WWE 205 Live recap for March 19, 2019: Cedric Alexander vs Tony Nese

WWE 205 Live is back with an important episode for the future of the brand. Cedric Alexander faces off against Tony Nese in the main event with the winner getting a Cruiserweight Championship title shot against Buddy Murphy at WrestleMania 35.

Mike Kanellis w/ Maria Kanellis vs. Akira Tozawa

Mike Kanellis makes his way to the ring with a new look sporting a shaved head. His wife, Maria Kanellis, delivers a pre-match promo demanding the fans cheer for Mike. The lack of a response leads to Maria chastising the crowd for disrespecting them, just like 205 Live general manager Drake Maverick does. Last week’s episode featured Maverick telling Mike that he needs a win to remain on the show.

Maria promises to prove the fans, Maverick and Mike’s mystery opponent wrong with a victory to end his losing streak. Mike’s mystery opponent is revealed to be former Cruiserweight Champion and 205 Live mainstay Akira Tozawa. Mike looks surprised to be getting such a formidable challenger.

The match goes back and forth in the few first minutes to get the show started with a decent pace. Tozawa gets early control by executing one of his classic senton drops. The fans are clearly behind Tozawa. Mike steals the momentum away with a superkick before slowing the pace down with a chin lock. Despite the importance of the match, Mike finds time to blow a kiss to Maria.

Kanellis starts to show frustration when Tozawa kicks out of his spinebuster and other high-risk moves. Maria, however, takes a role guiding him through his anger instead of it leading to a loss like in past weeks. Tozawa still finds a way to gain back control with a spinning kick. His attempt to get to the top rope is blocked by Maria jumping on the apron and delaying him from climbing.

The distraction from Maria gives Mike enough time to get his bearings and put the knee up to block Tozawa’s senton finisher. Mike then delivers a neck breaker and quickly goes for the pin to get his first win in many months. Mike’s losing streak is officially over as he and Maria embrace in a long hug up the ramp. This was the most impressive match for Mike since joining 205 Live and a good way to start the show.

Winner: Mike Kanellis