Just two matches took place on the fifth episode of The Cruiserweight Classic with four different nations represented.

All four men advanced into the second round with aspirations of making it to the final, but only two would advance.

The conquered veteran

Gran Metalik conquered the veteran Tajiri (image: WWE Network)
Gran Metalik conquered the veteran Tajiri (image: WWE Network)

The opening match of the second round, surely got the Full Sail crowd's blood pumping as the veteran Tajiri took on Gran Metalik.

Following their victories in the opening round, it would be interesting to see high flying versus technical and how their momentum from their win would affect their game-plans.

The veteran took an early advantage with his experience a huge factor in keeping the Luchador grounded to the mat, but this would not last long.

Once Tajiri failed to keep a hold of Metalik, he was soon flying and a tight-rope walk followed by a back flip to the outside of the ring was a sign of just how much of a strong performer the Mexican is.

The newest signing to WWE continued to be an impressive force in his second match and tuned into his vicious nature in search of victory.

With the end in sight, the speed and agility became too much for the 22-year veteran to handle and after delivering a Metalik Screwdriver, it would be the younger of the two advancing into the third round.

Losers win also

Triple H gave Alexander a huge sign of approval (image: wwe network.com)
Triple H gave Alexander a huge sign of approval (image: wwe network.com)

It is common knowledge that professional wrestling is a scripted sport with real risks involved and the ending of the opening matches of the second round captured this beautifully.

Cedric Alexander and Kota Ibushi stole the show and left the audience struggling to catch their breath throughout a match that was exceptional from start to finish.

Both men connected brilliantly with the audience and no words could do justice to how phenomenal this match truly was, but iconic and legendary come close.

Despite Alexander coming close on several occasions, Ibushi refused to lie down and accept defeat, and the Full Sail University crowd did not mind the long wait for a victor with chants of "fight forever" serenading the two athletes.

Eventually, the former Ring of Honor man bet it all and went to the top rope but in hindsight was a huge mistake and allowed the former New Japan Pro Wrestling star to hit a hellacious German Suplex, following by a head kick then into the Golden Star power-bomb.

Two men gave it everything and have so far put on the match of the tournament, the wrestling spotlight may typically favor the victor but Alexander was the man claiming all the front page headlines.

As he walked to the back, the crowd directed their attention to the Queen City's Favorite Son with chants of "Please Sign Cedric" as if that was not emotional enough, Triple H pulled back the curtain and walked towards the crowd favorite and placed his hand around him,

There has never been a sign of approval so organic and emotional in wrestling, the Cruiserweight Classic has become something in its own, something that may be under the WWE banner but is so much more, despite the 20-minute time limits, these competitors have performed stories that will last a lifetime.

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About the author
Joel Lampkin
Sports Journalist from Chester University, Professional wrestling writer. Contact [email protected]