The WWE Cruiserweight Classic was AMAZING

[@camschuster5947]

“Kick or be Kickin…” RIP Big Man. 🙏

[@ianzellick4980]

Kick or be kickin…the bucket

[@donzellmccalipp8510]

The cruiserweight classic will forever be one of my favorite tournaments ever, it's crazy to think out of all those guy's only Cedric,Johnny,Ciampa,Noam dar,and Cruz del Toro,Tozawa,and Vinci are still in WWE,Zack Sabre Jr just won the G1 climax

[@ExtremeEgg80]

My strongest memory of watching this was the commentary of Daniel and Mauro. You could tell they were loving the matches, and the talent on display.

[@oneandonlymario659]

As a long term fan, sectioning the Cruiserweight matches in their own "section" on Raw stopped them from truly being part of the show and stories. It could have launched stars, but was treated like a sideshow.

[@bigjoeofthe707]

Yeah. I don’t know why they made them feel like a brand within a brand before becoming their own brand. They even had a planned live event tour in 2019 before the tour was cancelled

[@InfectedElite]

all they really had to do was have a division within a show like back on smackdown in early 2000s. Even better, just have a light heavyweight title or something. So many cruisers are capable of world title runs. Pete Dunne had classics with Gunther. Gunther is world champ atm. Dunne could beat Gunther and make it believable. Obviously Mysterio is an example. AJ Styles is a small guy booked as a world title contender often. So maybe they don't need to bring it back.

[@zaymclemore]

R.I.P Sycho SID, Sid Justice and Sid Vicious The master and ruler of the world.

[@Kalel2.0]

This tournament introduced me and im sure many other fans to a lot of different Wrestlers from the indy scene who i'd never heard of and it was just really cool seeing guys like Kota Ibushi and Zach Sabre Jr on WWE tv and it honestly still feels like a fever dream. One of the highlights was the underrated commentary duo of Mauro Ronallo and Bryan Danielson who seemed like they were having so much fun just fanboying😂

[@thetruej7872]

I loved Cruiserweight Classic. One of my favorite tournaments in WWE. I wish WWE would bring back the Cruiserweight Championship.

[@lastdayonearthmysteryman4849]

It was great!

[@mrdude88]

It’s going to be difficult to match this one because at the time there were a lot of wrestlers that had flexible contract. Now every fast pace beat wrestlers are signed and promotion would like to protect their wrestlers.

[@lastdayonearthmysteryman4849]

@@mrdude88 Everyone is now signed to a company!

[@judasfire2]

Yes cancel that silly Speed show and the Speed Championship , and bring back the Cruiserweight Championship to TV , there are a lot of wrestlers who could use it as a stepping stone to bigger things.

[@lastdayonearthmysteryman4849]

@@judasfire2 That would make the cruiserweight championship exclusive to Twitter!

[@willkayl8793]

R.I.P. Sid. He’s giving crazy promos in heaven now. Kick or be kickin’ Sid. The CWC was the best tournament WWE had for years until it happened. The skill in the ring for those matches are just wonderful to watch. Also, doing one of these in depth videos on the Mae Young Classic would be cool, too.

[@dispater101]

Truly a breath of fresh air back then for the company..just WWE putting out what felt like a straight up indie show was awesome

[@TiVo67]

I attended a Raw shortly after the CWC and the changing of the ring apron, skirts, and ropes felt like it took forever. Definitely weren’t done within a commercial break. It certainly drained the excitement out of the arena waiting around having to watch vignettes, promos, and backstage segments for what seemed like an eternity. By the time they got to the in ring action it was hard to get the crowd back considering these guys were basically unknowns to a mainstream audience.

[@tovolume]

TJP is one my favorite and the first ever WWE Cruiserweight Champion and winner of the Cruiserweight Classic Tournament. He came all the way from being JT Quinn to the Public Enemy TJP in NJPW and he became the new leader of the United Empire after Will Osprey left for AEW

[@Haplo699g]

Man, this was great. I think it was enhanced by having non-WWE wrestlers. You know that a tournament winner is determined ahead of time, which makes WWE tournaments predictable. Because most of the guys weren't roster members, you didn't know who would win.

[@chelsea6671]

I remember that Ibushi Alexander match so fondly because it aired the literal day before I turned 18. I had also rode down like 10 or so hours to my home state to stay with my friend. I was riding a high like nothing else after seeing that match. I ended up having a wonderful and eventful birthday that next day too.

[@stenzel27]

Zach Sabre Jr looks like a dude wandered in off the street. Definitely gets the OSW "Most Naked Looking" award .

[@tayojones9460]

The dude won the G1 Climax this year. He deserved some respect

[@hogan4670]

Wow he was scripted to win it, how impressive! 😮​@@tayojones9460

[@kinggold5378]

Underrated Tournament.... Im shocked you put this on here .. And I got some Wrestling Bios to catch up on.... *Marathon Time ..

[@martysnoozeman9163]

The CWC took place around the time of my 12th birthday, the only names I knew outside of WWE was those who had left and gone elsewhere, this tournament & the UK one in 2017 really opened my eyes to Indie Wrestling & NJPW

[@leekebot1802]

Honestly the years around this show were my favorite of wrestling in general. I'd just gotten back into it, and dragged my youngest brother along for the ride. NXT was doing amazing things. And thanks to the internet, I got to expand my horizons into the rest of the world of wrestling. Fond memories.

[@saint_silver]

this tournament felt like some fighting game storymode

[@SupahSmashBrotha96]

Fitting that at one point in the video, Heihachi Mishima's theme from Tekken 3 plays in the background

[@tovolume]

And TJP's gimmick is the of a video gamer

[@johnnydropkicks]

I watched the entire CWC as it aired. I loved it.

[@ericw48]

The CWC was amazing, and I am so happy I got to attend the whole thing live. Thank you for covering this overlooked gem!

[@ericw48]

Also, the "Please sign Cedric!" chants were totally natural and 100% deserved after his banger with Ibushi.

[@TheNightTyrant]

@@ericw48 and how did that turn out for him 7 years later?

[@ArcaneAnarchy]

I know everyone has beaten me to it, at least on here, but RIP big man. Sid was so underrated and under credited. One of my favorite giants in wrestling. That reaction he gets at SurSer '96 is insane. On a lighter note, the CWC was such a great idea. It just felt different from regular WWE production and programming. God, I miss pre-2021 NXT.

[@Slim451]

I know I mentioned this on your tweet when you brought up Cedric... I'm sure many mentioned it too but seeing this... makes me happy.

[@benespinosa6725]

the cruiserweight classic in 2016 was amazing the cruiserweight division on raw was a huge flop and poorly misused Tommaso Ciampa vs johnny Gargano was amazing planting seeds for their iconic NXT feud great video.

[@dwightyboy5324]

Honestly I didn't mind Neville and Enzo Amore as champion, I found them both entertaining for different reasons. After Enzo got fired, the division just became irrelevant

[@tayojones9460]

​@dwightyboy5324 Enzo was terrible and never should have touched any title. The division flopped Because Vince was Short sighted and refused to grow up!

[@dwightyboy5324]

@@tayojones9460 say what you will about Enzo, guy was entertaining and did bring eyes to the division.

[@colindowden2182]

​@@tayojones9460Enzo had something the rest of the cruiserweight didn't have. A personality.

[@philldumas9847]

The ibushi vs Alexander match was match of the tournament with gargano ciampa a close second

[@GranValor97]

One of the greatest memories not mentioned in the video is Daniel Bryan coming out to hug Brian Kendrick in tears after his loss to Ibushi

[@Large23collectibles]

This tournament help me get back into wrestling after being away for 5 years.

[@2gfranklin]

That G1 trophy is looking real nice on ZSJ's fireplace though....

[@bigjermboktown6976]

R.I.P. master and ruler of the world Psycho SID

[@CrazedGinja]

The wrestling bios star scale should 1000% exist as it would definitely be alot more credible then meltzers star rating

[@christianouellette1006]

A Follow up with how the Cruiserweights fared on Raw could be fun 😊

[@MetalThrashingMan13]

This is probably my favorite outro to a KZbin video ever, you kept speaking about the subject as you showed your supporters instead of doing a generic long winded outro. The video itself was also really good and now I feel the need to go watch the Cruiserweight Classic for the first time

[@CJDilag]

I remember when TJ Perkins, it was featured in the news here in the Philippines. Most casual wrestling fans only knew Batista for the most part.

[@felipeh6012]

As a chilean, the CWC was definitely a defining moment in our wrestling history. It was amazing to see one of us in the tournament (even though he was eliminated in the first round) and gave us hopes for our -then- dwindling wrestling scene into a renaissance. It even inspired me to start my wrestling training, which even took me to wrestling in places as far as South Korea; personally, it gave me the hope that the dream could be accomplished

[@AzraelDarkness64Gaming]

I did love that cruiseweight championship design.

[@scoobystu8269]

The cruiserweight classic was excellent. Can only wonder how history would've changed if ZSJ and/or Ibushi signed with the WWE. Although, looking at how the cruiserweight division crumbled and faded out of existence I'm kinda glad they didn't...

[@diabeticman2194]

The CWC honestly feels like a fever dream watching it today, ZSJ and Kota Ibushi working under the WWE banner is mental to me Edit: this video has reminded me of Rich Swann and TJP's banger theme songs, need to give them a re-listen now

[@brandonpage7087]

I hate that I missed out on this!!! Awesome to see that TJP, Rich Swann, & Zack Sabre Jr., were involved in the CWC!! Thanks for acknowledging the current partnership between WWE's NXT brand & TNA. I'd love to know what your opinion of Joe Hendry is. Me, I'm definitely a believer!!! Keep your eye on Joe, he's poised to be the next big thing!!

[@thehaunted8055]

R.I.P Sid

[@JaeBedford]

An awesome era. I loved it

[@DanielGarcia-us7tf]

Essa Rios would have shined in the cruiserweight division of WCW.

[@TheEugeneKyu]

I love how people fail to mention that Sean maluta is Afa's nephew

[@JoeNeroWest7]

I loved this tournament and the Mae Young Classic. Excellent time. This was a great recap video and reminded me of all the awesome moments. Good job.

[@KlutchRecaps]

Appreciate the great vid Wrestling Bios!

[@Cameron_611]

CWC,UKCT,and MYC were totally underrated and the best parts of 2016 and 2017 (didn’t agree with the MYC 2018 outcome).

[@TheLandofObscusion]

Considering how much modern wrestling is influenced by the Cruiserweight style, WWE should consider what Bronson Reed was saying last year in interviews & start up a "Super Heavyweight" division that can allow the big men on the roster (Reed, Ivar, Strowman, Rowan, Omos, Oba Femi, etc.) to really showcase what they can do as a contrast to what we've become used to, almost as a sort of callback to the older style WWE was once known for, only with their own type of athleticism. Put Big E on commentary for these kinds of matches & I guarantee everyone would have a blast.

[@barryaldridge1113]

I love the cruiserweights classic from 2016. What a tournament

[@AnthonyChobotdoespopcult-jz7jr]

2016 was a great year for wrestling

[@TheGodOfGravy]

Daniel Bryan and Mauro Rannalo's commentary on this was up there as some of the best ever. I'd say it's a bit of a precursor to what we have now. No Vince in your ear and a genuine passion for the in ring action. Made me a forever fan of Mauro and Bryan's performance during the Kendrick/Ibushi match was incredible. So desperate for his friend to win that he's coaching him from the booth. His call of, "COVER NOW!2 after the Burning Hammer is brilliant for so many reasons and it so much more tense knowing that Bryan thought it was over.

[@tayojones9460]

RIP Sycho Sid. I loved the Cruiserweight Classic. It was a great showcase for many wrestlers from different countries. It is hard to pick a favourite match because they were all great. For me, it is a tie between Kendrick vs. Ibushi and Gargano vs. Ciampa.

[@jimbo_1312]

"You're only half the man that I am, and I have half the brain that you do" - Sycho Sid

[@LemarSpacely]

So glad yo have kept up with the CWC back in 2016. Really a great year of wrestling. RIP Sycho Sid !

[@evansentertainment6902]

For people who like this kind of wrestling it was amazing

[@kevinwilliams6889]

I had completely forgotten about this! What a great video. Thank you.

[@alexloyola6762]

Great tournament, but imagine a ZSJ/Ibushi final. Still, there were some awesome moments throughout.

[@augustuswayne9676]

Rest in peace Sid .

[@jeggitv]

That cruiserweight belt is a thing of beauty, man. One of the nicest belts they've ever had on WWE, imo!

[@TheRealAhoy]

This was such a fresh tournament, wwe really needed something like this. Loved Daniel Bryan on commentary, and I was wowed by Kota Ibushi's exploits

[@RE-vy4wn]

Man, this makes me want to see another CWC within the WWE, or wherever. That would be so much fun.

[@kimbob5]

I remember watching this as it went on week to week, was such a good tournament and a brilliant showcase. Also a nice surprise in my opinion who the winner turned out to be with the attention on ZSJ and Kota Ibushi being constant in the tournament.

[@995jarvis]

Sounds so crazy to hear noam dar qualified at the cockpit. What a time in wrestling

[@AmazingGuy13]

It's a shame Ibushi and ZSJ didn't sign, but they both would've been buried by Vince at that time.

[@zamorant12]

never know:/ but even if would still love to see them in 2018 nxt

[@thechannelformerlyknownasp8111]

The CWC hit at the right time for me, as did their Women’s tournament. I was absolutely captivated. And while I do agree that they were eventually wasted, I do think the presentation on RAW was the right move, at least in the context of the show. It not only made the division feel different, it broke the show up a bit by changing how it looked. I dug that a lot. (Side note: Man, that RAW logo was amazing, no? No idea why they’d get rid of that whole design of the show so fast.)

[@geoffprime4579]

Great video. Something I never saw, so seeing something new is always welcomed.

[@jameskingsley4265]

Im not a nxt fan but thank you sir

[@RustyShacklefordIrishHipHop]

They just uploaded that Kota Ibushi vs Cedric Alexander on WWE Vault 2 weeks ago handily enough! Thanks for the recommendation

[@LilJosh084]

I loved the CWC. I remember being so pumped for it to happen when they first announced it during a commercial for future WWE Network programs back in early 2016. I was really hoping Zack Sabre Jr would sign with the WWE back then because his style was so different, but looking back now, he wouldn't have been properly used just like a lot of the guys who did sign weren't. Although, I was happy to see Brian Kendrick get another run with the 'E' and it actually turned out to be a decent run. The thing that sticks out the most in my head about the CWC was the moment Jack Gallagher tied Akira Tozawa up in a knot. I had never seen that done before and I lost my mind laughing. I thought it was so ridiculous but so f'n funny!

[@claytonclifford2323]

Shout out Cedric Alexander man!

[@JustJulyo]

Can't believe we'll start getting the golden age again

[@AllieRX]

WWE had three cruiserweight divisions. The old WWF Light-Heavyweight division from the Attitude Era, the WWE Cruiserweight division from the Ruthless Aggression Era, which had the same lineage as the WCW Cruiserweight division, and this.

[@powersteamracing]

This was great. Really hope you do the MYCs next :)

[@WrestlingGod-f4v]

Yeah, I love the cruiserweights classic. I think it was one of the best tournaments that WWE has put out in a while and I think they should make a part two when it all set and done I think they did a great job. I will never forget some of these tournament matches that I watch. It was absolutely amazing if I had to choose my favorite two matches I would that tournament It would be Kota versus Cedric and metalik versus TJ P because those matches were awesome in my opinion I think that WWE did such a great job with this one and this is something that will never be duplicated ever again

[@LwandaMandla-eo3io]

King of Fighters XIII character select theme? I respect you, Bios man😂

[@manwithoutmercy]

Best tournament in company history

[@Usedplungerstotheface]

The Cruiserweight brought me back to watching WWF and I was a fan of 205 they took it away so I went back to all the reliable wrestling companies for my great match viewing

[@kitfo18]

I watched the CWC and this video was more entertaining then watching the actually thing. A show does not go well when it is the same kind of guy over and over again.

[@tizkonfusionvoiceover2446]

I have a friend who still owes me $50 for betting that TJP would win

[@daveyadict_]

I remember watching this with so much excitement

[@MartinRubio-s8f]

the cruiserweight classic should come back

[@frankyturrizo4240]

I haven't watched in over a decade, but once they go to Netflix it is ON ...uncensored!!!

[@dontbesuchamorty]

How did I not see this released nearly a week ago 🤯

[@sirekumasutra7022]

Mae Young Classic please!

[@melasnexperience]

RIP Sycho Sid.

[@DOYLETWAT]

Not a fan of the flippy floppy stuff. RIP Sid

[@jefferyjones8399]

It was a great tournament

[@drakesmith4857]

Really great tournament ibushi vs cedric was a classic wish anyone other then tjp would have won.... man 2015/2016 wwe could have been a golden era of wrestling with common sense booking the talent on the main roster and nxt guys like aj and nakamura coming in could have been a special time

[@lordpookie]

long live the legend of the greatest cruiserweight in the world.... hoho lun

[@TheMegamyGamer]

5:42 why do i imagine Bryan watching the Tournament with drool and anger as he know he can't participate x')

[@Zakster90]

@wrestlingbios if you are interested, I would love to talk about my time there as a student production assistant during this time. I have a ton of cool stories and photos that nobody has seen before

[@ivanvukasovic1371]

Are you kidding me, I just finished watching the whole tournament 30 mins ago. Sinchronicity at its best lol. This and the Super J Cup in 94 are two of the best tournaments in wrestling history imo.

[@JamesNelson-j4j]

This is typical Vince McMahon he comes up with an idea of the cruiserweight division and then he loses interest and gets rid of it!

[@83diehard83]

The CWC was a breath of fresh air at the time. Any plans on covering the UK Championship tournament?

[@laythesmackdownnow]

R.I.P BIG MAN.... Sycho SID

[@criminalmindsgirl2936]

Sad how WWE's Cruiserweight Classic couldn't have lasted as long as the old Cruiserweight Division

[@massivegamer5200]

The cruder weight classic was awesome and having kota ibushi in it people that never watched it would be like what, yeah Monday night raw did not care about them that much and half of their matches were on the pre show 205 live was a great show in my opinion and I wish people watched it more along with nxt uk great video as always keep up the awesome work

[@joelbrown2782]

I do love a tournament. This is one of the better ones.

[@christopherulichney]

How about a fallow up video on the first Mae Young Classic?

[@ShinRyojin]

The CWC made the summer of 2016 so amazing.

[@JayTheRed602]

Man Progress was awesome back then.

[@ToxicKiefer]

I always hoped for a tag team tournament to happen

[@technounionrepresentative4274]

I've always been a massve fan of tournaments in wrestling, especially when we see the entire tournament, I'm also a fan of when we see performers from all over the world. Naturally, i loved the CWC, I wish more stars from the cwc were popular, I think cedric alexander, akira tozawa and noam dar are the only ones still around with neither of the 2 of them being particularly high on the totem pole in wwe