*MERGED* [OFFICIAL] WWE Title Unification/Possible Brand Unification Discussion

[IrishCanadian25]

Here's what I look at with the WWE potentially making this move:

1. New Belts = New Merchandise.

We saw it with the new unified tag belts. New belts means new merch hits the toy stores and WWEShop.com. Simple enough.

2. Wrestlemania.

A WWE Champion vs World Champion main event unifying the titles may potentially be the biggest main event in Wrestlemania history. If it indeed takes place at the next Wrestlemania, it will be even more interesting to see if The Undertaker - streak and all - is involved, or if Taker's quest for his next win at the big event will play 2nd fiddle to the title vs title match. Either way, that match could be the biggest since Hogan / Warrior.

3. Distribution of Talent.

Here's the REAL kicker. Less titles = less talent with belts. No more of this BS with Jack Swagger receiving untimely title runs for no apparent reason other than to throw the fans a curve ball. No more "lets put the title on him and see if he can run with it." No more "well, it's okay if that diva can't wrestle, there's another title..."

You have to really look at who your top-title contenders are, who your mid-card title contenders are, and you your non contenders are. Let's flash forward to next year's SummerSlam. Here's how I see it breaking down:

World Title Contenders: John Cena, Randy Orton, Edge, Sheamus, Drew McIntyre, The Miz.

This is written with the assumptions that: Undertaker, Great Khali, Chris Jericho, Kane, and Triple H will either have retired or be on their way out of permanent contention, and that Miz and McIntyre will have been selected to move up the ladder. MAYBE Wade Barrett is given that rub, and with the momentum he is building, MAYBE Alberto del Rio is as well.

Mid-Card Title Contenders: Daniel Bryan, John Morrison, Jack Swagger, Kofi Kingston, Evan Bourne, Dolph Ziggler, Justin Gabriel, Wade Barrett, Alberto del Rio, Mark Henry, R-Truth, Ted DiBiase, Zack Ryder, CM Punk, Christian, Cody Rhodes, Joey Mercury, Luke Gallows, MVP, Kaval, Mike Henning.

Quite a list.

If the WWE listens to the fans and also either reinstates the Cruiserweight Title or comes up with something similar to the X Division Title, you can take out Evan Bourne, Justin Gabriel, Kaval, R-Truth, Zack Ryder, and maybe one or two others to join non-contenders like Yoshi Tatsu.

I would also look for new tag teams to be formed. I think David Otunga and Michael Tarver make a facinating team - and if Teddy Long leaves the GM role of Smackdown, he could even turn them into the next version of Doom.

So many options here, despite fewer options. It also tells me that guys will have to work harder to maintain roster spots and that pressure will be on the older guys to draw or move out of the way.

 

[showstoppaa]

WWE plans to unify all the titles by the end of the year, so this got me thinking, when the mid card titles get unified, wich belt will stay? Both the United States and Intercontinental titles have a good history, so wich belt will stay when they are brought together?

The United States championship is the older title, starting in 1975 (However it has only been in WWE since 2003), Unlike the Intercontinental title wich started in 1979, and has always been in the WWF/E.

I think it will be the Intercontinental title that stays, as it has always been a WWE title, It is also defended more often at this time, amd seems to be more prestigious.

I also think there is a good chance that they will create a new belt, just like what has been done with the tag titles, However I don't know what they would name it. Once all titles are unified, I think Raw will get the world championship, and Smackdown! will get the midcard title, and have it as the top prize on the show.

 

[Miss Flawless]

If they do unify all the titles, and just have one Womans title, one World title, two Tag Team titles (as in one belt for each wrestler) and one mid-card title. I prefer the Intercontinental title to be kept though.

They also need just one brand. Which will be RAW, but they also need to get rid of wrestlers then. That's the only problem. They need to completely change everything about the roster. They need a certain amount of jobbers, mid-carders, main eventers, ect. This will take a while to sort out.

 

[WRESTLINGFREAK]

Vince and the WWE owes absolutely nothing to WCW, a rival company that tried like the devil to put the WWE out of business. Considering that, WWE has done more than enough to honor a dead promotion.

If WCW had won, I fucking promise you that you wouldn't see the WWE title and the Intercontinental title on Nitro, but the WWE has showcased WCW's title as one of it's top two belts and the US title was even given a home in the WWE.
Eric Bischoff, a dipshit dumbfuck ****** with terrible judgement, spent years bad mouthing Vince, only to come to him for a job when all was said and done. And guess what, Vince hired him.

So, WCW has not been pissed on by the WWE, WWE won and still shows good sportsmanship to a long dead promotion. WCW gets showcased more on WWE onDemand than the 'E does for christ sake.

I swear, you guys must want ALL WCW titles in tact, I am sick of hearing about The World Heavyweight having a better history than the WWE title (it doesn't, it just looks cooler), I am sick of hearing about the lack of prestige in the US title (it was never as prestigious as the IC title anyway) and I am sick of hearing people clammer on about that goddamn Cruiserweight title.

It's as if some people would like The WWE to make it: wCw Friday Night Smackdown

YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE SAYING KID, THE U.S. HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE IS WAY MORE PRESTIGEOUS THAN THE IC TITLE, THE IC TITLE HAS BEEN HELD BY MANY LEGENDS BUT ALSO BY MANY FOOLS AND CARTOONS, THE US TITLE INSTEAD HAS BEEN HELD BY TRUE "WRESTLERS" NO SUPERSTARS", TULLY BLANCHARD, MAGNUM T.A., NIKITA, DUSTY RHODES, HARLEY RACE, RIC FLAIR, RICKY STEAMBOAT, WAHOO McDANIEL, HEHHH YOU MAY NOT EVEN KNOW OF WHO IM TALKING ABOUT. and THE NWA WORLD TITLE IS THE MOST PRESTIGEOUS AND HISTORIC IN WRESTLING HISTORY! THE WWE TITLE, IS A MARKET TITLE, NWA? TRUE WRESTING TRADITION.

 

[TheMizardofOzsome]

YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE SAYING KID, THE U.S. HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE IS WAY MORE PRESTIGEOUS THAN THE IC TITLE, THE IC TITLE HAS BEEN HELD BY MANY LEGENDS BUT ALSO BY MANY FOOLS AND CARTOONS, THE US TITLE INSTEAD HAS BEEN HELD BY TRUE "WRESTLERS" NO SUPERSTARS", TULLY BLANCHARD, MAGNUM T.A., NIKITA, DUSTY RHODES, HARLEY RACE, RIC FLAIR, RICKY STEAMBOAT, WAHOO McDANIEL, HEHHH YOU MAY NOT EVEN KNOW OF WHO IM TALKING ABOUT. and THE NWA WORLD TITLE IS THE MOST PRESTIGEOUS AND HISTORIC IN WRESTLING HISTORY! THE WWE TITLE, IS A MARKET TITLE, NWA? TRUE WRESTING TRADITION.

Well that is impressive no need to forget to turn off caps lock man....anywho they should keep the Intercontinental title since it has always been wwe property and because it is on smackdown and they can't get rid of all the titles on smackdown....although that means title wise Smackdown will probably become another ECW...one mid card title that has good feuds but really doesn't mean as much as a World Title

 

[Rusty]

This is possibility the stupidest idea Vince McMahon has made in a very, very long time. I try not to be negative, but I'll admit, when I read this I almost lost complete faith in the WWE.

To be honest, I think unifying the Tag Team titles was a good idea, and the Women's Title unification is also another good idea. Because let's face it, both divisions suck and have very little depth.

But I don't get why the United States and Intercontinental Titles need to be unified. These titles are normally designed around mid-carders, and have helped launched careers in the past. Hell, look at the current holders, The Miz and Dolph Ziggler. These guys have been billed as the future of the damn company.

Having only one of these titles, restricts opportunities for mid-carders. In a time where the WWE is intent and badly needs to push fresh faces, this is a move in the opposite direction. Not to mention, the brand split between Raw and Smackdown. If the Title is switched back and forth between brands, it diminishes the purpose of the brand split, making it almost completely pointless.

But my major concern is unifying the World Titles together. Seriously, this is the worst fucking idea the company could come up with. I'd rather see Chavo Guerrero as the WWE Champion than to see the two world titles become one. Right now, I personally like how the WWE Championship, the title with the most history, most holders, most prestige, is the main title of the company, as it is usually held by a Raw superstar. The World Heavyweight Championship is held by a Smackdown superstar on the 'B' show. This is fitting for the title, as it does have prestige and value, but not as much history as the other World Title. Here's a list of superstars that have held either of these World Title belts within the past six years or so:

CM Punk
Rey Mysterio
Kane
Sheamus
Jack Swagger
Eddie Guerrero
Jeff Hardy
The Great Khali

In my opinion, with the exception of Sheamus probably, I reckon not a single one of those superstars would be called a former World Champion, is there was only one major belt in the company. Because I can already tell you, if there is one major belt in the company, it will be the same main event players feuding over the belt, and new superstars won't be pushed to the top. Undertaker, Randy Orton, Edge, John Cena, and Chris Jericho will be feuding over the belt with each other, over and over again.

In my opinion, Smackdown already sucks. The only real show I have interest in is Raw this year. But if Smackdown had no specific World Champion, I'd have zero interest in watching it. Sure, the less titles the company has, the more they mean. But if the company isn't willing to make the Titles mean anything in the first place, then why get rid of half of them?

Bring back the Cruiserweight Title, bring back the whole division. But keep the Intercontinental, United States, WWE, and World Heavyweight Championship. This is the most important time to push the young guns. The more opportunities these guys have a holding a title, the more chance they have at succeeding as main event player.

For all you smarks out there, John Cena vs. Undertaker doesn't need any title on the line to become the top draw match for Wrestlemania. It speaks for itself.

 

[SickJames]

I must ask for a link to where it was stated that WWE wanted to unify all belts? And must wonder of it's legit and they arent just doing it for some titles. I kinda hate this, but like it.

I think it sucks the Divas Championship has only been around about 3 years and NOW they want to unify it with the Womens title, in that case why even have these things if they are gonna be taken soon? Like this effects more things than have been brought up.

What in the hell is Night of Champions gonna look like now?! I mean it's gonna SUCK!! We will only have 4 damn matches!! So how can anyone seriously support that?! A PPV with 4 matches, WWE title, IC title, Womens title, Tag titles. Come.. on. Those are gonna have to be some looong matches to be a PPV, but with 4 matches?

So in reality if this happens you can mark that PPV off the list. And that sucks because it's a good concept.

Another thing is what's next? Stop the brand split completely? It'd be better with every title unified than having champs be the only ones switching back & forth, with more titles atleast you could just have champs stay put and just have two brands travel seperate making more money.

It just seems eventually they'll have to stop the brand split which means bye bye Bragging Rights PPV which is a good concept. So if this unifying all belts happens expect the brand split to end after Raw wins Bragging Rights or the 3rd annual event where there's a tie breaker. Messed up because it's a good way to promote Smackdown vs Raw



But it WOULD be good to have feuds be fresh having everyone on both brands, but then there's the ppl not getting tv time thing, but there's always Superstars and they do want a Wednesday show which could come in a year or two, so...


Lastly I saw ppl say Cena/Taker for a Mania title unification match. Forget the stars involved for a second, there's a big issue here. What the hell is the Royal Rumble Winner suppose to do? Someone actually suggested put him in the Elimination Chamber, now it would seem more reasonable to have a Triple Threat Match with the RR Winner, World & WWE Champs, but Cena/Taker can stand on it's own so I dont see them being in the same match this coming Mania for that reason, they would have them fight in a non-title match anyway even though signs point to Taker having the belt come Mania it could be taken off him just like that if they wanted to after Survivor Series


And what if a NXT Winner wants to pick Mania for his title defense? then it'd be a Fatal Four Way not a Triple Threat!

And this whole unfication/Mania thing brings me to one last thing actually.


The WWE is set up in every way right now for brand titles it's crazy how many PPVs are gonna be extinct if it happens because you cant have them rock like before with 4 titles, Look at NOC again, 4 matches only= fail. Then Bragging Rights will surely go after an inevitable brand split and then Elimination Chamber will either go or only be highlighted by ONE Elimination Chamber bout and it just doesnt work. You cant have TWO.

And Money in the Bank, sure one would work for one belt like at Mania, but what made that PPV Special is it had TWO MITB Ladder Matches (the whole card was great anyway) and it was nice seeing a red & blue briefcase with two coming cash-ins and we had one that night and still have another that can be cashed in for a Mania match or whatever, but it's better to have 3 than 2 in a year, it gives us that much more to look forward too is all.

Anyway, a lot will change for the worse, so if we get all unified belts PPVs better change for the better to replace the good ones we have cause I just named 4 PPVs that WILL be effected. Also NOC may go because likely all 4 belts will be defended at Mania so bye bye NOC. And it sucks.

But as much as having one WWE World title would make reigns mean more and stop the ridiculous records it COULD be a disaster seeing Cena hog one title or HHH keep going for 3 more and then 1 to tie then beat Flair's record so as much as it stops ppl getting too many reigns too soon, we are in for a few years of hell because HHH & Cena will be the target of everyone's hate concerning the belt if we have only ONE and remember this post if/when it happens

There's good & bad, but more bad then good given that the company has evolved in many aspects to being more brand split/multi-title oriented than non-brand split/less titles

 

[THTRobtaylor]

The idea of the brand extension has, to an extent run its course with Smackdown moving to Syfy... Smackdown now is no longer the draw it once was, otherwise the major players would have taken it... also this has a lot to do with PG WWE... It's easier for kids to relate to "one champ" rather than 2... much like during the 80's...

I agree that it will also put a halt to the ridiculous levels of success some guys have... Edge a 9 or 10 time champ? CM Punk already a 3 or 4 time champ? Seamus already 2? soon you'd have to win 20 titles to even register...

The argument about how it affects PPV's is kinda moot, as one thing already established is that the "new concepts" aren't necessarily pulling in the buys... this is arguably down to the concepts themselves being watered down by having to have one for each brand...

I for one am glad to see the back of 2 brands... it will reset the playing field... sure some talent will inevitably be cut... but thats a small price to pay for what will be a more interesting product... the WWF survived for years with one title and many guys who never got near a title reign... it was far more entertaining than the more recent era cos feuds meant more than a strap that has changed hands so many times...

The titles that are kept will be the original WWE/F ones... the World Heavyweight and US belts are on the outs... just as they should be, the WWE won that war... they have served its purpose... time to cash out on that era all together... it fits with the new logo and focus...

 

[The Wolf]

First off I didnt see any threads yet askin this so if I missed it sorry.

Second it is as simple as the name How should the titles be unified?

We already figured that it will happen at WrestleMania but the winner of the Rumble gets their shot at the grandest stage of them all. So how will they do it?

Personally I would love to see the 2 champions in an Iron Man Match.

That will not be right to the winner of the Rumble so how can they make work where we all win?

 

[The Humz]

The Wolf brings up a good point, they would have to get round the fact the Rumble winner gets the title shot but not so long ago Cena 'cashed in' his Rumble shot at No Way Out, so I could see WWE doing something like that, and in the process degrading the whole point of the Royal Rumble

Anyway, I'm against the unifying of the world titles. Why? The title reigns are short enough as it is and one title between Orton, Triple H and Cena just about worked, imagine throwing Undertaker, Kane, Edge, Jericho, Sheamus, CM Punk, Swagger, The Miz and Big Show into the mix.

Imagine one world belt is put on a safe draw, Cena for instance, WWE knows people will want to buy a PPV to see him. The other belt is used to develop a young guy and make them look important, eg Swagger, CM Punk's first run

 

[Disturbed]

Everybody on here has been talking about how the Royal Rumble match would effect the main event at WrestleMania if it is a unification title Match. So I was thinking what if they made this years Royal Rumble Match for the unified world Title? Then the superstar that wins could feud with the the superstar who got eliminated last. So the last two superstars in the Rumble could feud all the way up untill wretslemania.

I would have Cena win eliminating Orton and set up another feud between the two of them but they could both play the babyface. I'm a huge fan of them unifying the World Titles because I believe the World Title is runner up to the WWE championship so it would bring prestige back to a world title. But I only want one belt not them carring around two because they need a new belt anyway.

So how would you like them doing this at the Rumble?

 

[JBK2008]

The Brand extension was nice and I really hoped it could last, but the plan didn't completely pan out. There's a lot of talent in the WWE, but not enough to hold brands afloat in my opinion. A lot of younger stars got to be on tv and what not, but not everyone can draw. With title unifications coming up, it's time the brands come back together. I mean, Triple H, Edge, Jericho, Taker, Kane, Mysterio and Big Show will more or less all be gone in the next 3 to 5 years. That sounds like a long way off, but it's really not.

Putting the brands back together would be a nice way for the vets to go out on top against another top guy and/or work with a younger superstar and help build the future up before their careers are over. Triple H vs McIntyre, Mysterio vs Bourne, Ziggler vs Jericho...I mean a lot of rubs could be made in the near future. We'll see what happens, but I think it's a good time to unify.

 

[DeathClutch]

Long over due, I can't wait for few titles, if WWE needs a second midcard belt bring in Cruiser or bring back the Hardcore title (even if toned down matches) people will cry about guys like HHH, Undertaker, Punk not getting the title but HHH nor the Undertaker NEED the title, same with Cena if anything the WWE title being one will help more guys then having two World titles.

 

[vthokie8]

I agree with the World title being unified but I hope they keep the IC and U.S. titles the way they are. I mean if you look at it the IC title served as a trial period for guys like Randy Savage, Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, The Rock, Chris Jericho, Kurt Angle, Chris Benoit, Edge and others before they became huge stars on the main event level. The same can be said for the U.S. title guys like Ric Flair, Sting, Lex Luger, Goldberg, Booker T. and John Cena all had their trial as U.S. champ before becoming stars on the main event level. Also the shere history of both belts I mean yes the WCW title was tainted near the end and the way it was intorduced as the World title was kind of crap but the with one minor title how are all of these young guys going to get their shot to run with a title. If they unified today The Miz, Daniel Bryan, Kofi Kingston, Dolph Ziggler, Drew McIntyre, Christian, Cody Rhodes, R Truth, John Morrison and Red DiBiase are all in the title picture. I also feel Alex Riley will be in that picture as well after NOC. So where does that leave guys like Evan Bourne, Kaval, Zack Ryder, JTG, and if they bring the NXT 2 guys in Michael McGillicutty, Husky Harris and Percy Watson. What about guys like MVP, Jack Swagger, Matt Hardy, William Regal or Goldust. I think the roster is way too big to unify every title.

 

[Jack-Hammer]

As of right now, it's being reported on the net that the current plan for WrestleMania 27 will be The Undertaker vs. Sheamus in a unifcation match for the World Heavyweight and WWE Championships. WM is still quite a ways off, so this plan could very well be changed.

IF, and I do mean IF, this is ultimately what's going to happen then I hope this means that Sheamus' current reign as WWE Champion is going to at least make it to WM.

 

[Rckstrtmmy]

So the rumor is that the WWE wants to unify all of the titles. I also heard that for the first Smackdown on ScFy they want to have a tag match involving the heavyweight and midcard champions from each brand. How often are the two heavyweight champs in the same ring? So have the Miz save his MITB and during this match have the Nexus attack the two heavyweight champions and while theyre both down the Miz cashes in and pins both champs at the same time to unify the belts. Afterwards the Miz can reveal himself as the leader of the Nexus and become the top heel in the business. Now I know this is far fetched and the Miz will probably cash in at a PPV but I think this would be a HUGE twist and somewhat believable. Just wondering what your opinions are on this. And don't start bashing the Miz, we all know he'll be the champ one day anyways so we might as well accept it. Thanks guys!

 

[TheAbsolute1]

I know when they want the unification match to take place but Im not allowed to spoil, ill get banned lol I do love your idea but i heard that since The Miz won the RAW MITB he can only cash on the RAW title.

 

[Rckstrtmmy]

Yea I know that's the only plot hole I could think of...but if he spins it with it only being one match it could work...plus maybe have the mystery GM come to be aligned with him as well and overrule things. They could make it work if they wanted to. But youre right they do want that unification match too. I just think that this would actually suprise people for once.

 

[Attitude]

The Brand Split Ending.

Really there isn't any news out there saying it's going to end. But with WWE wanting to unify all the titles by WM27 is there really any need for the Brand Split to go on. If it did there will be always a large group of guys either on Raw or Smackdown being left off the pay per view. I know not everyone will always make it on the pay per views but still. Plus if they ended the brand split that would help build up the matches for the Pay Per View.

I think it would be great if the brand split ended. Things are getting stale. We would have different matches weekly. We wouldn't have to see the same matches for weeks on end on Raw or Smackdown. Each title picture would gain more superstars. There be better chances to mix up rivalries and see fueds we have never scene. I think if they unify the titles ending the brand split would be great too. It would definately change the scene up a little bit.

So here are a few questions:

Do you think the brand split will end after WM27?

Would you like the brand split to end and why? Or do you think it shoud stay the same and why?

What fueds do want to see?

Will there be a need for the brand split after the titles are unified?

 

[VinnieSunshine]

I know when they want the unification match to take place but Im not allowed to spoil, ill get banned lol I do love your idea but i heard that since The Miz won the RAW MITB he can only cash on the RAW title.

No one could possibly know when or IF they are going to unify the titles. All ANYONE knows outside of the Vince McMahon posse is that this is just a long standing rumor for now. If you really do know, send me a message because I am curious.

 

[Attitude]

http://forums.wrestlezone.com/showthread.php?t=129889
THis is where this should be.

Thanks. I didn't see that when I posted this. I guess I should look better before posting threads. Anyway if somebody wants to close this or merge this thread with the other go ahead. I do apologize for posting this thread since it's been done. I'll take any penalties.

 

[DexVendetta88]

With the rumours of all the titles being unified, the concept of the brand split is no longer necessary. We all have to remember the origin of the brand split to begin with; an excess amount of talent (from both WCW and ECW) being signed at one time with more coming in the process, and the fear of not giving them enough on-screen time. The brand split helped balance out the roster at the time, but I feel that the brand split has run its course. The WWE roster (excluding the NXT rookies) has shrunk significantly over the last 5 years. With a much smaller roster, there's no need for a brand split anymore. Plus, it'll be much easier to focus on one straight set of storylines instead of having two separate sets of storylines.

 

[Palange420]

You know, u guys all make good points on reasons to unify and to not unify, i am honestly on the fence about it as well, i think i would have to say unify the world titles and keep the u.s. and ic titles. Honestly though, the biggest reason i want to see the world titles unified, is so they can get rid of that god awful piece of bling bling they call the wwe championship. That belt has taken the prestige of the wwe title down a few notches just for looking like it came straight out of a paul wall music video.

 

[martymcfly]

Seriously, where are you people getting your intel? From what I can tell on this forum, after tag team unification and the divas/women's unification was announced, someone on some thread hypothesized about all the titles being unified and now that speculation has become canon. Folks need to settle down, there has been nothing confirmed about brand unification. In fact, on this very site in the announcements, someone posted a report from JR claiming that since there are 2 different brands there are no plans and it would make no sense to unify the titles.

Think about it...at this point it really does make no sense to only have one title per show, nor does it make sense from a business perspective or for the wrestler's schedules to have only one brand.

As long as we're talking about things that have not even come close to being confirmed, well, I just happened to hear that every title is going to be unified. The US, the tag, the intercontinental, the 2 heavyweight, the diva. They're even going to bring back the european, light heavyweight, and hardcore just to unify those as well and we're going to only have one belt and one champion for all shows. Perhaps if I can get that idea to crop up in enough threads people will start assuming it is true too.

 

[ddfindl]

IF... and its a big IF, they did unify all the titles, they would either have to drop the idea of superstars being attached to a certain brand and let them roam freely or at least do this for the ones who carry the straps.