This is a...weird main event, to say the least. But I do have to give credit to Eli Isom for getting over as much as he has, plus I'm a sucker for anything Silas Young-related. Regardless, let's see how the rest of the show pans out.
Tracy Williams vs. David Finlay
The match is back-and-forth from the get-go as the wrestlers exchange a series of holds in order to gain the advantage. Following a dropkick and a plancha, Finlay seems to get the advantage, but Williams quickly switches the advantage to his favor, working Finlay over while displaying his impressive technical acumen. And while Williams attempts to slow it down, Finlay tries to speed it up with a series of running uppercuts.
The two trade chops before making their way up to the second turnbuckle. Williams blocks a superplex attempt with a single-arm DDT on the buckle, then hits Finlay with a discus clothesline. After a kick-out and a quick counter, Finlay begins to pick up some steam with a few uppercuts, a uranage backbreaker and a lariat. Both men then trade counters for a brief respite before Williams spikes Finlay with a piledriver to pick up the W.
A solid way to start the show off with a clash of styles (no pun intended); we had Williams, the methodical technician against the speedy striker in Finlay. From this, we saw an impressive display of counter wrestling from bell to bell. It was really anybody's game in this match, which speaks to the impressive chemistry these men have with one another. Nothing else to say but a good match and a nice kickoff to the show.
Mark Haskins vs. Bandido
It's a battle for leverage at the start with Haskins and Bandido trading sequences of holds and counters, displaying impressive agility in the process. After a well-timed evasion from Haskins, Bandido is sent to the outside and Haskins hits him with an innovative suicide dive from the corner of the ring. Following Haskins' brief momentum, Bandido fights back; first with a corkscrew moonsault press then a fosbury flop of sorts.
After another impressive display of offense (Bandido with the pop-up cutter, Haskins with a fluid sequence into a samoan driver), it still really is anybody's ball game here. They tease an in-ring 10-count before Bandido hits Haskins with a twisting Go 2 Sleep. He then attempts for a moonsault, only for Haskins to evade and put him in a sharpshooter. Bandido fights out of the attempt as well as a bridging armbar from Haskins. Followin a fatal superkick, Bandido plants him with a slingshot german suplex for the victory.
Absolutely superb match, and might be MOTN depending on how the main event turns out. You really couldn't have asked for more: impressive chemistry, fluid sequences and counters, well-timed spots and an overall nail-biting feel. It really felt like either man could've won the match at any point. The in-ring storytelling was also on point here, with Haskins trying to slow down the high-flying Bandido with insanely crisp submissions. A fantastic match, through and through.
Silas Young vs. Eli Isom
Young seemingly gets the momentum at the start of the match as he tries to wear down Isom, who desperately finds ways to fight back. Despite Isom's best efforts, Young continues to absolutely dominate him throughout the match so far. Isom still tries to fight back and gain momentum, showing off impressive strength with a couple of suplexes; he then hits Young with an air raid crash, which Young kicks out of.
Young picks up where he left off and resumes pummeling Isom, who continues to kick out of every punishing blow Young deals him. Despite his best efforts, Isom comes up short as Young hits him with his Misery finisher, getting the win and securing #1 contendership to Jeff Cobb's World Television title. Post-match, Young talks trash on Cobb, calling him a disappointment. Cobb comes out to confront him and the two butt heads for a bit. Shane Taylor shows up to get the odds up on Cobb; Young low-blows him and Taylor hits him with his Greetings From 216 finisher.
So, real talk, folks: this main event was a bit of a letdown. Don't get me wrong, this was a good match and it told a decent story. But when you compare it to the previous matches in the night, it was definitely a bit lacking. I'm just glad Young won, because him vs. Cobb was always the best possible outcome; I'm really looking forward to that match, as it should be absolutely fire.
Though the momentum may have died somewhat in the main event, this was still a pretty dope episode. Williams/Finlay opened the show strong and Haskins/Bandido was an absolute barn-burner; couldn't believe this match was on free TV. If you do check this episode out, skip the main event and watch the first two matches (especially Haskins/Bandido) instead.
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