205 Live Review 04/23/2019

Live from the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska

            Drew Gulak opens the show by laying down the matches for tonight’s show.

Match #1 – Drew Gulak vs. Humberto Carrillo
The bell rings and Drew Gulak traps Mr. Humberto Carrillo in a headlock, mocking the up and comer. Carrillo comes back and attempts multiple pinfalls. He then mocks Gulak and both men lock up once more. WWE’s Best Submission Specialist tries to get the upperhand but Humberto Carrillo makes the comeback with a huriccanrana. Both men are sent to the outside where Carillo stands on the top rope in mockery of Drew. He then hits Drew with a springboard dropkick with a combo of a rolling arm drag. Although he hit a superkick, Drew Gulak catches Humberto in midair. The ground and pound offense starts which leads to a armbar, weakening the left arm of Carillo. Carrillo attempts to make a comeback but Gulak catches him with an acrobatic offensive move of his own, trapping him in the celtic knot. Humberto escapes but not for long. Gulak then applies the surfboard stretch. He then transitions into the headlock but Carillo escapes again. He hits a huge dropkick followed by a rolling ground moonsault. He then connects with a springboard back elbow for a unsuccessful near fall. Gulak fights back, attempts a Gulock. Both men have answers for each other’s offense and the tide is quickly turning. Carillo catches Gulak with a top rope missile dropkick for another two count. After drastically getting to their knees, they both exchange heavy strikes back and forth. While going for a springboard maneuver, Gulak catches him with an ankle lock. Both men go on the top rope, fighting for position. Carrillo hits the slingshot moonsault for the win.
Result: Humberto Carrillo via pinfall
My Thoughts:
THAT WAS ABSOLUTLEY INSANE!! What a helluva match. Although I did not expect personally to see Drew Gulak to lose in this scenario, I thought that the flow of ground based offense and acrobatics was amazing.  How can you deny the counters to each move or the springboard maneuvers that was displayed tonight? But in all truth, the younger talent had to win in this to be more over, I get it. But here is something that confuses me. Why the hell has 205 Live been sleeping on Drew Gulak? The best submission specialist in WWE and the founding father of 205 Live has been carrying this show on his back for three years already. Although it is true that he has been given a Cruiserweight Championship match in the past, that is not an excuse to exclude him from the title picture. Aside from my bias journalism, this was proof that 205 Live is the hottest hour on television.

Match #2 – Ariya Daivari vs. Oney Lorcan
The Winner Faces Tony Nese in a Future Championship match
Both Oney Lorcan and Ariya Daivari lock up as soon as the bell rings. Daivari tries to put away the match early with the hammerlock clothesline twice, which is reversed into the half and half suplex by Lorcan, which leads Daivari to roll to the outside. He then locks in the cobra clutch submission. Lorcan locks in the headlock. He then tries a series of crossbodies for multiple pin attempts. Daivari comes back but Lorcan catches him with three different versions of the atomic drop. Oney then hits a springboard move on the outside. Daivari gets back to his feet and brings him back to the ring. He then starts an onslaught on strikes and stomps. This only pisses Oney Lorcan off more and more, which triggers a barrage of chops. Ariya catches him, which is only good for a two count pinfall. Oney comes back with multiple clotheslines, however, Ariya catches him with bringing him over the top rope. He then drives Oney’s mouth onto the barricade on the outside. Daivari applies The Million Dollar Dream submission on Lorcan. Lorcan reverses into a pin attempt which is unsuccessful.  He then hits a huge suplex to gain some extra breath. After a fury of chops sending Daivari into the outside, he hits a springboard crossbody. Back in the ring, Oney catches him in mid air with a uppercut. He then hits with the flying suplex which is unsuccessful. Daivari hits a huge superkick and applies the Million Dollar Dream again. Oney powers out and slaps the life out of Daivari. He then tries to hit the Half and Half superplex but is unsuccessful. Daivari hits another superkick and hits a huge frog splash. He then hits the hammerlock clothesline for the victory. Afterwards, Cruiserweight Champion Tony Nese confronts Ariya Daivari for a standoff.
Result: Ariya Daivari via pinfall
My Thoughts:
WOW!!!  We finally see Daivari Dinero win a big opportunity at the big one. It has been way too damn long people. Over two years in this division and hard work finally pays off. Other than the fact that I am proud, the main event delivered and more. With these two combustible elements, I could not tell who would come out with the victory. Both men showcased passion towards their craft. It will be interesting to see where this rivalry will go but I am excited nonetheless.

Final Thoughts:
Tonight was living, physical proof that 205 Live can kick ass every single week! Yes, it was only two matches and a couple of backstage segments, but amazing two matches. I always dug the style of less talking more fighting, but how awesome was it to see Drew Gulak open the show instead of Drake Maverick? The Founding Father set the tone for yet another awesome episode! I cannot wait to see where the brand goes from here on the road to Money in the Bank.