WWE’s Cruiserweight Classic looks set to be one of the most unique and intriguing things WWE have done in recent memory, with performers from all over the world competing in a 32-man tournament that will showcase some of the best Cruiserweights that this industry has to offer.
Many of the competitors are not currently signed to a WWE contract and this will give them a fantastic opportunity to impress the decision makers and hopefully earn a place amongst the elite performers in pro-wrestling.
With all participants weighing 205 lbs. or less, expect to see fast-paced, high-flying action but also some excellent technical wrestling.
This promises to be an exciting tournament, but who in particular should the fans be looking out for?…
#1 – Johnny Gargano
Anyone with the nickname ‘Johnny Wrestling’ would have to have some talent when it comes to in-ring technical ability and Johnny Gargano certainly has that.
Appearing on WWE’s NXT brand for the best part of the last year, many WWE fans will already be familiar with Gargano and he is already over with the Full Sail crowd.
However, thus far most of his work under WWE has come as part of a tag team alongside Tomasso Ciampa. The Cruiserweight Classic will give Gargano the chance to show what he can do as a singles competitor, something which he has been more accustomed to over his wrestling career having once held Dragon Gate USA’s Open the Freedom Gate Championship for an incredible 873 days.
#2 – Kota Ibushi
The early favourite going in to the Cruiserweight Classic is former 3-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, Kota Ibushi.
One of the more experienced participants in the tournament, the 34 year old has been wrestling for over a decade and has become one of New Japan Pro Wrestling’s biggest stars in that time.
Known not just for his high-flying, athletic move-set but also his strong style wrestling, Ibushi is certainly one to watch and is expected by many to be the eventual winner of the inaugural Cruiserweight Classic.
After making an appearance in the audience at NXT Takeover: Dallas in April, the WWE fans have been hotly anticipating seeing the ‘Golden Star’ in action and the wait is almost over with the Cruiserweight Classic tournament kicking off on July 13th.
#3 - Noam Dar
Noam Dar will become the first Israeli to perform for WWE when he competes in the upcoming Cruiserweight Classic and is already being touted as one of the favourites to win the whole competition.
Representing not just Israel but also Scotland, Dar is one of the most unique participants in the tournament.
Having already competed for the likes of Ring of Honor and TNA, where he was a contestant on the second season of British Boot Camp, Noam Dar is amongst the fastest rising stars in all of wrestling.
Despite being just 22 years of age, he has established himself as one of the best performers that the British Wrestling scene has to offer and many people are keen to see just what the ‘Israeli Icon’ can do in a WWE ring.
#4 - Zack Sabre Jr.
Another man who made a name for himself on the British wrestling scene, before plying his trade all over the World, is Zack Sabre Jr.
Already considered one of the greatest technical wrestlers on the planet, Sabre Jr. has received many accolades over his decade-long career, but perhaps his greatest claim to fame thus far is his 2008 ‘Match of the Year’ candidate against Daniel Bryan.
‘The Technical Wizard’ seems to be approaching the prime of his career and the Cruiserweight Classic has come at a great time for him. Having been voted ‘Best Technical Wrestler’ by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter in both 2014 & 2015, could 2016 be the year when Zack Sabre Jr. cements his place as one of the World’s best and earns himself a contract with WWE?
#5 - Rich Swann
Rich Swann was signed to a WWE developmental contract in October 2015 yet has so far been limited in his opportunities to impress the WWE fans.
The Cruiserweight Classic however will give him the chance to show the World why he is considered one of the most exciting talents in the business.
Swann is definitely one to watch with his sensational, high-flying style but it’s his back story that is another reason why people are sure to get behind the man they call ‘Mr. Standing 450’.
Having lost his Father when he was 14 years old and then his Mother when he was 16, Swann was left alone and went down a dark path, he credits professional wrestling with saving his life and getting him back on track.
I expect to see Rich Swann go far in this tournament and if he is able to win it, it would be the culmination of a long, hard journey for the Baltimore-native and one that would be well received by the fans.
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