Report: Update On WWE Cuiserweight Division Returning To Raw, Future Signings

Last night’s edition of WWE Raw kicked off with a bang as Shane and Stephanie McMahon announced their respective brand’s General Managers. Stephanie choosing Mick Foley for Raw and Shane choosing Daniel Bryan for Smackdown. However, another big announcement that flew a bit under the radar, since it was dwarfed by the General Manager reveals, was that WWE will be bringing back the Cruiserweight Division!

Stephanie announced that due to the success of the Cruiserweight Classic, the Cruiserweight Division will be back in WWE on a full-time basis and it’s home every week will be on Monday Night Raw. Stephanie went on to clarify how it makes sense Raw would get the Cruiserweight Division since the show is an hour longer than Smackdown.

WWE.com posted the following on the Cruiserweights Division’s return to Raw.

“In an extremely bold move, Raw Commissioner Stephanie McMahon opened a whole new wing of the New Era by announcing that – following the success of the WWE Network exclusive Cruiserweight Classic – Monday Night Raw will be the exclusive host to a trailblazing WWE Cruiserweight division!

“Although little is known about which competitors might be a part this exciting initiative, it is clear that newly-empowered Raw General Manager Mick Foley plans to utilize the fast-moving, high-flying athletes to help bring Raw to new heights. How high will the longest running episodic television show in history soar? Find out each and every week at 8/7 C on USA Network.”

Since the Cruiserweight Division is back, it is being reported that it seems the live WWE Network special airing the finals of the Cruiserweight Classic (on September 4) will be to crown the new WWE Cruiserweight Champion. This is according to PWInsider. It is also being reported by PWinsider that WWE has a number of CWC competitors in mind who they plan on offering full-time deals to.

Mark’s reaction: I can’t wait for the Cruiserweight Division to be back on Raw every week! It’s so exciting that guys like Kota Ibushi and Zack Sabre Jr. (assuming they get signed, but they likely will) will be seen on Raw in the very near future.

I do agree with Stephanie in that it does make sense that Raw would get the Cruiserweight Division since they are an hour longer than Smackdown. However, I can’t help but think that this is just another big disadvantage for Smackdown. Raw getting three draft picks for every two Smackdown draft picks hurts Smackdown as it is. Now that Raw gets the Cruiserwight Division too, I think it’s going to be hard for Smackdown to try and topple Raw in being the overall better show. The fact that Smackdown is two hours works in their favor, but they’ll need to make the most of their draft picks tonight to help keep them in the fight.

Picture used above is courtesy of WWE.com.