5 Best WWE Cruiserweights of 2018

#1. Mustafa Ali

Source: wwe.com

The Heart of 205 Live was more than a nickname for Mustafa Ali. Despite failing to capture the Cruiserweight Championship, Ali proved to be one of the best in-ring performers on the brand, as well as one of its most popular. Starting the year as an underdog in the Cruiserweight Championship Tournament, Mustafa found himself at WrestleMania, in the tournament's finals against Cedric Alexander.

He then competed in a trilogy of non-title matches against Buddy Murphy, all of which were well received. His performances as the babyface in peril against Murphy's juggernaut heel made the former police officer arguably the most popular characters on the purple brand.

After winning a feud against Hideo Itami, Ali reignited his rivalry with Buddy Murphy, challenging him for the title at Survivor Series. Despite losing, Ali put on one of the best performances on the show, whipping a seemingly uninterested crowd into a frenzy by the end.

Possibly as a reward for his showing, Mustafa is now a member of the SmackDown Live roster. He made his debut against WWE Champion Daniel Bryan, and it appears he may start 2019 in a feud for the Championship, potentially with a match at the Royal Rumble.

Though he did not hold a title this year, 2018 was undoubtedly the Year of Mustafa Ali.