Customized championships are nothing new in today's wrestling. John Cena has personalized two championships, much like Stone Cold Steve Austin before him. The current incarnation of the WWE title has removable side plates that can be changed to give the championship a more personal feel. The last 15 years wasn't the first time a title essentially belonged to one person, however. After Hulk Hogan's famous 1984 WWE title victory over The Iron Sheik, the WWE decided to update the look of their championship. The former title presented a clunky look, heavy on side plates and featuring an unusual green strap. With the expansion of the company to a worldwide product, the WWE wanted a title in which reflected that. The title had a much more simple, elegant look than it's predecessors, and as it turns out was only ever worn by Hulk Hogan. In 1988, shortly before Hogan lost the title to Andre the Giant, the title was switched to the classic "Winged Eagle" title in which was featured for the next 8 years. Due to this, Hogan was the first wrestler in WWE's worldwide era to have a personal title, albeit unintended.
Sean Ross Sapp, 28, is a convergent media major at Morehead State University, and a news/feature writer for RantSports and WhatCulture. Before taking a managerial role for the Kraken Fight Team, Sapp was a two-time submission wrestling medalist in the region. He is also a contributor to Bill Apter's 1Wrestling.com, and an editor for Cage Passion Sports. He has also published over 300 articles for Fansided. You can contact Sean Ross Sapp for news tips and radio appearances at SeanRossSapp@gmail.com
