3 Thoughs | WWE Cruiserweight Classic
Outside of the young Japanese superstar, Kota Ibushi, making his highly anticipated debut in the first round of the Cruiserweight Classic against Sean Maluta; There were a number a important things to be said about this new venture from WWE EVP, Triple H. Here are 5:
1. THE FANS ARE BEING RESPECTED WITH HELMSLEY AT THE HELM
As has been proven with NXT's triumphant rise to industry prominence with Levesque and Regal taking the reigns; it seems that Triple H gained a very affectionate insight to the needs of serious wrestling fans during his run with the company in the Attitude and Invasion eras. During this time he had the opportunity to experience a large contingent of the industries prime outside competition. I'd like to think he may have taken notice of the passionate fan bases for the competition. This is not to mention that he actually went to the effort of doing extensive research on other wrestling promotions and most likely gathered credible focus groups to verify his findings. This is how you please your customers. You find out what they want to buy and you sell it. You sell it the way they want it. You actively engage in the revelry for the product to gain fan support then you sell the hell out of it.
2. HO HO LUN | WWE HAS ITS EYES SET TO CAPITALIZE ON CHINA (NO MATTER WHAT!)
Its no secret and it shouldn't be a surprise. Ho Ho Lun had an underwhelming showing in this first round. While his work as a babyface in this match was solid, it was his lack of 'intensity' and creativity that left our mouths dry. The match was solid with Ariya Daivari having a great outing as a heel but the match seemed to fall flat whenever 'Ho Ho' began gaining momentum. He just seemed dry as compared to the other talent. I think he's got the basic mechanics but since China is just now getting into pro wrestling; I don't think they understand that this is not swan ballet. I was hoping for something more akin to Olympic Wing Chun to make a new kung-fu based wrestling style but he's more of a NOAH mark. He needs to rev up the physicality and innovate his own moves. But at the same time it is crucial that we fans and the WWE root him on with all our might. WWE is trying to grow its business. This is because China is completely untapped market when it comes to Pro Wrestling promotions. In fact I think they said that this guy started the first one in China just recently so I'm sure WWE is pushing him to inspire a massive fan base in the country with the largest population in the world. China is one of the world's largest financial backers with companies such as Chinese conglomerate Dalian Wanda Corp. partnering with several other investors to fund a large percent of all Hollywood productions. Financial commitments from Chinese investors into the entertainment business reach in to the high $600 million dollar range. Bottom line... China is HUGE money!! "Let go HO HO!!!" *clap x5*
3. WE WOULD HOPE THIS WILL BE AN ANNUAL EVENT
After watching just to first round; its hard to express the degree of visual refreshment we're getting from this. Its also a great comfort that even Triple H sees this as not being a "One and done." I think we should support the hell out of this event so they understand how we feel about it.