Tonight is the second episode of the Cruiserweight Classic, which continues in the beginning of Round 1. Last week, we saw Gran Metalik (Mexico), Hoho Lun (China), Cedric Alexander (United States), and Kota Ibushi (Japan) all advance to the second round of the tournament. Tonight, we find out the next four cruiserweights who will advance.
Tajiri (Japan) vs. Damian Slater (Australia)
Damian Slater is coming into this match as the underdog, and he likes it that way. Throughout his career, the Australian wrestler has taken on the more well-known wrestlers. No one would know him going into the matches, but after, he is all they would talk about. Slater trades in the high flying stereotypes of the cruiserweight division for a more technical, mat based in-ring style.
Tajiri is one of the two WWE veterans participating in this tournament, and he has an impressive list of accolades during his WWE run. He is a two-time Cruiserweight Champion, a former Light Heavyweight Champion, and a former Tag Team Champion. Tajiri’s experience and wrestling wisdom can give the 45 year-old an advantage over the younger, faster paced, cruiserweights in the tournament.
Damian Slater has a very impressive showing in this match, but it is not enough to put away the Japanese Buzzsaw. Tajiri hits a handspring elbow on Slater, then follows it up with his patented Buzzsaw Kick for the victory. In Round 2, Tajiri will face Gran Metalik, who picked up a victory last week over Alejandro Saez. Winner: Tajiri | Eliminated: Damian Slater
TJ Perkins (Phillipines) vs. Da Mack (Germany)
TJ Perkins has been around the independent scene for a while, and was also the youngest American (he grew up in San Diego) wrestler to compete in New Japan Pro Wrestling, and even the famed Tokyo Dome. Before the match, he said that he wants to make everything he does look easy. Daniel Bryan calls Perkins the speediest man he has ever been in the ring with.
Da Mack is representing Germany, and draws his inspiration from Michael Jackson. The self-professed Urban German has a ton of personality, but it is important for Da Mack to show his in-ring ability as well.
Da Mack attempt a hurricanrana, but Perkins counters into a facebuster. Perkins hits an impressive combination of moves, ending with a kneebar on Da Mack to advance to Round 2. Winner (via submission): TJ Perkins | Eliminated: Da Mack
Lince Dorado (Puerto Rico) vs. Mustafa Ali (Pakistan)
Mustafe Ali is from Chicago, but he is representing his national heritage of Pakistan. Ali claims that he is the most well-rounded competitor in the tour, being trained by wrestlers of all backgrounds.
Lince Dorado represents Puerto Rico, and brings the lucha libre style with him. Dorado, also known as the Golden Lynx, has wrestled for about a decade as Lince Dorado, and his experience could play to his advantage.
This match has enough highlights to fill up the entire SportsCenter Top 10. Mustafa Ali goes for one risk too many with an inverted 450 Splash attempt, and Lince Dorado rolls out of the way. Dorado capitalizes with a Shooting Star Press to pick up the victory. Winner: Lince Dorado | Eliminated: Mustafa Ali
Akira Tozawa (Japan) vs. Kenneth Johnson (United States)
Akira Tozawa represents Japan, and it has been his dream to compete in WWE. Tozawa is the third and final Japanese competitor to compete in the first round of this tournament, and he has spent a good part of his career in Dragon Gate. Daniel Bryan claims that Tozawa is the fastest man in this tournament.
Kenneth Johnson hails from Detroit, and plans to inspire fans all around the world. Johnson had a tryout for WWE months ago, and had a speech impediment. After a few months of work, Johnson would return to WWE, with the ability to speak for three minutes straight without stuttering. If that is any indication, Kenneth Johnson has incredible work ethic that could translate well to the ring.
Kenneth Johnson almost puts Tozawa away several times, but Tozawa gets the edge. Tozawa hits two emphatic German suplexes in a row to put Johnson away and advance to the second round. Winner: Akira Tozawa | Eliminated: Kenneth Johnson
