrestle if he got released? Am I being worked? Is he somehow fighting for his job to be reinstated? I don’t know but I did like this match and I’m happy that Maverick lives to fight another day.
Winner: Drake Maverick
Grade: C+
Keith Lee vs Damian Priest-North American Championship
I have complicated feelings about this match. It was the best match on the card and was good for a main event, but it also fell somewhat flat. There was good drama that had been built up for the last couple of weeks so maybe I was expecting a title change. But at the same time…I think it’s too early to take the title off of Lee. Like I said, I was conflicted for this match.
Winner: Keith Lee
Grade: B
Final Thoughts
Wrestling during this pandemic is so strange. It’s like wrestling is its own little microcosm, probably because it’s the only sport that’s still actively putting out content. Also apparently Florida is open for business, which means possible events with fans again. I’ll pass.
Overall Grade: B
