10 Biggest Wrestling Controversies Of 2016

10. The WWE United Kingdom Championship

Nobody saw the introduction of the WWE United Kingdom Championship coming. Over the weekend of January 14th and 15th, WWE will crown the inaugural champion in a single-elimination tournament...but how sound of an idea is it?

Very recent history shows that WWE's decision to create sub-divisions within its roster is a dubious approach. The Cruiserweights are almost defined by irrelevance - but they, at least, have the benefit of an inherently exciting and enduring style. With no marketable hook for viewers outside of the UK, the likes of Tyler Bate et al. are in danger of becoming even more marginalised. Is Jack Gallagher a Cruiserweight, or a contender for the UK Title? In either event, he's far from WWE Heavyweight Title contention.

Ultimately, the general feeling among the wrestlers themselves - if social media is any indication - has been positive. That has to be considered the most reliable barometer. Never has there been a more direct pipeline to WWE proper. That is a good thing; for years, the efforts of several exciting British talents have been unjustly ignored. And obviously, if a star within this new UK division becomes popular enough, they will transcend those niche confines.

Again, though, WWE's answer to too much wrestling is to give us yet more wrestling. Will enough people care - or have time to care - for this division to become relevant?

Authored by Michael Sidgwick

Contributor

Michael Sidgwick (Creative Writing BA Hons) is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over a decade of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential UK institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!

Posted On: 20th Dec 2016

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