One of the top stories of this week has been the announcement of WWE’s Global Cruiserweight Series, a 10-week tournament scheduled for this summer featuring 32 of the world’s top wrestlers under 205 pounds.
Triple H spoke with Scott Fishman of Channel Guide Magazine about the project and shed some light on the talent scouting process, how WWE will be working with independent promotions and more. Triple H sees this as a tremendous opportunity to scout the best ‘undiscovered’ talent in the world from a weight division that has traditionally not been given proper attention by WWE.
I’m trying to find the undiscovered diamonds someplace else that will blow people’s minds; someone who maybe hasn’t gotten the opportunity yet to be seen. When we say 32, we’re looking at every corner of the world. I have [William] Regal out there in every corner of the globe trying to find not only the ones who people are aware are the best, but others who nobody is aware of quite yet. We want to put them in this and let’s see what they can do.”
A big part of this new initiative will be working with independent promotions from across the world. Triple H acknowledged that wrestlers under contract with promotions like New Japan Pro Wrestling won’t be eligible, but he’s open to working with other groups out there – specifically naming “Progress, Evolve, Rev Pro and places like that.”
Bringing talent in from these smaller companies will put a spotlight on not just the talent, but also the promotions they currently work for. Triple H sees this as “beneficial to everybody” because WWE gets the use of great talent and the wrestlers and promotions get the exposure of the WWE machine.
While in-ring ability is a big part of what sets the under-205 pound wrestlers apart, personality and is also a big component of success in this business.
“The more pieces you have, the more complete you are and the better performer you are. Some guys will become huge stars based on one or two pieces of that puzzle. It’s really what people get into and gravitate towards, whether positively or negatively. Reaction is reaction …
To just say Rey Mysterio was just a little guy or Daniel Bryn was just a little guy who was really good in the ring is really taking away from them as this great performer all around they really were or are.”
WWE’s Global Cruiserweight Series premieres Wednesday, July 13th on the WWE Network and will air immediately following NXT.
