Ranking Every WWE Cruiserweight Champion Since 2016

Only an elite few Cruiserweights can say they were actually over with the audience during their time on 205 Live. Thankfully, Rich Swann's natural charisma shined through on the main roster, making him an instant fan favorite upon his Raw debut.

He didn't go far in the Cruiserweight Classic and never had a real run in NXT, yet it was his connection with the crowd that earned him a reign as Cruiserweight champion in November 2016. WWE wanted to kick 205 Live off with a bang by having the title change hands on its first night, and so it was Swann who beat The Brian Kendrick for the belt in an exciting affair.

Swann was unfortunately the right champion at the wrong time, as it was only three weeks later that Neville returned and stole his thunder by turning heel. As fun as their feud was, Neville walking out of their initial encounter at Royal Rumble 2017 as the new champion was the only outcome that made sense.

There's a chance Swann could have been the one to unseat Enzo Amore as Cruiserweight champion later in the year, but a sudden suspension and eventual release due to a domestic abuse incident prevented that from happening.

For what it's worth, Swann did redeem himself with a run as Impact X-Division champion for the first six months of 2019.