Competing in his home state of North Carolina, Cedric Alexander was well-aware of the high-stakes nature of his WWE Cruiserweight Championship defense against a hungry Buddy Murphy. With his mother, brother and friends in attendance, The Soul of WWE 205 Live was focused on the challenge of defending his title. Murphy was determined to prove that he is a juggernaut and that his hard work and dedication to competing in the Cruiserweight division would lead him to victory. WWE 205 Live General Manager Drake Maverick shared his excitement before the match, assuring that no matter who emerges victorious, they will have his full support.
As the opening bell sounded, Murphy feigned a handshake, and the two competitors immediately grappled, leading to a standoff of power and agility that briefly gave Murphy an advantage before a series of counters showed off how prepared both Superstars were for the contest.
Finally taking control with a brilliant dropkick and fending off Murphy’s power, Alexander again forced Murphy to the outside and drove him over the announce table. Seemingly in control, The Soul of WWE 205 Live stood atop the table too long, allowing Murphy to recover and drop Alexander back-first on the table. Using the ring apron and the barricade to his advantage, Murphy began targeting the champion’s back, bringing Alexander back into the ring and unleashing furious kicks and powerful throws into the corner.
Reeling from Murphy’s methodical aggression, The Soul of WWE 205 Live struggled to regain his composure as the challenger wisely remained focused on his opponent’s lower back. However, Cedric is one of the most resilient Superstars in any division, and he battled back with precision strikes before launching into the air, only to be stopped by Murphy.
Once again in control, Murphy began targeting Alexander’s back and charged forward, only to be met with a perfectly timed superkick. Regaining their composure, Alexander and Murphy exchanged blows, and the champion caught Murphy’s leg and delivered a huge elbow strike. Feeling a surge of adrenaline, Alexander took down Murphy on the outside and again inside the ring and nearly secured the victory.
Refusing to give up, Murphy struck back with a huge boot to the face and a gravity-defying drive of his own to the outside. It wasn’t enough to keep the champion down as they continued to battle with the WWE Universe on the edge of their seats, even as Murphy nearly claimed the title following a running suplex.
Unable to secure the pinfall, Murphy attempted a second suplex on the ring apron, but Alexander countered and dropped Murphy face-first onto the apron. Both Superstars narrowly beat the official’s 10-count and once again exchanged punishing blows. The Australian Superstar again nearly secured the win with an innovative DDT, and the two Cruiserweights again threw down in the center of the ring.
Again taking advantage, Murphy unleashed a sequence of attacks resulting in a number of near-falls. Looking to finish The Age of Alexander, Murphy taunted the champion before throwing him into the ropes. Incredibly, Alexander countered and landed a pair of perfect kicks before quickly executing the Lumbar Check for a hard-fought and well-earned victory.
After the match, Alexander celebrated inside the ring before greeting his mother and brother at ringside to share the elation.
Article source: WWE.com