First 48 seals hard-fought championship defense
Summary
– Carmelo Hayes and Matt Cardona open with respect before fast-paced title clash
– Cardona scores multiple near falls with Rough Ryder and Tiger Driver
– Hayes escapes late Unprettier attempt and wins with First 48
Carmelo Hayes put his championship on the line against Matt Cardona in a bout that blended respect with rising tension.
The two started with a handshake before quickly testing each other’s speed and counters. Cardona grabbed early near falls with a rollup and dropkick, while Hayes answered with snap mares and crisp offense of his own. The pace stayed even as both men traded control through side headlocks, shoulder tackles, and quick reversals.
Cardona began targeting Hayes’ upper body and back, landing neckbreakers and crossfaces to slow the champion down. He kept pressure on with corner strikes and the Woo Woo Kick, nearly finishing the match after catapulting Hayes into the ropes. A dropkick through the ropes and apron strikes added to the punishment.
Hayes shifted momentum with a springboard leg drop and sharp chops, then stunned Cardona with La Mistica for a close two-count. Cardona responded with a Tiger Driver that nearly crowned a new champion. The challenger continued pressing forward, hitting a rolling elbow and a Rough Ryder for another near fall that had the crowd on edge.
The final stretch saw both men dig deep. Cardona missed the Woo Woo Boot, and Hayes countered with a back body drop before looking for Nothing But Net. Cardona avoided it and fired back, even connecting with a Frankensteiner. A second Rough Ryder came close to ending it, but Hayes survived.
Cardona attempted to set up for the Unprettier, only for Hayes to counter with a sudden rollup. Moments later, Hayes connected with First 48 to secure the pin and retain his championship.
