10 Iconic WWE Hardcore 24/7 Title Defences
3. WrestleMania X8 Scramble
Date: 17 March 2002
Location: SkyDome, Toronto
Weapons Used: Gold trash can lids, golf cart, tyre, metal shutter, frying pan, stable door
The chaos of WrestleMania X8 epitomised the Hardcore division. In the middle of a sanctioned Hardcore Championship match between Maven and Goldust, Spike Dudley took advantage of both competitors simultaneously knocking each other out with gold trash can lids. Spike pinned Maven to become the new Hardcore Champion.
Both match participants pursued Spike, joined by Crash Holly, and later by Al Snow and Teddy Long in a golf cart. Spike managed to survive mere mortals until WWE’s resident superhero The Hurricane swung in on a rope, delivered a kick, and scored a three count.
The Hurricane’s first task as Hardcore Champion was to answer Jonathan Coachman’s grilling about the Godfather’s escorts, forcing The Hurricane to deny being a “Hurri-Perv”. The Hurricane’s sidekick, Mighty Molly, came to his defence suggesting they escape on the Hurri-Cycle (the superhero gimmick was never subtle). However, Mighty Molly showed shades of her future heel persona hitting her superhero mentor with a frying pan. The sidekick stepped out of the shadows to become the new Hardcore Champion.
Molly’s reign wouldn’t last long. Christian took advantage of her 24/7 paranoia, blasting her with the top section of a stable door. He scored the pin and a title win. Christian did the sensible thing and called a taxi but showboating gave Maven the opportunity to roll Christian up for the three count. Maven stole both the belt and Christian’s taxi.
Result: Despite the chaos and title changes Maven begins and leaves WrestleMania as the Hardcore Champion.