On the February 13 episode of "205 Live", Nese was entered into a Cruiserweight Championship tournament to determine a new Cruiserweight Champion, where he was defeated by Drew Gulak in a first round. On the March 27 episode of "205 Live", Nese was defeated by Mark Andrews. On the April 10 episode of "205 Live", Nese saved Andrews from an attack of Drew Gulak, appearing to turn face in the process. On April 27, Nese participated in the Greatest Royal Rumble, entering at number 10, eliminating Hornswoggle, before being eliminated by Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods.