Their Cruiserweight division was vastly superior to WWE’s light heavyweight division.
While most of the attention goes toward Hogan and the NWO, it would be a mistake to discount just how much WCW fans enjoyed the cruiserweights. Within minutes of the opening pyro on Nitro, there would be bodies flying all over the ring as the lightweight stars strutted their stuff.
In fact, Eric Bischoff made the decision to stop opening Nitro with a cruiserweight match because it was invariably too hard to follow for the higher tier talent.
Fast forward to 2018, and WCW is no more, but the spirit of the cruiserweight division lives on in 205 Live. Ostensibly a part of the RAW brand, 205 Live still seems to struggle for proper recognition with a majority of the WWE audience. Part of this is because the 205 Live roster has gotten a bit thin of late.
Here are seven men who could help spark a lightweight revolution for WWE.
#7 Matt Sydal
The dazzling showstopper from St. Louis has already worked for the WWE once before under the name Evan Borne. Currently, he is signed to GFW wrestling where he is their X Division champion.
What he could bring to 205 Live: An experienced, well-travelled wrestler, Sydal can work matches with anyone and get great results, but he is at his best working with fellow junior heavyweights. His upbeat attitude and ability to get along with even difficult personalities are also definite benefits.
#6 Caprice Coleman
An ordained minister, Coleman brings a southern fire and brimstone preacher mentality to his interviews and promos. He is also a ring general, having competed for twenty years.
What he could bring to 205 Live: Despite being in the neighbourhood of forty years old, Caprice still moves with catlike grace and has excellent ring timing. Even when his body does finally give out, he would be great for a manager role due to his gift of gab.
Moreover, Caprice is also well known for helping younger talent improve, making him a great candidate for WWE’s performance centre after he retires from in-ring competition.
#5 Trent Barreta
Though Trent has made most of his impact in sports entertainment in tag teams (Dude Busters and Roppongi Vice) he has branched out into a singles competition of late. Plus, he’s already worked for WWE once before and knows the grind.
What he could bring to 205 Live: Barreta is seasoned but young, quick but powerful, and approachable but also possessed of a rock star quality. He also appeals to both male and female fans, much like Dean Ambrose or Seth Rollins.
#4 Chavo Guerrero Jr.
A member of the prestigious Guerrero dynasty, Chavo laboured most of his career in the shadow of his uncle Eddie. Even so, he has many memorable feuds in WWE, including multiple reigns as Light heavyweight champion.
What he could bring to 205 Live: Chavo is a wrestler who’s been on people’s television screens for over twenty years, and you can’t discount familiarity among the fan base. He’s been a star and held titles in every promotion he’s ever worked for and is considered far more stable and easy to get along with than the rest of his family.
#5 Flip Gordon
Incredibly agile even for a light heavyweight, Flip Gordon possesses an acumen unusual for someone so new to the sport.
What he could bring to 205 Live: Flip Gordon’s career is just beginning, and he’s already amazing. Imagine what could happen if he came to 205 Live and kept getting better? Gordon has the potential to be the next Shawn Michaels or Daniel Bryan, a light heavyweight who is also right at home wrestling heavies in the main event.
#6 The Villain Marty Scurll
A veteran performer who still has many years ahead of him in wrestling, Marty Scurll turned heads when he joined Bullet Club.
What he could bring to 205 Live: Marty has a great look, great mike skills, and can go with anyone in the ring and look amazing while he does it. He could bring a sort of elegance to the 205 Live roster with his upper-crust bearing.
#7 Rocky Romero
The wily ring general is an international superstar and still wrestles at a level that belies his middle age years.
What he could bring to 205 Live: Romero would be a fine cruiserweight champion who could put on great matches with anyone, and his mike skills and cross-media appeal are excellent.
What really should cinch the deal for WWE, however, is his willingness to be a mentor to the younger talent. Former partners Kozlov and Barreta call him their ‘Japan Dad’ because he took them under his wing when they were just starting out. Plus, he can rap!
There you have it: Seven men the WWE need to sign to 205 Live. Which other junior weight Superstars you like to see in WWE? Comment and let us know.
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