The full list of all 32 competitors for WWE’s Cruiserweight Classic was just released. A mixture of NXT talent, former WWE stars and independent talent.
WWE today announced the 32 participants that will take part in the upcoming Cruiserweight Classic this summer. Amongst the already qualified talent and assorted recently signed NXT superstars, there is a vivid mix of nationalities, and a few familiar faces.
Alongside the already qualified quartet of British submission specialist Zack Sabre Jr, chain wrestler Jack Gallagher, Scottish up-and-comer Noam Dar, high flyer and former X division champion TJ Perkins and catch-as-catch can american indie star Drew Gulak, we also have three NXT wrestlers in the shape of Johnny Gargano, Tommaso Ciampa and Rich Swann. Alongside them, we have two former WWE Cruiserweight Champions in Brian Kendrick and ‘The Japanese Buzzsaw’ Tajiri.
Arguably, the two biggest independent stars that were announced where that of Japanese wrestling superstar Koto Ibushi, who is known for his short time in New Japan Pro Wrestling and his standout matches with Kenny Omega in DDT, and former ROH wrestler Cedric Alexander. Alexander had recently left ROH, and was rumoured to be in talks with WWE.
PWG legend Akira Tozawa, CMLL wrestler Gran Metalik, WXW’s Da Mack, Evolve’s Tony Nese (who qualified just this past weekend at a their latest show) and veterans Lince Dorado and Tyson Dux are the final of the more ‘well-known’ names in the list, but it appears WWE have searched far and wide to bring in who they think are the best cruiserweights in the world right now.
Brazilian luchador Zumbi, frenchman Clement Petoit (trained by Lance Storm), Italian Fabian Aichner, Canadian brothers ‘The Bollywood Don’ Harv Sihra and ‘The Golden Lion’ Gurv Sihra and Hong Kong duo of Ho Ho Lun and Jason Lee are also a part of the field.
Rounding off the group are Anthony Bennett, a product of the legendary ‘The Monster Factory’ wrestling school, the nephew of Afa Sean Maluta, former AAA and Pro Wrestling Noah star Raul Mendoza, Detroit born Kenneth Johnson, Chilean Alejandro Saez, Australian wrestler ‘The World-Beater’ Damian Slater and finally, Ariya Daivari whose name may sound familar, as he is the brother of former WWE star and TNA X Division champion, Daivari.
The Cruiserweight Classic begins on July 23rd, 2016 at the home of NXT, Full Sail University