10 DUMB WWE Title Changes (We Didn't Want To Admit Were GENIUS!)
1. Bob Backlund (1994)
Get your jokes in now about crusty old-timey star Bob Backlund winning the WWF Title during 'New Generation' hype in 1994. In fairness, Bob had struck gold as an out of touch old warhorse who hated all these new fangled wrestlers with their merchandise and flashy gimmicks. The man was literally ideal for the role.
He hadn't been panning out as a babyface anyway. Fans thought Backlund was a boots n' tights bore, and no amount of epic performances in Royal Rumble matches could change that. Flipping the script and going from happy-go-lucky retro baby to delusional but successful and dangerous heel was the right call.
Even so, most grumbled when Bob beat Bret Hart at Survivor Series '94.
It was one of the most implausible title switches ever, but it worked a treat. Owen Hart got to look like a despicable brother screwing over Bret, then new monster Diesel crushed Backlund on a house show to win the belt a few days later. This was win-win for everybody.
What other "dumb" WWE Title changes had hidden genius? For more wrestling, check out 15 Things We Learned From Vince McMahon's Docuseries On Netflix and 10 DUMB WWE Booking Decisions (We Didn't Want To Admit Were GENIUS!)!