Mike Kanellis aims to prove he can win in the Cruiserweight division and faces the daunting challenge of a former WWE Cruiserweight Champion, Akira Tozawa.

Despite turning in several excellent performances, Mike Kanellis has been unable to secure a big win on WWE 205 Live, and General Manager Drake Maverick made it known that Kanellis would no longer receive opportunities – and could even lose his place on WWE 205 Live’s roster – if he could not defeat former WWE Cruiserweight Champion Akira Tozawa.

Kanellis was unaware that Maverick chose The Stamina Monster, but he did not let that deter his focus as the match got underway.

The Opportunist maintained pressure on his opponent, trying to keep the resilient Tozawa at bay. However, the former WWE Cruiserweight Champion battled through Kanellis’ attack and took him down with a missile dropkick. The Stamina Monster maintained the pressure, nearly forcing Kanellis to submit to the Octopus stretch. However, with Maria Kanellis shrieking support from ringside, The Opportunist over-powered Tozawa, breaking the hold.

Kanellis nearly scored the victory following a huge spinebuster, followed by a massive Falcon Arrow off the top rope. When that was not enough to put Tozawa away, an irate Kanellis turned to his wife for encouragement. The Opportunist unleashed and prepared to put Tozawa away, but the former Cruiserweight Champion countered and prepared for his Senton.

Just as The Stamina Monster prepared to ascend the ropes, however, Maria blocked his path. As Kanellis rolled away, Tozawa ran to the opposite corner to execute the Senton, but The Opportunist countered and took down his opponent with an impact DDT for the much-needed win.