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A year ago, Daniel Bryan returned to active in-ring competition after being told that he would never wrestle again. He proved, in time, that he's still one of the best in the business to this very day. He changed up his attitude during the course of the year and won the prestigious WWE Championship. He even has a burly sidekick now in Rowan.
And this week, he unveiled a brand new WWE Championship. Believe it or not, it's made of hemp and not leather, giving it a very unique look. Why did Daniel Bryan (and the company he represents, WWE) decide to change up the appearance of his title?
After all, this is a title that has a pretty amazing history. 'Wearing the leather strap' has always been the phrase to describe a WWE Champion as per industry parlance.
So what changed that this new title had to be introduced?
#5 To freshen up the WWE Championship picture significantly
We've all heard the age-old phrase- 'controversy creates cash'. There has been a startling lack of buzz around the WWE Championship for a while now. Even when Seth Rollins teased facing Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania, the crowd began to boo.
Brock Lesnar is just too big a superstar and whether you like it or not, the Universal Championship just feels like a more important Championship. Of course, WWE has not helped things by never having the WWE Championship close a pay-per-view event. The title has not been afforded its due respect.
By introducing this new title, it's become a talking point for the WWE Universe and could generate interest again. If it becomes enough of a talking point, people will take SmackDown Live and the Championship seriously.
#4 Because of the actual environmental benefits
I know that Daniel Bryan is supposed to be a heel. But he makes a few very interesting points about the environment for sure. Everything he says is factually right but is rejected by the WWE Universe.
And therefore, a title belt made of organic hemp that is 100% sustainable, created from a fallen oak is a very novel idea indeed. It can even earn WWE brownie points with environmental activists and organisations who may see merit in a championship of this nature. While the crowd in attendance may boo it out of the building, others may completely dig it.
One wonders if, in time, WWE will reject the idea of leather straps and actually make all their titles like this. Or if indeed, this will be a special title to commemorate Daniel Bryan's Championship reign.
#3 To legitimately get people to boo him
We all remember Daniel Bryan defying the odds and standing tall as the WWE Champion at WrestleMania XXX. We also remember the man retiring and I dare you to admit that you did not shed a tear that day.
Now here is a man who has returned from being told he will never wrestle again. He is a real-life superhero and it's a wonder that anyone at all can boo him, at this particular juncture. And then, you add the fact that everything he's said about the environment is factually right, and you have the perfect recipe for a babyface.
But then, Bryan is such a great performer that he got the WWE Universe to turn against him. By unveiling this belt and undermining them each and every week, he will garner more heel heat.
It's all quite obvious.
#2 Transitional WWE championship for a new design?
Now, let's assume that someone else wins the WWE Championship at Elimination Chamber. It will be very weird to see someone like Samoa Joe carry this title around because it does not fit his gimmick. It looks like it's been created to commemorate the reign of the new Daniel Bryan.
But when someone else does win the Championship, could we see WWE selecting a new design for the Championship belt? Could it be blue in line with the SmackDown Live brand? I say this because the Universal Championship is a deep shade of red, to showcase which brand the title belongs to.
While I have no concrete proof to back this statement up, I daresay that reverting to the old WWE Championship design is not something I see WWE doing. It may well be time for a reboot!
#1 A throwback to the Madusa segment
Those of you who watched wrestling in the 90s may remember this segment. Alundra Blayze carried her title from WWE to WCW and dumped it in the trash during an episode of Nitro. Daniel Bryan paid tribute to the segment in a cheeky way. It was a nice throwback and a very memorable segment that should live on in infamy too.
Whether you like the title or not, I'm sure it'll make for a very interesting collectable for someone's personal collection. It sets Daniel Bryan apart as a unique character. I'm all for it, myself, and I think it just adds a new dimension ahead of the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view.
What do you think of the title yourself? Do you like it or do you consider it an abomination?
Let me know in the comments and also who do you think will stand tall at the Elimination Chamber?
