Rebirth of The European Championship

[Dr. Stinger A. Zoidberg]

Ok, so this has been in my mind for some time now, and its in a way bothering me.

Anyway, as we know, MVP and William Regal are going to be in a feud over the US Title. Heres my question,

What would happen if Regal won the US Title, since he is not from the USA, would he bring back the European Championship?

 

[krzkid]

Like Lance Storm creating the Canadian Title after winning the US Title in WCW.... complete with a Canadian Rules match??

I could see that and think if they went the same route (a la defending it only under "European rules").... it could be gold...

 

[The Infant Finite]

I love the idea, and I think it could only really work with regal.
Regal is a trmendously underrated heel and tends to make most guys that work with him better for doing so. MVP is in the midst of trying to reach the main event level and i think a couple months of feuding with regal could be just what he needs to put him over the top. As long as he reigns in his overly baby face character and brings it back to the parameters of the character that he has created for himself. The european title isnt really something most fans these days even remember, but for the purposes of this impending feud, I think it could be usefully applied here.

 

[AnthonyMango/NoFate007]

Why is everyone so hell bent on bringing back the European Championship? That title sucked lol. It was nothing but a subordinate to the IC title on par with the Hardcore title, although that used to at least have a purpose behind it, while the European was just a replica of every other title, minus the prestige and worthwhile wrestlers to back it up.

Plus, Regal isn't going to beat MVP for the US title. He's going to be steamrolled. MVP's someone that they want to start pushing to actually matter, while Regal has proven time and time again that he's not trustworthy and doesn't deserve the push. Essentially, this is a short feud for MVP to dominate in and look strong coming out of so that he can then feud with Miz, Matt Hardy, and the other midcarders that actually matter. Its just convenient that Regal gets a little bit of a rub by competing for the title at the same time.

If he DID somehow win it, then I wouldn't mind them trying to make it into an angle where he does try to convert it to the European title, and then someone else "stands up for America" and wins it back, although that type of stuff has been done before, and it would require Regal to have it for quite a while - something I definitely wouldn't want to see, nor do I think we will.

 

[Decarow]

Great thread, I was thinking the same thing myself (about them bringing back the European Championship).

However, my plan was quite different. I planned to have Kozlov bring back the European title and defend it on ECW as its midcard title. Just my opinion though.

 

[RKOhead84]

I think it would be a horrible idea to bring back the European title. When it was around it wasn't that big of a deal, and the way titles are treated now it would be worse. Look at what has been brought up 1,000 times in here, the IC title. It is a joke. It means nothing to have it anymore, and bringing in new titles would be bad. Even the WHC is getting thrown around.
But I guess if it would get brought back Regal would be the one that should do it. But when he loses where would it go from there?

 

[LokiCobain]

However, my plan was quite different. I planned to have Kozlov bring back the European title and defend it on ECW as its midcard title. Just my opinion though.

Yes haha. Eventually ECW is going to have to have a midcard title if they want to be "taken seriously". I'm a big fan of ECW, and even though the ECW championship isn't seen to be a big deal, it's crucial for the show. The problem is you can only have so many guys going after it/capturing it. But an even better thing would be to make it interpromotional, just keep it on ECW for a while. They don't necessarily have to keep the title on European people either, although in the beginning they should. Here are the Europeans/Non-Americans:

ECW:
Finlay
DH Smith (British Bulldog was the first champion)
Paul Burchill
DJ Gabrial
Tyson Kidd (Canada counts)
Kozlov

Of a roster with 14 actual wrestlers on it, that's not too bad. Plus it gives a lot of these guys exposure and credibility (if they deserve it of course)

RAW:
Santino
Regal

There's also non-European non-"Americans" like Kofi Kingston, Carlito/Primo, Rey, Umaga, Sim Snuka, Chavo, etc. I didn't realize until I looked all this up but ECW really has just about all the Europeans.

I think that if they want to grow ECW, and really make that a place to groom guys, then they're going to need a midcard title, even if it's not seen on par with the other midcard titles. Maybe not the "European" title, but maybe something more global, instead of just US and IC.

 

[Blade]

WWE does not need the European title. Everyone was complaining in 2001 that no one was doing anything with the title, so why do we need it back?
The WWE writers already have their hands full trying to bring back the US title and the IC title to their former glory. Yes, there's people who'd be perfect for the Euro championship. But if they bring it back, and put some attention on it, that means a different area is gonna lose out. The final nail in the coffin of the tag division could be the European Championship getting more attention than it. The WWE isn't ready to have the Euro title and might not be for some time till they have all aspects of the product back on track.

 

[LokiCobain]

It's not like they have a finite number of "attention". They can't just say "Okay, we'll remove 3 attentions from the tag team division and bring it over to the Euro". Just for whatever the numerous reasons are, other aspects are getting ignored besides the two main titles. Maybe if Vince didn't change everything hourly that the creative team does, they can establish a storyline, and then move on to the next. But by constantly being berated and having everything changed constantly, they can't move on. So there's nothing wrong with adding titles, as long as they fix the problem. The worse part is is that "they" is Vince, and for the most part he's the problem.

 

[Bud_good19]

I think now that WWE travels to Europe for a tour every few months, it would benefit them to have a European Champion, as long as the belt is only defended in Europe. With weekly Raw and Smackdown shows eminating from UK during the tour, title changes can take place there for everyone to see on tv. The champion can be recognized in the US as European Champion, and feuds for the title can be established, but the actual title defense should not take place until the next tour. It'll give the fans in Europe something to look forward to. It'll be more of a part time belt.

 

[Blade]

It's not like they have a finite number of "attention". They can't just say "Okay, we'll remove 3 attentions from the tag team division and bring it over to the Euro". Just for whatever the numerous reasons are, other aspects are getting ignored besides the two main titles. Maybe if Vince didn't change everything hourly that the creative team does, they can establish a storyline, and then move on to the next. But by constantly being berated and having everything changed constantly, they can't move on. So there's nothing wrong with adding titles, as long as they fix the problem. The worse part is is that "they" is Vince, and for the most part he's the problem.

Don't take what I said out of context. I'm well aware that they don't have a 'certain amount of attentions'. But they do have a certain amount of time to write the show and for the show itself.
As you said, Vince changes everything himself. So if the show was written without a European title angle/match, and Vince wanted to add in something to do with the European title, obviously including some older talent knowing Vince, since it was 'his idea' to bring it back, then something would have to be cut out of the show. And what would be the first things cut from the show? The segment/match with the tag titles or the segment/match with young guys who need tv exposure.

And they really shouldn't keep the european title on europeans, whether it's just for the start or not. That's never been what the title's about. Hell, Shawn Michaels and Triple H were 2 of the first champions. The european talent is not too great within the WWE right now.

 

[wbuqed]

Why is everyone so hell bent on bringing back the European Championship? That title sucked lol. It was nothing but a subordinate to the IC title on par with the Hardcore title, although that used to at least have a purpose behind it, while the European was just a replica of every other title, minus the prestige and worthwhile wrestlers to back it up.

Plus, Regal isn't going to beat MVP for the US title. He's going to be steamrolled. MVP's someone that they want to start pushing to actually matter, while Regal has proven time and time again that he's not trustworthy and doesn't deserve the push. Essentially, this is a short feud for MVP to dominate in and look strong coming out of so that he can then feud with Miz, Matt Hardy, and the other midcarders that actually matter. Its just convenient that Regal gets a little bit of a rub by competing for the title at the same time.

If he DID somehow win it, then I wouldn't mind them trying to make it into an angle where he does try to convert it to the European title, and then someone else "stands up for America" and wins it back, although that type of stuff has been done before, and it would require Regal to have it for quite a while - something I definitely wouldn't want to see, nor do I think we will.

I'm with you on the fact that Regal won't go over on MVP, not just for the trust aspect but also the age issue, I think Regal will be relegated to the roll Hacksaw had as basically a well known jobber. I do like your idea of attempting to restore the euro title but failing angle cause I think something needs to be done with these mid card titles (US and INTER). all these titles seem to be nowadays is arm candy. I mean I think I've seen more womens title and divas title matches this year then I have US and INTER. so the staff need to reintegrate the titles into legit angles, not just these petty MVP/Regal angles

 

[Crimson Mask]

Why is everyone all of a sudden jumping on the idea of bringing back the European Title? When the European title was retired, the belt had served its purpose and at that point, was pretty much redundant, being long past the point were it was any use to the company, as was the "Hardcore" Title. I think WWE should concentrate on bringing back some meaning to the belts they currently have instead of re-introducing useless old belts that they got rid of for a reason.

 

[SavageTaker]

Interesting Idea you have NorCal.

I think that if William Regal were to win the US title then there's a possibility that he will bring back the European Champion since he is not American.

If they do bring back the European Champion then I think it would only be used for Regal and as soon as an American wins the title they would probably throw it down and bring back the US title.

I think it would be a pretty cool idea if they have Regal win and bring in the European Champion, it would be something that makes sense to do and it really wouldn't bother me so I say why not bring it back for Regal if he was to Win the US title from MVP.

 

[Black Snow]

As long as it's a Regal-only thing I'm cool with him renaming the belt. I just don't want it to be a permanent thing. The U.S. title has a rich history as the NWA's secondary title. The European title is know as a third string belt that only lasted for five years and was treated like an absolutely joke unless it was held by Regal or D'Lo. So there's no reason to downgrade a belt's status. But as a Regal-only thing yeah, let him run with renaming the title. Heck, go full tilt and redesign it so it looks exactly the same as it does now but with the Union Jack in the background instead of the stars and stripes.

Great thread, I was thinking the same thing myself (about them bringing back the European Championship).

However, my plan was quite different. I planned to have Kozlov bring back the European title and defend it on ECW as its midcard title. Just my opinion though.

Have you taken a look at the ECW roster? There are 14 wrestlers. Can you honestly say that 14 wrestlers need a second title to fight over? Mind you, that includes Helms who is still sidelined with an injury, Smith/Kidd who will most likely be a tag team for quite a while and Dreamer who might retire in less than a month.

Get ECW a second hour and about a dozen more guys. Then we'll take about getting them another belt.

 

[Tim_Seraphim]

I firmly believe that the European, Cruiserweight, Cruiserweight Tag Team, Million Dollar, Hardcore, Television, US Tag Team, 6 Man Tag, Light Heavyweight, Midget, FTW, Movie, Women's Tag Team, Martial Arts, Midget Tag Team, Canadian, 100 Kilos & Under, Saskatchewan Hardcore International, & Midget Women's titles should all be reinstated ASAP, preferably at Vengeance, that way at Night of Champions everyone on the roster can be a champion and everyone would be happy.

(Rep to anyone who knows what the hell the Movie title is and who had it.)

 

[Decarow]

Black Snow, did you not read the last sentence of my statement? I said it's my opinion. I know that ECW has only 14 superstars, but damnit, they only have like one story line most of the time. Hell, even Raw or Smackdown can fit 3 or 4 storylines in an hour with 8 or 9 people. And having the Euro Championship on ECW as a secondary title will show more importance towards the ECW World Title.

 

[Black Snow]

Yes I read your post. Isn't it assumed that pretty much every post every single person makes here is their opinion? I'm allowed to disagree with you and fully explain why I feel that way like I did. It's not like I'm not allowed to respond with a differing viewpoint just because you voiced something that was already implied.

I also disagree with the opinion that ECW only has one storyline going at a time. Just look at it right now.

- Christian is the ECW Champ. Swagger is trying to get it back.
- Dreamer wants to win the ECW title before his contract expires. If he doesn't he'll retire.
- Finlay vs. Kidd has now added Smith to the mix.
- Kozlov is mowing through everyone put in front of him on the way to the top.

That's four very distinctive, interesting feuds. I also would like to know who adding a title would make the current one seem MORE important. I always thought the logic was the exact opposite. For example, one of the many stupid things about the old InVasion angle was that there were so many belts it seemed like everyone on the roster either had one or was competing for one. Foley even make a joke about this on RAW.

If you have 1 belt then 14 people are all fighting for it. If you have 2 belts than 7 people are fighting for each one. Etc. It's simple match. The fewer titles there are the more important you are when you actually hold one.

 

[Ambiguous Turd]

The European Title is arguably the most useless title in WWE history. Reason being is that it makes not a single shred of sense to have it as a featured title on WWE programming, while having it defended primarily in North America.

There is absolutely no way I would support a return of it UNLESS it was for a short term storyline, such as Regal renaming the US Title temporarily and making a gimmick out of it .... until he was defeated, as suggested.

 

[MaRKO]

It is a good idea for Regal but I agree that ECW needs a second championship. Regal could win the title and rename it the European Championship and then feud with an American. He could then loses the title and go over too ECW (It could be a loser leaves the brand match). He could say that he didn't lose the European Championship, he lost the US title. Have him go into a mini-feud with Tiffany saying he was disrespected on Raw and now Tiffany is disrespecting him. Have him lose lots of matches and blame it on Tiffany, eventually losing the European Championship. He could then "complain to the board of directors" and become the ECW General Manager. Tiffany is only Interim and he was a great General Manager on Raw. I've heard that Tommy Dreamer could become the General Manager so Regal could even feud with Dreamer. Dreamer could say he is destroying ECW's heritage (although WWE did that when it came back in 2006) and Dreamer could even become General manager in the feud. I think this could work.

 

[Spunky]

It would suck, Wether it be Regal changing the US title, Or Giving the Euro title to ECW.

1) Have any of you seen a match under European rules? It's round after round, There is no match continuation. Which kills the match every 5 minutes, There are also limited rope break.

2) ECW doesn't need a mid card title, Especially when the title picture has three poeple in it at the minute, Why not just build people around that? Why has someone got to be built around a belt nowadays? Aren't regular fueds working?

Interesting Idea you have NorCal.

NorCal hasn't posted in the thread at all, Silly Billy.

 

[Goberz2K8]

Well if the European Title did come back, mabye it would be a good Idea to put it on ECW. Adding more Titles would be good for the program. Yeah the European Title hasnt really been much of a title, and isnt really prestigious, but If some people arent being pushed for the ECW Title, then the European Title would be a good start, for Young brand new talent to get a foot hold in the business, then mabye go on to, ECW Title, or tag team titels, the other brands have too many titles atm.

 

[RicSpade]

The real issue with the European title is that it stopped being prestigious after it was put on and taken off of Triple H. You had a good run with the title with WWE top stars like Bulldog, HBK, Triple H holding the belt trying to show that it was almost as important as the heavyweight title, and that is where the problem was, you made the title too big for its own good then you had to use it to further storylines like the split between D'Lo and Mark Henry and it stopped being an important title. It wasn't any better when WWE had like 15 titles running around with the purchase of WCW either, and its not doing well now, the best thing WWE has done was putting the Tag team titles together and making them defendable on all brands. but forcing the holders to go back to their brand when they lose takes us back to when the Heavyweight belt was unified and defended once a month on each brand. The heavyweight title shouldn't be done like that yet, but thats the direction were heading into

 

[Age of Orton]

I doubt they'd do that however since WWE is more frequent over Europe now then they were in the late 90s-2002 when the title was around I could see it returning at some point but it all boils down to the fact would the belt sell in merchandise and how many European's are in WWE? if any tom dick and harry could "bid" for the Euro belt then why not rename it the TV Title?

 

[RH23]

That would be a great twist in the storyline. Plus a lot of fans from the Attitude Era would probably like that. Plus it would be a good feud like America Vs Europe