WCW was going through a tumultuous period in the year 2000. As discussed in the intro, their World Championship changed hands 25 times in the course of that one year. However, nearly all of the championships would suffer similar fate, being passed around like hot potatoes. For example, the WCW Hardcore Championship -- which was introduced in November of 1999 and was retired on January 21, 2001 -- changed hands 19 times before its deactivation. 17 of those status changes, including when the championship was vacated, occurred in the year 2000. With so many title change taking place, it was inevitable that someone would win it in a fluke. Well, on June 5th -- less than six months after the titles creation -- none other than Eric Bischoff won the gold. With the help of the Mamalukes -- Big Vito and Johnny Stamboli -- Bischoff was able to defeat the hardcore legend, Terry Funk. Eric did the right thing and awarded WCWs already less-than-prestigious -- Hardcore title to the Mamalukes during the next nights Thunder taping. Thankfully, fans were spared the sight of Eazy E defending the title in wild brawls -- thats what possibly the greatest WCW Hardcore Champion ever, Screamin Norman Smiley, was for.
Douglas Scarpa is a freelance writer, independent filmmaker, art school graduate, and pro wrestling aficionado -- all of which mean he is in financial ruin. He has no backup plan to speak of, yet maintains his abnormally high spirits. If he had only listened to the scorn of his childhood teachers, he wouldn't be in this situation.
Eric did the right thing and awarded WCWs already less-than-prestigious -- Hardcore title to the Mamalukes during the next nights Thunder taping. Thankfully, fans were spared the sight of Eazy E defending the title in wild brawls -- thats what possibly the greatest WCW Hardcore Champion ever, Screamin Norman Smiley, was for.