10 Iconic WWE Hardcore 24/7 Title Defences
7. Bradshaw Outta Nowhere
Date: 15 July 2002
Location: Eric Bischoff’s office, Continental Airlines Arena, New Jersey
Weapons Used: None required
Sometimes brutal simplicity is hardcore enough. Long forgotten WWE and WCW Hardcore Champion Johnny Stamboli, whose obsession with leather extended to his bucket hat, bragged to Eric Bischoff about taking the Hardcore Championship from Bradshaw earlier that evening. After thanking the Raw General Manager for the “opportunity”, Stamboli received a stock inspirational speech and a handshake. Neither man would get to exchange further pleasantries.
Bradshaw flew at Stamboli with a Clothesline From Hell. His fist missed Bischoff’s face by inches. Referee Charles Robinson almost provided a traditional hardcore moment when he tripped over Stamboli’s leg during the pin. Robinson managed to gain composure dangerously close to a glass table. Bradshaw would rename the title the WWE Texas Hardcore Championship for the duration of his seven-day reign.
Result: Bradshaw became Hardcore Champion taking it back from the “punk ass” who stole it from him.