On the March 6, 2017 episode of "Raw", Aries turned face by attacking WWE Cruiserweight Champion Neville during an interview with him. On March 7, he made his "205 Live" in-ring debut, defeating Tony Nese. On March 13, Aries defeated Ariya Daivari on his "Raw" in-ring debut. On the March 14 episode of "205 Live", Aries defeated TJ Perkins, Akira Tozawa, The Brian Kendrick and Tony Nese in an elimination match to become the number one contender for the Cruiserweight Championship at WrestleMania 33, last eliminating Kendrick to win. However, Aries lost to Neville during the pre-show in the opening match. On the April 4 episode of "205 Live", Aries defeated Perkins, Jack Gallagher and Mustafa Ali in a fatal four-way match to earn a rematch against Neville at Payback, which he won by disqualification. Aries again failed to win the Cruiserweight Championship after he was defeated by Neville at Extreme Rules in a submission match.