Opinion: Does RAW need to lose the Cruiserweight division?
WWE needs to remove Cruiserweight division matches from RAW entirely, I mean how often can we watch the same six-man tag match or three-minute one-on-one match every week?
Things started off so positively. The WWE Cruiserweight Classic was one of the true highlights of 2016 for WWE. The show was directed and produced by Triple H, Michael Cole, and the rest of the NXT crew and featured the like of Kota Ibushi, Zach Sabre Jr., Tajiri, Akira Tozawa, Drew Gulak, Brian Kendrick, Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa, and eventual winner TJ Perkins, among more.
It was then revealed that the Cruiserweights would be given their own WWE Network show, 205 Live, and be members of the RAW roster. 205 Live has been alright but was plagued by Vince McMahon and Kevin Dunne, two men who have never had any interest in Cruiserweights, directing the show.
Fortunately things have been improving with 205 Live as Vince and Kevin have apparently handed over the reigns of 205 Live to Triple H, and ever since, the show has been more about the wrestling and less about talk shows, duels and main roster superstars like Titus O'Neil, Alicia Fox and Goldust, which had almost killed the show.
Alas, the Cruiserweight stars status on RAW remains the same. Although we have the occasional exciting Fatal Four Way match, we are still seeing the same 6-man tag match and 3-minute one-on-one match every week and this is making the entire division look like a joke, so what should be done?
If WWE wants fans to treat the division seriously and with respect, they need to remove it from RAW entirely. Yes, one could argue that it helps promote 205 Live, but the matches are still the same. Instead of RAW, I think they should have at least one match on NXT every week, to help turn over some of the die-hard cult-like following fans that the brand has, and even have Cruiserweight Championship matches be featured on TakeOver events. I would much rather watch a Championship match in a prominent TakeOver card position, than WWE pay-per-view pre-shows every few weeks.
I will hold out hope just a little longer and hope that WWE starts treating the division with more respect on Monday nights, but I really can't see that happening anytime soon.