Cruiserweight Classic - Live Final with a 60 MINUTE TIME LIMIT will probably give DB a concussion

[#BROKEN Hasney]

http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2016/0216/607695/wwe-officially-announces-new-cruiserweight-series/

GLOBAL CRUISERWEIGHT SERIES – SERIES PREMIERE WEDNESDAY, JULY 13 AT 9PM ET

For the first time ever, WWE invites cruiserweights from all over the world to compete in the inaugural Global Cruiserweight Series. Thirty-two of the greatest in-ring competitors under 205 lbs. will descend upon Full Sail University in Orlando and collide over 10 weeks to earn the right to call themselves the best cruiserweight in the world.

Hyped by the premise. Can't wait to hear who's announced for it.

[Theo Dious]

Can't wait to not watch this.

[The Destroyer]

It'll be interesting to see who they manage to scrape together for it. No way they can fill that many spots in house.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

It'll be interesting to see who they manage to scrape together for it. No way they can fill that many spots in house.

Some other site posted some comments from HHH

http://www.channelguidemag.com/tv-news/2016/02/16/paul-triple-h-levesque-wwe-network-series-global-cruiserweight-series/

He mentions wanting to work with any independent talent in the world, name checking Progress, Evolve and Rev Pro.

William Regal is the talent scout for the show.

This could potentially change how WWE looks at contracts as they are thinking outside the box and looking to bring in anyone just for this series.

[Evil Vito]

Welp, that's one way to get me to re-subscribe to the Network despite not caring about the current product at all. Sounds like it could be a lot of fun.

[road doggy dogg]

sounds fucking awesome

[Rammsteinmad]

I'm gonna bet Zack Sabre Jr. will be in this to represent the good 'ol United Kingdom.

Fucking prick. :fu:

[Rammsteinmad]

Is Chuck Taylor under 205lbs? I hope so!

[CSL]

i'd put money on Zack being in

[Lock Jaw]

Lizmark Jr better be in this or it is a joke

[Lock Jaw]

Super Calo too

[The Destroyer]

I'm gonna bet Zack Sabre Jr. will be in this to represent the good 'ol United Kingdom.

Fucking prick. :fu:
Not a fan?

[Simple Fan]

Seems pretty cool.

[Anybody Thrilla]

Sounds dope. I hope guys like Neville are in this too.

[VSG]

This sounds great, I am all for it and hopefully it isn't booked by someone who absolutely must have a WWE guy win.

[Droford]

Cruiser Title on NXT would be pretty sweet

[Emperor Smeat]

This sounds great, I am all for it and hopefully it isn't booked by someone who absolutely must have a WWE guy win.

Probably depends if they still have the "winner gets a WWE contract" hinted as a possible idea for the show.

If not, makes it easier for one of their recent signings like La Sombra to win it and if they do, makes it easier for one of the indie guys they are bringing in to get a WWE-NXT type deal.

Been some rumors for a while about the WWE being interested in UK indies' Zack Sabre Jr so this tournament could be their way of doing it.

[Droford]

http://17r1l63fshd52dy9yakdizhkog.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Triple-H-Hulk-Hogan-645x370.jpg

HHH : (announces the cruiser stuff )
Hogan Those Cruiserweights can cruiser wait..brother..when is Hogan Knows Best coming to the network dude..
HHH Never
Hogan Can you at least put Rock N Wrestling back on..Jack
HHH no

[Shisen Kopf]

They'll fuck it up

[CSL]

what's to fuck up, you book A versus B, let them know who's winning and tell them to go and do a bunch of cruiserweight stuff

[Fignuts]

Seriously, in wcw it was just random matches a lot of the time and it still got over like gangbusters due tothe action.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

I like this. I don't exactly want to make this a division though. Once you make a division it's kinda like segregation. In WCW when you were a crusierweight it was really like they were saying "you're only a cruiserweight." Becoming Crusierweight Champion was the top of your field. You peaked in the upper mid-card.

There are no true weight division in the WWE like other real combative sports. Rey might have been booked badly as World Champion but he was a three time World Champion and two time IC Champion.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Cruiser Title on NXT would be pretty sweet

No. Sami Zayn is a crusierweight.

[KIRA]

Give me Ciclope(Halloween) all the Villianos they can find and Silver King and I'm sold.

[KIRA]

They'll fuck it up

Can't see how, they'd have to actively try to ruin this.....oh god they are gonna fuck this up.

[Droford]

WeeLC 2

[Lock Jaw]

I like this. I don't exactly want to make this a division though. Once you make a division it's kinda like segregation. In WCW when you were a crusierweight it was really like they were saying "you're only a cruiserweight." Becoming Crusierweight Champion was the top of your field. You peaked in the upper mid-card.

There are no true weight division in the WWE like other real combative sports. Rey might have been booked badly as World Champion but he was a three time World Champion and two time IC Champion.

Should have made it not about weight limits, but about no limits.

[Droford]

Coughxdivisioncough

[Shisen Kopf]

I like this. I don't exactly want to make this a division though. Once you make a division it's kinda like segregation. In WCW when you were a crusierweight it was really like they were saying "you're only a cruiserweight." Becoming Crusierweight Champion was the top of your field. You peaked in the upper mid-card.

There are no true weight division in the WWE like other real combative sports. Rey might have been booked badly as World Champion but he was a three time World Champion and two time IC Champion.

Segregation huh? Do you think they'll have to drink from a different fountain, use a different bathroom, and have to sit at the back of the bus?

[Mr. Nerfect]

what's to fuck up, you book A versus B, let them know who's winning and tell them to go and do a bunch of cruiserweight stuff

That's how the WWE could book a lot of things but don't...

[DAMN iNATOR]

Shisen's right. Scratch the whole concept and bring back the Juniors' Division. WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Midget Rasslin'!

[Shisen Kopf]

Midget tossing would also be a great addition to the WWE Universe.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I can't believe they haven't had Sheamus toss Hornswoggle yet.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Hornswoggle should preside over this show as the reigning Cruiserweight Champion of the last eight years.

[Nicky Fives]

most of the NXT roster could hit the 205 limit....

[Outsider]

I'm just happy that there will actually be new wrestling content on the Network. It's about 7 hours of new wrestling shows per month, which isn't really worth £9.99.

[Droford]

This is the sort of thing they should do in September through December..

[Simple Fan]

Here is the updated list of participants for WWE’s upcoming Global Cruiserweight Series following the Progress Wrestling Chapter 29 event this weekend:

Zack Sabre, Jr.
Jack Gallagher
Rich Swann
Tommaso Ciampa
Johnny Gargano
Ho Ho Lun
Akira Tozawa
Lince Dorado

There will be a qualifying match on May 1st at the next Revolution Pro event in London featuring Noam Dar vs. Josh Bodom.

Then on May 7th, there will be two qualifying matches at May 7th at EVOLVE 61 in Brooklyn, New York. You can check out those match-ups below:

Drew Gulak vs. Tracy Williams
Fred Yehi vs. TJ. Perkins

[Arrogance]

Is it just me or does WWE seem to be attempting to channel or steal a bit of Japanese wrestling? This is a very Japan thing to do...and I don't care, I think it's awesome.

WWE are also stealing the Bullet Club, and they've taken Kenta and Nakamura.

Finally, are we going to see them embrace that fans enjoy all kinds of wrestling, and companies?

[Simple Fan]

It is awesome and should be a good tournament and is going to gain a lot of exposure for guys people don't know. If it's successful I'd say it becomes an annual thing like NJPW Beat of Super Jr's. tournament.

[Simple Fan]

Some of the lesser known guys announced so far. Don't ever hear a lot about Chinese pro wrestling.

Lince Dorado from Puerto Rico
http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcReR6rEY7O8BoNAwZfYM1qELTO5gSnayAXXqUs0DDzW5_1y0PRdRg

Ho Ho Lun from Hong Kong
http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSm2zU3vPEdKhOu53tntL4QodJ5diqEtSnQrhsiPflLVzS5j65D

Akira Tozawa from Japan
http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR9m6xaXRzqnQdJSRuGCngp7rA2hat-zM0pSekmEiyoPSd3Uq8keQ

[Simple Fan]

Ho Ho Lun highlights video
AGqGHnmW98k

[Simple Fan]

n5Dnn53ArIA

[Simple Fan]

Highlights from Tozawa vs Kevin Steen
3Xz0XGSh46g

[Emperor Smeat]

Results from the first set of qualifiers from UK's Progress promotion:

* Zack Sabre Jr. defeated Morgan Webster by submission
* Jack Gallagher defeated Pete Dunne by submission

Also seems like WWE's current injury curse affects other promotions by association since Morgan Webster got seriously injured in his match against Sabre.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Looking forward to seeing Lince Dorado, Jack Gallagher and Zack Sabre, Jr. Ho Ho Lun looks really skinny and his offence looks a bit weak, but he seems to have something of a character.

[Simple Fan]

TvJzA4uZjSo

[Simple Fan]

Noam Dar qualifies for WWE Global Cruiserweight Series at Revolution Pro

LONDON — Noam Dar won a qualifying match for the WWE Global Cruiserweight Series at a Revolution Pro Wrestling event, WWE.com has learned.

The 22-year-old from Scotland, widely regarded as one of the U.K.’s best grapplers, defeated Josh Bodom at The Cockpit in London to cement his place in this summer’s can’t-miss tournament. Dar joins Zack Sabre Jr. and Jack Gallahger, who qualified at PROGRESS Wrestling on April 24, in the field of 32 competitors.

Two more qualifying matches will be held at EVOLVE Wrestling’s event this Saturday, May 7, in Queens, N.Y. The Global Cruiserweight Series premieres on WWE Network on Wednesday, July 13, at 9/8 C.

[Outsider]

Results from the first set of qualifiers from UK's Progress promotion:

* Zack Sabre Jr. defeated Morgan Webster by submission
* Jack Gallagher defeated Pete Dunne by submission

Also seems like WWE's current injury curse affects other promotions by association since Morgan Webster got seriously injured in his match against Sabre.

I know he didn't qualify, but have seen 'Flash' Morgan Webster wrestling for Attack! Pro Wrestling in Cardiff a couple of times and he is pretty damn good.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I really like Noam Dar's look. He's a good looking kid, got some definition (although he's not big). He's got that international flavor being an Israeli-Scot. I think he's a guy I'd definitely look at signing, or at least encouraging to take some work in EVOLVE to replace Sabre, Jr. who gets an NXT contract.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I feel like Lince Dorado is going to be more valuable to the company than most people would estimate.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Wikipedia is now listing this as a 32-man tournament. Was it always going to be that big?

[Mr. Nerfect]

I want to see Tyler Breeze enter this thing, lose to Kota Ibushi in the first round, but stick around and call out Ibushi, leading to Jack Gallagher (also out in the first round) coming out and saying that he may have lost in the tournament, but he can accept his loss like a man, whereas Breeze just whines. Then they have a match and Breeze wins that, but starts a proper feud with Gallagher.

[Simple Fan]

Wikipedia is now listing this as a 32-man tournament. Was it always going to be that big?

Pretty sure its been 32 since the announcement the opening post says 32. Pretty big tournament and should be interesting to see who they get to fill it out.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Thanks. I genuinely wasn't sure.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I really hope they do get Kota Ibushi. They are going to need to dig up some heels for this though.

[Simple Fan]

Source: The Wrestling Observer

— There is talk of integrating the Global Cruiserweight Series into NXT TV tapings this summer. Originally the plan was to tape the series and have it air as a stand-alone show.

— WWE’s Global Cruiserweight Series has undergone a name change. All references to the tournament on WWE’s website have been changed to “The Cruiserweight Classic.”

[Mr. Nerfect]

I'm not opposed to this name change. I honestly wouldn't mind it if they stepped away from the term "Cruiserweight" either. They really did a good job beating that into the ground. I hope Mauro Ranallo and Corey Graves are the commentary team for the show.

[Simple Fan]

Reported that they are looking to do a women's tournament similar to this one. Honestly would like to see them open up the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classisc to other promotions.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I'm on board for all of that. :y:

[Fignuts]

Would be great if they got MsChif for that.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Yeah, definitely. And Evie from NZ.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I hear good things about Shazza McKenzie, who doesn't have the traditional WWE Diva look, but could find placement on a tournament show like this.

[XL]

Reported that they are looking to do a women's tournament similar to this one. Honestly would like to see them open up the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classisc to other promotions.

Imagine some of the ROH teams in this. :drool:

[Mr. Nerfect]

I really want to see Vince take up Joe Koff on his ROH/WWE offer, because there are some neat little exchanges you could do. Imagine Dalton Castle showing up in NXT, or The Addiction jumping the rail and attacking a babyface team. Or the fucking Briscoe boys coming in to make The Vaudevillains "Man Up." Fuck.

[Simple Fan]

At EVOLVE 61 last night, TJP defeated Fred Yehi and Drew Gulak defeated Tracy Williams to qualify for the WWE Cruiserweight Classic.

TJP used to be Suicide/Manik in TNA.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/88/ManilaThrilla.jpg/220px-ManilaThrilla.jpg

[Mr. Nerfect]

I don't know why, but I thought TJ Perkins used to look a lot different to that. I wonder if I've ever even seen him work?

[Simple Fan]

Guess this is the logo for the WWE Cruiserweight Classic.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/95/Cruiserweight_Classic_logo.jpeg/220px-Cruiserweight_Classic_logo.jpeg

[Emperor Smeat]

They probably should have done the Cs in the same style as the WWE logo for the aesthetics look.

[Evil Vito]

That's a pretty hideous logo, but it doesn't matter. I'm really amped for this.

[evanbrown]

I hope Ronan Reigns wins it!!!!

[Simple Fan]

Has there ever been a Samoan cruiserweight? Seems like they're all big guys. Usos are probably the the smallest ones I can think of.

[evanbrown]

I don't think so now that you mention it. In WCW - Was Prince Iakauea Samoan?

[XL]

Hawaiian.

[Ultra Mantis]

I don't know why, but I thought TJ Perkins used to look a lot different to that. I wonder if I've ever even seen him work?

http://www.planetawrestling.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/tj-perkins.jpg

He looked like this before he went to TNA. His pose hasn't changed at least.

[Dark One]

Apparently they announced at the NXT tapings in between episodes that the tournament is for the "Cruiserweight Title"

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Apparently they announced at the NXT tapings in between episodes that the tournament is for the "Cruiserweight Title"

Not sure how I feel about this. I think having a championship like that creates a glass ceiling. Hopefully they can navigate that without too much problems.

[Dark One]

Not sure how I feel about this. I think having a championship like that creates a glass ceiling. Hopefully they can navigate that without too much problems.

If it's an actual championship that's defended rather than something like the Dusty trophy, I think it'll be okay if it resides in NXT. Most of their "championship" contenders are guys that are often cruiserweights.

[Mr. Nerfect]

http://www.planetawrestling.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/tj-perkins.jpg

He looked like this before he went to TNA. His pose hasn't changed at least.

I think it's because I saw him wrestle in TNA as "Puma." I didn't realize he had such luxurious hair.

[Simple Fan]

Apparently they announced at the NXT tapings in between episodes that the tournament is for the "Cruiserweight Title"

Not sure how I feel about this. NXT doesn't reaIly need a cruiserweight division and I couldn't see the winner coming to the main roster. Needs to just be some type of trophy or something. Although I guess a title could be a trophy said winner could carry around until next year's Cruiserweight Classic.

[Simple Fan]

Last night’s EVOLVE 62 was shaping up to be one of the best events in EVOLVE history before the infamous ending with Drew Galloway and Ethan Carter III that saw EVOLVE officials cut the live iPPV feed. It all leads to tonight at EVOLVE 63 on live iPPV at WWNLive.com from Orlando, FL. We have some major breaking news about card changes. Let’s get to it….

The situation between EVOLVE Champion Timothy Thatcher and Catch Point of Drew Gulak, Tracy Williams, Matt Riddle and TJP with Stokely Hathaway escalated last night. The originally scheduled non-title match tonight pitting Thatcher vs. Williams will now be for the EVOLVE Title!

Tony Nese had some emotional words after his match last night that can be seen in the EVOLVE 62 recap video. EVOLVE officials spoke to NXT General Manager William Regal after the event. Nese will now be added to the WWE Cruiserweight Classic Elimination Match. If he wins the match, he will get into the WWE Cruiserweight Classic. The odds are against Nese. Can he turn his career around?

Every other competitor in the Elimination Match is already confirmed for the WWE Cruiserweight Classic. This match is designed to give fans a preview of the WWE Network Tournament, which starts on July 13th. It will be very unique to what is typically seen in EVOLVE. It is a Prelude To The WWE Cruiserweight Classic.

If Tony Nese wins the Elimination Match he is in the WWE CWC. Assuming he wins that like 12 talent announced with a month til it starts.

[Simple Fan]

http://lastwordonsports.com/2016/05/08/wwe-cruiserweight-classic/

Pretty good write up of the 11 announced talent.

[DAMN iNATOR]

Guess this is the logo for the WWE Cruiserweight Classic.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/95/Cruiserweight_Classic_logo.jpeg/220px-Cruiserweight_Classic_logo.jpeg

Looks like a "reverse WCW" logo.

[Lock Jaw]

INCORRECT. A "reverse WCW" logo would still read WCW.

[Mr. Nerfect]

That is correct.

[Simple Fan]

Tony Nese won the elimination match and is in the WWE Cruiserweight Classic.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Good for Nese. I've seen a bit of his work and it's always quite good. It'll be interesting to see if he gets more focus with the WWE directing him.

[Emperor Smeat]

WWE revealed the list of wrestlers in the tournament. Nobody from the main roster is in it but Tajiri and The Brian Kendridck were revealed to be among the 32 guys involved.

http://www.wwe.com/section/cruiserweight-classic-competitors

[Simple Fan]

Cool, should be a good tournament.

[owenbrown]

http://i.imgur.com/au6hV.gif

[Simple Fan]

Has there ever been a Samoan cruiserweight? Seems like they're all big guys. Usos are probably the the smallest ones I can think of.

I guess so.

http://www.wwe.com/f/styles/wwe_16_9_l/public/events/2016/06/IMG_3807--3e922249e18c6971a8ad0e802afa47d4.jpg


Sean Maluta

Height: 5’8”
Weight: 180 lbs.
Hometown: Shaolin, N.Y.
Style: Technical, high-flying, striking

Sean Maluta is the latest in a long line of Samoan grapplers to step foot in a WWE ring.

The nephew of WWE Hall of Famer Afa, Maluta is a speedy grappler specializing in striking. One of his go-to maneuvers is a savate kick that can render any opponent unconscious. Strikes aren’t the only way he can win a match though. Maluta is not afraid to take flight and come crashing down on the opposition.

With impressive in-ring skills and the bloodline to go with it, Sean Maluta is sure to make an impact in the Cruiserweight Classic.

[Simple Fan]

Akira Tozawa
Alejandro Saez
Anthony Bennett
Ariya Daivari
Brian Kendrick
Cedric Alexander
Clement Petiot
Da Mack
Damian Slater
Drew Gulak
Fabian Aichner
Gran Metalik
Gurv Sihra
Harv Sihra
Ho Ho Lun
Jack Gallagher
Jason Lee
Johnny Gargano
Kenneth Johnson
Kota Ibushi
Lince Dorado
Noam Dar
Raul Mendoza
Rich Swann
Sean Maluta
T.J. Perkins
Tajiri
Tommaso Ciampa
Tony Nese
Tyson Dux
Zack Sabre Jr.
Zumbi

[Lock Jaw]

"OMG" I love Tajiri

[Lock Jaw]

Sweet, Tyson Dux... edited a "promo/hype pack" of Tyson Dux once for a local fed....

[Mr. Nerfect]

Holy fuck, Tajiri and The Brian Kendrick are in. Swoons. I'm just worried we'll only see one match out of them. Tajiri could really be an awesome heel for NXT.

[Dark One]

Tajiri and The Brian Kendridck were revealed to be among the 32 guys involved.

http://www.wwe.com/section/cruiserweight-classic-competitors

This is the biggest news of the year.

[Mr. Nerfect]

A lot of interesting talent in this tournament. Kota Ibushi should win it, I feel.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Kendrick appears to have dropped the "The" from his presentation. We might be seeing a new persona put forward by him a little. He seems "serious" in his photo on the page.

[Dark One]

Here's some nerds that will certainly be eliminated in the first round:

http://www.wwe.com/f/styles/wwe_16_9_xl_r/public/events/2016/06/Jack-Gallagher-002--b997a866bc4807fb161153a2abc519eb.jpg

http://www.wwe.com/f/styles/wwe_16_9_xl_r/public/events/2016/06/bennett2--b11e5e9af0c4af5be6264cebba1a29a8.jpg

http://www.wwe.com/f/styles/wwe_16_9_xl_r/public/events/2016/06/_MG_8796--40c44b262dca23d91852291f387a84aa.jpg



Also, what the fuck is going on with this guy's chest?

http://www.wwe.com/f/styles/wwe_16_9_xl_r/public/events/2016/06/IMG_2987--97a71544a93ac2a449bb68d308e5131d.jpg

[thecc]

Fuck yeah, Ibushi

[Mr. Nerfect]

I can actually see Zumbi making it the second round, just because he's Brazilian and he apparently does capoeira as a ring style, so I can see them wanting some mileage out of it.

[Dark One]

If the other three nerds don't lose in less than five minutes each, I'm going to be stunned.

Zumbi's bio sounded cool, I think he just beats Kofi in the "what the fuck is happening with his chest?' category.

[Vastardikai]

Kid (or was it Play?) looks like he's on the gas.

Also, Zumbi clearly doesn't understand the concept of "Pec Day."

[Droford]

http://www.prowrestling.cz/wp-content/uploads/Da-Mack.jpg

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kYBZkt8bOJs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Simple Fan]

I don't see what's wrong with Zumbi's chest.

[Emperor Smeat]

Here's some nerds that will certainly be eliminated in the first round:

http://www.wwe.com/f/styles/wwe_16_9_xl_r/public/events/2016/06/Jack-Gallagher-002--b997a866bc4807fb161153a2abc519eb.jpg

Looks like what would happen if you mixed Conan O'Brien and Aiden English together.

[Dark One]

I've decided that this guy is the least intimidating looking of them all:

http://www.wwe.com/f/styles/wwe_16_9_xl_r/public/events/2016/06/_MG_8796--40c44b262dca23d91852291f387a84aa.jpg

[Simple Fan]

Has Ciampa lost weight? He never looked like a cruiserweight in ROH. Doesn't look to much smaller of what I've see of him in NXT.

[Anybody Thrilla]

I dunno, but he's definitely the shit. He should win the whole thing.

[Simple Fan]

Yeah I really like Caimpa to but feel like WWE will give it to Sabre Jr. He just looks like someone the WWE would drool over.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Has Ciampa lost weight? He never looked like a cruiserweight in ROH. Doesn't look to much smaller of what I've see of him in NXT.

He's billed at 210. Not like it matters but wrestling crusierweight can be 220 or lower.

[Simple Fan]

Yeah but it was announced that the weight limit was 205. I'm sure he can lose 5 pounds though.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

They aren't going to weigh people.

[Simple Fan]

I wouldn't imagine but announcing a weight limit of 205 and then adding a competitor above that weight limit is a little silly. Granted he's not much over it and I'd say he could drop to 205 easley. Only reason I brought it up was because I didn't see a weight listed on his bio in the link Smelly posted like the other competitors. Clicked on his superstar stats and it has him listed it 205.

[Emperor Smeat]

According to PWI, original plans for the tournament included The Amazing Red being a competitor until his recent injury.

With WWE having announced all 32 competitors in the Cruiserweight Classic, it should be noted that former TNA X-Division champion The Amazing Red was initially slated for the tournament. We are told that Red recently suffered a broken ankle, which won't be healed in time for the tournament when it kicks off on 6/23.

At least two other guys in the tournament also got injured recently but both are expected to be back in time for their matches.

[Lock Jaw]

Has Ciampa lost weight? He never looked like a cruiserweight in ROH. Doesn't look to much smaller of what I've see of him in NXT.

Yeah..... remember him looking/seeming like a "huge monster" on some ROH show...... Probably was just an illusion....

[DAMN iNATOR]

INCORRECT. A "reverse WCW" logo would still read WCW.

You know damn well what I meant. Don't play semantics with me.

[Lock Jaw]

The ironing is delicious

[DAMN iNATOR]

He's billed at 210. Not like it matters but wrestling crusierweight can be 220 or lower.

I think for a time the limit in WWE was 215, but then was raised to 220.

Yeah but it was announced that the weight limit was 205. I'm sure he can lose 5 pounds though.

Reminds me of when Matt Hardy tried (successfully, too) to lose weight because the Cruiserweight division weight limit was going to be 220lbs. and he wanted to be eligible to compete in it. Think he lost like 10lbs. to go from 230 to 220 or something.

[Heyman]

http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2016/0216/607695/wwe-officially-announces-new-cruiserweight-series/



Hyped by the premise. Can't wait to hear who's announced for it.

#TerrificIdea #TerrificConcept

[KIRA]

Fuck YES! #teamKendrick

[Swiss Ultimate]

Small men, small crowds.

[Mr. Nerfect]

* Kota Ibushi
* Zack Sabre, Jr.
* Johnny Gargano
* Tommaso Ciampa
* Gran Metalik

If one of those five men doesn't win the tournament, I'd be extremely surprised. If expect them all to end up with contracts. I also expect the Indian twins to be signed, and maybe the French guy.

[Simple Fan]

The Bollywood Boys are the current Global Force Wrestling Tag Team Champions so they'd have to drop them to sign, then again AJ Styles is still the FWE Heavyweight Champion so maybe not.

[Emperor Smeat]

* Kota Ibushi
* Zack Sabre, Jr.
* Johnny Gargano
* Tommaso Ciampa
* Gran Metalik

If one of those five men doesn't win the tournament, I'd be extremely surprised. If expect them all to end up with contracts. I also expect the Indian twins to be signed, and maybe the French guy.

Probably can cross off Ibushi from the list based on some stuff he said recently and the rumor of the winner possibly getting a contract as a gift.

[Simple Fan]

Here are the latest details in the WWE Cruiserweight Classic. Most of the competitors are already in Orlando, with the tapings set to begin on Thursday. They will be starting some pre-filming and also undergo physicals and blood tests. At this time, the tournament brackets have not been finalized. WWE has also has brought in some talents in case they are needed as alternates for the tournament. The 205-pound weight limit will be enforced for the tournament. Finally, the tournament will have a “very sport-like presentation.”

[Emperor Smeat]

It was five months ago when Daniel Bryan said his goodbyes to the WWE Universe, but now, the leader of the “Yes!” Movement is making his return to WWE television. The former WWE World Heavyweight Champion will be joining Mauro Ranallo to host the Cruiserweight Classic this summer on WWE Network.
https://www.wwe.com/shows/cruiserweightclassic/article/cruiserweight-classic-hosts-revealed

[Simple Fan]

That's cool, him and Ranallo will definitely better than Ranallo and Saxton together.

[Droford]

I think for a time the limit in WWE was 215, but then was raised to 220.



Reminds me of when Matt Hardy tried (successfully, too) to lose weight because the Cruiserweight division weight limit was going to be 220lbs. and he wanted to be eligible to compete in it. Think he lost like 10lbs. to go from 230 to 220 or something.

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lfgp95lq1P1qfnnkeo1_400.jpg

[Mr. Nerfect]

When they say "hosting" they do mean commentary right?

[Emperor Smeat]

Thought the wording was a bit confusing at first but Observer and other places are saying both will be commentators for the tournament.

Outside of the pre-tournament special on the Network, WWE's not doing any "Tough Talk" like thing for the series.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Mauro and Bryan as commentators were actually my first picks for this, so I'm glad that seems to be the case. :y:

[Simple Fan]

Mustafa Ali has apparently joined the WWE Cruiserweight Classic. WWE has the indy star listed on the roster page with a full profile, which reads as follows:

A veteran of the cruiserweight wars, Mustafa Ali will aim to bring his years of experience to Full Sail University in pursuit of the Cruiserweight Classic crown.

Ali is no stranger to stiff competition, having traveled all over the country for a decade-plus, squaring off with some of the toughest competition both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions have to offer. Will his multi-level experience help him float and sting to glory in the Cruiserweight Classic?

[Emperor Smeat]

Apparently Finn Balor is the reason why Ibushi agreed to wrestle in the WWE's upcoming cruiserweight tournament. Also had his own Vince story that occurred to him while at the NXT Takeover Dallas show.

Ibushi told a funny story when he talked about how he got into the tournament. He said that WWE people wanted him in February but the only person who knew his number was Finn Balor, so Balor called him. He said when he went to Dallas to work for Evolve, that he was also supposed to meet with WWE. He was shown at the Takeover show in Dallas. So when he was backstage, he did a high five to Vince McMahon, but noted that he had never seen Vince McMahon and didn’t know who he was. Anyway, somehow someone must have asked him about meeting Vince and he, not knowing, said he didn’t know who he was, and said people backstage were very upset at him. He said they made him an offer to come full-time and he turned it down. He said they continued to make him offers and he accepted coming for the tournament but he’s only agreed to the tournament and said he still has things he wants to do in Japan. He would be the biggest star but I can’t imagine WWE putting over to the final two someone unless they were under contract

[Mr. Nerfect]

Lol, Kota Ibushi is fantastic.

[Mr. Nerfect]

The tapings are underway:


* For those wondering, Mauro Ranallo and Daniel Bryan were the commentators.

* After each match, the winner gets their hand raised and declared the winner, giving it a more sports-like vibe.

July 13th:

* Gran Metalik (the former Mascara Dorada, I believe) faced someone called Alejandro Saez. I searched to confirm the name and Google linked me to 15-time Latin Grammy winner Alejandro Sanz. Metalik won with the Fireman's Carry Driver. It can be assumed this was probably executed better than Dana Brooke's.

* Ho Ho Lun defeated Ariya Daivari, brother of Khosrow, with a bridging German suplex. No word on if Daivari used Muhammad Hassan's awesome theme.

* Cedric Alexander defeated Clement Petiot, my pick to the win the entire thing (whoops) with the Lumbar Check. No clue what that move is, but I imagine several variants could appear on a list of Chris Jericho's moves. #56...LumBAR...

* Brian Kendrick defeated Raul Mendoza, who apparently won over the crowd with an impressive showing. Kendrick actually got the win via submission with a Saka Otoshi. This confirms my suspicions that Kendrick dropping the "The" from his name means he has snapped and become a bad ass submission machine.

July 20th:

* Tajiri kicked Damian Slater in the head to advance. The poor Australian didn't have the sense to change his name to something that didn't remind creative of two jobbers smashed together.

* TJ Perkins defeated Da Mack via submission. Thank God I don't need to type "Da Mack" again in this entire thing. But he apparently got a good response after the loss.

* Lince Dorado defeated Mustafa Ali with a Shooting Star Press. No word yet on who was dressed as an ant. Dorado apparently got a big pop.

* Akira Tozawa defeated Kenneth Johnson with a German suplex. Apparently this match was not good. Afterwards, Jamie Noble allegedly blamed Stevie Richards for recommending Johnson and the match sucking, and as a result, Richards won't be welcomed back to the WWE in the brand split era after all.

July 27th:

* Zack Sabre, Jr. defeated Tyson Dux with an ARMbar.

* Drew Gulak defeated Harv Sihra with guillotine choke. Hopefully Harv beats up his brother and steals his shot later in the tournament.

* Tony Nese defeated Andrew Bennett. I think Bennett is the guy with crazy hair. Nese got the win with a 450 Splash and it looked like Bennett hurt himself. A lot of people think that Bennett and Ali hurt themselves during this taping. Hey, at least they're out of the tournament, right? Right?

* Kota Ibushi defeated Sean Maluta with his Golden Star Bomb. Sean Maluta has already been signed to a 20-year deal with WWE. Ibushi got a big pop, but management believes that is just because he is going against Maluta.

August 3rd:

* Rich Swann defeated Jason Lee (not the actor, presumably). This Lee is from Hong Kong. Expect Bryan to try and get the guy's autograph for Brie as an ongoing WWE.com comedy sketch. Swann got the pin with a standing 450.

* Noam Dar advanced when he defeated "Gurv" Sihra via submission. The crowd apparently didn't care much about this match. But, to be fair, Harv had already worked earlier that night.

* Jack Gallagher and his manly manliness defeated Fabian Aichner with a corner dropkick. The manliest dropkick you've ever seen, probably.

* Johnny Gargano defeated Tommaso Ciampa with a crucifix pin counter to a Fujiwara Armbar attempt. Ciampa showed too much compassion during this match. Tommaso hit Project Ciampa during the match. Gargano offered his hand after the match, but Ciampa walked off. He then had a moment of clarity, came back, and gave Gargano a hug. He'll turn heel on him in Brooklyn.

[Emperor Smeat]

:lol: at the stuff about Kendrick.

[Mr. Nerfect]

So our Sweet Sixteen are:

* Gran Metalik
* Ho Ho Lun
* Cedric Alexander
* Brian Kendrick
* Tajiri
* TJ Perkins
* Lince Dorado
* Akira Tozawa
* Zack Sabre, Jr.
* Drew Gulak
* Tony Nese
* Kota Ibushi
* Rich Swann
* Noam Dar
* Jack Gallagher
* Johnny Gargano

[Swiss Ultimate]

Ahem...I think you mean THE Brian Kendrick.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I don't think he's using that moniker for the tournament, sadly. :(

[Mr. Nerfect]

I hope this leads to another NXT run for him though.

[XL]

I don't think he's using that moniker for the tournament, sadly. :(

He was announced as that during that opening ceremony deal.

[Evil Vito]

Gonna be staying away from spoilers for this thing. So stoked.

[Mr. Nerfect]

He was announced as that during that opening ceremony deal.

He was announced as such, but his name graphic said "Brian Kendrick." We'll see what happens there. Definitely seems like he's playing a tweaked character.

I've decided that I want to see a Brian Kendrick vs. Austin Aries feud.

[Emperor Smeat]

What if he's like Balor and decided to have a split personality.

Regular form and whenever the situation needs to be serious or brutal, he busts out the "The Brian Kendrick" form.

[DAMN iNATOR]

Fuck YES! #teamKendrick

Pfft, the Cruiserweight title actually seems below him:

http://40.media.tumblr.com/91ac496db391b8d3ee0312804c9895e0/tumblr_mnhv4k20pr1rg89a6o1_500.png

I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm sure he's a draw for the tourney, but still, no denying that happened (as long as you're anyone but Vince McMahon).

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Tonight on the Network, Mauro and Daniel Bryan alongside special guests including HHH will analyse the bracket. Looking forward to it and learn a bit about the guys I don't know.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Watched the bracket analysis. I relly want Kendrick to win now, but he's being too much of a face. I think he's going to snap and bring back THE Brian Kendrick.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Oh shit, didn't realise Daniel Bryan was on colour for this thing, this is going to be awesome.

[Emperor Smeat]

A few backup wrestlers were announced to be participating in case anyone gets injured during the tournament.

Though the field is set for this summer’s Cruiserweight Classic and the first round has already been filmed, the WWE announced five alternates for the tournament on Tuesday afternoon.

Aaron Solow, Jesus Yurnet, Jessy Sorensen, Vandal Ortagun, and Kai Katana are the five men who could step into the CWC if one of the 32 original competitors gets injured or misses weight.

Sorensen is likely the most well known name of the bunch. He competed in TNA from 2011-2013 before being released. Sorensen broke his neck in a match with Zema Ion in 2012 and it wasn’t known if he would be able to continue his career.

After working in a backstage position, Sorensen decided that he wanted to get back in the ring and was cleared to wrestle. TNA came under fire for releasing Sorensen instead of allowing him to return in their ring.

Sorensen has since made several appearances as an enhancement talent on NXT TV.

Working on the American independent scene since 2009, Solow is probably most known for his appearances in FIP. He has also competed as an enhancement talent in NXT and ROH, and has been romantically linked to NXT’s Bayley.

Yurnet, Ortagun, and Katana have all also worked extensively in the wrestling business and will be on call to prove themselves to the WWE if the opportunity arises.

[Dark One]

Dejected this guy is an alternate and not an active competitor:

http://www.wwe.com/f/styles/wwe_16_9_xl_r/public/all/2016/07/20160711_CWCAlternatives_ARTICLE_Yurnett--fc60188c45678f73698616442a910c30.jpg

[DaveWadding]

I have definitely been operating under the assumption that Da Mack or whatever it is from the CWC was The Mack from Lucha Underground.

This is not the case. I am very disappointed.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

I have definitely been operating under the assumption that Da Mack or whatever it is from the CWC was The Mack from Lucha Underground.

This is not the case. I am very disappointed.

http://popshifter.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/lucha-underground-the-mack-pj-black.jpg

#Cruiserweight

[Tom Guycott]

Dejected this guy is an alternate and not an active competitor:

http://www.wwe.com/f/styles/wwe_16_9_xl_r/public/all/2016/07/20160711_CWCAlternatives_ARTICLE_Yurnett--fc60188c45678f73698616442a910c30.jpg

Non from Superman II + Max Moon = this freakin' guy

[Evil Vito]

So I'm guessing we can now discuss this as it airs (no spoilers for future episodes).


.....


Really enjoyed night one of this, especially the main event. As an Anoa'i I can only assume that Sean Maluta was going to get signed eventually, so letting him hang with Ibushi is a good way to introduce him to the audience for when it eventually happens. Sans Maluta's near wipeout both guys looked like a million bucks in that one.

[Dark One]

Interesting show.

A few of the guys seemed to be the stereotypical spot monkeys and had no idea what to do as far as expressions/body language. That said, it was still pretty great just because it's so different. The sports feel is kind of cheesy at points--like the announcement of the winner and hand raising like the UFC, after the person's music has already played feels a bit wonky. I'm sure as the next sets of tapings happen, they'll smooth over a lot of the little production weirdness.

It's mostly just amazing seeing something like this on WWE TV. It's a crazy time with this, Brock's UFC fight, the draft coming up, etc.

[GD]

I love how different the show looks and feels.

[GD]

Love "Malcolm in the Middle" referee.

[Simple Fan]

I love everything about it. It looks totally different from anything else WWE does and commentary is great. Seaz guy really surprised me with the shooting star off the apron. I like Gran Metalik and think him and Tajeri could have a pretty good match should he advance. I'm a sucker for powerbombs so I loved the Ibushi finish. Was really impressed by Maluta as well. Overall it's a great concept and exactly what the WWE Network is all about.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Watching this now. Intro is so hype with HHH talking them up big. Good sign pointing montage at the end so we know it's a big deal, like Wrestlemania.

CG in the opening looks like they got Yuke's in to animate it.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

I like how they have the country underneath even the Daniel Bryan and Mario lower graphics. Makes it feel really "global".

[#BROKEN Hasney]

The Vs. screen is badass

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Hnnng, love Little Naitch giving the instructions before the match and the handshake. Feels like a legit competition.

[GD]

Don't you just want to hump the CWC turnbuckle pads?

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Hot opening match. Loving everything about this, Bryan and Mauro are fantastic together and the presentation really makes it different from everything else.

Graves doing a great job in that control room too.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Ooooo, no handshake from Davari

Don't you just want to hump the CWC turnbuckle pads?

Not really. My spunk would make it say something other than CWC.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

CF0$ working overtime. Lot of great themes for guys that are even just crashing out in the first round.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Brilliant main event. Although Ibushi had to win, I ended up being really disappointed Maluda went out, he had a great showing.

I had high expectations for the show and it exceeded them, especially in terms of presentation. Something I certainly won't be dahleeting from my schedule.

[GD]

The main event was quite enjoyable. The commentary did a great job at keeping me invested.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I'm predicting a Zack Sabre, Jr. vs. Kota Ibushi final. Either that or Brian Kendrick costs Ibushi a match somewhere along the line after Ibushi beats him, and the finals see either Gargano or Swann in there against Sabre.

[Innovator]

Already waiting for the Cedric Alexander v. Kota Ibushi quarter final

[Simple Fan]

Would really like to see them do a Womens tournament like this and open up the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic to outside teams. I think it's what the WWE Network is all about and needs to be more like it.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

#BookMaludaStrong

[mitch_h]

Good show, only complaint would be that Hoho Lun guy looked shitty and Davari seemed pretty good and should have won.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Wasn't gonna have somebody travel from China to lose after signing their first guy from China to a developmental deal. Daivari is from Minnesota. I agree though. Guy is a skinny fat ass wearing a shirt too.

Biggest shock is the guy who cut like 20 pound for this to bitch out in the first round. Hope they do something like a consolation bracket.

[Heisenberg]

Daivari is from the desert, per se, wouldn't much say he is FROM Minnesota, per se, the vagina he came out of may have originated from New Delhi or Tajah mayhew.

[XL]

Would really like to see them do a Womens tournament like this and open up the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic to outside teams. I think it's what the WWE Network is all about and needs to be more like it.

Imagine Daniels/Kazarian getting in on that!

[Simple Fan]

That's the only way I see either of those two in WWE. The Addiction is on of my favorite tag teams in the world, of the world.

AJ put them over on the Stone Cold podcast and I'd imagine he'd put in a good word for them if they open it up.

[Lock Jaw]

Just viewed this.... was alright in my books....

I think Daniel Bryan makes a good commentator. Mauro seems to have improved a bit as well, sounding more "natural" and not as "phony", still needs to work on it some, though.

Commentators did a good job of taking Maluta messing up his dive and using it to put over both competitors, the match, and the tournament. Instead of just saying "Well, it looks like he didn't get all of it!".

[Mr. Nerfect]

Would like to see a Sean Maluta/Ariya Daivari tag team coming out of this. Two guys with relatives in the business and chips on their shoulder.

[Emperor Smeat]

Between the bracket special and first episode, really like how different the presentation is compared to the usual WWE stuff.

Whoever was in charge of production should take over for the main shows.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Daivari is from the desert, per se, wouldn't much say he is FROM Minnesota, per se, the vagina he came out of may have originated from New Delhi or Tajah mayhew.

Maybe a Snow desert? He was born in Minnahsoootaah.

[Droford]

Old school time limits and refs checking before the matches. Only thing I felt was Davari should have won not a fan of Hoho

[Lock Jaw]

Ho-Ho theme was sweet, though....

[Simple Fan]

I just love that they are actually calling the matches on commentary. Bryan and Ranallo are a great team and I think they are 100X better than the Raw and SD crews. Always liked a two man team better than three. One guy always feels like he doesn't belong, mainly Saxton. Cant say it enough how much of a fan I am of this tournament, one of the best ideas WWE has had in years.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Byron Saxton has a thankless job. Being a face color guy must be insanely difficult. This guy needs a heel turn like Jonathan Coachman had. That the guy can bump is useful too. Mauro and Bryan would be a great team on SmackDown, but I feel like it is going to be Mauro and Graves with Bryan as the GM.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Byron Saxton has a thankless job. Being a face color guy must be insanely difficult. This guy needs a heel turn like Jonathan Coachman had. That the guy can bump is useful too. Mauro and Bryan would be a great team on SmackDown, but I feel like it is going to be Mauro and Graves with Bryan as the GM.

I'll be down if Byron ever calls himself "The Sax"

[Anybody Thrilla]

I love all of this. Fuck yes. Ciampa better win, though.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Got a feeling that it's going to come down to Zack Sabre, Jr. and Kota Ibushi, with Ibushi winning if he signs a deal and ZSJ going over if not.

[Emperor Smeat]

WWE started to sign a bunch of guys from the tournament to contracts according to reports.

Ibushi exited New Japan for a chance to join WWE’s inaugural Cruiserweight tournament, and now has signed an NXT-level deal, PWTorch learned Friday ...

PWTorch also learned that Gran Metalik (Mascara Dorada in Mexico) has agreed to a deal with WWE following his successful debut in the Cruiserweight tournament.

Metalik (Dorada) has been a mainstay in CMLL for a decade and toured with New Japan in recent years. Metalik’s relationship with Finn Balor (formerly Prince Devitt in NJPW) brought Metalik to WWE.

– WWE also has several tournament wrestlers on their radar for potential signings.

Included are Zack Sabre, Jr., Cedric Alexander, Lince Dorado, Akira Tozawa, and Jack Gallagher.

The signing process will likely take months and they would all finish their indie dates and/or other commitments before reporting to WWE’s Performance Center if the deals go through.

The overseas signings are especially complex and could take longer than the wrestlers that reside in the U.S.
http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/07/15/pwtorch-report-ibushi-metalik-sign-deals-wwe-several-cruiserweight-tourney-stars-wwes-radar/


A different source on Reddit is claiming the WWE is going to launch a brand new cruiserweight-based show after the tournament is done which is why contracts are being handed out now.
Ibushi signed. They are in the middle of locking up several cruiserweights, like Tozawa & Sabre Jr, as they will go forward with a full blown cruiser show once the classic is done.

Gran Metalik has also agreed to a deal with WWE. They are really grouping these guys for a full time show.

[Fignuts]

I hope they sign Maluda.

[Fignuts]

I love all of this. Fuck yes. Ciampa better win, though.

I just want to see his powerbomb/backcracker move in this tournament. His submission is cool, but that powerbomb is one of the coolest finishers of the past few years. Could never do it on the msin roster, so now is the perfect time to sneak it in.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Tozawa sounds like he hasn't set the world on fire with his tournament showing thus far. I'd sign Tajiri over him. All the others are pretty good and obvious signings. I wouldn't do a new show, but I would enjoy more being integrated.

[Droford]

Tonight's episode wasn't as overall good but the middle two matches were pretty sweet.

Glad Kenny Johnson didn't win though..he was too awkward and it felt like someone shrunk Titus Oneil

[Evil Vito]

Yeah I still love this. Great matches all around and I've come away from it basically wanting WWE to sign everybody.

If there's one nitpicky point I have on commentary, it's that Bryan seems to have fallen into the Michael Cole habit of saying "This could be it!" or some variation of that anytime there's a pinfall attempt late in the match, but he never says it when the match is actually about to end. It slightly takes away from the false finishes late in the match especially when they're busting out moves that you could actually see ending the match.

It's not a huge deal especially since the outcomes of most of these first round matches have been pretty clear cut, but hopefully it's not as prevalent in future rounds. Other than that he and Mauro continue to be brilliant.

[Emperor Smeat]

Tozawa pulled off an amazing German suplex during the main event.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">What a finish to the main event of this week's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWECWC?src=hash">#WWECWC</a>, featuring Akira Tozawa vs. Kenneth Johnson. <a href="https://t.co/1v00FG83Aa">pic.twitter.com/1v00FG83Aa</a></p>&mdash; E.E. Guardian (@EEGuardian) <a href="https://twitter.com/EEGuardian/status/755994191856107520">July 21, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Nicky Fives]

Very impressed with TJ Perkins & Akira Tozawa in the latest episode....

[#BROKEN Hasney]

You're right DB, it isn't a good time to be an MJ fan

[Emperor Smeat]

Ho Ho Lun is currently rumored to be getting a WWE deal since he worked at an NXT house show this weekend.

[Simple Fan]

Wasn't really to impressed with him. I liked Davari a lot more than I did Ho Ho but him being Chinese I and them wanting more of a footprint over there it makes since. He could get better being in NXT though.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I am officially a fan of Jack Gallagher. He does kayfabe interviews. Plus he knows how to put himself, his opponents and his gimmick over. He was asked who wanted to wrestle, and he put over Brian Kendrick, Kota Ibushi and Zack Sabre, Jr. as potential opponents, but also slipped in that he competes in jiu-jitsu tournaments, is 2-0 in amateur MMA fights, that he wrestles a British style that focuses on submissions, and that he was wearing a three-piece suit just before the weigh-in. Tremendous man.

[Emperor Smeat]

Reports about Ibushi signing or planning on signing a deal with the WWE is currently being debunked by Japanese media.

“Japanese Golden star” Kota Ibushi has reportedly been offered numerous WWE contracts which he has refused to sign, according to Japanese wrestling news website enuhito.com.

Ibushi who was personally invited to take part in the WWE Cruiserweight Classic, was asked by Japanese media "is it true that you has signed the contract with WWE?" to which he responded "No. I just know the news. I have not signed any. But every time I go to WWE, they said “when do you decide it?” to me. They offer me, but I refuse to sign it so far."

Prompted to clarify further he was asked: "is the rumor is not true?"

He simply said "No. But they asked me to sign it."

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Watching the newest one now, ridiculous how many hours of good wrestling there's been this week.

Dux was in the WWE in 2004 and Jindrak ended that. BOOOOO.

Really interested in watching Zack Sabre.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Damn, Dux has some bad ass entrance music.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Damn, that was fun, very different. You don't often see that type of submission wrestling.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Got interrupted with work, watching again now. Gulak has more good entrance music and decent entrance attire. Guessing the Bollywood Boy will be going through though.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Damn, Gulak did it. Thought the brothers fighting at some point was going to be a thing.

Alright match, nothing special.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Anthony Bennett: This kid don't play. Like this guys look, 5'5" without the hair, 5'10" with it and two pairs of light up glasses. Smooth music again.

Then Nese comes out with the hard hitting metal.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Nese was trained by Whipwreck, so I'm pulling for him.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

I do like this Nese guy, he has a lot of power for a cruiser as well as combining it with high flying.

Ref had to check Bennett before the finish which made it a little awkward. Hope he wasn't seriously hurt.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Now this is a main event. I'm such a Kendrick mark.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Liking this Mendoza guy, but holy shit. Kendrick putting a guy with braces' teeth against the rope and kicking it. Great work.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Damn, don't know if Mendoza is legit bleeding from the mouth or if it's a pack. Either way, it's a great visual.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Tree of woe coast to coast. Damn.

Love how biased Daniel Bryan is for Kendrick.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Fun match, Kendrick needs to be signed for this Raw Cruiserweight division. He works a heel style so well.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Oh, that means Kendrick V Nese in round 2. Damn, I want them both through.

[Innovator]

I do love Kendrick breaking out the bully choke/Saka-Otoshi

[Mr. Nerfect]

Brian Kendrick looked deranged as fuck. What a pimp.

[Mr. Nerfect]

It'd make total kayfabe sense for Daniel Bryan to offer him a SmackDown contract and for him to be aligned with Eva Marie on the main roster. It'd be weird, but it could help both stand out.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I was really impressed with Mustafa Ali. I'd like to see him get signed for the Cruiserweight Division. Tony Nese seems like he'd be a good fit. I don't imagine you'd do this thing without Kota Ibushi and Zack Sabre Jr, even though ZSJ looks more lanky than I thought he would. Sabre's facials were also really awkward. I'd actually leave him in NXT to work with Drew Gulak and Tyson Dux and provide them with some workers when you plunder NXT for guys that are more ready and capable for RAW.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Oh, and Akira Tozawa seems ready.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I'd actually be fine with Tozawa taking this entire tournament. I enjoyed him more than Kota Ibushi, to be honest.

[Fignuts]

Love me some Kendrick, but Mendoza should have went through. Guy is fucking excellent, and you already had tajiri advancing, repping the wwe vets in the second round.

[Fignuts]

I'd actually be fine with Tozawa taking this entire tournament. I enjoyed him more than Kota Ibushi, to be honest.

Ibushi will deliver. In the meantime check his njpw stuff if you wanna see what he can really do.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Kendrick should take the whole thing. Fuck being knocked out in the first round. He's still got that THE swagger.

[Fignuts]

Terrorist

[GD]

Loved how aggressive Kendrick was. Mendoza was impressive as well. Mauro spitting lies about the Bollywood Boyz being in music videos and movies in Bollywood.

[Anybody Thrilla]

That Mendoza dude was legit. Sign him right away. Also, I think I prefer Tyson Dux to Zack Sabre Jr., but what are ya gonna do. Tony Nese seems like he could be a star if he has some personality. Really glad that Spanky seems to be working heel, even though his promos are face as fuck.

I hate that Ciampa and Gargano is a first round match, but I'm looking forward to it.

[Fignuts]

As a fan of technical wrestling, I fucking loved Sabre Jr's performance, but yeah, he doesn't seem to have much going for him besides that.

[Dark One]

Gargano vs. Ciampa was amazing. Definitely an Owens/Zayn style match. Stiff as fuck, good story-telling, etc.

Great ending angle too.

Could have been even more incredible if they'd kept them apart and met like in the finals, but it definitely made up for the Dar/Sihra stinker.

[Dark One]

Spoiler for a pairing for a second round match (no result):

Noam Dar vs Ho Ho Lun--if their first round matches are anything to go by--may be the worst match in the history of wrestling.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Minus 6 stars.

[Dark One]

I think that match may be the only match I want to see less than a Roman Reigns vs. Big Show Ironman Match

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

#BookMalutaStrong continues with him on NXT this week.

[Droford]

Jack Gallagher has a spot in the Vaudevillians waiting for him.

And Gargano/Ciampa was the match of the first round easily

[Emperor Smeat]

Swann's standing 450 splash was amazing.

Gargano-Ciampa match was really great and best match in the tournament so far.

[ron the dial]

was really impressed with aichner too. lots of solid talent in this field.

[GD]

Gargano and Ciampa were amazing. Bromance was the icing on the cake.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Man, end of the first round episode already. It's flown by.

Not a fan of Jason Lee's theme music and that he is not the real Jason Lee. This is the real Jason Lee:

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e2/Jason_lee_cropped_lighting_corrected.jpg/800px-Jason_lee_cropped_lighting_corrected.jpg

Although I wouldn't trust him with nunchucks

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Rich Swann has one funky entrance. Even mentions someones Mama just like any wrestling funk theme should.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Rich Swann was fun, fucking standing 450 are you kidding me? Then dancing while selling injuries while he had his hand raised.

Found a lot of guys to like in round 2 even with a couple of disappointments.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Noam has something about him, but he's green as shit. Would have preferred one of the Bollywood boys

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Jack Gallagher lives the gimmick, I love it. This is going to be a fun match I think.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Gallagher was awesome, just fantastic.

Was the right decision to have him go over someone big to put him over, but Eisner was really good. Another unfortunate first round where I wanted both guys to advance.

If they sign the best ones from this tournament, Raws cruiser-weight division will be insane.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Holy fuck, what a main event. I liked both those guys from NXT anyway, but I didn't realise they were that good. Thought they were just using them as the main event as they were the most known to the audience, but man, that was fantastic.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/GentlemanJackG">@GentlemanJackG</a> - you are the freaking man! Best corner dropkick ever &amp; a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wigan?src=hash">#Wigan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Snakepit?src=hash">#Snakepit</a> grad. I WANT YOU ON <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RAW?src=hash">#RAW</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CruiserweightClassic?src=hash">#CruiserweightClassic</a></p>&mdash; Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) <a href="https://twitter.com/RealMickFoley/status/761014162852028416">August 4, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Hopefully this is kayfabe and it's happening.

[Fignuts]

Yeah, of evetyone so far, gentleman jack impressed me the most.

It's not just what he does that's awesome, but the smoothness of his execution. I don't know if I've ever seen anyone move with such fluidity before.

[VSG]

Yeah I am a fan already. Lots of great talent as others mentioned, many would do well in NXT at the very least.

[Rollermacka]

Yeah, of evetyone so far, gentleman jack impressed me the most.

It's not just what he does that's awesome, but the smoothness of his execution. I don't know if I've ever seen anyone move with such fluidity before.

Yeah I am a fan already. Lots of great talent as others mentioned, many would do well in NXT at the very least.

I really hope Jack is signed..... If solely to see a feud between him and Simon Gotch. The promos, the matches... the Manliness, it would all be amazing

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Should give him the old Blue Bloods Theme song.