Many of us had it pegged for the pre-show, but Drake Maverick got his brand’s title match a spot on the main card of Money in the Bank on Sun., May 19 in Hartford, Connecticut’s XL Center.
It wasn’t a showdown with a lot of buzz to it, as Cruiserweight champion Tony Nese defending against Ariya Daivari pretty much represents where 205 Live is in WWE’s priorities. They did spring for a nice ride for the challenger, though:
ARRIVING IN STYLE is @AriyaDaivariWWE as he hopes to take the @WWE #CruiserweightTitle from @TonyNese LIVE on @WWENetwork! #MITB pic.twitter.com/UZKiA8dKEb
— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) May 20, 2019
It wasn’t really a match that will heat the division back up, either. After a fast start by the champ, the champ was blinded by Daivari. He followed up with strikes and rest holds.
It seems @AriyaDaivariWWE is well on his way to becoming #DaivariDinero right about now... #MITB #205Live pic.twitter.com/2pLInypOhb
— 205 Live (@WWE205Live) May 20, 2019
The Premier Athlete’s sight returned, and the action picked up. Even some nifty nearfalls, such as one Ariya got with this sitout maneuver off the top rope....
#DaivariDinero is willing to do WHATEVER it takes...#MITB @AriyaDaivariWWE pic.twitter.com/fXNABmyPHH
— WWE (@WWE) May 20, 2019
...and Nese got off a 450 Splash didn’t wake the crowd. Nor did Daivari’s frog splash and finisher combo.
In the end, it was a successful defense for the champ, as he hit Running Knee-se for the win.
But will it lead to better days ahead for the purple brand? Or more of the same?
Get complete Money in the Banks results and coverage of every match on the card by clicking here.