10 Biggest Wrestling Belt Controversies
2. Shane Douglas Throws Down NWA Traditions
On 27 August 1994, young workhorse Shane Douglas won the NWA World Championship after beating 2 Cold Scorpio in the finals of an eight-man, one night tournament. Unbeknownst to members of the National Wrestling Alliance, Douglas was about to usher in a new era and change industry history forever.
Mid-way through his victory speech, Shane tossed the NWA Title to the ground, said he wasn't interested in representing it and then proclaimed the ECW Title a belt worth holding. Onlookers were stunned, and Douglas would later describe the incident as the "defining moment" of his entire career.
Traditions, be damned.
NWA board member (and former President) Dennis Coralluzzo said Douglas' actions were disgraceful after the event and announced he'd be stripped of the title. Shane didn't care, and neither did ECW. Two nights later, promoter Tod Gordon revealed that Eastern Championship Wrestling would withdraw from the NWA and be rebranded Extreme Championship Wrestling.