Tony Schiavone Says WCW Cruiserweights Changed Wrestling History

The wrestling world would be a much different place if not for the cruiserweights of WCW, according to Tony Schiavone.

The high-flying division was a highlight of WCW for years and lasted until the promotion was purchased by Vince McMahon in 2001.

Speaking during the latest episode of the “What Happened When” podcast, Schiavone argued that the smaller, athletic wrestlers changed the industry for years to come. He said,

“The cruiserweights had a definite impact on the product of WCW,” Schiavone began. “Even though we want to think it’s all about [Hollywood] Hogan and the nWo — that had an impact, too but when you go back and think, Shawn Michaels was the best wrestler ever. Then, maybe Shawn had a bigger impact.

“Here’s another thought — Vince McMahon was into the big guys only, right? It’s well-known. And then, the cruiserweights started to appear and started giving good matches. All of a sudden, a guy the size of Eddie Guerrero became his World Champion. Chris Benoit became a champion, right? So, maybe they [WCW cruiserweights] did change the business — for the best.”

Several of WCW’s cruiserweights would go on to hold gold in WWE, including Guerrero, Rey Mysterio, Dean Malenko, and others.

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