5 Potential Challengers for the WWE Cruiserweight Title

The road to Wrestlemania has just begun, and already, all eyes are now set towards WWE's biggest event of the calendar year.

After another successful title defence at the Royal Rumble this past week, Buddy Murphy now needs some new challenges to his throne.

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Since he won the championship at WWE Super Show-Down in Australia, Buddy Murphy has been on a hot streak, defeating every single opponent to step in his way.

With over 60 days until Wrestlemania and two pay-per-views before, WWE has time to build some great storylines for Murphy's championship.

Here are 5 potential new challengers for Buddy Murphy's Cruiserweight Championship.

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#5 Ariya Daivari - Wrestlemania

Ayria Daivari split up with his former client, Hideo Itami, on the most recent episode of 205 Live.

Called the "most underrated talent on the 205 Live roster" by Mustafa Ali, Ariya Daivari has never had a true opportunity on 205 Live. He returned in November after seven months away with injury and quickly became the mouthpiece to Hideo Itami.

However, on this week's episode, after he lost to Akira Tozawa, Hideo was put down by Daivari, ending their partnership.

With Itami leaving WWE, now would be the perfect time to build Ariya in time for WrestleMania.

Daivari is a natural on the microphone and his in-ring ability is nothing to laugh at either. With vicious grappling ability and hard-hitting strikes, Daivari would be a unique opponent for Murphy, who are yet to face off against each other.

The only possible hindrance to this matchup from happening is the fact that Daivari and Murphy are both currently working as heels.

Daivari could make a great babyface, as someone who has been overlooked since the Cruiserweight Classic in 2016.

This match could very easily be a career-changing opportunity for Aryia if given the chance to shine at the grandest stage of them all.

#4 Noam Dar - Elimination Chamber

Dar defeated Tony Nese three week ago but was beaten up in the parking lot by Nese this week.

After several injuries have kept him out of action for long periods of time, Dar has been consistently in the upper ends of the card due to his great technical ability.

However, a Cruiserweight Championship opportunity has always alluded him.

With his on-going feud with the WWE Cruiserweight Champion's 'work out partner', Tony Nese, Dar could easily challenge for the title whilst Nese is suspended.

Nese was suspended on this week's episode of 205 Live after he attacked Noam in the parking lot of 205 Live. Dar has already beaten Nese on the January 9th episode of 205, so he has a claim to a championship match.

Dar's challenge would be very interesting, as he is a true technician, which is a challenge Murphy is yet to face. This match-up could be a great way to kick off Elimination Chamber.

#3 Mike Kanellis - Fastlane

Mike and Maria Kanellis have become more prominently featured on 205 Line in recent weeks.

After debuting at Money in the Bank 2018, Mike Kanellis and his wife, former WWE Diva Maria, moved to 205 Live. However, since their transition to the brand, they have had little opportunity to showcase their talents.

In recent weeks, Mike and Maria have been seen backstage with Drake Maverick, trying to convince him to book Mike in a match. He took on Kalisto this week, in a losing effort.

This story does not seem to end here and seems much more long term. With that being said, Mike Kanellis vs Buddy Murphy would be a great showcase match up for the brand.

The Kanellis' are great speakers, and promo battles against Buddy could be great to sell fans on the match between the two.

Mike is very underrated in the ring and a match between the two of them would be a great addition to the Fastlane match card.

#2 Lio Rush - Wrestlemania

Lio Rush has shot up in the 205 Live ranks with his range of unique

offence

If WWE decides that Kanellis isn't the right choice, Rush should be.

Whilst on Monday Night Raw, he is the mouth-piece of the Intercontinental Champion, The All Mighty, Bobby Lashley.

On 205 Live, Lio Rush is one of the most unique and dynamic superstars the brand at its disposal.

Rush is one of the smaller men on the roster, but this works to his advantage, as he has incredible speed and a very varied move set to match.

Over the last few months, he has started a very successful partnership with Bobby Lashley, with Lashley winning the Intercontinental Championship with assistance from the Hype Man.

This may be the best showcase match for 205 Live to have for WrestleMania, as Lio's speed and adrenaline based offence against Buddy's juggernaut style would create a very interesting matchup, which could draw in lots of new eyes to the product.

#1 Tony Nese - WrestleMania

Tony Nese has been a mainstay of 205 Live since it's inception.

This story here builds itself.

Tony Nese and Buddy Murphy are work out partners and have been together for several months, teaming with one another when needed.

They have been teaming up occasionally since August, and have built great chemistry in this time. Because of this though, Murphy and Nese are yet to have a one on one match up.

As announced on this week's edition of 205 Live, Tony Nese has been indefinitely suspended after attacking Noam Dar in the parking lot.

If he defeats Dar when he returns, he would immediately be in the Cruiserweight Championship picture, which is where this storyline could begin.

Murphy could turn on his friend for thinking he could try and dethrone him as the Cruiserweight Champion, creating a match for Wrestlemania with a slow eight-month build.

These two are the strongest men on the roster, both weighing in close to the 205 lbs limit. This match would be very interesting to watch, as they both combine a mixture of power and speed in their move sets.

Watching 205's juggernauts facing off could create one of the roster's best ever match ups, on the grandest stage of them all.