5. The Success Of The IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship
The reason the Cruiserweight Championship only lasted for such a short period was because Vince McMahon had such little faith in the division as draws. This was despite the fact that some of WWE biggest signees from WCW, like Rey Mysterio, Eddie Guerrero, Ultimo Dragon and Chris Jericho, were cruiserweights that showcased this style. If WWE wants to see how cruiserweight wrestling can draw, look no further than the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, the premier cruiserweight title of New Japan Pro Wrestling. Older than the IWGP Heavyweight Championship itself, this belt has been defended in some of the greatest matches in NJPW history. Many great wrestlers have carried this belt, from Jushin Thunder Liger during the 1990s, to Low Ki and Mistico during the 2000s, to Prince Devitt during the 2010s. And throughout those decades, the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship was one of the biggest draws for NJPW. On almost every card, especially the major Wrestle Kingdom Tokyo Dome shows, fans get treated to outstanding cruiserweight wrestling as the belt is defended every year. Some of the most outstanding high-flying matches ever seen have been for this belt, and on many occasions, it was the match for this title that stole the show on a stacked, star-heavy card. If that doesnt indicate the popularity of cruiserweight wrestling in an industry dominated by heavyweights, I dont know what does.