10 Mistakes WWE Must Not Repeat In 2017
7. The Universal Title's Lack Of Prestige
The introduction of the Universal Title was met with much cynicism.
The decision to leave the Big Gold Belt in the bin was a sound one - it had developed an unrecoverable midcard stigma - but the on-the-nose name of its successor raised some eyebrows. So, too, did the garish and unoriginal colour scheme, but inaugural champion Finn Bálor furnished it with importance in a gutsy and novel performance at SummerSlam. That match should have gone on last. Positioning it in the midcard hardly established it as a main event prize.
Regrettably, he had to forfeit it - and since then, Universal Title matches have been plagued by chicanery. Kevin Owens' reliance on interference is crucial to his character - but to establish the prestige of the title, WWE should have promoted a babyface to enjoy a lengthy reign in Bálor's absence. Draped across Owens' shoulder, it more resembles a prop than an achievement. He isn't sullying its reputation, and creating clamour for his losing it, because it doesn't yet possess that reputation.
To properly position the Universal Title as an elite accomplishment, WWE should ensure that the match contested for it at WrestleMania goes on last.