Which WWE Legend Wasn't Fond Of Custom Title Belts?
"I don't think it was appropriate".
Jim Ross said on the latest episode of his 'Grilling JR' podcast that he was never keen on customised World Title belts during his time in WWE.
This is something the company has done numerous times over the years. Steve Austin had his 'Smoking Skull' title, John Cena had his 'Spinner' variant, and others like Edge and Daniel Bryan have personalised the belts to suit their characters.
JR isn't a fan.
The industry legend told co-host Conrad Thompson that he understands why the promotion do it (to sell replicas, bump merchandise sales and make money), but that he doesn't think it's "appropriate". Ross is an old-schooler, so he likely doesn't love the thought of championships being treated like toys. That's fair enough.
Jim did make sure to say that WWE "didn't run anybody off" by switching up the design of their most important title. At the same time though, he just couldn't get on board with the gimmicky feel.
His dislike was never a personal thing against Cena (who was the focus of this week's podcast) - JR didn't like good pal Steve Austin's 'Smoking Skull' either.