Gran Metalik and Kota Ibushi are moving on to the quarterfinals round of the WWE Cruiserweight Classic after each won their respective second round matches on tonight’s show on WWE Network.
Gran Metalik defeated Tajiri with a cradle fisherman’s driver in the opening match of the second round, and Kota Ibushi defeated former Ring of Honor star Cedric Alexander after an amazing back and forth contest with a Golden Star Powerbomb.
Metalik will move on to face the winner of the Akira Tozawa / Jack Gallagher match, and Ibushi faces the winner of the Tony Nese / Brian Kendrick match.
After the conclusion of the Ibushi / Alexander match, fans greeted an overwhelmed Alexander with chants including “Please Sign Cedric”. Then, in an unexpected appearance, Triple H appeared before the crowd and shook Alexander’s hand and walked with him to the back.
A HECK of an endorsement from @TripleH to @CedricAlexander to close out this week’s episode of @WWE_CWC! #CWC pic.twitter.com/qCIwpq3m6A— WWE (@WWE) August 11, 2016
Following the conclusion of the show, WWE posted the following exclusive videos with comments from Cedric Alexander about his next step, as well as Gran Metalik and Kota Ibushi reflecting on their wins:
EXCLUSIVE: @CedricAlexander‘s time in the #CWC is up, but he’s sure you have NOT seen the last of him! @WWE_CWC https://t.co/bkX9LI5QB5— WWE (@WWE) August 11, 2016
EXCLUSIVE: @granmetalik is moving on to the next round of the @WWE_CWC! #CWC https://t.co/jjbetBUNk0— WWE (@WWE) August 11, 2016
EXCLUSIVE: @CedricAlexander put up a good fight, but @ibushi_kota is fully prepared for the next round. #CWC https://t.co/drCrSdrymE— WWE (@WWE) August 11, 2016