WWE Cruiserweight Classic 2016 Review: Results, Analysis and Grades for August 3; Johnny Gargano vs. Tommaso Ciampa

Rich Swann vs Jason Lee

Result: Rich Swann wins by pinfall.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

The opening match got underway and both men made their way to the ring.  Lee was quiet In his entrance but Swann, not so much.  His disco-like entrance bordered on insane but the Full Sail crowd was firmly behind him, chanting his theme song.  The two started their match like most others in this tournament, with a handshake.

Swann started like expected, full of energy.  But after a flip and a dropkick, Lee fought back a slick 4 strike combo. Just as Lee started to look good, Swann fought back with some strikes, a jumping top rope hurrincanrana, and then a jumping frog splash.  Bryan complimented Lee’s speed as the ebb and flow continued with more vicious strikes from the Hong Kong native.  However, it was all academic as Swann very quickly landed his patented jumping 450 splash for the win.

Tim’s Note:  This went as expected as Swann, an early favorite, shined.  His time on NXT had already introduced his budding talent to the WWE universe and it was on full, if not brief, display.  Swann is a superior young talent and his tournament will most likely get very interesting moving forward.  Believe it or not, in the only few minutes Lee got to perform in a WWE ring he looked good.  Solid strikes and a quiet demeanor gave him plenty of mystique.  Solid way to open the show.