WWE Raw: 24/7 Championship could be a much needed breath of fresh air

The May 20 edition of WWE Raw saw the introduction of a new championship that greatly resembles a championship of the past, which resulted in some of the most entertaining TV in WWE history.

Last night’s WWE Raw was the follow-up to Sunday’s Money in the Bank pay-per-view and saw the fallout from that event, but it also saw the introduction of a new championship to the WWE that is reminiscent of a title that was made famous during the Attitude Era.

It was announced during the Money in the Bank event the night before that Mick Foley would be introducing a new championship on WWE Raw. Fans immediately began thinking this would be the re-introduction of the old Hardcore Championship in some form or fashion.  While this new title isn’t called the Hardcore Championship, it feels like it to an extent.

Foley introduced the new 24/7 Championship, a title that will be on the line 24 hours a day, seven days a week with falls counting anywhere, much like the Hardcore Championship during the Attitude Era.  Foley also said the title would be available for any brand in the WWE. Things got kicked off with countless Superstars battling to obtain the title before Titus O’Neil got the belt and became the inaugural 24/7 Champion.

His reign would last only seconds after Robert Roode rolled him up and took the title before running for his life in the backstage area.  Just when Roode thought he was in the clear, R-Truth fooled him by appearing to help Roode escape, only to take him out to get a three count win for himself before driving away with the title.  It’s only been one night, but this “new” concept could be just what the doctor ordered for Monday nights.

The championship belt itself looks like something you could buy at Dollar General, but the concept is an entertaining one that should be able to meet many needs.  This seems like basically the PG version of the Hardcore Championship that led to so much memorable TV some 20 years ago.  That might be viewed as a negative to some who feel it’s just a ripoff of the Hardcore Championship, but it shouldn’t be viewed in that light given the circumstances.

Raw has desperately needed something different for a while now, so this new title helps reach that goal.  The unpredictable nature of this title should bring a new level of entertainment to a show that desperately needs it.  It could be defended on any brand, but the red brand is the brand that should benefit the most from the 24/7 Championship.  Not to mention, it also gives underutilized Superstars lower on the card a chance to shine week in and week out.

This new title breathes new life into WWE Raw. In only one night thus far, the entertainment value of the show went up a notch thanks to this title.  Hopefully, the creative juices start flowing and the WWE comes up with some outrageous ideas for this title, like the old Hardcore Championship had.  The title can also be won by anybody, including even WWE legends, which helps the unpredictability as well.

Although, this could all be for nothing if the WWE doesn’t see the 24/7 Championship all the way through.  If the creative powers that be just let it become the usual lackluster and direction-less title that the mid-card is being plagued with now, fans will turn on it quickly.  This should guarantee entertaining TV each week from now on with a variety of ideas being brought to the screen for the WWE Universe.

It might not have the best title design, but the 24/7 Championship feels like an appropriate addition to not only Raw, but the entire WWE. It should breathe new life into an entertainment-lacking product.