The WWE Cruiserweight Classic is a brand new program on the WWE Network! It features 32 men 205 pounds and under as they compete to win the tournament. The ten-week tournament is set to run until September 14th. So in the meantime, it only makes sense for it to be reviewed weekly here on WWE Network News, much like NXT and Superstars already are.
This week’s edition of the Cruiserweight Classic features another four matches. This one has less surprises, with the format now being something we’ve seen. Regardless, it is still extremely fresh, and the format and production makes for something completely different to the rest of the WWE Network. The commentators are Mauro Ranallo and Daniel Bryan, once again, who make for a good team. Additionally, Corey Graves is in the CWC Control Room to look at the bracket.
Tajiri vs. Damian Slater
Tajiri can still go! That was the first takeaway I had from this match. I’ve seen Tajiri very sporadically since he left WWE a decade ago, and he didn’t necessarily seem as crisp as he did here. On this show, in this match, he delivered extremely well and was a blast to watch.
But he didn’t do it alone. Damian Slater, from Australia, impressed as well. This show kept the trend up of me really only knowing one person in each match, and I hadn’t seen Slater prior to this tournament. And he is good! While the company has a lot of Australians right now, he certainly wouldn’t be a bad pick up. This was also a match that featured sportsmanship, which is nice. Tajiri won here clean with the Buzzsaw Kick and moves on to the next round.
Winner: Tajiri
After Tajiri’s arm is raised and he celebrates, we see videos for both TJ Perkins and Da Mack. For those unaware, TJ Perkins is TJP, Suicide, Manik, Puma, and several other names from several gimmicks he’s portrayed.
Da Mack vs. TJ Perkins
Now this was the match of the night, in my eyes. TJ Perkins is just unreal. He is so crisp and since he’s begun to found more personality, he is becoming one of the better guys going. And here his crispness was really impressive. Especially considering the next two matches had a little less of it.
But the big surprise here was how good Da Mack was. Last week, Sean Mulata was a guy I hadn’t seen but was extremely impressive. Da Mack definitely fit the bill here. He isn’t as crisp as TJ, but he is a lot of fun, athletic, charismatic, and likable. I’d like to think he’s a guy they’ll pick up for either the Cruiserweight division immediately, or at least for the Performance Center. TJP wins with the Detonation Kick followed by a Knee Bar, and again, both men show respect. Really good match, here.
Winner: TJ Perkins
After TJ celebrates, we get a look at both talents. Lince has done a little TNA but may be best known for his time in CHIKARA. Meanwhile, Mustafa makes himself a heel. It seems as though the Middle East produces a few of them, eh?
Ali Mustafa vs. Lince Dorado
So, this match wasn’t as crisp as the prior, by any means. But this had some really impressive moments. The most notable is probably Ali’s solo Spanish Fly, which was just done really well, quickly, and believably. Both guys looked good here, and Ali being a substitute seemed to really light a fire under him. Plus, I loved that he was aggressive at the start.
Dorado was impressive here as well. His gear seemed very big time, which was nice. He makes his own, and you can tell he went all out for this show. His Shooting Star Press at the end was a thing of beauty, and in general this was very fun even if not perfect. Dorado going through is quite cool, as he’s a guy I never saw ever being in WWE.
Winner: Lince Dorado
Lince Dorado’s hand is raised as he is celebrates his win. Before the main event, we see videos for both Johnson and Tozawa. Johnson has overcome a lot and is the ultimate nice guy. Tozawa isn’t a bad guy by any means but he definitely isn’t the humble guy Johnson is. Easy story told.
Akira Tozawa vs. Kenneth Johnson
I mentioned that I never expected Lince Dorado in a WWE ring. Multiply that several times over for Akira Tozawa. I never ever would have expected it. The rumors say he’s close to signing a deal with them as well, which is even more bizarre.
Anyway, this match was a lot of fun. Johnson isn’t extremely crisp and some of his stuff is a bit off or sloppy, but he covered for most of it well and this delivered still. Tozawa moving on is the obvious and right choice, and I suspect he’ll do something pretty big in the next round with the likely winner, Jack Gallagher. The main event wasn’t the best match on the show, but it still entertained.
Winner: Akira Tozawa
Akira Tozawa wins as we look at some of the matches for next week to close out the show. Another win, in my book.
Match List
Tajiri vs. Damian Slater
Da Mack vs. TJ Perkins
Ali Mustafa vs. Lince Dorado
Akira Tozawa vs. Kenneth Johnson
Closing Thoughts
The Cruiserweight Classic does it again. I really, really loved this episode. The first two matches in particular were excellent. The latter two weren’t perfect all the way through, but they ended hot and were a lot of fun too. When we have four matches that are a lot of fun, how can you go wrong?
Looking ahead, we have two more weeks of the first round with next week featuring Drew Gulak, Zack Sabre Jr., and Brian Kendrick. Yeah, next week should be killer as well. Then the week after we have the long awaited Gargano/Ciampa match. I can’t wait for that one.
What did you think of the show? Make sure to leave your thoughts and feedback. As always, stick to WWE Network News for the latest WWE Network news, polls, reviews, and rumors! Bookmark us, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter: @WWENetworkChron!