Back in February, Buddy Murphy shocked the fans when he was named as one of the participants in the WWE Cruiserweight Championship tournament. Murphy made his debut by defeating Ariya Daivari in the first round, but lost to Mustafa Ali in the quarter finals.
Since then, Murphy has shown incredible athleticism and swagger that was clearly hidden on NXT. The former NXT Tag Team champion has had fantastic matches against Kalisto, Cedric Alexander, and Mustafa Ali.
Buddy Murphy spoke with
news.com.au about being on the sidelines in NXT, pitching the idea to go to 205 Live, and wrestling WWE Cruiserweight Champion Cedric Alexander in his hometown of Melbourne, Australia at the WWE Super Show-Down.
Here are some of the highlights:
Falling to the sidelines in NXT and dropping weight:
"I was obviously in NXT for a while and had some success, but then I found myself lurking in the shadows and not really doing much. I took in upon myself to create an opportunity. I dropped about 25 pounds, I got an opportunity, I took it and now I'm trying to create a brand."
Pitching the move to go to 205 Live:
"I always watched 205 Live on the sidelines. It's more my style, I like the quick and innovative moves. I just thought the brand was going to thrive and I wanted to be a part of it. I pitched the move [to WWE] and I kind of took it upon myself. When I first said it they said no, but I dropped the weight myself and gave them no excuse."
Wrestling against Cedric Alexander at the WWE Super Show-Down in Melbourne, Australia:
"Getting the chance to wrestle in the middle of [Melbourne Cricket Ground], doing what I do, in my home city – that's WrestleMania for me. It doesn't get much better than that."