Tonight is the beginning of the WWE Cruiserweight Classic, perhaps the most innovative and fresh idea that WWE has had in a long time. 32 Cruiserweights will compete in a single elimination tournament to win the inaugural tournament, as well as to impress the WWE Universe. With names like Brian Kendrick, Johnny Gargano, Zack Sabre Jr., and Kota Ibushi, this tournament has the potential to create several “Match of the Year” candidates.
The commentators for the Cruiserweight Classic are Mauro Ranallo (currently the play-by-play commentator for Smackdown) and former WWE World Heavyweight Champion, Daniel Bryan.
Gran Metalik (Mexico) vs. Alejandro Saez (Chile)
These might be two of the men who are the least familiar to the WWE audience. Gran Metalik represents Mexico, bringing the famed wrestling style of lucha libre along with him. Alejandro Saez, on the other hand, represents Chile, which is not exactly known for it’s wrestling. In fact, Saez trained in Mexico and practically started wrestling in Chile. So if there are tons of famous Chilean wrestlers in the future, we have Saez to thank. Even though Saez trained in Mexico, he is known for more of a striking style of wrestling.
Alejandro Saez hits an amazing shooting star press from the apron onto a prone Gran Metalik outside of the ring. Saez tries to capitalize with a very agile corkscrew splash, but Metalik rolls out of the way. Metalik takes advantage and hits a vicious modified Michinoku Driver to pick up the victory and advance in the tournament. Winner: Gran Metalik | Eliminated: Alejandro Saez
Hoho Lun (China) vs. Ariya Daivari (Iran)
These are two very uncommon countries to see represented in a WWE ring. Hoho Lun, representing China, brings a wrestling style to the table that is heavily influenced by Judo. Ariya Daivari is representing Iran, and brings a very slow paced style (compared to other cruiserweights) of Tae Kwon Do to the ring.
Hoho Lun seemed to be the underdog in this match because of his size, but he manages to pull out the win. After Daivari kicks out of a superkick to the head, Hoho Lun shows his mastery of the German suplex to pick up the win and advance to the Sweet 16. Winner: Hoho Lun | Elminated: Ariya Daivari
Cedric Alexander (United States) vs. Clement Petiot (France)
Clement Petiot, representing France, has an important aspect of his professional wrestling background: his trainer was former WWE Superstar Lance Storm. Because of this, Petiot brings a technical style to the ring. Cedric Alexander is known in the United States independent circuit, and brings an exciting high-flying move set to the Cruiserweight Classic.
Petiot gives a strong showing, but it is not enough to put away the explosive Cedric Alexander. Alexander kicks out of a nasty discus clothesline, and hits the Lumbar Check (launching back stabber) on Petiot for the victory. Winner: Cedric Alexander | Eliminated: Clement Petiot
Sean Maluta (American Samoa) vs. Kota Ibushi (Japan)
In the main event of the first episode of the Cruiserweight Classic, we have perhaps the biggest name in the tournament in Kota Ibushi. Daniel Bryan calls him one of the hardest striking opponents he’s ever faced, and the former 3-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion is one of the early favorites going on into this match.
Although Ibushi is a huge star in Japan, Sean Maluta should not be overlooked. Maluta is part of the traditional Samoan Dynasty (which does not include Samoa Joe, ironically) which includes names like The Rock, Roman Reigns, and Rikishi. With a dynasty like that training you, there is a good chance that you will become a big star in professional wrestling.
Maluta almost pulls out the surprising upset victory, but Ibushi shows why he is considered one of the greatest wrestlers in the world. Ibushi hits Maluta with an emphatic Last Ride sit-out powerbomb to put Maluta away and advance to Round 2, where he will face Cedric Alexander. Winner: Kota Ibushi | Eliminated: Sean Maluta
After the match, Maluta shows his sportsmanship by raising Ibushi’s hand to end the first episode of the Cruiserweight Classic. Next week will feature more of the first round, with matches including the likes of WWE veteran Tajiri.
