Struggling to regain momentum since losing the WWE Cruiserweight Championship, Tony Nese looks to silence Mike Kanellis and rebound.

Last week, former WWE Cruiserweight Champion Tony Nese declared he would do anything to win back the title, but he also noted that he might need to make a change since being the “Premier Athlete” was no longer working for him. Mike Kanellis took to Twitter to welcome Nese to “rock bottom,” and the two exchange jabs on social media. As a result, WWE 205 Live General Manager Drake Maverick ordered the two Superstars to square off tonight.

Each with their own championship aspirations, Nese and Kanellis sized each other up before engaging in a back and forth that saw both Superstars enjoy a flurry of offense. As Kanellis retreated to the outside, Nese pursued, taking down The Opportunist in an incredible display of agility. However, wisely using the environment to his advantage, Kanellis knocked Nese into the barricade before driving him into the entrance ramp with DDT.

Although Nese barely made the official’s 10-count, Kanellis remained in control, drawing the ire of the WWE Universe. The Premier Athlete attempted to turn the tide with his blinding speed, but The Opportunist remained one step ahead, dumping his opponent over the top rope and continuing to attack. Driving Nese into the barricade once more and delivering a dropkick from the apron to the barricade, Kanellis maintained a considerable advantage against the former champion.

Feeling confident, Kanellis took his time dishing out punishment, but this allowed Nese time to recover and drive Kanellis into the turnbuckle with a German Suplex. A fired-up Nese was relentless in an attack that resulted in a near-fall but also caused Nese to expend significant energy.

Nese took down Kanellis with a hurricanrana that nearly secured the victory, but Kanellis escaped and delivered a crushing clothesline before the two combatants traded strikes in the center of the ring. The Premier Athlete took control and dropped Kanellis on the outside before executing a 450 splash that nearly resulted in victory.

Following a crushing kick from Nese, a dazed Kanellis stumbled into the corner. As The Premier Athlete prepared for the Running Nese, Kanellis countered with a brutal superkick into a faceplant to earn a huge victory.