WWE Cruiserweight Classic results: Johnny Gargano vs. TJ Perkins
Tonight’s episode start off with a recap of last week’s show, as well as highlights for tonight’s show. Round two concludes tonight, with the quarterfinals starting next week.
Rich Swann defeated Lince Dorado
Lince Dorado says he expected to be here because it’s all he’s ever dreamed about. He’s a hybrid luchador and will go toe-to-toe with anyone. He wants to showcase to the world what he can do, and that people should follow their dreams because they can come true.
They replay the video from a few weeks ago about Rich Swann, saying he grew up with a bad crowd but wrestling saved him, and people aren’t going to be expecting what he puts out there on the Cruiserweight Classic.
Good match, their styles complimented each other here and they had a good back and forth high flying match. I hope Dorado gets looks in other places as he’s pretty good. Dorado got big air wiping out Swann early with a springboard crossbody to the floor. Swann took him down and put him in a cool submission, kind of like a stretch muffler but Dorado’s neck was on Swann’s knee.
Dorado went for a German suplex but Swann got on his feet and rolled around, hitting a DDT. Swann hit a standing 450 but Dorado cradled him for a cool near fall. Dorado missed the shooting star press, which allowed Swann to hit a really cool looking phoenix splash for the win.
Swann will face the winner of the TJ Perkins vs. Johnny Gargano match later tonight in the next round.
They showed the closing moments of The Revival vs. Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa tag title match from NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn II this past weekend, where Gargano was submitted after The Revival took out his knee.
Gargano was interviewed backstage, his knee was getting taped up as he talked about tonight’s match with Perkins. A lot of people expect him to win the tournament, and he doesn’t want to let anyone down. He’ll pour his heart out in the ring tonight and will reach one step closer to winning the CWC.
Zack Sabre Jr. defeated Drew Gulak
Drew Gulak was told early in his wrestling career that he’d probably never make it, but he was determined. What makes him better is that he has a clear view of what you’re doing, and one move could put you out. He’s super confident.
Zack Sabre Jr.’s video is replayed as well, saying Harry Potter is not the only wizard from Great Britain, and he’s driven by his love of pro wrestling.
Gulak didn’t want to shake hands before the match.
Very good technical match. They worked a mat-based style since both are proficient in that area. Gulak broke out and tried to jump off the middle rope but Sabre caught him in an armbar. Gulak countered with a Gory special and worked on Sabre’s neck.
Gulak transitioned into a Boston crab but Sabre countered with a roll-up. Sabre got a kimura in but Gulak bodyslammed him, his foot hitting the rope upon landing. Big time palm strikes knocked Sabre loopy. Gulak tried the dragon sleeper, but Sabre somehow transitioned into a package pin and scored the win.
Gulak was reluctant to shake Sabre’s hand as he made his exit. Sabre will face Noam Dar in the next round.
TJ Perkins defeated Johnny Gargano
Another really good match. Out of everyone in the CWC, Gargano is probably the best overall worker not named Kota Ibushi. TJP has the charisma and work to make it very far. Some really good back and forth to start things off. Perkins caught Gargano in a leg scissors and even dabbed while doing it.
They went to the apron as Gargano knocked Perkins to the floor and did a running senton, his legs crashing on the bell table. Perkins made a comeback but Gargano took him to the top rope and looked like he was going for a powerbomb, but instead threw him face-first into the turnbuckle. That was a scary spot!
He lawn darted TJP into the other side of the ring but Perkins rolled through Gargano and targeted his injured leg with a leglock. Surprisingly, Gargano did end up tapping out, giving TJP the win. It’s funny that this was taped way before Takeover, but they still knew how to book Gargano’s loss. Kind of shows long-term booking can go a long way.
The quarterfinals are:
- Akira Tozawa vs. Gran Metalik
- Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Noam Dar
- Brian Kendrick vs. Kota Ibushi
- Rich Swann vs. TJ Perkins
Really good episode this week. All three matches were strong. Not match of the year levels or anything like that, but all three were really fun TV matches.