Cruiserweight Classic

Cruiserweight Classic

Promotional logo
Theme
song
(s)
"Take a Stand" by CFO$ [1]
Information
Promotion WWE
Date
  • June 23, 2016
  • July 14, 2016
  • August 26, 2016
  • September 14, 2016
Venue Full Sail University
City Winter Park, Florida
WWE Network event chronology

Backlash (2016) Cruiserweight Classic Clash of Champions

The Cruiserweight Classic,[2] formerly the Global Cruiserweight Series, was a professional wrestling WWE Network series and tournament produced by WWE wherein all participants were billed at a weight of 205 lbs. or less. Tournament qualifying matches took place in various promotions of the independent circuit, including well known promotions such as Revolution Pro Wrestling, Progress Wrestling, and Evolve. Many cruiserweight wrestlers from around the world were given the chance to qualify for the 32-man tournament, which took place over four dates: June 23, July 13, August 26, and September 14, 2016. The winner was TJ Perkins.[3]

Announced competitors

NXT competitors Rich Swann, Tommaso Ciampa, and Johnny Gargano along with international standouts Zack Sabre Jr., Noam Dar, Ho Ho Lun, and Akira Tozawa were announced for the Cruiserweight Classic. At an independent show in Orlando, Florida on April 2, Lince Dorado joined the series. On April 24 at Progress Wrestling Chapter 29, Sabre Jr., Jack Gallagher also won a qualifying match, while on May 7 at Evolve 61, T.J. Perkins and Drew Gulak also joined the series. On June 11 at Evolve 63, Tony Nese defeated Johnny Gargano, Drew Gulak, T.J. Perkins and Lince Dorado and qualified for the tournament. Two days later, WWE officially revealed all 32 wrestlers taking part in the tournament.[4] Originally, Brazilian wrestler Zumbi was scheduled to compete in the Cruiserweight Classic. However, he had issues with his visa that WWE could not clear in time, and was replaced by Mustafa Ali.[5]

Qualifying matches

Progress Wrestling Chapter 29 - April 24 (Electric Ballroom - Camden Town, London)[6]
No. Results Stipulations
1 Zack Sabre Jr. defeated Flash Morgan Webster Cruiserweight Classic British Qualifying Match
2 Jack Gallagher defeated Pete Dunne Cruiserweight Classic British Qualifying Match
Revolution Pro Wrestling Live at the Cockpit 8 - May 1 (Cockpit Theatre - Marylebone, London) [7]
No. Results Stipulations
1 Noam Dar defeated Josh Bodom Cruiserweight Classic British Qualifying Match
Evolve 61 - May 7 (La Boom - Woodside, Queens, New York)[8]
No. Results Stipulations
1 T.J. Perkins (with Stokely Hathaway) defeated Fred Yehi Cruiserweight Classic US Qualifying Match
2 Drew Gulak defeated Tracy Williams[9] Cruiserweight Classic US Qualifying Match
American Combat Wrestling The Tradition Continues! - May 28 (All Sports Arena - New Port Richey, Florida)[10]
No. Results Stipulations
1 Lince Dorado defeated Romeo Quevedo Cruiserweight Classic US Qualifying Match
Evolve 63 - June 11 (Downtown Recreation Complex - Orlando, Florida)[11]
No. Results Stipulations
1 Tony Nese defeated Johnny Gargano, Drew Gulak, T.J. Perkins (with Stokely Hathaway), and Lince Dorado WWE Cruiserweight Classic Flashpoint Elimination Match; since Nese won, he qualified for the WWE Cruiserweight Classic

Participants

Official

Wrestler Country representing Weight (in pounds)
(max. 205)
Tozawa, AkiraAkira Tozawa Japan Japan 156
Saez, AlejandroAlejandro Saez Chile Chile 205
Bennett, AnthonyAnthony Bennett United States United States 147
Daivari, AriyaAriya Daivari Iran Iran 180
Kendrick, BrianBrian Kendrick United States United States 157
Alexander, CedricCedric Alexander United States United States 200
Petiot, ClementClement Petiot France France 199
Mack, DaDa Mack Germany Germany 160
Slater, DamianDamian Slater Australia Australia 193
Gulak, DrewDrew Gulak United States United States 193
Aichner, FabianFabian Aichner Italy Italy 203
Gran Metalik Mexico Mexico 175
Sihra, GurvGurv Sihra India India 159
Sihra, HarvHarv Sihra India India 144
Lun, Ho HoHo Ho Lun Hong Kong Hong Kong 155
Gallagher, JackJack Gallagher England England 167
Lee, JasonJason Lee Hong Kong Hong Kong 154
Gargano, JohnnyJohnny Gargano United States United States 170
Johnson, KennethKenneth Johnson United States United States 156
Ibushi, KotaKota Ibushi Japan Japan 189
Lince Dorado Puerto Rico Puerto Rico 168
Ali, MustafaMustafa Ali[Note 1] Pakistan Pakistan 182
Dar, NoamNoam Dar Scotland Scotland
Israel Israel
178
Mendoza, RaulRaul Mendoza Mexico Mexico 178
Swann, RichRich Swann United States United States 165
Maluta, SeanSean Maluta American Samoa American Samoa 191
Perkins, T.J.T.J. Perkins Philippines Philippines
United States United States
167
Tajiri, Tajiri Japan Japan 189
Ciampa, TommasoTommaso Ciampa United States United States 195
Nese, TonyTony Nese United States United States 196
Dux, TysonTyson Dux Canada Canada 193
Sabre Jr., ZackZack Sabre Jr. England England 181
  1. This competitor is a replacement for another participant who was taken out of the tournament

Alternate

In the event an official participant suffered an injury or did not make the strict 205 lbs weight limit they would be replaced by one of the following participants:

Wrestler Country representing Weight (in pounds)
(max. 205)
Solow, AaronAaron Solow United States United States 182
Sorensen, JessyJessy Sorensen United States United States 184
Yurnet, JesusJesus Yurnet Puerto Rico Puerto Rico, United States 182
Katana, KaiKai Katana United States United States 197
Ortagun, VandalVandal Ortagun Turkey Turkey 155

Replaced

These participants were taken out of the tournament for a specific reason and therefore were replaced by another competitor.

Wrestler Country representing Weight (in pounds)
(max. 205)
Progression in the tournament Reason Replacing wrestler
Zumbi Brazil Brazil 167 Replaced before the official start of the tournament Visa Issues[5] Pakistan Mustafa Ali

Broadcast team

Ring name Real name Notes
Mike Rome Austin Romero Ring announcer[12]
Ranallo, MauroMauro Ranallo Mauro Ranallo Lead commentator[13]
Bryan, DanielDaniel Bryan Bryan Danielson Color commentator[13]

Referees

Ring name Real Name
Robinson, CharlesCharles Robinson Charles Robinson
Engler, DanDan Engler Daniel Engler
Anfibio, DaniloDanilo Anfibio Danilo Anfibio
Bennett, ShawnShawn Bennett Shawn Bennett
Patton, ChadChad Patton Chad Patton
Wuertz, DrakeDrake Wuertz Drake Wuertz
Orengo, EddieEddie Orengo Eddie Orengo

Results

Tournament bracket

The matches in rounds 1 and 2 each had a 20 minute time limit, the quarter-final and semi-final matches each had a 30-minute time limit and the final match had a one-hour time limit.

 
Round of 32
Taped June 23
Round of 16
Taped July 14
Quarterfinals
Taped August 26
Semifinals
Live on September 14
Final
Live on September 14
 
                  
 
July 20 –
 
 
United States Kenneth JohnsonPin
 
August 17 –
 
Japan Akira Tozawa09:46[14]
 
Japan Akira TozawaPin
 
August 3 –
 
England Jack Gallagher11:38[15]
 
England Jack GallagherPin
 
August 31 -
 
Italy Fabian Aichner06:45[16]
 
Japan Akira TozawaPin
 
July 20 –
 
Mexico Gran Metalik15:49[17]
 
Japan TajiriPin
 
August 10 –
 
Australia Damian Slater05:28[14]
 
Japan TajiriPin
 
July 13 –
 
Mexico Gran Metalik10:53[18]
 
Chile Alejandro SaezPin
 
September 14 –
 
Mexico Gran Metalik04:04[19]
 
Mexico Gran MetalikPin
 
July 27 –
 
England Zack Sabre, Jr.13:13[20]
 
India Harv SihraSub
 
August 24 –
 
United States Drew Gulak05:18[21]
 
United States Drew GulakPin
 
July 27 –
 
England Zack Sabre, Jr.08:27[22]
 
England Zack Sabre, Jr.Sub
 
September 7 -
 
Canada Tyson Dux08:28[21]
 
England Zack Sabre, Jr.Sub
 
August 3 –
 
Scotland/Israel Noam Dar15:46[23]
 
Scotland/Israel Noam DarSub
 
August 17 –
 
India Gurv Sihra05:26[16]
 
Scotland/Israel Noam DarSub
 
July 13 –
 
Hong Kong Ho Ho Lun07:02[15]
 
Iran Ariya DaivariPin
 
September 14 –
 
Hong Kong Ho Ho Lun05:03[19]
 
Mexico Gran MetalikSub
 
July 27 –
 
Philippines/United States T.J. Perkins 17:47[20]
 
Mexico Raul MendozaSub
 
August 17 –
 
United States Brian Kendrick07:35[21]
 
United States Brian KendrickSub
 
July 27 –
 
United States Tony Nese13:42[15]
 
United States Anthony BennettPin
 
August 31 -
 
United States Tony Nese06:34[21]
 
United States Brian KendrickPin
 
July 13 –
 
Japan Kota Ibushi13:58[17]
 
Japan Kota IbushiPin
 
August 10 –
 
American Samoa Sean Maluta09:40[19]
 
Japan Kota IbushiPin
 
July 13 –
 
United States Cedric Alexander15:00[18]
 
United States Cedric AlexanderPin
 
September 14 –
 
France Clement Petiot05:58[19]
 
Japan Kota Ibushi Sub
 
July 20 –
 
Philippines/United States T.J. Perkins14:52[20]
 
Philippines/United States T.J. PerkinsSub
 
August 24 –
 
Germany Da Mack06:32[14]
 
Philippines/United States T.J. PerkinsSub
 
August 3 –
 
United States Johnny Gargano12:18[22]
 
United States Johnny GarganoPin
 
September 7 -
 
United States Tommaso Ciampa10:47[16]
 
Philippines/United States T.J. PerkinsSub
 
July 20 –
 
United States Rich Swann17:03[23]
 
Pakistan Mustafa Ali Pin
 
August 24 –
 
Puerto Rico Lince Dorado05:55[14]
 
Puerto Rico Lince DoradoPin
 
August 3 –
 
United States Rich Swann08:14[22]
 
United States Rich Swann Pin
 
 
Hong Kong Jason Lee03:47[16]
 

Non-tournament results

These matches were recorded at the July 14 and August 26 tapings and the live two hour finale.

Finale

No. Results Stipulations Times[20]
1D The Bollywood Boyz (Gurv Sihra and Harv Sihra) defeated Sean Maluta and Danny Burch Tag team match 5:15
2 Gran Metalik defeated Zack Sabre Jr. Cruiserweight Classic tournament semi-final match 13:13
3 T.J. Perkins defeated Kota Ibushi by submission Cruiserweight Classic tournament semi-final match 14:52
4 Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa defeated Cedric Alexander and Noam Dar Tag team match 9:49
5 T.J. Perkins defeated Gran Metalik by submission Cruiserweight Classic tournament final match for the inaugural WWE Cruiserweight Championship 17:47

Aftermath

Before the final match between TJ Perkins and Gran Metalik started, Triple H revealed that the winner of the tournament would be crowned the first WWE Cruiserweight Champion. Also, TJ Perkins, Gran Metalik, Akira Tozawa, Jack Gallagher, Brian Kendrick, Cedric Alexander, Noam Dar and Lince Dorado signed contracts with WWE. On July 15, Pro Wrestling Torch reported that Ibushi had signed an NXT contract with WWE.[24] In an interview published July 25, Ibushi admitted he had been offered a contract, but denied having signed it.[25] After the tournament, Pro Wrestling Torch went back on their earlier report and stated that Ibushi had not agreed to a WWE contract beyond the tournament, which was a factor in him losing the semifinal match.[26]

See also

References

  1. "WWE Cruiserweight Classic - Take A Stand (Official Theme)". youtube.com. Retrieved July 16, 2016.
  2. "WWE Network adds Global Cruiserweight Series to robust 2016 programming slate". wwe.com. Retrieved May 8, 2016.
  3. "WWE Cruiserweight Classic tickets available starting Friday, May 20". www.wwe.com. Retrieved 2016-05-17.
  4. Caldwell, James (2016-06-13). "All 32 wrestlers announced for WWE's cruiserweight tournament". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2016-06-13.
  5. 1 2 Caldwell, James (2016-06-25). "Triple H – WWE to hold future editions of Cruiserweight tournament, why did one wrestler miss inaugural tourney?". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2016-06-27.
  6. "Who qualified for Cruiserweight Classic at PROGRESS?". www.wwe.com. Retrieved 2016-05-08.
  7. "Who qualified for Cruiserweight Classic at RevPro?". www.wwe.com. Retrieved 2016-05-08.
  8. "Who qualified for Cruiserweight Classic at EVOLVE?". www.wwe.com. Retrieved 2016-05-08.
  9. "Drew Gulak vs. Tracy Williams - Cruiserweight Classic qualifying match". WWE. Retrieved September 14, 2016.
  10. "WWE Announces New Cruiserweight Classic Qualifying Match". www.411mania.com. Retrieved 2016-05-18.
  11. "WWE Cruiserweight Flashpoint - A Prelude To The Tournament". www.dgusa.tv. Retrieved 2016-05-20.
  12. "**SPOILERS** WWE CWC Tapings Airing In July And August". www.wrestlinginc.com. Retrieved 2016-06-23.
  13. 1 2 Melok, Bobby. "Daniel Bryan and Mauro Ranallo to host WWE Cruiserweight Classic". WWE. Retrieved 2016-06-23.
  14. 1 2 3 4 Caldwell, James (2016-07-20). "7/20 WWE Cruiserweight Results – Caldwell's Week 2 Report on Akira Tozawa, Tajiri, TJP, excellent Dorado vs. Ali match". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2016-07-21.
  15. 1 2 3 Caldwell, James (2016-08-17). "8/17 WWE Cruiserweight Results – Caldwell's Report on stellar Kendrick vs. Nese and Gallagher vs. Tozawa Sweet 16 matches". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2016-08-18.
  16. 1 2 3 4 Caldwell, James (2016-08-03). "8/3 WWE Cruiserweight Tournament Results – Caldwell's Report on Week 4 to conclude First Round, including Gargano vs. Ciampa". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2016-08-04.
  17. 1 2 Caldwell, James (2016-08-31). "8/31 WWE Cruiserweight Tournament Week 8 – Caldwell's Report on Ibushi vs. Kendrick, Tozawa vs. Metalik Elite 8 matches". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2016-08-31.
  18. 1 2 Caldwell, James (2016-08-10). "8/10 WWE Cruiserweight Tournament Results – Caldwell's Report on Ibushi vs. Alexander classic, Tajiri vs. Metalik in Sweet 16". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2016-08-11.
  19. 1 2 3 4 Caldwell, James (2016-07-13). "7/13 WWE Cruiserweight Results – Caldwell's Week 1 Report on Ibushi, Cedric Alexander, more". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2016-07-14.
  20. 1 2 3 4 Caldwell, James (2016-09-14). "9/14 WWE Cruiserweight Tourney Finals – CALDWELL'S Live Report". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2016-09-14.
  21. 1 2 3 4 Caldwell, James (2016-07-27). "7/27 WWE Cruiserweight Results – Caldwell's Week 3 Report on Zack Sabre, Brian Kendrick, more in action". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2016-07-28.
  22. 1 2 3 Caldwell, James (2016-08-24). "8/24 WWE Cruiserweight Tournament Week 7 – Caldwell's Report on Gargano vs. TJP, Sabre vs. Gulak, Swann vs. Dorado to finish Sweet 16". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2016-08-24.
  23. 1 2 Caldwell, James (2016-09-07). "9/7 WWE Cruiserweight Tournament – Caldwell's Report on Sabre vs. Dar, Swann vs. Perkins to conclude Elite 8 Round". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2016-09-08.
  24. Caldwell, James; Radican, Sean (2016-07-15). "PWTorch Report – Ibushi & Metalik agree to deals with WWE, several other Cruiserweight tourney stars on WWE's radar". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2016-07-16.
  25. プロレスの原点は3歳で犯した万引き?WWE入団の噂は本当?女性ファンがショックを受けた、飯伏幸太の“トンデモ”半生【インタビュー】. DDNavi (in Japanese). 2016-07-25. Retrieved 2016-08-01.
  26. Caldwell, James; Radican, Sean (2016-09-15). "Inside the WWE Cruiserweight Finals – why the match results occurred in the Final Four & Championship match". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2016-09-15.

External links

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