3 Ups & 2 Downs From WWE 205 Live (January 24, 2017)

Ups...

3. The Aries Has Landed

Nese Perkins II
WWE.com

Austin Aries’ absence from NXT had somehow contrived to weaken two shows - the yellow developmental brand itself, and the purple brand of 205 Live he was dispatched to commentate on - but his rapid rate of development has seen him undergo a purple patch in form.

Much criticised on these pages, the man is redeeming himself to such an extent that it will almost be a shame when he heals up - or at least, it would’ve been, if the rapidly-fading NXT wasn’t building towards a grudge match between No Way Jose and Kona Reeves. Lord, give me strength. I’m reviewing it tomorrow.

As TJ Perkins was helped to the back, Maura Ranallo wished him well, describing Nese’s brutal post-match attack as unnecessary. “It was necessary,” Aries deadpanned, in response. The line reading was so bluntly and hilariously wrong that Graves couldn’t help but corpse when he questioned his colleague’s choice of words. “Tony Nese is making a statement,” Aries reasoned, as Graves recovered just in time to react with a crucial roll of the eyes. The three-man team is almost wasted on 205 Live - they are the best WWE has at their disposal.

Aries added to the presentation of the Nese character with a similarly sociopathic zeal - and his aloof demeanour only served to heighten the drama when he cranked up the gears towards the finish of the main event, remarking with some conviction and volume how impressive it was that Neville shifted the guardrail a good foot by crashing Alexander to it. His main roster colleagues should take note, and reserve the bluster for when it acually means something.

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Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!