History Lesson: WCW Womens Cruiserweight

 

It's not widely known but back in 1997 WCW attempted to get serious about the women's division. Honestly even in trying to build it up, they half-assed it like WCW was known for. The company partnered with the all-female Japanese promotion GAEA Japan for a new tournament. A tournament that would crown the first WCW Womens Crusierweight Champion.

Only thing is there was zero hype behind it. A tournament was held in April of 1997 with exactly four participants, all from GAEA. Which there is nothing wrong with that, except WCW fans weren't familiar with the wrestlers. So instantly there is no connection to the tournament participants.

The next thing WCW did that was asinine, was the entire tournament aired on WCW Main Event. A C level show that aired on Saturday mornings at the time. 

The eventual winner ended up being Toshie Uematsu, defeating Malia Hosaka. And then the title disappeared, and was defended for a brief time in Japan. Until being retired a year later in April of 1998.

This was a golden opportunity alongside the men's cruiserweight division, to stand out. It could have potentially widened the gap between WCW and WWF, and strengthen the company as WWF was on their heels.

 Unfortunately WCW was just too short sighted and wasted everyone's time, and a golden opportunity.