The CWC, WWE’s 32 man tournament kicked off about 4 weeks ago, and the first round has concluded as of this week. So far there have been solid matches throughout and the crowd at Full Sail University has responded in kind. Let’s take a look at the best matches of the opening round.
Gran Metalik (Mexico) vs. Alejandro Saez (Chile)
photo: WWE
The very first match of the very first round was a fantastic first step for the CWC. Gran Metalik, who also wrestles as Mascara Dorada in CMLL, worked very well with a relative newcomer in Saez. Chile isn’t know for its professional wrestling but Saez is doing his best to change that. While not a spectacular match, both men showcased their strengths and it is rumored that Gran Metalik has been offered a conditional WWE deal.
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T.J. Perkins (Philippines) vs. Da Mack (Germany)
A contest that did not lack charisma or talent, these two performers stole the show in their second week showdown. T.J. Perkins is going to be a BIG STAR if WWE gives him an opportunity. He formerly wrestled in TNA as the Suicide/Manik character from 2013 to early 2016. Da Mack is a respected wrestler on the independent and international scene, and has trained with WWE’s Cesaro.
Cedric Alexander (United States) vs. Clement Petiot (France)
Representing Charlotte, N.C. and the United States, Cedric Alexander has made his presence felt in the CWC. Not to be outdone, Clement Petiot is looking to make a name for himself in this tournament. Both mens styles worked wonderfully together to give a dynamic and hard hitting contest.
Johnny Gargano (United States) vs. Tommaso Ciampa (United States)
photo:WWE
Singles wrestlers on the independent scene. Bought into the WWE as a tag team. Becoming very close friends and now opponents in the CWC. If you ever wondered what it would be like if two performers just hammered each other until someone gave out, this match is your answer.
Jack Gallagher (England) vs. Fabian Aichner (Italy)
One of the CWC’s more interesting characters already looks to be one of the more talented wrestlers. ‘The Extraordinary Gentleman’ Jack Gallagher got himself a ton of new fans this week with a stellar performance and what could be looked at as an ‘underdog’ win. The lone Italian representative Aichner looked to overpower Gallagher and did get in some great moves, like a double jump top rope moonsault, but the technical prowess and surprise strengths of his English opponent proved too much to overcome.
This is only the first round, and there have already been a number of matches that could be “Match Of The Year” candidates. There are 6 more weeks and 3 more rounds of this tournament to go. Not to mention, that with the very positive response to the CWC, the WWE will be relaunching the Cruiserweight Division in the very near future.
Agree with this list? Don’t agree? Want Zack Sabre Jr. to put me in a wristlock for leaving him off? Let me know in the comments or on Twitter @MatPDouglas
The WWE Cruiserweight Classic currently airs Wednesday nights @ 9pm exclusively on the WWE Network, available on most streaming platforms.
