Not only were they opening the Show of Shows on Sun., April 7, wrestling for the Cruiserweight championship - Buddy Murphy & Tony Nese’s fight was personal.
Of course, a Kickoff spot while fans are still into MetLife Stadium and the screen splits to run ads for the main card doesn’t scream “important”, but the 205 Live crew are used to it.
Nese, the champ’s former training partner, earned his WrestleMania title shot by outlasting the best in the cruiserweight division to win a #1 contender tournament. He though his friend would welcome the challenge. But the Australian who’s held the belt since Super Show-Down last fall immediately cut ties with the Premier Athlete. He also attacked him in the process.
As befitting that story, Nese attacked at the bell. But the Juggernaught weathered the storm and took control of the match.
LARIATOOOOO!!! @WWE_Murphy #WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/2H82xmPKrp
— Italo Santana (@BulletClubIta) April 7, 2019
It didn’t last, as neither man could keep the momentum for long. They did frequently pop the crowd in New Jersey with the action and moves their brand is known for...
This is @TonyNese. @TonyNese moves like a #Cruiserweight and hits like a heavyweight.@TonyNese is really fun to watch. #205Live #WrestleMania @WWE_Murphy pic.twitter.com/ZXHN9POWE5
— WWE (@WWE) April 7, 2019
Murphy kicked out of several moves like that one, including a reverse 450 splash. He eventually managed to hit his finisher, but Tony got his foot on the bottom rope. It was the decision to keep things personal that cost Buddy in the end. Prepping to use Nese’s own finisher against him gave the Premier Athlete time to recover. A short time later, he hit the Running Knee-se, and we’ve got a new champ.
Get complete WrestleMania 35 results and coverage of the entire card here.