As seen on WWE 205 Live in recent weeks, the show has introduced a new General Manager in Drake Maverick, fka Rockstar Spud, and has launched the Cruiserweight Title tournament following the release of Enzo Amore.



According to PWInsider.com, the reason why WWE 205 Live feels more akin to the Cruiserweight Classic in recent weeks is that Vince McMahon has completely stepped aside as a creative force behind the brand.



The show is now being run by Triple H, and The Game has made the decision to introduce 205 Live to many of the elements which made the WWE CWC successful when it took place and featured many of today’s 205 Live stars. Triple H is also reportedly focusing more on the in-ring wrestling and presentation of the product, whereas Vince McMahon was working with talents more on their personas.



There was also debate backstage in WWE regarding why 205 Live was not connecting with fans, with Vince feeling the show needed to be more character driven to be successful, while others in WWE felt the product needed to showcase why the Cruiserweights are different from the rest of the roster in the ring. Vince’s reasoning is why Enzo Amore was moved over to the brand and was also why there was a crossover with main roster stars on Raw. Others in WWE felt having the 205 Live stars echo the personalities of Raw and Smackdown stars did not help in distinguishing the unique talents of the Cruisers.



The head writer for 205 Live is Jonathan Baeckstrom, who has been working in WWE creative since 2013, and the past two weeks of the show has seen Triple H in total control, with many in WWE comparing 205 Live to the way the NXT product is booked. Adam Pearce continues to be the head producer/agent for 205 Live matches.



What has been seen on WWE 205 Live in the past two weeks is actually what the original vision for the brand looked like before Vince McMahon stepped in creatively, and the call to bring in NXT talents like Roderick Strong was specifically made to freshen up the brand’s in-ring product. The use of NXT talents, in addition to UK talents in the tournament such as Mark Andrews and Tyler Bate, could be a sign of possible roster changes and talent additions in the coming weeks, however as we noted yesterday, it’s possible some of the names are just being brought in for the Cruiserweight tournament and might not necessarily be permanent 205 Live roster members.

start taping it in the same arena as nxt would be my suggestion and maybe move it to wed nights after nxt?

Admittedly I didn't watch before so can't really compare, but the presentation/feel of the show last night was great and genuinely exciting viewing. I think it can only be a positive that Vince is not involved and Triple H is in charge, putting the shift back on the in-ring action with quick promos and Drake as GM.

We mentioned it in the party thread, but they do need to get the show away from the Smackdown crowd to improve the atmosphere. There was two absolutely fantastic matches last night that might as well have been filmed in an empty arena for all the noise the crowd was making, and as much as anyone would like to act like that doesn't matter, it does make a difference to how the action comes across.

Try to get a real broadcast. The "WWE Network" isn't a network. It's an internet joke. Get on T.V. and then you can be taken seriously.

Feb 8, 2018 0:26:03 GMT Ace Levy said:

Try to get a real broadcast. The "WWE Network" isn't a network. It's an internet joke. Get on T.V. and then you can be taken seriously.

I beg to differ.

NXT is taken quite seriously.

The role of Rockstar Spud can’t be understated: he’s just awesome.

Triple H in charge means great things to come for 205 live

Spud is a stupid name. And he's not a Rockstar. He's a vinegar based female cleansing product.

Feb 10, 2018 3:25:49 GMT Ace Levy said:

Spud is a stupid name. And he's not a Rockstar. He's a vinegar based female cleansing product.

his name isn't spud anymore

The first four matches of this tournament were world class. Infinitely better in-ring product. Here's hoping that the crowd catches on wooner rather than later.

Sad to see Itami gone so soon, though. Dude will be back in Japan by Summer at this rate.

Drake Maverick is a very positive step in the right direction.

I just wish the show was held in smaller arenas in front of more knowledgable fans as I feel it would translate so much better. It's definitely a case of having to take a few steps backwards to continue to move forwards. 

I am also very excited for the Cruiserweight division for the first time since Neville lost the title to Enzo and delivered THE beatdown. I am crossing my fingers and hoping that Mustafa Ali goes deep into the tournament. I know Cedric ALexander is currently the top face favorite to go to Wrestlemania, but that selfie segment with Cedric and Mustafa just showed how much more natural of a babyface Mustafa is. In my dream world, Cedric and Mustafa will go to the final and Cedric will finally snap after losing yet another chance at the title and turn heel.

Another great show this week! My favourite thing tuning in and seeing a lot of these guys for the first time has been just how different all of the matches have been. That brutal Drew Gulak attack leading to a KO/no tap out victory was just savagely awesome. ☠️

While I did like the previous direction the show was going in, I'm really enjoying this new direction of being more wrestling focused than character focused. Two more solid matches this week with Mandrews vs Tozawa and Gulak vs Nese. It was interesting to see that vicious side of Gulak, because while I do like his goofy character, this vicious side of him was really was good to see.

Next week looks fun.

@admin, want to just make this the new 205 general thread?


Cedric better win this tournament.

I liked the storyline with Murphy struggling to cut weight in order to get under 205 as it makes the cruiserweight title seem important enough that you'd bother going to that effort to be involved in the tournament. The match was ok, Buddy loses major points for completely no selling landing on his back on the floor off his tope con giro, but made a few back with his wicked finisher.

Gallagher/Ali started off a bit rough around the edges, and then got rough literally. That bump off the top rope into the barricade was NASTY. Ali sold the arm really well throughout the match.

I really like Nigel and Vic as an announce team as well. Vic actually calls the play by play which is incredibly refreshing in WWE, and I think Nigel works even better here than he does on NXT.

So this show is putting out the best technical wrestling on the main roster, Spud has been a great addition and the elimination of the sideshow skits has been refreshing but something with 205 Live REALLY needs to be addressed:

A good 30% of the visible seats on tonight’s show we’re empty! During the Murphy/Ali match, I swear I could hear echo. It’s a shame the cruiserweights are working hard to prove themselves and move on from the Enzo era but it’s lacking in serious fanfare.

The easiest solution is to move the show to Full Sail but I really think they should remain on the main roster and tour with Raw and SD.

Here's a better idea.

Do the 205 shows from Full Sail, or even Center Stage in Atlanta. Tape a month's worth of shows in-between pay per views. Then go on tour with the main roster, just like normal. As well as having a match or two on pay per view every month. Especially now that it'll be co-branded after WrestleMania.

Ali/Murphy was such a good match. Great storytelling, body part psychology, and Murphy bumping/selling like a madman for Ali's stuff. Buddy's first round match was just OK imo but he was great tonight. I think they've picked a really good final four. Strong vs Ali would be my choice for the Wrestlemania match.

Pleased to hear about the introduction of tag titles post-Mania too - establishing 205 as a completely separate brand is a good move in my eyes. They need a couple more teams though, right now it's just Lucha House Party and Itami/Tozawa?

Mustafa Ali continues to be the highlight of 205 Live for me. I would be so gutted if he didn't make it all the way through to win the championship. He's my favorite in the tournament and a Wrestlemania match with Roderick Strong (who has also just been bringing it) would be amazing.

Unfortunately, of the four, Cedric Alexander is definitely the one who's been lacking a bit of character push. He's definitely the weakest there so it's really hard to get behind him despite being the "tournament favorite". I really am crossing my fingers for a Roderick Strong upset next week.

Mar 7, 2018 23:09:55 GMT Kaye88 said:

Mustafa Ali continues to be the highlight of 205 Live for me. I would be so gutted if he didn't make it all the way through to win the championship.

I have a feeling that getting his name chanted by the typically dead crowd (as a Chicagoan in Green Bay no less) will have done him a lot of good, assuming everything wasn't pre-planned.

^ Yes, he definitely knows how to wake the crowd up. And this was one of the worst crowds to date. They were silent even back to the initial Charlotte/Ruby Riott segment at the start of the night!

I kinda wished this week's show got something like last week's LA crowd. Now that crowd was lit.

Seeing Roderick Strong on 205 wrestling pretty much the same paced match that got him over throughout his pre-WWE career makes me happy. I've always thought that of all the names on the indies he would have struggled the most on the main roster, but with 205 basically becoming a haven for CW's it is the PERFECT show for the guy, and many others. The way things are going I wouldn't be upset seeing Ricochet and Undisputed showing up ASAP. There are obviously still some issues that need addressing such as the crappy settings after Smackdown, but taking the reigns off is working big time for me and 205Live has become my favourite WWE show, which, given the talent and premise, it should have been from day one.

The rumoured 205Live tag division has insane potential given the recent in in-ring quality...

Gulak and Neese
Any combination of Lucha House Party
Kendrick and Gallagher
The Singh Brothers
Cedrick and Mustafa
Itami and Tozawa

With hopefully Fish and O'Riley being added, once Bobby is all healed up, that is one hell of a recipe for excitement.

Lastly, Gulak vs Mandrews was really f'n good. Drew has to be a strong fave to make it to Mania after that performance--he's becoming the perfect blend of wrestler and character that will carry him well in WWE for years to come imo.

Mar 8, 2018 21:58:24 GMT kashdinero said:

Gulak and Neese

This would be a bit of a stretch (at least in the near future), Drew practically murdered him a couple of weeks ago. 

Mar 8, 2018 23:48:05 GMT @admin said:

Mar 8, 2018 21:58:24 GMT kashdinero said:

Gulak and Neese

This would be a bit of a stretch (at least in the near future), Drew practically murdered him a couple of weeks ago. 

Meh, it was all in the spirit of competition. There's time between now and the time this thing comes around to heal that rift if they wanted to pair them up, which I think would be a good idea. They work well with each other as a team, and the division will need to establish a few good heel tag teams so it makes sense to go with a team that has worked well together in the past. Of course they could have plans to pair the two up with someone different or not even have them in the division at all, but despite the beating Drew gave Tony they still feel a natural fit. Plus, it's not the first time they've fallen out so who knows how Neese will react.

Roddy and Cedric delivered big time tonight - got to be an element of competitive pressure on these final couple of matches in the tournament considering how high the quality has been all the way through. The fireman's carry press onto the turnbuckle was one of the nastiest looking spots I can remember seeing, and I loved the way they protected the finishers with the two rope breaks.

Loving LHP as the amuse bouche too, that Lince springboard off Metalik's back was amazing.

I still believe Cedric should win the title. Enzo fucked his push up. Cedric shouldn't be punished for Enzo's crap

The look that Roddy gave Cedrick after the match had that real, raw emotion that is all too rare in todays product. Hat's off to both guys for that match. Being appreciative of bith guys and their careers, I was literally 55/45 in favour of Cedrick winning, and am over the moon for the guy. Been a big fan since I heard him on Colt Cabana's Art of Wrestling podcast. Such a nice guy, and now that it's happening I'm struggling to think of anyone who deserves it more on the card. Speaking of which, as much as I love Drew I REALLY want to see Cedrick vs Mustafa Ali; that guy has been KILLING IT recently both in and out of the ring. His promos have been highlights of a show that has amazingly become one big long highlight reel. If he and Alexander were given 20 mins under the same type of free reign style of 205Live in the opening match of the main show they will blow everyone who dismisses the CW's as an after thought away.

Someone should put together a little compilation of the bumps Mustafa has taken in his tournament matches, guy is ridiculous. No regard for his back at all out on the floor/guardrail. He's been a total boss and is really getting the crowd behind him. I'd love to see him win the title at Mania, think he really deserves it.

The fatal four-way match this week was amazing. It's super refreshing to watch all these matches that don't follow the usual WWE formula, and this one in particular felt really different because of all the singles matches from the tournament.

Buddy Murphy has been fantastic in his last couple of matches after an average 205 debut - I'd be right behind him being the first challenger to whoever wins the title at Mania.

Murphy amazing again this week in a ridiculous match against Kalisto, possibly even better than anything we saw during the tournament. They came out to no reaction at all but ended up getting a standing ovation. The vertical suplex on the ring apron and the monkey flip onto the announce table were crazy spots.

Amazing promo by Drake to put over the title match too.

Good match from Murphy and Kalisto. I don't watch 205 Live, but Facebook was going nuts for this match moments after it ended and I needed to see it. Murphy is an untapped talent. Was it the 5 star match people on FB were claiming it was? - well, first it didn't happen in the Tokyo Dome, so it's a 4... It's was a good match, but hardly MOTY.