10 Iconic WWE Hardcore 24/7 Title Defences
6. In Dreams
Date: 16 May 2000
Location: Joe Louis Arena, Detroit
Weapons Used: None required
Although the Hardcore Championship would have been a better fit around the waist of ECW Hardcore icon The Sandman, Gerald Brisco won his first Hardcore Championship by imitating the folkloric Sandman, visiting Crash Holly while he slept. Wrestling’s most pleasant title loss required an excess suspension of disbelief even by pro-wrestling’s usual standards.
Gerald Brisco, like many of the key players in the Hardcore Championship picture, provided many standout comedy moments. He began this title attempt by explaining to the referee how to count a pin “as quiet as a church mouse”, pretty much just standard in-ring refereeing with a little less pizazz.
The referee followed Brisco’s lead, creeping in through the APA’s freestanding office door, rather than walk around it. On the other side, Crash slept on the floor with his case as a pillow. However, the APA’s office only provided sanctuary when Faarooq and Bradshaw were on duty.
To Crash’s credit, Brisco’s first attempt at a one finger pin failed. The second did the job. Brisco’s silent celebration was interrupted when the referee knocked over a steel chair; a noise more like a sewer rat in a drainpipe than a church mouse. Crash woke and the chase renewed.
Result: Gerald Brisco fled as Hardcore Champion, entered the title race, and set in motion the infamous Hardcore Evening Gown match.