The world of professional wrestling has been grappling with a pressing issue for years – the proliferation of championships across various promotions. The recent trend of multiple titles per promotion has sparked a heated debate, with some arguing it adds depth and interest to the sport, while others claim it dilutes the prestige of the championships. Longtime wrestling historian and manager Jim Cornette recently weighed in on the topic, sharing his thoughts on the matter in an episode of The Jim Cornette Experience.
AEW’s Championship Quagmire
As fans witnessed the Worlds End pay-per-view, a tournament final between Eddie Kingston and Jon Moxley was touted as the main event. However, the actual championship match featured a different storyline altogether – two women, Yuka Sakurai and Skye Blue, vying for the Women’s World Championship. This peculiar arrangement has sparked criticism, with many questioning the logic behind it.
“It’s gotten to the point where it’s almost impossible to keep track of who’s got what title,” Cornette said during the episode, his frustration palpable. “Everybody’s got a belt, and it doesn’t add any more significance to the championships. In fact, it’s the opposite – it makes them seem less important.”
WWE’s Approach: A Different Model?
While AEW’s championship landscape has been under intense scrutiny, WWE has adopted a more streamlined approach to its title scene. The company has maintained a relatively stable roster of championships, with each one carrying significant weight and prestige. However, some argue that this may be due to the sheer size and complexity of WWE’s roster, rather than a deliberate attempt to avoid the chaos that has enveloped AEW.
“A WWE insider revealed to me that the company’s approach to championships is rooted in a desire to maintain a clear hierarchy,” a source close to the matter shared. “By limiting the number of titles, WWE aims to create a more defined pecking order, making it easier for fans to understand and follow the storylines.”
Impact on Storytelling and Roster Management
The proliferation of championships has also led to concerns about the impact on storytelling and roster management. With so many titles available, it becomes increasingly difficult to craft compelling narratives and create a sense of urgency around each championship.
“Imagine if every movie had 10 different plotlines and 50 different heroes,” Cornette said, extending the analogy to wrestling storylines. “It would be impossible to keep track of what’s happening and who’s who. That’s what’s happening in professional wrestling right now.”
The Future of Championships in WWE
As the wrestling world continues to grapple with the challenges posed by multiple championships, WWE finds itself in a unique position. With a more streamlined approach to titles, the company may be better equipped to navigate the complexities of the current landscape.
“Sources close to WWE’s creative team suggest that the company is exploring ways to incorporate more traditional championship structures, while still catering to the evolving tastes of its audience,” a source revealed. “It’s a delicate balance, but one that could pay dividends in the long run.”
Conclusion
The issue of championship overload is far from resolved, and it remains to be seen whether WWE and other promotions will adopt more streamlined approaches to their title scenes. As the wrestling world continues to navigate this complex issue, one thing is clear: the debate will continue to rage on, with passionate arguments on both sides. For now, it seems that WWE’s more traditional approach to championships may be the key to a brighter future – but only time will tell if this is a recipe for success or a recipe for disaster.