WWE have announced a Global Cruiserweight Series, which will see WWE inviting thirty-two (32) wrestlers from around the world (who weigh less than 205lbs [14.643 stone]) to compete against each other for 10 weeks to determine the best cruiserweight in the world, in a show that will be aired exclusively on the WWE Network.

In an interview with Scott Fishman on Channel Guide Magazine, Triple H confirmed that WWE are looking everywhere, including talent not contracted to WWE, stating “A lot of times, in the past, we’ve operated on ‘you either work for WWE or you didn’t work for WWE.

“I think with something like this, we’re opening it up a bit more. We are going to allow these guys to come in. I’m not just trying to find the cruiserweights that are the obvious ones. I think those guys will be there, the top guys in the world. But I’m trying to find the undiscovered diamonds someplace else that will blow people’s minds; someone who maybe hasn’t gotten the opportunity yet to be seen.

“When we say 32, we’re looking at every corner of the world. I have Regal out there in every corner of the globe trying to find not only the ones who people are aware are the best, but others who nobody is aware of quite yet. We want to put them in this and let’s see what they can do.”

While Triple H doubts that someone under contract with New Japan Pro Wrestling would be likely to be able to compete, he states that he is open to working with other promotions, specifically mentioning EVOLVE (which he visited the day before the Royal Rumble), PROGRESS and Rev-Pro.

The first episode of the Cruiserweight Series is set to air at 2am BST (GMT+1, 9pm ET) on 13^th July on the WWE Network.