WWE has introduced a new 24/7 Championship title. The belt can be challenged for any time and any place. Wrestlers from the entire WWE roster are eligible to vie for it, including Raw, SmackDown, 205 Live, NXT and NXT UK.
WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley unveiled the new title on Monday’s Raw. The crowd’s reaction to the belt was mixed, at best. Foley announced the first champion would be crowned later in the show in a scramble match.
Titus O’Neil was first to claim the new prize, but was later pinned on the stage by Robert Roode. The title would change hands once again later in the show, with R-Truth sneak attacking Roode backstage to leave Raw as the 24/7 Champion.
WWE’s New 24/7 Championship
When this announcement was first made, there was a wide range of speculation including WWE bringing back the Hardcore Title due to Foley being a big part of that title back in the Attitude Era. He introduced the now-defunct Hardcore Championship in 1998. The other speculation was an introduction of a Legends Title.
While it’s not the old WWE Hardcore Title, it will feature aspects of the title as it can be defended anywhere, at any time, on any brand. The original Hardcore Title had a 24/7 rule that was introduced once Crash Holly captured the strap.
This allows for title defenses and changes take place in all sorts of locations and for title changes on WWE TV and live events. WWE got rid of the title in October 2002 where it was unified into the Intercontinental Championship.
It’s no secret that WWE is looking to boost ratings and this appears to be their latest attempt to get some more eyes on their flagship show. It will be interesting to see the viewership numbers for this show as historically, post-pay-per-view shows of RAW tend to increase.
What are your thoughts on WWE creating this championship belt? Did you hope for WWE to bring back a retro title? Sound off in the comment section.
