WWE Cruiserweight Classic
WWE.com issued the following preview for tonight’s new episode of the WWE Cruiserweight Classic, kicking of quarterfinals action with the following matches:
Kota Ibushi vs. Brian Kendrick (Quarterfinal Match)
The two competitors in this CWC Quarterfinal find themselves in diametrically opposite situations. Kota Ibushi came into the CWC as one of, if not, the favorite to win the entire competition, and he has shown why in each of his matches so far. The Golden Star fought off the daredevil challenge of upstart Sean Maluta in the First Round, then defeated Cedric Alexander in a match that still has the WWE Universe buzzing. Ibushi’s mix of aerial skill and vicious strikes makes him a force in the tournament.
On the other hand, Brian Kendrick may be the most dangerous competitor left in the field. The former WWE Tag Team Champion said from the outset that he saw the CWC as his last shot at redemption in sports-entertainment, after letting his initial chance at success slip through his fingers. What looked to be an underdog story quickly turned sour, as Kendrick showed that he was willing to do anything and everything to win the tournament. A far cry from the high-flyer that dazzled fans a decade ago, the 37-year-old wrestles with desperation, willing to claw, scratch and fight dirty to stay alive in the CWC. That strategy, along with the knowledge that comes with 17 years of experience in the ring, has served The Post-Apocalyptic Scavenger well so far, bringing him victories over Raul Mendoza and Tony Nese in the first two rounds.
Ibushi has the natural wrestling ability necessary to succeed wherever he goes. But will that be enough to stop the ruthless Kendrick?
Gran Metalik vs. Akira Tozawa (Quarterfinal Match)
Two of the speediest competitors in the Cruiserweight Classic square off in the Quarterfinals, as Gran Metalik takes on Akira Tozawa.
Metalik, a masked marvel from Mexico, entered the CWC with hopes of showing the world that lucha libre is the best fighting style. He has made a great case for that in his tournament matches so far. Metalik can fly with the world’s best, and he has the uncanny ability to dart across the ring ropes and launch himself anywhere he likes. That skill has earned him the nickname “El Rey de las Cuerdas” – “King of the Ropes.”
He may meet his match in Akira Tozawa, though. Tozawa is a graduate of Japan’s Dragon Gate dojo, a wrestling school that specializes in melding the Japanese style of wrestling with lucha libre. And even though Tozawa is a speedy wrestler that can keep up with any luchador, the Japanese competitor also possesses the raw power and striking ability to stop them in their tracks. Armed with a picture-perfect German Suplex, Akira Tozawa may have all the tools needed to defeat Gran Metalik and advance in the CWC.Who will have their arm raised in victory after this intriguing bout?
CWC Preview
The following video features a non-spoiler quick preview of what to look for in the quarterfinals round of the WWE Cruiserweight Classic, starting tonight on WWE Network.
The video discusses all four matches in the quarterfinals round as well as some other content taped at the last CWC taping on August 26th at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida.
Rolling Stone
Rolling Stone recently featured a list of 18 wrestling podcasts you need to follow, including some wrestling staples such as Colt Cabana’s Art of Wrestling, The Steve Austin Show, Jim Ross’ The Ross Report, and Talk Is Jericho with Chris Jericho.
Additionally, the list featured some familiar shows such as The Chad Dukes Wrestling Show, The Kevin Gill Show, The Two Man Power Trip of Wrestling, Sam Roberts Wrestling Podcast, Solomonster Sounds Off and many more. Click here for the full list.
