Projecting Raw's 7 New Cruiserweights' Long-Term WWE Career Prospects

As far as upbringings go, few wrestlers had it as rough as Rich Swann. Born and raised in Baltimore, Swann’s father was murdered when he was just 14 years old, and his mother passed away just a few years later. Swann fell into a deep depression, found himself associating with a rough crowd, and hit rock bottom.

It took seeing a friend die from a drug-induced heart attack for Swann to turn things around, but that’s exactly what he did. With his aunt’s help, Swann kicked his own addictions, finished high-school, and dedicated his life to becoming a professional wrestler.

Wrestling saved Rich Swann from a listless existence, and knowing his story, it’s no surprise that he performs with such exuberance today. Raw energy leaks from Swann’s every pore, and as he jives and dances his way to the ring, it’s clear that he’s having the time of his life. Moreover, Swann is a tremendously exciting high-flying wrestler who had a great run in the CWC, and appears perfectly-suited to this kind of environment.

It’s his charisma that puts him over the edge. Rich Swann is an electric presence in the ring, and while it’ll take main roster audiences time to get used to his quirks and mannerisms, it’s hard to root against him. Leaning on his history will provide instant crowd sympathy, and Swann’s vivacity is unmatched in the division. TJ Perkins might be the first champion, but nobody in WWE’s new Cruiserweight Division can match Swann’s upside.