As of writing, it has still not been confirmed about Neville's future in the WWE. The King of the Cruiserweights has been absent from the last few episodes of Raw and his return is unlikely. His departure leaves 205 Live with a big gap to fill.
In Neville's absence, WWE has moved ahead with Enzo Amore as the focal point of the division. He is a temporary fix and may not be able to carry the division on his shoulder for a long time. Eventually, WWE will have to replace Neville as he was the MVP of the Cruiserweight Division and replacing him would be a huge task for WWE.
With a plethora of talent available, WWE could attempt to fill the void created by Neville's departure. Here we take a look at five NXT superstars who can make the jump to the 205 live division.
New Champs in WWE! More RIGHT HERE
#5 Hideo Itami
Kenta Kobayashi signed with WWE NXT in 2014 under the ring name 'Hideo Itami' which means 'Hero of Pain'.
The Japanese Superstar was destined for big things in NXT, but injuries have derailed his career. A shoulder injury kept him out for a year and then a neck injury upon his return ruled him out for several months.
Itami is now back with NXT and was involved in the NXT Championship feud with Bobby Roode, but lost that feud, but is slowly working his way up the roster. Itami has the potential to be the face of the division. He is capable of replacing Neville on the 205 live roster and can deliver fantastic matches with the current 205 live stars.
The creator of the GTS, is one feisty customer in the ring and it would be interesting if WWE plays off the real animosity between Punk and Itami over the finisher's use.
#4 Johnny Gargano
At NXT Takeover: Chicago, Tommaso Ciampa turned on his teammate, Johnny Gargano. It was one of the most shocking moments of the year. The duo was collectively known as #DIY and even won the NXT 2016 Match of the year award for their match against The Revival.
A one-time tag team champion with Ciampa, Johnny Gargano has already made a big name in NXT. He is determined to succeed as a singles competitor and has reiterated his desire to be Johnny Wrestling again, which, according to him is not just a name but a state of mind that constantly reminds him of who he is.
Gargano was a participant in the Cruiserweight Classic tournament where he was eliminated by the eventual winner TJ Perkins in the second round of the competition. Therefore, a move to 205 Live makes sense which will be perfect for Gargano, as he will be able to showcase his skills and be the face of the division.
#3 Tommaso Ciampa
After a short failed stint, Thomas Whitney was released from WWE in 2007. Consequently, he tried his luck in the independent circuit and made a name for himself in Ring of Honor. He came back to WWE as Tommaso Ciampa and began his journey in NXT.
Ciampa was the one-half of #DIY. He has a long history with Johnny Gargano, whether it is teaming up with him at the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic or fighting against him in the Cruiserweight Classic tournament or even forming a tag team with him to compete for the NXT tag titles.
While Gargano returned to NXT after the break up of #DIY, Ciampa is still sitting on the sidelines waiting for his knee to heal up from the anterior cruciate ligament he suffered.
Once he is healthy again, Ciampa may follow Gargano to 205 Live as the rivalry between the two is yet to be explored. The 205 Live division needs a villain like Ciampa, who can follow in the footsteps of Neville.
#2 Lio Rush
The latest NXT acquisition is only 22 years of age. Lio Rush has recently made the switch to WWE.
He won the Ring of Honor Top Prospect Tournament in 2016 and has also held the Combat Zone Wrestling Heavyweight Championship. Rush is known for his daredevil creativity and unbelievable resilience.
It may be too soon for Lio Rush to make a switch from NXT to 205 Live, but given his speed and athleticism, WWE may be tempted to move him to the Cruiserweight division. He may face difficulties at the start, but given his talent, he will make a name for himself in WWE.
#1 Pete Dunne
The runner-up of the WWE United Kingdom Championship tournament and the current United Kingdom Champion, Pete Dunne, is only 23 years of age. Despite being so young, Dunne already has experience of 11 years under his belt.
The English wrestler, known by the nickname 'Bruiserweight', is also the current Destiny World Wrestling Champion.
Pete Dunne is the kind of villain that 205 Live needs. He has a habit of attacking anyone who stands between him and whatever prize he has his sights set on. His move to 205 live can bring unpredictability to the division. He can be at the centre of random attacks and destruction to other members of 205 Live.
Dunne also competes on the independent circuit in Europe and occasionally in the United States and is a one-time Progress World Champion. A move to 205 Live may need Dunne to focus all his attention on WWE. It will be a coup for the Cruiserweight Division, if Dunne signs for them.