Cruiserweight Classic Episode 5 Review

Original Airdate: Wednesday, August 10th, 2016
Full Sail University
Winter Garden, Florida

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Tajiri vs. Gran Metalik
Tajiri shows that he can still go at 45 years old in the opening moments. Both guys take to the mat and counter each others submission moves. Tajiri does some interesting gyrations with Metalik's head between his legs. I'll leave it at that. Metalik walks the ropes and hits a somersault plancha to the outside. Metalik walks the ropes again and hits a big elbow, but Tajiri kicks out. The crowd then gives us the worst chant in all of wrestling, "This is awesome". Tajiri gets Metalik in the Tree of Woe and then nails him with the dropkick to the head. That to me has always been one of the more vicious non-finishers. Tajiri gets Metalik with a huge powerbomb, but it's still not enough. He misses a kick and Metalik hits the Metalik Screwdriver for the win.

Match Rating: ***1/4 (out of 5)

Cedric Alexander vs. Kota Ibushi
Ibushi comes out to a nice pop. Can't blame the crowd there. Alexander gets in a little early offense and is working Ibushi's arm. We then get a nice segment full of excellent athleticism. Both of these guys are just so smooth. I'm still not 100% sure why Alexander hasn't caught on more with the crowd. Alexander absolutely drills Ibushi with an elbow, which is followed by an an insane kick by Ibushi. Here we go now. Ibushi misses the Golden Triangle Moonsault and then Alexander with a somersault to the outside and an elbow off the top inside the ring. He folded him up there, great sell by Ibushi. Alexander catches a kick and slaps him across the chest. Ibushi blocks the suplex and hits him with a giant dropkick. Ibushi misses a kick but hits a standing corkscrew. Man, I wish Ibushi was in NXT. Asai Moonsault by Ibushi to the outside. Alexander hits a Michinoku Driver, but it's not enough. Ibushi has Alexander off the top, Alexander blocks the hurricanrana then flips off the rope and Ibushi hits him with the Pele Kick. Alexander then with a flurry of huge moves and Kota just kicks out in time. Unbelievable segment here. Alexander is going up top to finish Ibushi off, Ibushi gets out of the way and Ibushi hits a German suplex followed by a roundhouse kick. Golden Star Powerbomb and that is all. What a great match and a star making performance by Alexander.

Match Rating: ****1/4

After what seems to be the end of the show, they cut back to Alexander walking to the back and the crowd is chanting "Please sign Cedric". Out comes Triple H and he shakes his hand. We get the "Yes" chant to end the show.

I'm still not sure how the WWE got Ibushi to agree to do this tournament, but I am so glad that they did. The opener was a nice appetizer, but the main event was so, so good. Alexander seemed to be a made man, but of course WWE's lack of direction with the division killed it. However, this show continues to be highly entertaining and I hope to any of you who have never watched it, go back and take the time to do so.

Overall Rating: 82%