by Another WWE Week of programming is upon us where zero focus will be put on the cruiserweight division. Despite repeated attempts to make it relevant, the WWE has failed dramatically to get fans invested in this part of their product.
This is one of the few times in wrestling history that the WWE can actually take a much-needed lesson from the WCW. For everything WCW did wrong, they did this very right!
More than just the diehard fans of Pro Wrestling can remember the classic matches put on by the WCW cruiserweight division in the years of 96-99 during their heyday and boom period. This boom period was thanks in part to wrestlers such as Chris Jericho, Dean Malenko, Chris Benoit, Rey Mysterio, Eddie Guerrero, Juventud Guerrera, Alex Wright, Ultimo Dragon, Billy Kidman and many others who put on incredible matches, stealing the show every single night!
The WCW did a lot of things wrong, made some horrible decisions, but when it came down to it, they did 3 things very right. The creation of Goldberg, the NWO and the usage of the cruiserweights.
When it came to the “little guys” it wasn’t rocket science what they did correct, the followed two simple principles to success.
1 – They started each pay per view and Nitro off with a match in the cruiserweight division. This is a tried and true method that works if promoters are willing to commit to it. You need to put the match you anticipate will be the most fast paced on first that will get the crowd engaged and everyone’s adrenaline pumping for the rest of the card.
No one will forget the absolutely gem put on by Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio to kick off Halloween Havoc 1997. While the rest of the card may have been a dud trying to compete with this match, it was worth kicking the show off.
This was never more clear than at Starrcade 1997. The night ended in disaster, but began masterfully with a Dean Malenko versus Eddie Guerrero instant classic that got the entire crowd involved and anticipating every move.
The two men put on a classic while the announcers barely mentioned it and focused on the rest of the card ahead of it.
2- Keep the storylines simple. WCW let their cruiserweights develop their own characters and it worked! Dean Malenko was the ice man, because of his cold demeanor and ability to wrestle no nonsense. This also led to him being called “The Man of 1,000 moves”.
Chris Jericho is the perfect example of character evolvement without much pushing. He did crazy and entertaining things such as beat up David Pinzer the ring announcer.
He was most famously remembered for butchering the names of others. Such as Dino Machino, or Stinko Malenko. His act just worked and the fans loved him for it.
A simple play on words by calling Nitro “Monday Night Jericho”. He got himself over when the corporation wasn’t doing anything behind him other then letting him be him. The rest is history, brilliant history.
In conclusion, and the WWE network can help you with this. If you want to watch true cruiserweight action, tune into the WWE Network for only $9.99 a month and check out the WCW Pay Per Views from the Summer of 96- the Winter of 98.
Perhaps the solution for the WWE isn’t purple ropes, but rather on their own network!
He probably wants tons of money being getting close to retirement!
His dad belongs in the HoF, it would be a feel good story to have him come here, even if it were on a 1 year deal. I like it, but analytics says no. I suspect THAT is why he’s not here.
It makes too much sense! I think it would be poetic for him to be in the Land
The Browns need Clay to help the young linebackers and give a high motor veteran presence to the Browns young Defense. Kind of like Napoli or Giambi with the Indians on their playoff and world series runs. The fans would live seeing another Matthew’s in a Browns uniform
Sign him already…We need LB help!!! C’mon Haslem this is a no brainer!!!!