WWE Cruiserweight Classic 2016 Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction for August 31

We have reached the quarterfinals of the first WWE Cruiserweight Classic. After producing 24 outstanding matches in the first two rounds, the CWC has quickly become one of WWE's hottest properties.

The show is presented in such a different way that it sometimes doesn't feel like we are watching a WWE production, and it's not just because most of the talents come from other promotions.

The lack of feuds and storylines might make the show less appealing to some fans, but if you enjoy seeing pure wrestling action, you need to be watching this show.

The only downside to reaching this point in the tournament is how close we are to the end. When this tourney is over, management needs to start scouting for next year's.

Let's take a look at what happened on this week's Cruiserweight Classic.

Akira Tozawa vs. Gran Metalik

Everyone in this tournament has some similarities because of their size and speed, but when it comes to wrestling style, Akira Tozawa and Gran Metalik represent two different disciplines.

Tozawa is agile, but he likes to keep things grounded and focus more on strikes. Metalik is technically proficient, but he has a penchant for flying through the air.

The match started with some great chain wrestling, but after they realized they were at a stalemate, they started to amp up the intensity.

Not only was this a fun contest, but it was also a lesson in how to pace a match properly. There was no wasted movements or dead space, and that's rare in today's environment.

After putting on one of the most entertaining bouts of the entire tournament, Metalik picked up the win to move on to the semifinals. Tozawa may be eliminated, but he can leave with his head held high knowing a lot of WWE fans have grown to appreciate his skills and will continue following his career.

Grade: A

Notes and Highlights

• Metalik's modified figure four is something I haven't seen in quite some time, which is a shame because it's a good-looking submission.
• Has anyone else noticed how Metalik's gear has gone from red to white to blue? It probably doesn't mean anything, but he may purposely be using the colors of the American flag since he has joined WWE's new cruiserweight division.
• Tozawa is so good at using facial expressions during his matches. It adds some drama to his performances, which is what makes pro wrestling so much fun.
• I love how someone brought a sign that just said "Aagghh!"

Brian Kendrick vs. Kota Ibushi

Brian Kendrick and Kota Ibushi have been two of the biggest standout performers in this tournament, so everyone was looking forward to this match as soon as it was announced.

As fun as every bout has been, Kendrick's use of psychology and dirty tactics gave this contest a different feel than anything else we have seen in the CWC. Only Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa matched the level of drama in this one.

Kendrick expertly targeted Ibushi's neck, which Bryan and Ranallo were quick to point out was surgically repaired and a possible weak spot.

Despite throwing everything he had at his opponent, Kendrick came up short after Ibushi hit the Golden Star Powerbomb for the win.

As the two embraced after the match, you could hear the emotion in Bryan's voice as he talked about watching one of his best friends put on three incredible performances in this tournament.

Grade: A+

Notes and Highlights

• Bryan has done a better job putting over Kendrick on commentary than WWE did during his first and second runs with the company.
• Ibushi's Pele kick while Kendrick was on the top turnbuckle was great, but his German suplex from the second rope was even better.
• Ibushi is an incredible wrestler, but he needed someone on Kendrick's level to show the world what he was truly capable of.

Final Thoughts

Once the show had ended and Corey Graves signed off for the team, we got to see an extra few moments in the ring with Kendrick.

He was brought to tears by the crowd's appreciative "Thank you, Brian" chants, but the waterworks didn't stop there. Bryan got up from the commentary table and hugged Kendrick as tears flowed down both of their faces.

Bryan has mentioned numerous times throughout the tournament how they broke into the business together by training at Shawn Michaels' wrestling school and their competitive friendship while living together.

The moment at the end of the show clearly wasn't planned. This was two men who have been up and down the road together having a real moment in the ring.

This whole tournament has been outstanding, but this episode stands out from the rest. Both matches could have stolen the show at any WWE pay-per-view, and the emotional moment at the end was the perfect way to cap off the night.

The video featured above shows the two men reuniting backstage for more man-tears and hugging. Where's Bayley when you need her?

What did you think of this week's episode of the Cruiserweight Classic?

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