Welcome to another edition of Triple Threat from Smark Out Moment, where three of us get together to discuss three questions based on one big topic going down in the week of professional wrestling.
This week, Dallas Allsopp, Greg Coleman and Robert DeFelice discuss the WWE 24/7 Championship being deactivated this week.
Question 1: What are your thoughts on WWE deactivating the WWE 24/7 Championship?
ALLSOPP: I hated how it appeared initially to be a pale imitation of the WWE Hardcore Championship. But oh my days how bad has it been?!? The title was an out and out joke, even when used as a Social Media tool or when held by someone competent. A solid and intimidating wrestler akin to Braun Strowman, Omos, or even Kevin Owens could have used the title as a vehicle to keep themselves relevant, whilst making the title mean something. But alas, it was a joke, and I will absolutely not miss anything about it's so called 'legacy'.
COLEMAN: I’m all for it. The 24/7 Title was a fun gimmick while it lasted but it jumped the shark years ago when everybody started winning it.
DeFELICE: "Alexa, play 'About Damn Time' by Lizzo."
When the WWE 24/7 Championship was first introduced, I was actually very excited about it. I'm always up for anything that gets more talent on the roster utilized and featured positions. However, through the years, they really did their best to make that title feel like it was meant to be less than the gum on your shoe. Over the months since Vince McMahon retired, there was a direct and evident lack of focus on the championship and I think that Nikki Cross trashing it in order to establish a more serious side of her personality was a perfect way to end the legacy of a title that never really knew what it wanted to be to begin with.
Question 2: Do you think anyone was truly elevated by the title?
COLEMAN: R-Truth for sure! Truth did some of the best work of his career as the 24/7 Champion and cemented himself as one of the most entertaining pro wrestlers in wrestling history. The 24/7 Title took Truth from Hall of Fame worthy to Hall of Fame.
DeFELICE: I actually think plenty of people were elevated by the championship. This title will forever be tied to the legacy of R-Truth. I think that it gave the quartet of Dana Brooke, Reggie, Tamina Snuka, and Akira Tozawa featured positions that they ran with for several months. Sometimes, that's all wrestling is about. Maximize your minutes and make the most of whatever opportunity is handed to you. I think several Superstars did that when it comes to the 24/7 Championship. In addition to that, it also gave several legends, referees, and celebrities something to have fun with during House shows, one-off appearances, and legacy shows.
ALLSOPP: R-Truth earns a Hall of Fame spot for his reigns alone, but really, Dana Brooke was both made and broken by the title. She had the first ounce of attention to her character in years, which is a plus. However, she did nothing with the belt, so it's not a true elevation. But she is the closest for me.
Question 3: Is there room in modern day WWE for a wacky style of Championship?
DeFELICE: Yes. There is room for something less traditional, but it also needs to be taken seriously it can't be 100% a goof. There is room for an alternate-style championship. Something more akin to a Hardcore Championship even though I think you will need to come up with something more clever as opposed to using that terminology in 2022. I would even be open to a straight-up intergender championship or something that would allow for a unique flavor of ice cream in the Baskin-Robbins that is WWE. However, the WWE 24/7 Championship was never meant to be it and it was meant to be taken as a joke from day one.
ALLSOPP: I am going to side with Rob over Greg here - there is 110% a place for a WWE Gimmick Championship that stays from the norm. WWE would be foolish to chase the days of the WWE Hardcore Championship, but they would be well suited to implement something along the lines of a Pure Wrestling Championship, an Iron Man Championship contested in 15 / 20 minute contests, or even a Battle Royal Championship. Something that gives lower card wrestlers airtime and opportunities to progress up the card. Just stay the hell away from Brawl for All!!!
COLEMAN: Absolutely not! With realistic presentation in pro wrestling becoming the standard in more promotions, having a title dedicated purely to comedic and entertainment value makes you look a little less than in your presentation even if you are the industry leader. The 24/7 Title was fun while it lasted but it’s been time to move on from it.
Those are our thoughts on the issue, but where do you stand?
Let us know your answers to these questions in the comments below!
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