PWP Nation’s Caden Moran returns to discuss the main roster potential of Cedric Alexander and why his time in 205 Live is over.
During the Summer of 2016, Triple H and the WWE hosted a 32-man tournament exclusive to stars around the world who weigh 205 pounds and less; the Cruiserweight Classic (CWC).
During this tournament, 32 men competed in a number of matches across the summer of 2016 to become the winner of the inaugural Cruiserweight Classic and to become the first Cruiserweight Champion under WWE’s banner since Hornswoggle back in 2007.
The tournament resulted in a number of dream matches and match of the year contenders. One man who was involved in multiple dream matches and match of the year contenders during the inaugural CWC was also the man who worked to cut his weight to 205 months before the tournament began. That man is Cedric Alexander
Cedric Alexander’s rise to who we know now began early on the independent scene. But, it wasn’t until the Cruiserweight Classic when the professional wrestling world began to know the name of Cedric Alexander.
After cutting the weight to reach 205 pounds, Cedric Alexander was brought in for the CWC and went on to have a phenomenal tournament and performance. Alexander’s match during that tournament with elite Japanese superstar, Kota Ibushi, went on to receive praise and positive criticisms from most of the wrestling world, and for me, it was my personal favorite match from the entirety of the Cruiserweight Classic.
Once the match was over and Ibushi was announced as the winner, the people of Full Sail University took time to proclaim their love for the Charlotte, North Carolina native. The fans went on to shout and chant, “PLEASE SIGN, CEDRIC!”, as Triple H made his way out, shook Cedric’s hand, and indulged the CWC crowd as he went on to sign the man known as Cedric Alexander.
Ever since the Cruiserweight Classic culminated, Cedric Alexander has been a consistent focal point of WWE’s Cruiserweight division and 205 Live. However, now with a very solid Cruiserweight Championship reign now written on his resume, now is time to ask the question: what else is there for Cedric Alexander to do in the division and 205 Live?
Answer: nothing.
There is nothing left for Cedric Alexander in 205 Live or the limited Cruiserweight division.
So, with that being said, I believe it is time for the WWE and Vince McMahon to pull the trigger on Cedric Alexander and place him on WWE’s main roster just like they did with 205 Live guys such as Lucha House Party, Lio Rush, and the former heart of 205 Live, and one of Cedric’s closest friends and allies, Mustafa Ali.
Cedric Alexander’s consistent presence on the main roster of WWE would not only be a fresh change for RAW or Smackdown Live, but it would bring new opportunities to the former Cruiserweight Champion.
Just think of the matches Cedric Alexander could have with guys like Seth Rollins, Finn Balor, and AJ Styles. Alexander has all the tools to succeed and to be a big player for the WWE, but, it all depends on the right story and the right moment.
Cedric Alexander, in my opinion, would best serve as a mid-card player. At least at first. While Mustafa Ali was thrown into the main event field immediately during his Smackdown Live debut, I believe it would be best served if Cedric began his main roster run in WWE’s mid-card in order to truly build him up as a main event player.
Like I said, Cedric has all the tools to be a big time player for the WWE, but, if it is not executed delicately, Cedric Alexander could easily go from being seen as someone with very high main roster potential to someone who is rarely, or never, seen.
Considering how the WWE higher ups and creative have been treating things lately, it would not surprise me if Cedric does end up in the same state as a former Cruiserweight star, Neville. But, that is a discussion for another day.
If Cedric Alexander is brought up in the mid-card first, he can easily evolve into a main event and World Champion caliber superstar. All it would take is patience and keeping Cedric a focal point. He has the wrestling ability and he has the ability to make the WWE Universe care, which is rare on 205 Live it seems. If given the time and right guidance, Cedric Alexander can evolve in every aspect before taking over on RAW or Smackdown Live.
Cedric Alexander’s time in 205 Live and the Cruiserweight division is over. He has done all he needs to do. He helped build the brand by being one of the very best in the world, he stuck around when times for the division looked dark (thanks, Enzo), and he had his moment as Cruiserweight Champion. As we see the rise of Mustafa Ali on Smackdown Live, I do believe it is time that the WWE pull the trigger on one of the very best talents that they have and that the world has to offer.
It is time for the Age of Alexander to begin.
