WWE chief Triple H says there is a ‘tremendous amount of talent’ representing Britain in the upcoming Cruiserweight Classic tournament
Wrestling boss says Jack Gallagher, Noam Dar, and Zack Sabre Jr can become superstars in the division
THE Cruiserweight Classic tournament will be unlike anything ever seen in WWE before, according to company executive and 14-time champion Triple H.
It’s also going to be a huge opportunity for three top British talents – Jack Gallagher, Noam Dar, and Zack Sabre Jr – who will join some of the world’s best cruiserweight wrestlers in this brand new concept from WWE.
Triple H, who has created and overseen the tournament, said: “We have 32 of the best cruiserweights from around the world, competing to find out who the best is in under the 205lbs division.
“The Cruiserweight Classic is one of those things that could be a real wow moment in the business. It’s going to different top to bottom, in how we present it and talk about it… different from anything you’ve seen before.”
The tournament – which debuts on the WWE Network July 13 and will air every Wednesday until the grand final in September – does mark one significant change for WWE.
For the first time ever the company has worked with smaller independent promotions – including UK-based PROGRESS Wrestling and Pro Wrestling Revolution – to stage early qualifying matches.
Triple H said: “It’s exciting for me and work with these outside groups and get a feel for what’s happening outside of the industry. It also gives a better feel for who these guys are as performers.”
Having worked with these British promotions, the number of exceptional UK wrestlers certainly isn’t lost on Triple H, which is why Jack Gallagher, Noam Dar, and Zack Sabre Jr have been invited to compete.
Triple H, who also oversees WWE’s developmental league NXT, said: “There is a tremendous amount of talent coming out of the UK right now.
"That includes Noam Dar, Zack Sabre Jr and the Cruiserweight Classic. I’m really excited about these opportunities for them.”
"For those who haven’t seen them in action before; Jack Gallagher is a submission-based grappler who bills himself as an 'extraordinary gentleman'.
Noam Dar is a Scottish-Israeli wrestler who at just 22-years-old already has nine years wrestling experience.
And Zack Sabre Jr is a known as a 'technical wizard' and is amongst the best independent wrestlers in the world.
Other wrestlers taking part include Japan’s Kota Ibushi, the United States’ Rich Swann, and Germany’s Da Mack.
RELATED STORIES:
And while many fans still think of cruiserweights as high-flyers and acrobats, Triple H hopes his tournament will showcase how cruiserweight wrestling has changed to incorporate a range of styles.
He said: “There was a period of time when the word cruiserweight just applied to guys who did a lot of high risk aerial styles.
That has changed. You see guys that are very technically gifted mat-based wrestlers who don’t really go to the air at all.
“It’s an exciting shift. I’ve watched that take place in the last few years. If you watch a three-hour aerial extravaganza you begin to lose the wow factor – you become desensitised to it. Having a variety is great.”
And though WWE is famous for having the 'WWE style' of wrestling, the Cruiserweight Classic has been designed to allow all its competitors to show their stuff no matter what their style – from Mexican luchadors, to British submission specialists and Japanese strong style.
According to Matt Bloom – head trainer at WWE’s Performance Centre training facility and former WWE Superstar 'Prince Albert' – the mix is what will make the event so unlike anything else in WWE.
He said: “There are so ways to do sports-entertainment. We’re bringing Cruiserweights in from all over the world and if we make them do things the WWE way, this tournament’s just not going to be as cool as it should be.
“We’re giving them a canvas and they can paint it any way they see fit. That’s what’s going to make this so unique.
"Some of the guys have asked us is it OK to do certain things. I’ve said the only requirements I have for you are don’t drop anyone on their head and don’t hurt anyone. Just go out there and make magic.”
Triple H is confident that with the talent they’ve recruited the Cruiserweight Classic will like up to the hype.
He said: “When you bring in some of the names that we’re bringing in for this, this is going to be this is going to an amazing opportunity to see some amazing performers.
"There are going to be a lot of surprises.”