Independent promotions in the United States and the United Kingdom have announced they will host qualifying matches for WWE Network’s upcoming Cruiserweight Classic.
U.S.-based EVOLVE Wrestling, and U.K.-based PROGRESS Wrestling and Revolution Pro Wrestling will all host bouts in the coming weeks to help determine participants in WWE’s hotly anticipated 32-competitor tournament, which was announced last month. The tournament, which is limited to athletes 205 pounds or lighter, debuts on WWE Network on July 13, and is set to take place over 10 weeks.
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NXT General Manager William Regal was the first to break the news of tournament qualifiers when he appeared at an EVOLVE event in Queens, N.Y., on March 19. Regal was observed behind the curtains at EVOLVE the next night, too, scouting talent. According to EVOLVE, many members of its roster are petitioning to be included in the qualifying matches, the dates and locations of which have not yet been made public.
Wiliam Regal scouting at EVOLVE 57. #NXT #GlobalCruiserweightSeries pic.twitter.com/zb7YIxq59w
— Gabe Sapolsky (@BookItGabe) March 21, 2016
On Sunday, PROGRESS Wrestling became the second promotion to make its participation known, Periscoping that two Cruiserweight Classic qualifying matches will take place during a PROGRESS event on April 24, at the Electric Ballroom in Camden Town, London.
BREAKING: Progress hosts 2 @WWE #GlobalCruiserweightSeries qualifiers at #Chapter29, 24/4 @EBallroomCamden! Tickets on sale 10pm 4/4!
— PROGRESS Wrestling (@ThisIs_Progress) March 27, 2016
Revolution Pro Wrestling followed suit shortly thereafter, announcing that it, too, will host qualifying matches in the U.K.
What international athletes will vie for the chance to compete in WWE’s inaugural Cruiserweight Classic? Stay tuned to WWE.com for more details as they become available.