WWE Network Will Debut ‘Global Cruiserweight Series’ On July 13
World Wrestling Entertainment has issued a press release regarding the WWE Network adding to their programming in 2016. A part of that press release talked about the debut of a brand-new show centered around Cruiserweight wrestlers titled, Global Cruiserweight Series. The following are excerpts from WWE’s press release in regards to their Cruiserweight show.
WWE NETWORK® ADDS TO ROBUST 2016 PROGRAMMING SLATE
STAMFORD, Conn., February 16, 2016 – WWE Network continues to add to its already robust slate of original programming in 2016, with the newly green-lit show, Global Cruiserweight Series, a tournament which brings together more than 30 of the greatest in-ring competitors at Full Sail University in Orlando, to vie for the right to call themselves the best cruiserweight in the world. Global Cruiserweight Series is set to premiere Wednesday, July 13 at 9pm ET on WWE Network.
GLOBAL CRUISERWEIGHT SERIES – SERIES PREMIERE WEDNESDAY, JULY 13 AT 9PM ET
For the first time ever, WWE invites cruiserweights from all over the world to compete in the inaugural Global Cruiserweight Series. Thirty-two of the greatest in-ring competitors under 205 lbs. will descend upon Full Sail University in Orlando and collide over 10 weeks to earn the right to call themselves the best cruiserweight in the world.
Mark’s reaction: This is awesome to hear! There have been rumors about the WWE doing a cruiserweight show ever since the WWE Network was just an idea. I’m happy they’re finally following through with it. It should be a more fun summer alternative than what Tough Enough was last summer.
Could the popularity of Lucha Underground have anything to do with WWE putting this series into motion after all the years of discussion? Possibly. However, this cruiserweight show will of course have a much different feel from Lucha Underground and if LU gave WWE the incentive to finally follow through on a Cruiserweight show than good for them. It was previously reported that WWE was in talks with Lucha Underground recently, but apparently nothing came of it. Looking back at it now, it could have had to do with borrowing talent for this new show.
The WWE Cruiserweight Championship was deactivated in 2007 with the last Cruiserweight Champion being Hornswoggle (sigh). If the show is a success like WWE is hoping it will, then maybe it will be a permanent 10-week tournament that happens every summer. I like the idea that it’s a 32-man tournament. It adds more excitement to the product and gives the show its own unique feel. Plus, I’m always a big fan of tournaments and wins/losses accounting for something. Having it in Full Sail University is also great to hear. The audience there is always on their game and I’m sure they’ll add a lot to the excitement of the show. This should be fun!
Are you looking forward to Global Cruiserweight Series this summer? What are some of your favorite cruiserweight matches? Leave any of your thoughts in the comment section below.