WWE Plans To Tone Down The Cruiserweight Division On Raw
Prepare for less flippity flopping.
With the massive success of the Cruiserweight Classic - one of the Network's most watched programs throughout the tournament's duration - and this week's highly-anticipated return of the division exclusively to Monday Night Raw, many fans were fired up at the prospect of seeing a style of wrestling that differs greatly from the normal WWE in-ring product.
Not so fast, marks.
The rumor making the rounds today is that Vince McMahon himself has delivered the edict that he wants those competing in the division to tone down their style, limiting the amount of high-risk and aerial maneuvers they use in their matches, the exact thing that causes the cruiserweights to stand out in the first place.
While the decision is apparently being made with the health of the performers in mind, one can't help but wonder if this is handcuffing the new division before it even has a chance to get started. The breathtaking action and variety of styles on display throughout the CWC was a departure from the typical WWE "main event style" and while the safety of the talent should always be a priority, especially considering how badly the company has been ravaged by injuries over the last two years, if you take away everything that makes these workers special to begin with you're left with a roster of undersized wrestlers who will have to fight even harder to stand out.
The cynics among us may also wonder if there isn't an internal concern that the thrilling cruiserweight style will become too popular among the fans, negatively affecting the perception of the main event stars of the show. WWE's previous tries with lighter weight divisions have always been little more than half-hearted attempts, but thanks to the CWC fans have been very optimistic this time around.
The talent to make the cruisers a highlight of Raw is definitely there, although it doesn't send the best message when the champ doesn't get an in-ring segment and the general manager of the show has to read the names of the competitors off a list when introducing them. Let's hope that WWE doesn't go too far in hamstringing these gifted workers and instead only has them ease up on the gas pedal a bit for their own safety and durability.