TheOneBigWill
[This Space for Rent]
During the early portion of 1997 the W.W.F. decided to debut a new mid-card Championship, to compete next to, or rather right below, the Intercontinental Championship. It was called the 'European' Championship, and it was debuted overseas in Germany during the course of several house shows. An 8 man tournament, including Bret Hart, Triple H., Owen Hart, Terry Funk, Mick Foley, Vader, The Rock & The British Bulldog all competed to be crowned the first-ever European Champion. The finals came down to the Tag Team Champions, the British Bulldog and Owen Hart at which point the Bulldog came out in the end as the Champion crowned.
Over the course of the next several years, spanning from 1997-2002 (just over a 5 year history) the European Championship went on to be held by some big names, and some relatively unknown and roughly forgotten names. The objective of this thread is to recall the Champions who held this title, and decide who was the best of them all.
Through it's 5 plus year history, there have been 27 different Champions, but only 6 of them held the Championship multiple times. The wrestlers who made the top poll are those who made the most of their reigns, or made an impact. (through my opinion) If you feel someone not mentioned deserves notice, please explain them and explain why you believe they deserve notice. I will now list my top 9 (not counting 'other') in no specific order and give a brief description on why I believe they should be the most note-worthy Champions to hold the European title.
1. British Bulldog: The first-ever European Champion was also a 2-time Champion, collectively holding the title for 253 days combined. (his first reign went the longest of anyone at 205 days) The British Bulldog would be most served to be remembered for one of the greatest European Champions mainly for two reasons. The first is because of course, he's from the U.K. and was the 'poster-child' of the title. The second because he was the very first Champion, and that was when the title was at it's best, arguably.
Unfortunately the downside to the British Bulldog was during his first run as Champion, he rarely defended the title. Only seeking challenges from the likes of Owen Hart, Crush, Goldust, and ultimately the man he'd lose to, Shawn Michaels. His second reign is less likely a forgotten one, as it came when the Bulldog ran in a pack, so to speak, with the Mean Street Posse'. He would only hold that reign for around a month and a half.
2. Matt Hardy: Matt Hardy is somewhat of an unknown regarding this Championship, because a lot of people may not remember his reign. However that in itself is surprising, considering he's the longest reigning European Champion that was born in America. Matt Hardy defeated Eddie Guerrero on an episode of Smackdown, leading into Backlash of 2001. He would hold onto the Championship until August 27th of that same year, giving him the longest (American) single reign in the history of the Championship, with 125 days.
Some would say Matt's reign, albeit impressive, was a fluke mainly because of his Brother's success. Matt wouldn't have any one stand-out feud regarding the Championship, but defended it proudly.
3. Triple H.: Outside of Shawn Michaels, albeit even including him, some would say Triple H. was the most impressive Superstar to ever hold this title, however perhaps nowhere near the most impressive Champion. Triple H. held the European Championship on two different occasions. The first was a 'hand-me-down' when Shawn Michaels laid down and Triple H. covered him on Raw, December 11th 1997. Injuries would cause Triple H. to have to forfeit the Championship however, as his reign only lasted (40 days) until January 20th, 1998 when Owen Hart claimed the strap from him by defeated Goldust. The match was ordered by (then) commish. Sgt. Slaughter.
Triple H. regained his European Championship from Owen Hart, however, at Wrestlemania XIV which many would mark as the beginning of a new era for Triple H., as the following night he took over D-X and formed a greater version. Helmsley's reign would go from Wrestlemania until July of that year (120 days) when D-Lo Brown would claim the title from him during the 'faction war' between the Nation and D-X raged on.
4. D-Lo Brown: In my personal opinion, I believe strongly that D-Lo Brown was the most remembered European Champion, mainly because to D-Lo this was his biggest title during the time he won it, and he treated it as if it were a Heavyweight Championship. D-Lo ties for the most reigns, at 4, spanning 140 total days. D-Lo's list of victim's that helped him to become a 4-time Champion would be Triple H., X-Pac, Mideon, and Mark Henry. (over the span of 140 days collectively)
The personal reason I believe D-Lo could be one of the most remembered European Champions is mainly because once he won the title for the first time, he reclaimed that he was the European embassador and proclaimed that he was from a different part of Europe each time he wrestled.
5. William Regal: While D-Lo Brown may have been a 4-time Champion, I also said he was tied with only one other individual, that being William Regal. William Regal defeated the likes of Al Snow, Crash Holly, D.D.P. & Spike Dudley. (holding the title collectively for 179 days)
While nothing truly stands out from Regal's reigns, the mere fact that outside of the British Bulldog, Regal was the only other true 'European' to rightfully hold the title. I can't bring up any type of argument that could make Regal the best, but he certainly will always be remembered because of his background, regardless.
6. Shawn Michaels: Shawn Michaels defeated the British Bulldog in England at the One Night Only p.p.v., and his reign lasted 82 days. To my knowledge, he only defended the Championship roughly twice. Once against Flash Funk, who had been laid out by Kane before the match ever began, and the second time when he laid down for Triple H. to pin him. (I could be wrong)
While there is absolutely NOTHING impressive about H.B.K.'s European title reign, the historical value is what makes him worthy of being classified as a possible 'best' regarding the title. Shawn Michaels was one of the top names to hold this Championship, and more so he was the only individual to hold it while also competing for the Heavyweight Championship and even winning the Heavyweight Championship, making the European title (for a time, in some's eyes) just as, if not more valuable than the Intercontinental Championship.
7. Shane McMahon: Shane McMahon held the Championship for around 43 days, winning it from X-Pac in February of 1999 and ultimately retiring as an undefeated European Champion. Because he retired, his reign ended the same day. (March 30th) The title wouldn't be reactivated until mid-June of that same year, when Mideon 'discovered a belt' in Shane's duffel bag and asked if he could have it, thus bringing the title back into play.
While much like Shawn Michaels, there isn't anything that stands out about Shane McMahon's reign as European Champion, the mere fact that he breaks a top 10 list is because of 'who' he is. He's the son of the owner of the company, and while he wasn't anything of a great Professional Wrestler, I think it speaks volumes that Shane would somehow opt to win this title instead of the Intercontinental title.. trying to spark something in the European title picture.
8. X-Pac: Sean Waltman, better known to most as X-Pac during his European Championship reign, he would hold the title 2-times for 134 days collectively. Both of his reigns started by D-Lo Brown, but the first one ended by D-Lo as well and lasted only 14 days. While his second reign went 120 days.
This was X-Pac's 'highest' single's Championship within the W.W.F., considering that the Light Heavyweight and Cruiserweight title's weren't considered higher. This was also the first single's title X-Pac had the opportunity to hold within the company. He had one of the best rivalries within the division against D-Lo Brown, then again against Shane McMahon. Arguably X-Pac will go down in European Championship history as the individual who had the best heated feuds within the division.
9. Eddie Guerrero: Rounding out the top 9, again not counting the 10th spot, would be Eddie Guerrero who was a 2-time European Champion, collectively holding the title for 134 days. (tied w/ X-Pac) Both of Eddie Guerrero's reigns happened within a year of each other. The first was the night after Wrestlemania 2000, and the second was a year later, at Wrestlemania X-7. Defeating Chris Jericho & Test respectively.
Eddie's first reign is likely going to be more remembered than his second, as it was his first that also sparked the 'Latino Heat' storyline between himself and Chyna, and arguably pushed his career in the path that would lead to becoming a Heavyweight Champion.
Other Champions: Chris Jericho, Kurt Angle, Jeff Hardy, Rob Van Dam, Owen Hart, Christian, Al Snow, Spike Dudley, Test, Val Venis, The Hurricane, Bradshaw, Jeff Jarrett, Mark Henry, Diamond Dallas Page, Mideon, Perry Saturn & Crash Holly all round out the other former Champions.
So, with the information provided above (through my own opinion, as well as selective internet sources) it's time for each of you to give your own take on who you believe to be the arguable 'best' European Champion and why. Please explain yourself and give reasons and logic behind your beliefs. Thank You.
(All information provided has mainly been gathered by wikipedia, personal memory, and Pro Wrestling Illustrated Almanac.)
Over the course of the next several years, spanning from 1997-2002 (just over a 5 year history) the European Championship went on to be held by some big names, and some relatively unknown and roughly forgotten names. The objective of this thread is to recall the Champions who held this title, and decide who was the best of them all.
Through it's 5 plus year history, there have been 27 different Champions, but only 6 of them held the Championship multiple times. The wrestlers who made the top poll are those who made the most of their reigns, or made an impact. (through my opinion) If you feel someone not mentioned deserves notice, please explain them and explain why you believe they deserve notice. I will now list my top 9 (not counting 'other') in no specific order and give a brief description on why I believe they should be the most note-worthy Champions to hold the European title.
1. British Bulldog: The first-ever European Champion was also a 2-time Champion, collectively holding the title for 253 days combined. (his first reign went the longest of anyone at 205 days) The British Bulldog would be most served to be remembered for one of the greatest European Champions mainly for two reasons. The first is because of course, he's from the U.K. and was the 'poster-child' of the title. The second because he was the very first Champion, and that was when the title was at it's best, arguably.
Unfortunately the downside to the British Bulldog was during his first run as Champion, he rarely defended the title. Only seeking challenges from the likes of Owen Hart, Crush, Goldust, and ultimately the man he'd lose to, Shawn Michaels. His second reign is less likely a forgotten one, as it came when the Bulldog ran in a pack, so to speak, with the Mean Street Posse'. He would only hold that reign for around a month and a half.
2. Matt Hardy: Matt Hardy is somewhat of an unknown regarding this Championship, because a lot of people may not remember his reign. However that in itself is surprising, considering he's the longest reigning European Champion that was born in America. Matt Hardy defeated Eddie Guerrero on an episode of Smackdown, leading into Backlash of 2001. He would hold onto the Championship until August 27th of that same year, giving him the longest (American) single reign in the history of the Championship, with 125 days.
Some would say Matt's reign, albeit impressive, was a fluke mainly because of his Brother's success. Matt wouldn't have any one stand-out feud regarding the Championship, but defended it proudly.
3. Triple H.: Outside of Shawn Michaels, albeit even including him, some would say Triple H. was the most impressive Superstar to ever hold this title, however perhaps nowhere near the most impressive Champion. Triple H. held the European Championship on two different occasions. The first was a 'hand-me-down' when Shawn Michaels laid down and Triple H. covered him on Raw, December 11th 1997. Injuries would cause Triple H. to have to forfeit the Championship however, as his reign only lasted (40 days) until January 20th, 1998 when Owen Hart claimed the strap from him by defeated Goldust. The match was ordered by (then) commish. Sgt. Slaughter.
Triple H. regained his European Championship from Owen Hart, however, at Wrestlemania XIV which many would mark as the beginning of a new era for Triple H., as the following night he took over D-X and formed a greater version. Helmsley's reign would go from Wrestlemania until July of that year (120 days) when D-Lo Brown would claim the title from him during the 'faction war' between the Nation and D-X raged on.
4. D-Lo Brown: In my personal opinion, I believe strongly that D-Lo Brown was the most remembered European Champion, mainly because to D-Lo this was his biggest title during the time he won it, and he treated it as if it were a Heavyweight Championship. D-Lo ties for the most reigns, at 4, spanning 140 total days. D-Lo's list of victim's that helped him to become a 4-time Champion would be Triple H., X-Pac, Mideon, and Mark Henry. (over the span of 140 days collectively)
The personal reason I believe D-Lo could be one of the most remembered European Champions is mainly because once he won the title for the first time, he reclaimed that he was the European embassador and proclaimed that he was from a different part of Europe each time he wrestled.
5. William Regal: While D-Lo Brown may have been a 4-time Champion, I also said he was tied with only one other individual, that being William Regal. William Regal defeated the likes of Al Snow, Crash Holly, D.D.P. & Spike Dudley. (holding the title collectively for 179 days)
While nothing truly stands out from Regal's reigns, the mere fact that outside of the British Bulldog, Regal was the only other true 'European' to rightfully hold the title. I can't bring up any type of argument that could make Regal the best, but he certainly will always be remembered because of his background, regardless.
6. Shawn Michaels: Shawn Michaels defeated the British Bulldog in England at the One Night Only p.p.v., and his reign lasted 82 days. To my knowledge, he only defended the Championship roughly twice. Once against Flash Funk, who had been laid out by Kane before the match ever began, and the second time when he laid down for Triple H. to pin him. (I could be wrong)
While there is absolutely NOTHING impressive about H.B.K.'s European title reign, the historical value is what makes him worthy of being classified as a possible 'best' regarding the title. Shawn Michaels was one of the top names to hold this Championship, and more so he was the only individual to hold it while also competing for the Heavyweight Championship and even winning the Heavyweight Championship, making the European title (for a time, in some's eyes) just as, if not more valuable than the Intercontinental Championship.
7. Shane McMahon: Shane McMahon held the Championship for around 43 days, winning it from X-Pac in February of 1999 and ultimately retiring as an undefeated European Champion. Because he retired, his reign ended the same day. (March 30th) The title wouldn't be reactivated until mid-June of that same year, when Mideon 'discovered a belt' in Shane's duffel bag and asked if he could have it, thus bringing the title back into play.
While much like Shawn Michaels, there isn't anything that stands out about Shane McMahon's reign as European Champion, the mere fact that he breaks a top 10 list is because of 'who' he is. He's the son of the owner of the company, and while he wasn't anything of a great Professional Wrestler, I think it speaks volumes that Shane would somehow opt to win this title instead of the Intercontinental title.. trying to spark something in the European title picture.
8. X-Pac: Sean Waltman, better known to most as X-Pac during his European Championship reign, he would hold the title 2-times for 134 days collectively. Both of his reigns started by D-Lo Brown, but the first one ended by D-Lo as well and lasted only 14 days. While his second reign went 120 days.
This was X-Pac's 'highest' single's Championship within the W.W.F., considering that the Light Heavyweight and Cruiserweight title's weren't considered higher. This was also the first single's title X-Pac had the opportunity to hold within the company. He had one of the best rivalries within the division against D-Lo Brown, then again against Shane McMahon. Arguably X-Pac will go down in European Championship history as the individual who had the best heated feuds within the division.
9. Eddie Guerrero: Rounding out the top 9, again not counting the 10th spot, would be Eddie Guerrero who was a 2-time European Champion, collectively holding the title for 134 days. (tied w/ X-Pac) Both of Eddie Guerrero's reigns happened within a year of each other. The first was the night after Wrestlemania 2000, and the second was a year later, at Wrestlemania X-7. Defeating Chris Jericho & Test respectively.
Eddie's first reign is likely going to be more remembered than his second, as it was his first that also sparked the 'Latino Heat' storyline between himself and Chyna, and arguably pushed his career in the path that would lead to becoming a Heavyweight Champion.
Other Champions: Chris Jericho, Kurt Angle, Jeff Hardy, Rob Van Dam, Owen Hart, Christian, Al Snow, Spike Dudley, Test, Val Venis, The Hurricane, Bradshaw, Jeff Jarrett, Mark Henry, Diamond Dallas Page, Mideon, Perry Saturn & Crash Holly all round out the other former Champions.
So, with the information provided above (through my own opinion, as well as selective internet sources) it's time for each of you to give your own take on who you believe to be the arguable 'best' European Champion and why. Please explain yourself and give reasons and logic behind your beliefs. Thank You.
(All information provided has mainly been gathered by wikipedia, personal memory, and Pro Wrestling Illustrated Almanac.)
