The high-flying Gran Metalik takes on the wily Tajiri for a spot in the Quarterfinals of the inaugural WWE Cruiserweight Classic.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Second Round of the inaugural WWE Cruiserweight Classic kicked off in major fashion, with aerial artist Gran Metalik squaring off with the most experienced competitor in the tournament, Tajiri. Having spent time in Mexico during his 23-year career, The Japanese Buzzsaw knew how to handle the luchador’s fast-paced style, and even showed that he could keep up with the younger, speedier Metalik.

Tajiri wrestled a smart match early on, taking Metalik to the ground and keeping him there. To his credit, Metalik demonstrated that he was no slouch on the canvas, trading holds with the former Cruiserweight Champion before getting back to his feet. The masked marvel brought the match back to his preferred pace, but was stopped in his tracks with one of Tajiri’s devastating kicks.

That allowed Tajiri to bring the match back to the mat and wear down Gran Metalik before kicking him directly in the face. Surprisingly, the luchador got right back up and, after chopping Tajiri in the sternum, sent his opponent to the arena floor, giving himself the opening to show the world why they call him “El Rey de las Cuerdas” – King of the Ropes. Metalik dashed across the ropes with ease before launching himself at The Japanese Buzzsaw. Tajiri tried to end the bout with another kick, but the luchador caught his leg and launched an all-out aerial counterattack.

Tajiri launched a last-ditch effort, clobbering Metalik with a baseball slide dropkick before catching the masked marvel in midair and driving him to the mat with a powerbomb. Gran Metalik escaped a grounded octopus hold by kicking Tajiri with his free leg. Moments later, the luchador then grabbed The Japanese Buzzsaw and planted him into the canvas with the Metalik Screwdriver for the three-count, cementing his spot in the CWC Quarterfinals.