-
Tim FiorvantiESPN.com
The WWE Network launched its brand new cruiserweight show, "205 Live," on Tuesday night, and in the closing moments Rich Swann was crowned the new WWE cruiserweight champion.
T.J. Perkins talks about winning the Cruiserweight Classic and becoming champion with Tim Fiorvanti, who breaks down Wednesday night's finale.
The Cruiserweights may already have found a new home on Monday Night Raw, but now they will be getting their own exclusive showcase on the WWE Network.
"If you don't think MMA is influenced by pro wrestling you've got your head in the sand, and definitely vice versa" -- Jack Gallagher is bringing the British style to WWE's Cruiserweight Classic.
2 Related
In a 20-minute main event, Swann defeated The Brian Kendrick via pinfall following three consecutive spinning heel kicks. Swann is the third WWE cruiserweight champion in this new title lineage, joining inaugural champion TJ Perkins and Kendrick, who won the title on Oct. 30 at the Hell in a Cell pay-per-view.
Swann, 25, a Baltimore, Maryland native, was one of 16 superstars announced as part of the "205 Live" roster at the start of its debut episode. Other members of the roster include Kendrick, Perkins, The Bollywood Boyz, Drew Gulak, Tony Nese, Jack Gallagher and Ariya Daivari; the last six were all in action during the hourlong program.
"205 Live" aired live from Columbia, South Carolina, immediately following Tuesday's episode of SmackDown Live. Designed to be a showcase for the WWE's developing cruiserweight division, the 16 superstars selected fit one specific criteria -- they all weigh in at less than 205 pounds.
All 16 of these competitors were initially featured as part of the WWE Cruiserweight Classic, which was won by Perkins in September.