Date and location

Sunday, Dec 16 | 7 PMET/4 PMPT

Where to watch

Get the Network

When to watch

Sunday, Dec 16 | 7 PMET/4 PMPT

 WWE Cruiserweight Champion Buddy Murphy def. Cedric Alexander

WWE Cruiserweight Champion Buddy Murphy def. Cedric Alexander

SAN JOSE — Who can stop Buddy Murphy? That’s been the question ever since the onetime “Best-Kept Secret” burst onto the scene at 205 Live, and nobody is any closer to cracking the code against the Cruiserweight Champion. The Superstar who came closest to figuring out the Australian punisher was Cedric Alexander, but Murphy seems to have progressed beyond that hump, fending off the former champion in a fast-paced title bout at WWE TLC Kickoff.

Alexander did not go quietly to his nemesis, of course; the layoff mandated by 205 Live General Manager Drake Maverick did wonders for the former champion’s psyche, and he came out crisp in the opening moments of the match. Murphy used his power, however, to take away the luxury of a measured game plan, and Alexander was forced to up the tempo and intensity mid-match.

Buddy Murphy and Cedric Alexander engage in fierce fight for the Cruiserweight Title: WWE TLC 2018 Kickoff (WWE Network Exclusive)

Cruiserweight Champion Buddy Murphy defends his title against Cedric Alexander in a vicious WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs 2018 Kickoff Match.

Ultimately, it wasn’t Murphy’s muscles that proved the difference-maker, but his awareness. The champion narrowly got his foot on the ropes after a brutal one-two of a Death Valley Driver on the apron and the Lumbar Check, leaving Alexander visibly stunned and somewhat out of ideas. Murphy capitalized, forcing Cedric into the turnbuckles, clocking him with another leaping knee and pouncing with Murphy’s Law for the victory.

If it wasn’t clear before this match, it’s safe to say that Buddy Murphy’s skill and might are now known commodities among the Cruiserweight division. How to beat him is the only secret left to crack.

SAN JOSE — Who can stop Buddy Murphy? That’s been the question ever since the onetime “Best-Kept Secret” burst onto the scene at 205 Live, and nobody is any closer to cracking the code against the Cruiserweight Champion. The Superstar who came closest to figuring out the Australian punisher was Cedric Alexander, but Murphy seems to have progressed beyond that hump, fending off the former champion in a fast-paced title bout at WWE TLC Kickoff.

Alexander did not go quietly to his nemesis, of course; the layoff mandated by 205 Live General Manager Drake Maverick did wonders for the former champion’s psyche, and he came out crisp in the opening moments of the match. Murphy used his power, however, to take away the luxury of a measured game plan, and Alexander was forced to up the tempo and intensity mid-match.

Buddy Murphy and Cedric Alexander engage in fierce fight for the Cruiserweight Title: WWE TLC 2018 Kickoff (WWE Network Exclusive)

Cruiserweight Champion Buddy Murphy defends his title against Cedric Alexander in a vicious WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs 2018 Kickoff Match.

Ultimately, it wasn’t Murphy’s muscles that proved the difference-maker, but his awareness. The champion narrowly got his foot on the ropes after a brutal one-two of a Death Valley Driver on the apron and the Lumbar Check, leaving Alexander visibly stunned and somewhat out of ideas. Murphy capitalized, forcing Cedric into the turnbuckles, clocking him with another leaping knee and pouncing with Murphy’s Law for the victory.

If it wasn’t clear before this match, it’s safe to say that Buddy Murphy’s skill and might are now known commodities among the Cruiserweight division. How to beat him is the only secret left to crack.