04:55

Mustafa Ali and Tony Nese square off to determine who will challenge Buddy Murphy for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship.

Following Mustafa Ali’s impressive victory against Hideo Itami last week, WWE 205 Live General Manager Drake Maverick decided that Ali and Tony Nese – who pinned former WWE Cruiserweight Champion Cedric Alexander two weeks in a row – would battle to determine current Buddy Murphy’s next challenger. Earlier in the evening, Maverick explained to Alexander that Ali and Nese earned their opportunities because they are at the height of the competition in WWE 205 Live, while The Soul of WWE 205 Live needs to refocus and return to his winning ways.

Still feeling the effects of his brutal Falls Count Anywhere Match with Itami, Ali entered the contest with a bandaged elbow and ribs. The Premier Athlete wasted no time taking advantage of Ali’s injuries, immediately focusing on the ribs and showcasing his strength. The ever-resilient Ali didn’t remain on defense for long, using his uncanny speed to counter Nese’s advances and force him from the ring.

Battling through the pain, Ali dove over the top to flatten Nese. However, The Premier Athlete caught Ali and delivered a fallaway slam onto the entrance ramp. With momentum back in his favor, Nese methodically attacked, using his strength to deliver targeted and merciless attacks to The Heart of WWE 205 Live’s ribs.

Slowing the pace, Nese again focused his attacks on Ali’s ribs. Adding insult to injury, The Premier Athlete had enough time to taunt his opponent and showboat to the WWE Universe. However, that arrogance backfired as Nese prepared to execute a high-risk move, but his taunting gave Ali an opening to pull him off the top rope. Although The Premier Athlete briefly stopped Ali’s offense, The Heart of WWE 205 Live maintained control by delivering an impressive powerbomb.

Thinking he had the victory after a gut-buster off the top rope, Nese was visibly frustrated after Ali kicked out of the pinfall. Irate, The Premier Athlete attacked his opponent with ferocity, pulling Ali’s bandages and kicking his ribs. As the official intervened, Nese was distracted, which allowed Ali to score a pinfall.

Unsatisfied with the result, Nese approached Ali after the match, ready to attack, but Cedric Alexander charged to the ring to chase off The Premier Athlete before helping Ali to his feet.

With his title opportunity solidified, Ali was then confronted by the WWE Cruiserweight Champion Buddy Murphy, who sneered at The Heart of 205 Live from the entranceway and showed no fear whatsoever in the face of his impending challenger.