WWE Greatest Royal Rumble: Star Ratings For All 10 Matches

9. Cedric Alexander (c) Vs. Kalisto - Cruiserweight Title

The Undertaker Rusev
WWE.com

In terms of crowd reactions and pacing, this was the antithesis of the opener.

The Cruiserweights worked a typical 205 Live-style bout replete with quick exchanges, high spots, and a back-and-forth layout designed to bring out the best in both. While Triple H and John Cena were wrenched in Greco-Roman knuckle locks, Cedric Alexander and Kalisto were pulling off big dives within the first few minutes. They peeled off topes, ranas, a top rope Spanish Fly - the lot. At one point, Cedric blasted the former Lucha Dragon with an unprotected dropkick so sharp, it looked like a concussive blow.

Yet none of it got over. While the opener had Jeddah enthralled, the Cruiserweight Title match drew reactions comparable to the average episode of 205 Live: they briefly came alive for some of the high spots, but others? Nothing but polite murmurings.

This is a shame, as both wrestlers worked hard to get over. Still, we can't fault them for what was an exciting title fight, and for delivering something couldn't have been further away from the opener stylistically, but very close in terms of quality.

Star Rating: ***1/2

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.