
Reflecting on the WWE Cruiserweight Classic Final a Decade Later
On September 14, 2016, the WWE Cruiserweight Classic final was held, culminating in TJ Perkins defeating Gran Metalik to become the first WWE Cruiserweight Champion.
The tournament featured a mix of unsigned independent talents and WWE performers, showcasing notable wrestlers such as Kota Ibushi, Zack Sabre Jr., Johnny Gargano, Tommaso Ciampa, and Tajiri. Perkins secured his victory in a match lasting 17 minutes and 47 seconds, employing various techniques including a kneebar and a reverse figure four for the submission win.
After the match, Perkins celebrated with the championship belt and trophy, expressing his desire to share the achievement with all participants in the tournament, which was regarded as one of WWE's best.
