The first round of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic concludes with WWE Cruiserweight Champion TJ Perkins & Kota Ibushi battling Lince Dorado & Mustafa Ali. Video courtesy of the award-winning WWE Network.
Though he is just days away from a title defense against Brian Kendrick at Hell in a Cell, WWE Cruiserweight Champion TJ Perkins was laser-focused on doing his part to ensure he and Kota Ibushi advanced in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. But standing in their way was the daredevil duo of Lince Dorado & Mustafa Ali.
The two teams were at a stalemate at first, with Dorado & Ali taking flight to gain the upper hand. The two high-flyers worked over the Cruiserweight Champion, but the resilient Perkins could not be kept down and eventually tagged in The Golden Star. Ibushi clobbered both of his opponents with a flurry of devastating kicks, setting off a total melee. In the end, Perkins emerged with the advantage, forcing Ali to tap out to his trademark kneebar. The WWE Cruiserweight Champion and Ibushi may have been dabbing in celebration after the match, but there won't be any time for dancing when the Dusty Classic’s Second Round begins, as they face the chaotic crew known as SAnitY.