NXT General Manager William Regal announced this past Wednesday on WWE’s The Bump that an Interim NXT Cruiserweight Champion will be crowned, as titleholder Jordan Devlin is unable to defend his championship due to current circumstances.
The format for that tournament has been revealed. WWE.com has confirmed the following:
- Eight Superstars will be split into two groups of four.
- Superstars will compete against each of the three other members of their group.
- The Superstar with the best record in each group will advance to the championship match.
- Any ties will be broken by head-to-head record.
- The winner of Group A will face the winner of Group B to determine the new Interim NXT Cruiserweight Champion.
Group A will include Kushida, Drake Maverick, Tony Nese, and Jake Atlas. Group B will see compete Isaiah “Swerve” Scott, El Hijo del Fantasma, Akira Tozawa and Gentleman Jack Gallagher. None of them has ever been Cruiserweight champion before, excepted Tony Nese.
GROUP A
- Kushida
The Japanese Lightning Bolt has been impressive since arriving in NXT last spring, but championship gold has eluded him so far. Can Kushida reverse his fortunes in the tournament? - Drake Maverick
Maverick is no stranger to the Cruiserweight Division, but now he’ll be in contention for its top title. Can the former 24/7 Champion add another title to his resume? - Tony Nese
The Premier Athlete captured the Cruiserweight Championship on The Grandest Stage of Them All last year. Can he add a second reign at the conclusion of this tournament? - Jake Atlas
This California native reported to the WWE Performance Center in January. The 25-year-old will certainly be out to make waves as he gets started in NXT.
GROUP B
- Isaiah “Swerve” Scott
Since his arrival in the Cruiserweight Division, Scott has been out to show the NXT Universe that it’s “Swerve’s House.” What better way to accomplish that than by becoming Interim NXT Cruiserweight Champion? - El Hijo del Fantasma
The second-generation luchador will make his NXT debut in the tournament. How will this world-renowned high flyer fare on the black-and-gold brand? - Akira Tozawa
A Cruiserweight Division original, Tozawa will be looking to add a second reign as champion to his name. - Gentleman Jack Gallagher
Along with his new ink, Gallagher has unleashed a more ruthless side of himself in recent weeks. Will that pay off for him in this tournament?
An explanation… @WWE205Live
Thank you @RealKingRegal @WWENXT @TripleH #Cruiserweight #HappyEaster pic.twitter.com/wAwczA5B7v
— Drake Maverick (@WWEMaverick) April 12, 2020
All pics courtesy of WWE