WWE Cruiserweight Classic 2016 Review: Results, Analysis and Grades for August 3; Johnny Gargano vs. Tommaso Ciampa

Jack Gallagher vs Fabian Aichner

Result: Jack Gallagher wins by pinfall.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

The size difference was immediately apparent as the two shook hands.  Aichner is taller, stronger, and way more tan than the powdery Gallagher.  Some beautiful technicality from Aichner shocked Gallagher early but the young Brit amped up his reversals so much that it made Daniel Bryan gush.    Before long the speed picked up and both guys seemed all that comfortable until Aichner grounded things with a vicious backbreaker.

Aichner wasn’t done, however, as he landed a brilliant moonsault for a very close two count.

Gallagher however, was full of fight and after a few of his beautiful dropkicks hit the mark, he locked the Italian Aichner into a guillotine choke which Ranallo reminded everyone that Gallagher used to win one of his amateur MMA bouts.  But Aichner powered out of the submission and landed a gorgeous sit-out power bomb for yet another close two count.

Aichner’s frustration boiled as he blasted a dazed Gallagher with some ground strikes.  This cost him, however, as he went for a top rope frog splash that Gallagher was barely able to escape from. This lead to a beautiful running drop kick that earned Gallagher the victory.

Tim’s Note:  This was the first match in the entire tournament so far where it seemed like the wrong guy won.  Not to take anything away from Gallagher, he’s an immensely talented kid with huge upside.  But Aichner was the story here tonight.  He’s a massive Cruiserweight who used that advantage to dominate the majority of this match.  In his first major TV exposure, Aichner proved that he has everything necessary to become a huge star.  Again, no offense to Gallagher.  Luckily for the young Brit, he’ll have a chance to shine next round.