10 Awesome Ways Wrestling Champions Elevated Titles

7. Crash Holly: Took The Hardcore Title 24/7

Tommaso Ciampa
WWE.com

It's easy to be cynical about the Hardcore Championship and its legacy - too easy, in fact. This is understandable. The belt was introduced as a bribe, after all, with Vince McMahon gifting it to Mankind provided he agreed to interfering in a bout between The Rock and Ken Shamrock. Its title history includes such luminaries as Shawn Stasiak, Pete Gas, and, ahem "Godfather's Hoe." Wrestlers would routinely win the belt then drop it seconds later. Stevie Richards held it 21 times though his average reign lasted less than two days. The list goes on.

Regardless, the belt never felt more important than when it was in Crash Holly's possession. Introducing the 24/7 rule turned the strap into an awesome midcard attraction that gave purpose to dozens of wrestlers who'd have had none without it. Daft, comedic scenes like amusement park brawls played out weekly. It was a hoot, a riot, and indeed, a clear elevation for a belt considered a joke beforehand.

Was the Hardcore Title ever a legitimate money-drawing prize? Probably not, but the excitement and unpredictability of the 24/7 rule made it fun.

 
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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.