WWE has announced that the NXT Interim Cruiserweight Champion will be decided via an eight-man competition that’s more complicated than the single-elimination events we usually see out of the company. Here are the rules:
-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.
New Japan fans out there may recognize this as a miniature version of the G1 Tournament, one of that company’s biggest events of the year. WWE has promised that the eight competitors will be revealed tomorrow on their social media platforms, and the tournament will start this coming Wednesday on NXT.
Update: Here’s the full list of competitors and bios from WWE.com:
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?
