WWE Cruiserweight Classic Review - September 7, 2016

TJ Perkins takes control of Rich Swann.

By Graham "GSM" Matthews

​Zack Sabre Jr. def. Noam Dar in a Quarterfinal Match

Once again, I really feel like you have to dig Sabre's style (and Dar's for that matter) in order to appreciate this match. They've both wrestled the same type of match throughout the tournament, so they were the perfect opponents and brought the best out of each other in this bout. They didn't do a ton of aerial stuff but they didn't need to; their reversals and constant counters were exciting enough to hold my interest and it was extremely well paced, too. Sabre was the obvious choice to go over in my book, but I look forward to seeing what Dar can do on Raw in the Cruiserweight division (if that's where he's headed as has been reported).


​TJ Perkins def. Rich Swann in a Quarterfinal Match

The established history and friendship these two have made the match all the more meaningful and engaging for me, as they told a tremendous story as a result. In addition to the exhilarating action, Swann did a stellar job of selling the leg injury during the bout and I loved how that was the central focus of the match, ultimately costing him the contest. It just continues to blow my mind TNA absolutely underutilized Perkins while he was there, but hey, it worked out for the better and led to him having some sensational matches as part of the Cruiserweight Classic, and now he's in the semifinals!

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Overall Show

​Things seemed to work out just right because I couldn't think of two better pairings than Sabre and Dar and then Perkins and Swann. Both bouts were absolutely exceptional, but I have to give the nod to Perkins vs. Swann as the match of the night. And the season finale is next week! Oh no! It should be incredible, don't get me wrong, but I hope the show gets renewed for a second season soon because the wrestling has been second to none. The live season finale should be off the charts and I can't wait for it.