There was a time when the Cruiserweights were highly respected in the WWF/E. The contributions they made were not only appreciated but desired. Even though the ‘big men’ were always thought to be the meat and potatoes of the game, the athletic Cruiserweights sold tickets. When the then WWF took control of WCW they acquired Cruisers who were instrumental to the business; Rey Mysterio, Jr., Chavo Guerrero, Jr., Justin Credible, and Shane Helms, to name but a few. These men did get their time to shine with their new organization, don’t get me wrong. But little by little the Cruiserweight division seems to be going the way of the European and Hardcore Championships, and that is into oblivion.
Billy Kidman could have been a very strong contender for a long time to come, but he has been released. So has Shannon Moore. Will Jamie Noble and Spanky make it back to prime time television? Time will tell. In the meantime, Paul London, Tajiri and Nunzio should be able to make the division exciting, as could Juventud Guerrera and Scotty Too Hotty. There are certainly others, but there is another problem. Vince McMahon has restricted some of the moves done by these men, including the 450 Splash and the Shooting Star Press. Now, I find myself a bit on both sides of the fence here. I certainly do not want to see anyone get hurt by a poorly executed move. But that is what the Cruiserweights are known for – this is what they are good at, this Lucha Libre style of wrestling that incorporates highflying and yes, dangerous maneuvers. Should Brock Lesnar have tried to do that Shooting Star Press at Wrestlemania XIX in his title match against Kurt Angle? As far as I’m concerned, absolutely not! But should McMahon ban the move? I don’t think so.
Some say that Vince has put restrictions on the Tombstone Piledriver, so what’s the difference? Well, just how many men can pull off that move? Very few, actually. For starters, you have to be one pretty big guy to be able to hold someone high enough so as not to do actual serious damage. The move looks great, but also look at how the receiver of that maneuver is protected. Hell, I would let either one of those men do that to me and know that I would be 100% taken care of.
But I get off track – sorry. Let me look at the rival, well, maybe some day, show, Total Nonstop Action. This program has taken the Cruiserweights to new heights, pardon the pun. Difference is, they call it the X Division, and there is no bottom to their roster of superstars able to compete there. Heard of AJ Styles? How about Sabu? Chris Sabin, Sonjay Dutt, Sonny Siaki, Shark Boy, K-Kwik, Elix “Primetime” Skipper, and oh yeah, the current X Division Champion, Christopher Daniels. And trust me, there are more. Jerry Lynn and Sean Waltman could easily compete there. That would be one hell of a match, actually.
Is this promotion popular only because of it’s X Division? No, I’m sure it is not. There are certainly a lot of bigger men who contribute greatly to TNA, no doubt about that. This is a well-rounded organization with a lot to offer the fans. But for those who are having Cruiserweight withdrawals as it were, this is a good place to go for that fix. Returning to cable television on October 1st, (Saturday night on Spike TV – 11:00 ET), it will be interesting to see how their fan base will grow.
Do I smell the demise of the Cruiserweight division in the WWE? I fear so, which would be a shame. For with that would come the permanence of the land of the giants, with no place for the ‘smaller’ wrestler to perform within that company. The evolution has begun, the question is whether or not the captain of the ship wants to pilot it in that direction.
My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by Hurricane Katrina.
Be safe and God Bless,
Barb.
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