10 Glorious Things That Must Happen In WWE Before 2017

9. Kota Ibushi Signs

Bobby Roode Glorious
WWE.com

WWE’s Cruiserweight Classic is gaining some real momentum in its second round. As enjoyable as the first set of matches were, round two has seen the cruiserweights kick things to a different level.

Akira Tozawa vs. Jack Gallagher and Brian Kendrick vs. Tony Nese were two thoroughly entertaining matches on the most recent show, but the real highlight came a week earlier, as Cedric Alexander wrestled Kota Ibushi. The duo produced a near-perfect 15-minute match that highlighted all of their strengths as workers, and reached a satisfying conclusion when Ibushi pinned Alexander following a lengthy finishing sequence.

As strong as Cedric’s performance was, Ibushi has been the star of the tournament so far. Raw’s Cruiserweight division is on the horizon, and when it’s established, The Golden Star is comfortably the most obvious choice to lead it through its formative stages. WWE need a genuine superstar to anchor the division if it’s ever going to take-off, and as good as Alexander, Tozawa, and Zack Sabre Jr. are, none can match Ibushi’s flashiness, excitement, and all-round prestige.

Rumours suggest that Ibushi would rather not sign a full-time contract, but WWE should go all-out to ensure he does, even if it means paying over the odds. There aren’t many better than him in the world today, and WWE can’t blow the chance to snap him up.

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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.