Could a move to NXT revive WWE’s cruiserweight division?

WWE’s Cruiserweight division has its own show, 205 Live. With NXT moving to USA, 205 Live will likely be folded into NXT.

Rumors of 205 Live’s demise have swirled for a long time. Once the news came that NXT would be moving to the USA Network, the rumors went into overdrive. Would 205 Live dissolve completely? Would it be its own division with NXT? What would happen to the roster?

In an interview with Newsweek, Triple H hinted about the purple brand’s future.

"“You’ll start to see 205 begin to — I think it always existed as an island onto itself, a little bit, and it’s become lost in this limbo. You’ll begin to see it move more towards the NXT banner and the talent there. We have a lot of talent. For them to begin to compete either open against anyone or in the cruiserweight division, but have that title sit under the NXT brand is more meaningful. It creates more opportunities for more people.As for RAW and SmackDown, it’s an open division for them. When you’re on both shows, everybody is competing against everybody.”"

205 Live debuted on the WWE Network on November 29, 2016. It features many participants from the inaugural Cruiserweight Classic. Before 205 Live was official, the cruiserweights were drafted to Monday Night Raw, where they were mostly lost in the shuffle. From the beginning, they have been more of an afterthought.

While a majority of the WWE Universe (and WWE itself) overlooked these men, they have consistently put on great matches. Superstars such as Cedric Alexander, Ali and Buddy Murphy cut  their teeth there before being called up to the main roster. Alexander and Murphy have both held the Cruiserweight championship. The Lucha House Party has frequently wrestled on Raw. 

With NXT wrestlers such as Isaiah “Swerve” Scott, Angel Garza and KUSHIDA having matches on 205 Live, it makes sense that the cruiserweights would also wrestle in NXT. The move sounds like it will eventually be permanent. While there is concern that the small roster could be lost in the shuffle, it will be a great opportunity.

Think of all the matches that could be had, like Jordan Myles versus Lince Dorado or Johnny Gargano against Drew Gulak. The hope is that the Cruiserweight Championship won’t be a thing of the past. There are new wrestlers who can compete for the title with the crossover of brands.

https://twitter.com/WWE205Live/status/1169079758560231424

Another positive? The cruiserweights will finally get the chance to wrestle outside of their weight class. Who wouldn’t want to see Keith Lee take on any of the them?

With the impending move to USA, more eyes will be on the cruiserweights than ever before. Now new fans can finally see what us diehards have known for so long: some of WWE’s best are on 205 Live.

Do you watch 205 Live now? What do you think of the division becoming one with NXT?