How Can The WWE Salvage The Cruiserweights And 205 Live?
During the Summer of 2016, the WWE launched The Cruiserweight Classic – a tournament designed to showcase the world’s best wrestlers under 205 pounds. It’s18 months later, and the division is on life support. Is it time to pull the plug on 205 Live?
When the Cruiserweight Classic was finished and fans were anticipating the launch of 205 Live, there was an excitement in the air. For the first time since ECW and WCW, the cruiserweights would get a regular spot on network television. The 205’ers would be a part of RAW and then have their own program after SmackDown Live on the WWE Network.
205 Live was supposed to breathe new life into the cruiserweight division in WWE. However, it was soon realized that they would be fighting an uphill battle. When the cruiserweights first hit WCW and ECW, they were working a style far different than much of the roster. In today’s WWE, the cruiserweight style is far more common, as the fast-paced move set is utilized by much of the roster.
What can be done to boost 205 Live?
Saving 205 Live doesn’t seem like it should be brain surgery but for some reason, the WWE isn’t doing anything to give it a chance. The first mistake that was made that needs to be rectified is when the show actually takes place. The show is filmed AFTER SmackDown Live, and it’s apparent how bad of an idea that is. By the time SmackDown is ending the fans have already been there for two hours, and that’s not taking into account if RAW was close enough to attend both nights.
If the WWE really wanted to give 205 Live a chance, they would just film episodes during the NXT tapings. The crowd would be far more into the actual program which would give it some level of excitement. By the time SmackDown is over, especially if it’s been a long show, the fans are just dead. For the viewers at home, it would also benefit 205 Live to air after NXT. It spreads the WWE content a tad more evenly over the three days and would be easier to gain viewers as they’re already tuning into NXT.
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Give the fans a reason to care
The next big thing that should be done: let the roster go. I don’t mean release them, but let them do what they’re best at. The Cruiserweight Classic and 205 Live are such night and day products it’s baffling. If the WWE would let the wrestlers work the style that earned them their roster spots, the show would be electric. Instead, they have them working just like everyone else and there is ZERO differentiation other than some purple ropes.
Also, highlighting the roster wouldn’t hurt either. Make the fans WANT to care about the wrestlers and why they’re fighting. When an emotional bond can be made between fan and wrestler, there is a greater chance of success. Say if the WWE went in depth with Cedric Alexander and his story and then he became champion, the fans would back him 100%.
Drew Gulak has gotten himself over just by simply being comedic. His level of comedy isn’t in your face like a New Day, it’s a more dry and awkward humor. But he was given the chance to run with the ball and he’s eating up yards every week. Mustafa Ali is easily one of the most exciting high flyers there is in wrestling today. When he is given the chance to show himself and then back it up, it’s impossible to take your eyes off of him.
Simple storytelling mixed with strong in-ring action and 205 Live would be a completely different show. That is when wrestling is at it’s best. When I can tune in and actually give a damn if someone gets a win or loss, or gets beat up, that’s when I’m all in. The WWE could easily rebrand and repair the damage that’s been done with just a few tweaks.
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The final verdict on 205 Live
This moment in time for the Cruiserweight division is more important than any other in recent memory. With a great showing for their first solo tour over the last week and the turmoil with Enzo Amore, now is the time for an evolution. The desire is there for the product it’s just a matter of delivering in the best way possible. With nobody sitting at the top of the mountain now is a great time for the WWE to hit reset on 205 Live.
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Now is the time for the WWE to step to the plate and remind everyone why they are the king of the mountain. The way they handled the Amore issue was textbook and 1000% correct. Now they need to regroup and scrap the plans for a new one. They have a great roster to choose from and build upon their division with. If they actually take the time to give 205 Live respect, it could become one of the best shows on a weekly basis. Only time will tell if the WWE truly sees the value that the Cruiserweight division carries.