Neville vs. Mustafa Ali
Result: Neville defeated Mustafa Ali via submission
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
The King of the Cruiserweights had a great match to kick off the six-week long WrestleMania event. Tonight, he gets to address his subjects before the match to inform us about the celebration happening on 205 Live, when he’s interrupted by Mustafa Ali. I have to say, Ali is a great next feud for Neville if/when the Aries story is over.
AMAZING Springboard Spanish Fly from the top rope!!!! @MustafaAliWWE is pulling out all the stops against @WWENeville! #RAW #RAWAfterMania pic.twitter.com/662JBMnnGo
— WWE (@WWE) April 4, 2017
The first part of the match was a little slow – at least as slow as a match between these two can be. But after the commercial break it picked up, and if you don’t want to see these two on a bigger stage you’re insane. It had some similarities to their 205 Live match a few weeks ago, sure. But that top rope Spanish Fly Ali does is ridiculous for all the right reasons.
I really appreciate Neville refusing to do his super exciting finisher unless it’s absolutely necessary. He’s doing so well as this terrible human being who hates everyone but himself, I feel like he’s been spending too much time with Kevin Owens.
The agile @MustafaAliWWE is looking to impress against The #KingOfTheCruiserweights @WWENeville on #RAW! #RAWaftermania pic.twitter.com/Yc4gKOYr02
— WWE (@WWE) April 4, 2017
But the Rings of Saturn as a finish for Neville works. He’s got the strength to look like he can literally rip his opponent’s arms out of their sockets. It may have taken a while, but the cruiserweights are starting to put it together, and Neville has been a big reason why.