10 Big Mistakes WWE Can't Afford To Make At Roadblock: End Of The Line

6. Rich Swann Drops The Gold

Rich Swann
WWE.com

205 Live took a step in the right direction with a solid show this week, but the brand isn’t off to the best of starts. The show has completely failed to build any buzz for WWE’s ailing Cruiserweight Division, it’s myriad of problems remain, and the Cruiserweight Classic now feels like it took place in a different era. The Cruisers are struggling, and if they don’t build their own identity soon, the division might not be long for this world.

Despite all this, Rich Swann is building a nice little following for himself. The Cruiserweight Champion’s infectious charisma, exciting wrestling style, and compelling backstory make him a natural protagonist for the division, and a great champion. He’s about the only guy capable of drawing a consistent crowd reaction on 205 Live at the moment, and he should be the focal point for a long, long time.

Putting the championship back on TJ Perkins or Brian Kendrick would be a huge mistake this weekend. Kendrick has already had has redemptive run, Perkins’ credibility has been eviscerated by his goofy gamer gimmick, and Swann’s just starting to take-off as a superstar. There’s no doubt the trio can have a fun match together, but anything other than a Swann victory would only set the division backwards at this point.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.