#5. We learned… WWE forgot how to make Championship belts.
Before Finn Balor vs. Seth Rollins, WWE unveiled the brand new WWE Universal Championship, which is exclusive to Monday Night Raw. Once revealed to the world, the crowd in Brooklyn reacted the same way I did: in utter and complete shock.
No, not out of joy, but out of horror. I never, in my wildest dreams, thought I’d ever mutter the words, “I’d rather have that goddamn spinner belt.”
In all seriousness, I dislike the design and look of the new title. It’s extremely red, which is obviously signifying Monday Night Raw, but does it really have to be THAT red? Even though WWE doesn’t think so, wrestling fans are smart. We don’t need everything to be color coordinated to understand that the Universal Championship is a part of the red brand.
I think we can follow the story…
Some might ask, “Eron, does it even really matter? It’s not that bad.” Yeah, you’re probably right. But, in a world where there are two separate brands, who rant and rave about having their own identities, why would Raw copy SmackDown’s title design? I mean, let’s treat this as if this was all legitimate. Why would Stephanie McMahon and Mick Foley design a title that is a replica of the SmackDown World Championship? In what twilight zone world are we living in right now?
Also, another key element to this title discussion is if you’re a wrestling promotion or company, a first impression of a new World Championship is a pretty big deal. And to have the first look of your title be met with laughter, gasp and horror, that’s probably not a good start. In the end, I’m sure people will warm up to it and come around, but being completely serious, I think they could have been a little more creative with the design, especially to establish the difference between the two brands’ world titles.
