Why WWE Should Bring Back European Title
Is now the time to resurrect the European title, ten years after WWE retired it?
WWE retired The European Title in 2002 when Rob Vam Dam defeated Jeff Hardy in a ladder match to unify it with the Intercontinental title. During the belts lifetime, which began in 1997, many questioned its relevance. If it was there to promote European talent, then it failed as only 2 of the 28 champions were actually European. The late British Bulldog was the inaugural champion, while William Regal won the belt a record four times. In fairness to the WWE, there wasnt a great deal of continental talent on the roster. Nonetheless, if the WWE was trying to give European fans a greater sense of importance, then they failed in that too. A belt that was born in Berlin died in Michigan while only three of the 36 title changes having happened on European soil. However if its purpose was to help superstars launch their careers, then this was something it achieved. The likes of Triple H, Chris Jericho, Kurt Angle and Christian won it on route to becoming World Champions. Today, however, the WWE has the chance to bring back the belt and rejuvenate it. If done cleverly, they can embolden their European fanbase and use the belts career development capacity at the same time. At present the company arguably has its strongest ever pool of European talent. This includes Sheamus, Wade Barrett, Santino Marella, Drew McIntyre, Mason Ryan and Antonio Cesaro while William Regal still straps up occasionally. Of these men, only Sheamus has held World Title Gold, and is incidentally the current World Champion. However if the European title is brought back, it could provide a huge boost for one of his European counterparts. But it would be wrong to suggest that only Europeans should hold the belt. Having the title won by non-Europeans would set-up mouthwatering feuds. Fans might remember the chaotic atmosphere when Shawn Michaels defeated Davey Boy Smith for the title in Birmingham. Fast forward to today and imagine someone like the All-American American defeating Wade Barrett for the title in Manchester or London. . .it would fuel some intriguing television. Furthermore, the WWE now tours Europe with greater frequency than when the title existed. At the time Europeans were treated to house shows, while the UK staged exclusive pay-per-views that had little impact on major story-lines. Today however Europe regularly hosts Raw and Smackdown in addition to house shows in less traditional WWE destinations like Russia, France and Italy. Having the title change hands on the continent will certainly embolden the fans in a hugely profitable market for the company. Net revenue for Europe, Middle East & Africa was $18 million in the first quarter of 2012 thats just over one fifth of the companys total figure. Whether the WWE will ever bring back the title is questionable. For those hoping it happens, they can take solace from it being featured in the WWE 12 videogame. At the very least thats proof the belt still remains in the thoughts of the WWE brass.