Cedric Alexander defends the WWE Cruiserweight Championship against Hideo Itami in the ultimate battle for respect.

After defeating Buddy Murphy and Mustafa Ali in a Triple Threat Match, Hideo Itami earned the opportunity to challenge Cedric Alexander for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship. A major test for Alexander, Itami was looking to not only claim the title but to also demand respect from the Cruiserweight division and the WWE Universe.

The animosity between the Superstars was at a boiling point as they grappled early in the contest and countered one another in a stalemate. The champion finally took control of the contest by using his speed and agility, forcing Itami back into the corner. The Soul of WWE 205 Live taunted Itami before unleashing furious strikes that left his opponent reeling. However, just as Alexander built momentum, Itami answered with a brutal kick to the sternum.

Now in control following another sequence of furious kicks, Itami methodically attacked, dominating the champion with the type of hard-hitting kicks that helped build his reputation.

Demanding respect between strikes, Itami countered a burst of offense and grounded Alexander. Ever the resilient Superstar, Alexander fed off the energy of the WWE Universe and battled back, building momentum and regaining control with his speed, agility and power.

Forcing his challenger to the outside, Alexander flattened Itami with a jaw-dropping dive to the outside. Back in the ring, the battle raged on, and the two Superstars exchanged momentum before Itami nearly secured victory by driving Alexander into the ropes and taking him down with a flying clothesline.

The Japanese Superstar took control with a resounding blow and nearly secured victory. Seemingly frustrated, Itami attempted to remove the cover of the bottom turnbuckle but was stopped by the official. Alexander once again took control, but Itami countered a high-flying move by knocking the champion off the top rope and crashing to the outside.

Mercilessly, Itami executed a running dropkick into the steel steps and rolled Alexander back into the ring. Incredibly, Alexander kicked out of a pinfall, but Itami was ready to strike. After unleashing a series of hard-hitting strikes, Itami charged forward, driving a knee into Alexander’s back.

Looking to deliver a final crushing blow, Itami charged his nemesis, but the champion incredibly countered and quickly executed his patented Lumbar Check to retain his title with an incredible victory.