5 Cruiserweights that could've been megastars on Raw in 2017  

WWE has persistently promoted 205 Live as the “most exciting hour on television”, but the combatants of the Cruiserweight division have vanished into obscurity ever since the critically acclaimed Cruiserweight Classic concluded.

All WWE had to do to ensure the success of the Cruiserweights on the main roster was taking the already picture perfect CWC blueprint and combine it with engaging storytelling. But they chose to waste these athletically accomplished wrestlers in average programmes that had further sunk the ship known as 205 Live.

Therefore, the Cruiserweights could not progress in a division that had regulated them to monotonous pre-show multi-man matches and presented them with very little opportunities to grow and develop as assets that fitted into WWE’s bigger picture. Talented Superstars existed on 205 Live in 2017 and WWE had seamlessly wasted them.

Here are 5 cruiserweights that could’ve been megastars on Raw in 2017:

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#1 Cedric Alexander

Alexander is one of the best pure athletes in WWE and should be competing on an elite level with the best WWE has to offer

Ever since Triple H endorsed Cedric Alexander after his semi-final loss at the CWC, wrestling aficionados anticipated that Alexander would be a future WWE headliner. However, as 205 Live became a creative wasteland, Alexander's push was disappointingly halted.

Instead of WWE booking Cedric in the title picture and have him contest excellent matches, the company foolishly booked Alexander in a terrible storyline with Alicia Fox and Noam Dar. A star such as Alexander who is technically sound, flawlessly agile and has lightning quick speed would’ve been a perfect addition to Raw's star-studded main roster.

WWE booking Alexander against the likes of Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns and Finn Balor would’ve produced magical television which could've given Raw's creative team an advantage to create fresh matches instead of the repetitive bouts that were featured weekly.

At the moment, the Ring of Honor standout is the last saving grace for the botched Cruiserweight division.

#2 Akira Tozawa

Tozawa should be showcasing his impeccable striking ability with powerhouses on Raw

Although Gran Metalik defeated Akira Tozawa in an outstanding match at the CWC quarterfinals, the Dragon Gate veteran had undeniably left his unique mark on the entire tournament. WWE presented an excellent opportunity to Tozawa, and he took it. Therefore, WWE signed Tozawa and brought his distinctive presence to 205 Live.

At a time when 205 Live was struggling to keep their ratings up, live attendance numbers and overall fan interest, Tozawa had naturally connected with fans which forced WWE to notice his rising popularity.

Therefore, Tozawa had found himself dethroning Neville for the Cruiserweight Title. However, WWE halted his momentum by having his promising title reign last a mere week.

Considering how WWE failed to utilise a natural babyface such Tozawa on the creative wasteland known as 205 Live, Raw’s mid-card division could’ve been an excellent launch pad for the former Cruiserweight Champion to develop into a full-fledged main roster player.

Tozawa could’ve been contesting hard fought fights with Cesaro or taking Raw's best brawlers to the limit, “the stamina machine” has proven he has the capabilities to be a main roster highlight reel.

#3 TJP

A fresh young heel that could've truly shaken things up on Raw in 2017

TJP’s meteoric rise to the pinnacle of the CWC tournament was a true underdog story. After defeating Kota Ibushi in an upset of the tournament bout, TJP achieved his dream by defeating Gran Metalik in an excellent final, becoming the inaugural WWE Cruiserweight Classic Champion and the first man to hold the Cruiserweight Title in almost a decade.

With TJP at the summit of the division and skilled wrestlers around him waiting for their chance at the title, WWE halting the inaugural Cruiserweight Champion's momentum was a mistake. After losing the title, which he had fought tooth and nail to win, TJP was shoehorned into various short-term narratives which did no favours to the 19-year veteran.

Instead of wasting one of the best workers in the company on 205 Live, TJP should’ve been crafting 5-star matches in Raw’s mid-card division on a weekly basis. TJP has the potential to be a phenomenal ‘cocky’ heel. As WWE has sidelined the former champion for the majority of 2017, the inaugural Cruiserweight Champion's return should begin his resurgence on Raw's main card.

#4 Mustafa Ali

Mustafa Ali is capable of taking any main roster talent to the limit

After being a last-minute replacement in the CWC tournament, Mustafa Ali left an impressive first impression in the minds of the Full Sail faithful that day. Although Lince Dorado defeated Ali in the first round of the tournament, WWE signed the expert of the 054 splash with the intention of adding depth to the Cruiserweight division.

Although Mustafa Ali was not booked as the next big thing on 205 Live, through his excellent in-ring ability and natural connection with the WWE universe, Ali created a unique spot for himself on the home of the Cruiserweights. However, with WWE not giving 205 Live the compelling creative direction it truly needed, Ali had been squandering with no solid feud to engage in.

The inclusion of a beloved superstar such as Ali would’ve solved some of WWE’s creative issues. From battling a vicious “Samoan submission machine” to taking former World Champions to the limit, Mustafa Ali was the fresh babyface Raw needed in 2017.

#5 Neville

Neville was WWE's next breakout star

How apt is it that “the man that gravity forgot” was chosen to lead a division that WWE had evidently forgotten about in 2017. However, the Cruiserweight division had one of the most compelling and ‘hard as nails’ champion in Neville.

Pro Wrestling Illustrated ranked Neville number eleven in the 2017 edition of the PWI Top 500 wrestlers on the planet. That credential is a testament to Neville showcasing his ability to thrive in an underperforming sector in WWE for many months.

Although the former Cruiserweight Champion displayed a bold and intense effort, key aspects such as live attendance figures, television ratings and public interest in the product were low. As WWE had no solid plan for the division going forward, Neville walked out of the company, leaving the division without a king.

Neville evolved in 2017. From the way he had portrayed his heel persona to his newfound in-ring style, Neville's overall character transition had the WWE Universe rioting for Neville to ascend to the next level in WWE. However, the company felt differently and Raw might have lost one of its greatest megastars.