Show
Following a grueling 16-man WWE Cruiserweight Championship Tournament featuring the top Cruiserweights in WWE, Cedric Alexander will collide with his friend and ally Mustafa Ali for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship during WrestleMania Kickoff tonight.
In just three months, the impact of WWE 205 Live General Manager Drake Maverick has drastically shifted the course of WWE 205 Live; Maverick has elevated the level of competition and demanded the absolute best from every Superstar in the division. After the WWE Cruiserweight Championship was held in abeyance, Maverick’s first order of business as General Manager was to launch the WWE Cruiserweight Championship Tournament, a spiritual successor to the Cruiserweight Classic.
However, before the tournament kicked off, Alexander – who was slated to challenge for the title at Royal Rumble before it was held in abeyance – battled Ali in a one-on-one contest that not only showcased their abilities, but also delivered the high level of competition that Maverick expected from the Cruiserweights.Despite their friendship, neither competitor held back in a bout that saw Alexander emerge victorious. Although disappointed by the loss, Ali was proud of his and Alexander’s performances, believing that they set the tone for the entire division. Of course, with the WWE Cruiserweight Championship Tournament kicking off one week after their throwdown, Ali and Alexander each had the opportunity to prove they were right.
In the first round of the tournament, Alexander defeated Gran Metalik in a fast-paced contest before facing inaugural Cruiserweight Champion – and Cruiserweight Classic winner – TJP. Vanquishing The Duke of Dab, Alexander battled a determined Roderick Strong, who answered the call from NXT to seize an opportunity to go to WrestleMania. In one of the hardest-hitting and most competitive matches of the tournament, Alexander nearly had his dream of competing on The Showcase of the Immortals extinguished before narrowly emerging victorious.
Ali’s journey to the finals displayed not only his incredible in-ring ability, but also his resilience in the face of adversity. In the first round of the tournament, Ali managed to fend off a very aggressive Gentleman Jack Gallagher, who pushed Ali’s physical limits to their max. After defeating Gallagher, Ali faced his own challenge from NXT – Buddy Murphy – who, like Strong, hoped to seize a WrestleMania moment. In another hard-fought contest, Ali defeated Murphy and set his sights on his longtime rival, Drew Gulak. Aggressive and determined in his own right, Gulak nearly paved his Road to WrestleMania before Ali pulled off the win.
Having proven themselves as the two of the best Cruiserweights in the world, Alexander and Ali will have their rematch, this time with the ultimate prize at stake on The Grandest Stage of Them All. Who will cement their place in history by capturing the WWE Cruiserweight Championship? Find out tonight on a special two hour WrestleMania Kickoff, beginning at 5 ET/2 PT, streaming live on the award-winning WWE Network as well as on a free stream on WWE.com, the WWE App, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and Pinterest. The second hour can also be seen on USA Network starting at 6 ET/3 PT.