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 is the final opening round matches, and as a result at least a few of them bring it big time. This review is delayed due to personal events preventing me from getting to them sooner, and as a result it will likely be a little more condensed. Let’s see if the show stacks up to recent weeks:
Rich Swann vs. Jason Lee
I love Rich Swann and I love Rich Swann’s theme. I really hope he goes far in this, possibly all the way of rumors of both Zack Sabre Jr. and Kota Ibushi not signing are true. It would serve as the perfect launching point for his career going forward on NXT or for the main roster.
This was a fun little match, although it was mostly just Rich Swann enhancement. Lee had some offense and seemed decent enough, but much like Hoho Lun, he didn’t impress compared to a lot of people in the tournament. He was still solid enough though, and could likely be an asset for WWE in China going forward. Swann wins clean with the standing 450. Fun little match, but nothing stand out. Hopefully Swann can really kill it in the next round.
Winner: Rich Swann
Noam Dar vs. Gurv Sihra
This was one of the weaker matches in the tournament thus far, but it was still pretty fun. Noam is a really good talent, and he has a lot of potential. Supposedly, he is finishing his UK dates up so that likely points to him being signed going forward. Meanwhile, Gurv wasn’t particularly impressive. I think I like the Bollywood Boys enough to want to see them in a Dusty Classic Tag Tournament, should that return, but maybe not as singles guys.
I’m unsure of the taping order, but I’m guessing this was taped late in the show as the crowd were quite quiet for it. Would’ve liked to see them like Noam more, but hopefully they’ll get behind him next round. Noam wins clean with the knee bar.
Winner: Noam Dar
Fabian Aichner vs. Jack Gallagher
This ruled. Jack Gallagher is getting quite popular after this match, and its easy to see why. He was so much fun, and so smooth. I’ve seen a lot of people say he’s immensely better than Zack Sabre Jr. I certainly wouldn’t say immensely better, but I can see why someone would prefer him. He has more personality in the ring and that helps a lot.
Meanwhile, Fabian Aichner?! This guy came out of nowhere, but he really impressed. Sure, he had a sloppy move or two, but for the most part he was shockingly crisp for his size with his athleticism. The match was a ton of fun, and the dropkick at the end looked beautiful. Gallagher wins clean and this is a match worth checking out.
Winner: Jack Gallagher
Tommaso Ciampa vs. Johnny Gargano
What can you say about this match that hasn’t already been said? If it wasn’t for the next week, this would be the best match in the entire tournament thus far. And as of when this aired, it certainly was. Gargano and Ciampa went in there and tore it up. Ciampa was stiff, Gargano was all heart, and it absolutely delivered and then some.
Gargano won clean reversing Ciampa’s offense into a quick pin, and Ciampa teased not shaking his hand before coming back. Could this carry over onto NXT? Could Ciampa turn on Gargano if they don’t win the titles? That seems possible, but I hope not. At least, not yet. I would like them to have a tag reign before the break up takes place. Either way, watch this match.
Winner: Johnny Gargano
Match List
Rich Swann vs. Jason Lee
Noam Dar vs. Gurv Sihra
Fabian Aichner vs. Jack Gallagher
Johnny Gargano vs. Tommaso Ciampa
Closing Thoughts
An amazing main event and an excellent match before hand made this episode quite strong, despite a somewhat weak beginning by the Cruiserweight Classic standards. The entire tournament has delivered thus far, though, and even the weakest matches have positives to them. Check this out if you somehow haven’t already.
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!