5 Best WWE Cruiserweights of 2018
Since its reintroduction in 2016 courtesy of the Cruiserweight Classic, WWE's Cruiserweight Division had seemingly been overlooked by the company who created it. Despite getting a show on the Network, the division never recaptured the success of the tournament that birthed it.
That is until Triple H got involved. Hunter reportedly took control of the Cruiserweights in early 2018, and the purple brand has been all the better for it. With the focus shifting more to in-ring action, rather than repeating the tropes of its older, more popular siblings, 205 Live has gained a bit of a cult following on the WWE Network.
The resurgence has even seen the return of some cruiserweights to main roster television -- a spot they had not been in since Enzo Amore was champ -- as well as featured matches on pay-per-view.
Although it was a behind-the-scenes move that changed the direction of the brand, it would not have worked without a strong talent pool. But which 205 acts outshone their peers, and stood out above the rest?
#5. Drew Gulak
A standout of the division before HHH's takeover, Gulak has remained a staple of the division afterward as well. His anti-High Flying gimmick has kept him near the top of 205 Live's heel depth chart.
Gulak found himself in the semifinals of the tournament prior to WrestleMania -- which was set up to determine who would challenge for the vacant Cruiserweight Championship -- losing to runner-up Mustafa Ali.
Gulak then entered an entertaining feud opposite Lucha House Party. During the rivalry, he struck up an alliance with The Brian Kendrick and Gentleman Jack Gallagher. He even took part in the 2nd WWE United Kingdom Championship Tournament (despite not being from the UK), where he would lose to Gallagher.
The highlight of Drew's year came at SummerSlam, where he appeared on the pre-show. He challenged Cruiserweight Champion Cedric Alexander for the title at the event, losing in 10 minutes.
Although he would not capture a championship in 2018, Gulak was a constant highlight for the cruiserweight division, and proved a reliable performer when needed.