10 Ways The WWE Title Can Rebuild Its Tarnished Legacy

7. Play Hot Potato

Jinder Mahal
WWE

Hot-shotting title belts is a divisive tactic that, in the hands of a careless booker, can greatly diminish a championship's prestige and credibility (along with the wrestlers'). We've seen its damage with the Cruiserweight and Raw Tag Team Titles this year, but playing hot potato isn't always destructive. When the story is strong and people genuinely care about the participants, multiple title changes within a short period of time can actually elevate the gold, adding a new level of excitement to the feud in question.

It worked for Sasha Banks and Charlotte with the Raw Women's Title last year and for the recent New Day vs. Usos tag feud. There's no reason to believe it can't do the same for SmackDown's top prize.

Jinder Mahal's reign has lasted five months, but it feels closer to five years. A three/four-month game of hot potato would help break the monotony, reshuffle the deck, and create a main event scene that feels fluid, dynamic, and interesting for the first time since last summer.

WWE need to pick the right participants, though. Do this with Jinder Mahal and Randy Orton and the belt's reputation will fall apart. Do it with AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura, however, and it will soar once more.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.