Projecting Raw's 7 New Cruiserweights' Long-Term WWE Career Prospects
6. Brian Kendrick
When Tajiri and Brian Kendrick were announced as CWC competitors, it was widely assumed that they’d exist only to put the younger talent over. That’s exactly what happened with Tajiri, who lost to Gran Metalik in the second-round, but Kendrick’s performances took things to the next level. His matches with Kota Ibushi and Tony Nese were among the tournament’s finest, and by the end of it, the former WWE Tag Team Champion had earned his status as one of the CWC’s MVPs.
Kendrick’s compelling redemption story and gritty, uncompromising in-ring performances made him a highlight of every show he appeared on, and he’ll now wrestle TJ Perkins for the Cruiserweight Champion at this weekend’s Clash of the Champions PPV. There’s little reason to believe the tremendous work ethic he displayed in the CWC won’t carry-over to Raw, and as the division’s resident veteran, Kendrick has a key role to play in helping the younger wrestlers grow into the WWE performance style.
At 37 years old, age is the main thing holding Kendrick back. He’ll be a hugely important figure among Raw’s Cruiserweights, but he’s unlikely to ever emerge as the division’s big star at this stage in his career. Regardless, Kendrick has the story, charisma, and wrestling ability to be an ever-present near the top of the division. His presence is very welcome, and the Perkins match should provide the Cruiserweight Division with its first great main roster match.