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The latest rumour has it that the former NXT and Cruiserweight Champion, Neville, has parted ways with the company. Although there has been no official confirmation, F4WOnline has confirmed reports of Neville walking out of RAW.
It is believed that Neville walked off before the episode of RAW started because he was unhappy with the creative direction for him.
It is reported that the original plan for the Lumberjack Cruiserweight Championship match was for Neville to lose to Enzo. This, however, didn’t fit well with the “King of the Cruiserweights” and he chose to walk away from the WWE, leading to Kalisto picking up the win and becoming the new champion.
Neville was one of the best in-ring performers and had improved considerably in his promo work after his heel turn. Neville was undoubtedly the backbone of the Cruiserweight division and only time will tell if 205 Live will be able to recover from this setback.
Although he may not be a part of the WWE going forward, Neville, who was known as Pac on the independent scene, will have a lot of doors open for him. There is no dearth of talented competitors with whom he can go on to have great matches.
Here is a list of five independent superstars Neville could have great performances with.
#5 Matt Sydal
Previously known as Evan Bourne, Matt is a former Tag Team champion and has worked with the WWE from 2008-2014. Matt has made a huge name for himself ever since he was released by the WWE. He has worked in almost all major promotions including Ring of Honor, PWG and NJPW, where he won the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team titles twice. He is currently a part of the Impact Wrestling roster.
Matt is hugely popular because of his high-flying style and amazing top rope manoeuvres, including his finishing move – the Shooting Star Express.
Many feel Matt was gravely undervalued during his stint with the WWE; something that can also be said for Neville. Both Matt and Neville are extremely talented performers who were not utilized to their full potential.
A contest between these two men would be full of high octane action and great in-ring psychology, as both veterans will ensure that the audience gets the classic match.
#4 Will Ospreay
The 24-year-old Will is somewhat of a wrestling prodigy, as he has managed to achieve great feats in a short span, like becoming the winner of the NJPW Super Juniors tournament (2016). A former one time ROH TV Champion, he has also recently won the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship.
Will has acquired a great following among fans in a short span of time and is one of the most popular wrestlers on the independent circuit. Starting his career in 2012, he has already travelled all over the world, making a name for himself.
He hails from England like Neville himself. A lot of people have made comparisons between the two, stating that Ospreay reminds them of Pac in his younger days. It will be interesting to see how the veteran would take on this upcoming star, in what would promise to be a highlight reel of a match.
#3 Ricochet
Referred to by many as “King Ricochet”, he is one of the top prospects in the independent wrestling community as of now. Having started out in 2006, Ricochet has worked his way up to reach his current height of success. Not only is he an integral part of NJPW, he is also a part of the Lucha Underground- where he plays the character named ‘Prince Puma’, the inaugural LU World Champion.
He has a wrestling style similar to Neville, which is a blend of high-flying action and stiff kicks. So, it will be entertaining to watch who would come out on top, if these two were to battle it out.
There have been rumblings, that Ricochet might be WWE bound; but hopefully, it is not before we get to see a match between these two future legends.
#2 Marty Scurll
Another wrestler hailing from England, Marty ‘The Villain’ Scrull is arguably the most popular wrestler on the independent scene right now. Although he has been wrestling since 2005, it is only around two years back that Marty has become hugely popular and gained a cult following. Marty’s rise to super-stardom can be attributed to his current gimmick of an old-school villain.
He is not only an excellent in-ring competitor, he is also highly charismatic. Currently a part of the infamous Bullet Club of NJPW, Marty is a former one time ROH TV Champion.
Neville was not only the ‘King of the Cruiserweights’ but also a villain himself. It would be an interesting bout between these two villains and conniving Brits, to see who would get the victory.
#1 Rey Mysterio
One of the pioneers of the Lucha Libre style in the USA, Rey Mysterio is a bona fide legend. A former multiple time WWE World Heavyweight Champion, Mysterio had worked with the company from 2002 – 2015, winning numerous championships and accolades.
Last seen on Lucha Underground, Mysterio is undoubtedly a litmus test for any high-flying superstar to prove his metal. It was unfortunate that by the time Neville made it to the main roster, Rey had already left the WWE, and fans were deprived of a dream match between the two.
With both Neville and Mysterio being free agents, it can be hoped that these two will meet inside the ring and put forth a spectacular wrestling match.
