7 Reasons WWE's Cruiserweight Division Is Failing
Give the people a reason to care and they will.
It's undeniable. The cruiserweight division has been a flop since it was resurrected with so much promise last year.
Given the wealth of talent involved and exposure stars like T.J. Perkins, Rich Swann, Cedric Alexander and Noam Dar enjoy on a weekly basis, it's quite amazing how WWE have concocted a product that is a completely and utterly lacking in excitement for the matches and stories unfolding each and every Monday and Tuesday night.
Factor in a series of other booking missteps and promotional misfires and you have the recipe for an underwhelming product that is less revolutionary and more mediocre.
7. Lack Of Characters
Often forgotten in the rush to judge a wrestler based on his abilities between the ropes or a match on its flow and high spots is the importance of characters to the sports-entertainment industry. After all, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin did not get over with millions of fans every Monday night because he was a superb worker.
He got over because he had a character the audience could relate to and a story they could invest in emotionally. They had love for him, something they do not for the cruiserweights.
Rich Swann and Cedric Alexander are popular indie stars who have found success on WWE TV but neither is where they should be because WWE Creative has failed them miserably in terms of crafting characters to go along with their undeniable skill set.
The lack of character definition and complete absence of compelling stories has left the cruiserweight division to become a glorified piss break for fans rather than can't-miss entertainment.