A Division Divided; the Cruiser Paper Weight

WWE Crusierweight Championship, now lies within the WWE Vault
Courtesy of WWE.

Ladies and gentlemen... I am talking about the ill-fated Cruiserweight division, and the lack of a title thereof. As the (now-defunct) titles of the 220 pound limit have long been past, I will be mainly focusing on the "Cruiserweight" division of WCW to WWF/E. Understandably, the Light Heavyweight championship does have some merit within the World Wrestling Federation, but did not happen to originate and become officially recognized in the states until 1997.

So, what exactly happened to the Cruiserweight Division? This gave smaller sized individuals an opportunity to be revered in the spotlight and allowed to be given some relevance to a show's card nearly every night. The Cruiserweight title brought stars such as Chris Jericho (future six time heavyweight champion, first ever Undisputed Champion), Eddie Guerrero (another cruiserweight-turned heavyweight champion), Billy Kidman (seven time Cruiserweight champion), and Rey Misterio Jr. to be household names. And this is a very short list, but the Cruiserweight Division polished stars who had amounts of potential into what we know them of today.

What had happened to the Crusierweight Division went away with the last "relevant" champion; Chavo Guerrero. Guerrero would end up losing the title in a "Cruiserweight Open" at the Great American Bash (2007) to Hornswoggle, by a gross technicality! Granted, technicalities are very well versed and can be amazing when used in a proper sense, and Hornswoggle was in the right place at the right time with such a creative swerve. Now, if he was utilized the right way, Little Bastard could have been a legitimate champion, but the WWE has maintained Hornswoggle as nothing but a comedy act, year after year. He's nothing more than a valet assistant to The Great Khali and Natalya (another amazing potential buried within comedy). The Crusierweight Championship (and the division as a whole) became a mockery, and devalued what many previous champions had done for it over the sixteen years of its inception. It was defended and retained by use of comical usage of fire extinguishers, pies, interference by other superstars, and other lamed attempts to try and keep Hornswoggle as a consistent champion. Vickie Guerrero axed Hornswoggle, the belt, and the division soon after.

Brad Maddox would be a shining example
of what the Cruiserweights of today
could accomplish.

Is it time to retrieve the Cruiserweight Title from the WWE vault? It has been over five years since we've laid eyes on the mid-card gold, and there are more than enough contenders that would fair well within the Cruiserweight lines. As it has been said before countless of times, Evan Bourne would make an ideal Cruiserweight champion with his high-flying abilities, along with the likes of Epico and Primo, Justin Gabriel, and even newcomer Brad Maddox. Maddox could pull away from the Shield and make a shining example of himself as a qualified cruiserweight, face or heel. I'm thinking more along the lines as a "Paul Heyman" cruiser weight possibly for an interesting run. Maddox has proven himself to have charisma, the looks, the ability to cut a decent promo, and that he could have a positive run in the near future.

It is in the opinion of this writer that the Cruiserweight title should be brought back, and defended to give a meaning to these wrestlers who are stuck in kayfabe-limbo without any real purpose from the creative team at the WWE. With such prestige established from great cruiserweights of the past, opportunities cannot and should not be wasted.

It's Good For Business

It's good for business.

Understandably, this may be a little late (or early depending on how you take this to heart), but as an opening article coming off the heels of the Royal Rumble, it seems as if the stars are aligned to have Cena VS Rock II at Wrestlemania. A lot of individuals (particularly the IWC) are saying that Cena VS Rock was only supposed to be "Once in a Lifetime" and the WWE should not book this match again. I agree, from a fan's point of view. I also agree, from a business standpoint, this rakes in big money and will pay out for both men involved.

The Rock winning the WWE Championship from CM Punk.
Courtesy of World Wrestling Entertainment.

But what happens after Wrestlemania? The WWE Title will be on the line at this point, as the Rock currently holds it, and you know that he won't drop it so quickly at the Elimination Chamber, and regardless of who wins it, I want to know, that, if John Cena makes the score even and the Rock goes back to being Dwayne Johnson, what happens to the big numbers for the next couple of pay-per-views?

Quoted from "Wrestlezone"; WWE Releases RAW Success

Ever since WWE released their three-hour format, this past RAW has been their most successful, due to the media following the championship win of the Rock. It's good for business. Not only has this reached the "WWE Universe", but ESPN and other outlets have touched upon the win after ten years, and gave the WWE five MILLION total viewers. Regardless of whether or not the "RAW Roulette" torched the show in keeping interest, the Rock drew fans. Brock Lesnar draws fans. Jericho draws fans.

But again... what happens when the Rock goes away? What happens when Brock and the other part-times fade back away into pure obscurity and leave Cena, CM Punk, and the rest of the regulars to pick up the slack? Viewers will again tune out or change the station to something more compelling than what we have ben used to for the past year or so.

Back to the loyal three-million viewership that the WWE is used to, most likely. But, how can the WWE market hold onto these five million fans? Milk the Rock and the other "Attitude" superstars? Bring back part-timers once every couple of months and blow up ESPN and other entertainment outlets to survive?

I say otherwise. Work on the talent that is able to be utilized NOW!

The Attitude Era, based on the opinion of this writer, had
the edgiest and compelling story lines of the
past two decades

What makes the Rock, Brock Lesnar, Chris Jericho, Austin, and others from the Attitude Era compelling TV? The answer is simple. Compelling storylines and intriguing characters. Stars from the Attitude Era were all about amazing action, and were gripping to have the viewer turn in and watch. The Attitude Era allowed the viewer to watch an action movie for free in the comfort of their own home! And it served for good television, and characters that as an audience was disappointed to see disappear.

With all this said, I believe that the WWE should work on what they have now, and disperse several writers and workers upon the other available talent and make is COMPELLING. Take a page from the 90s and write a story that brings the viewer back. Granted, there were some great storylines from the 1980s, but it has been awhile since the mid 2000s that wrestling was, in a sense, "entertaining" to watch. Seems as when the WWF got the "F" out, the "E" went with the attitude.

Pass the torch to the next generation of today.





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