8 Ways WWE Can Build Interest In 205 Live

6. Revive The Cruiserweight Classic's "Real Sport" Feel

Neville WWE
WWE Network

Part of what made the Cruiserweight Classic so special was that it felt completely distinct from all other WWE programming. Gone was the sports entertainment gloss, replaced with an analytical “real sport” feel that emphasised competition above all else. The Bracketology show, pre-match handshakes, and use of Corey Graves as an in-studio analyst made it feel like we were watching a legitimate sporting event, rather than a homogenised WWE drama show.

That identity was stripped away as soon as the Cruiserweights hit the main roster. The presentation became identical to Raw and SmackDown (purple colour scheme aside), and there’s now little to differentiate the show from WWE’s other brands. 205 just doesn’t feel unique enough, and it’s hard to see it recovering until this is addressed.

WWE risk alienating chunks of the existing fanbase if they make 205 too niche, but it’d be great to see some of the CWC’s sport-like elements return. Fans already have the main roster for high drama and outlandish storylines, so why not make 205 more about the in ring action, and less about the soap opera? A few minor tweaks would give the division its own identity, and the risks are minimal.

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.