Who do you consider a "World Champion"?

**Tom Guycott** · 08-23-2012, 03:01 PM

As for the question, if done right, WWE could recognize (or, fail to, given the angle... see Ric Flair being the "real World Heavyweight Champion"). But, as already been stated, they will likely only go as far as saying "international superstar who has won multiple championships all over the world". Unless it's something truly unique and marketable to one person, like Angle's Olympic Gold Medal or Lesnar's UFC championship reign. I'd almost guarantee if another former UFC champion shows up in WWE in the future, they likely wouldn't mention it.

The other thing about glossing over past accomplishments is that, quite generally, everyone starts over in the 'E. It would be a good way to get someone who is semi-established over right away, but Vince likes to build guys from the ground up. Even if they're already built. Places like WCW or TNA wanted you to recognize that the guy was somewhat legit coming in the door. They didn't just drop them in the basement and have them claw their way up like in WWE. WWE likes to pretend other places don't exist. Just about everywhere else will usually allow any advantage a guy can use to get over, ESPECIALLY if they're a former champion in WWE.

I mean, we all have seen the Ultimo Dragon pic, and we know what happened to him in his WWE run. Stupid cape. If a guy holding that many titles doesn't get any mention of them, what chance does anyone else have coming in with an impressive resume?

08-23-2012, 03:01 PM	#28
Tom Guycott Wrestling Marks Rejoice! Posts: 10,166	As for the question, if done right, WWE could recognize (or, fail to, given the angle... see Ric Flair being the "real World Heavyweight Champion"). But, as already been stated, they will likely only go as far as saying "international superstar who has won multiple championships all over the world". Unless it's something truly unique and marketable to one person, like Angle's Olympic Gold Medal or Lesnar's UFC championship reign. I'd almost guarantee if another former UFC champion shows up in WWE in the future, they likely wouldn't mention it. The other thing about glossing over past accomplishments is that, quite generally, everyone starts over in the 'E. It would be a good way to get someone who is semi-established over right away, but Vince likes to build guys from the ground up. Even if they're already built. Places like WCW or TNA wanted you to recognize that the guy was somewhat legit coming in the door. They didn't just drop them in the basement and have them claw their way up like in WWE. WWE likes to pretend other places don't exist. Just about everywhere else will usually allow any advantage a guy can use to get over, ESPECIALLY if they're a former champion in WWE. I mean, we all have seen the Ultimo Dragon pic, and we know what happened to him in his WWE run. Stupid cape. If a guy holding that many titles doesn't get any mention of them, what chance does anyone else have coming in with an impressive resume?