New Championship Belts Section for Main Page

**The Jayman** · 11-11-2009, 02:28 PM

Vince McMahon first awarded Mankind the belt, originally known as World Wrestling Federation (WWF) Hardcore Championship, on November 2, 1998.At the time of the belt's conception, the idea was that the belt was to have been used in comedy segments to try to push Mankind's reputation as a famous hardcore wrestler, but as Foley was getting over with the crowd as well as the rising popularity of hardcore wrestling at the time, the Hardcore Championship seemed to gain a life of its own. Its growing popularity led competitor World Championship Wrestling to create their own Hardcore Championship, a move followed by numerous independent promotions.

When Crash Holly won the belt, he introduced the "24/7 rule"; which meant the belt was to be defended "at all times...as long as there was a referee present."This rule has led to the shortest title reigns and quickest title changes in WWE history.

The 24/7 rule was enforced until August 19, 2002 when Raw General Manager Eric Bischoff decided to suspend it following a six minute Hardcore Battle Royal won by Tommy Dreamer.

The title was finally retired on August 27, 2002 when WWE Intercontinental Champion Rob Van Dam defeated Hardcore Champion Tommy Dreamer to unify the titles.

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11-11-2009, 02:28 PM	#1
The Jayman Southern Hospitality Posts: 9,437	Vince McMahon first awarded Mankind the belt, originally known as World Wrestling Federation (WWF) Hardcore Championship, on November 2, 1998.At the time of the belt's conception, the idea was that the belt was to have been used in comedy segments to try to push Mankind's reputation as a famous hardcore wrestler, but as Foley was getting over with the crowd as well as the rising popularity of hardcore wrestling at the time, the Hardcore Championship seemed to gain a life of its own. Its growing popularity led competitor World Championship Wrestling to create their own Hardcore Championship, a move followed by numerous independent promotions. When Crash Holly won the belt, he introduced the "24/7 rule"; which meant the belt was to be defended "at all times...as long as there was a referee present."This rule has led to the shortest title reigns and quickest title changes in WWE history. The 24/7 rule was enforced until August 19, 2002 when Raw General Manager Eric Bischoff decided to suspend it following a six minute Hardcore Battle Royal won by Tommy Dreamer. The title was finally retired on August 27, 2002 when WWE Intercontinental Champion Rob Van Dam defeated Hardcore Champion Tommy Dreamer to unify the titles.