24/7 Championship Belts

24/7 Championship Belts

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    24/7 Championship Belts: The Legacy of Constant Action in WWE

    The WWE 24/7 Championship was one of the most unique and unpredictable titles in wrestling history. Introduced in 2019, it brought an exciting twist to traditional championships by allowing title changes at any time, in any place, as long as a referee was present. This led to countless hilarious, chaotic, and unexpected moments involving wrestlers, referees, and even celebrities.

    Origins of the WWE 24/7 Championship

    The title was unveiled on the May 20, 2019, episode of Monday Night Raw by WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley. The concept was inspired by the classic Hardcore Championship’s 24/7 Rule, which made that title one of the most entertaining aspects of WWE’s Attitude Era. Unlike traditional championships that were defended in scheduled matches, the 24/7 Championship could be won anytime, anywhere, leading to unpredictable scenarios across WWE programming and beyond.

    The first champion was Titus O’Neil, who won a scramble match to claim the inaugural title. However, just seconds later, Robert Roode pinned him to become the second champion, setting the tone for the chaos that would follow.

    Unique Features of the 24/7 Championship

    • Open to everyone – Unlike other WWE titles, the 24/7 Championship could be won by wrestlers from any brand, legends, referees, and even celebrities.
    • Defended anytime, anywhere – From arenas to parking lots, airport terminals to golf courses, the belt changed hands in the most unexpected places.
    • High turnover rate – With title defenses happening at any moment, the championship had over 200 reigns in just three years.

    Most Memorable 24/7 Championship Reigns

    R-Truth (Record 54-Time Champion)

    No wrestler was more synonymous with the 24/7 Championship than R-Truth. He became the heart and soul of the title, winning it a staggering 54 times, often using clever disguises, distractions, and comedic antics to reclaim it. His feud with Drake Maverick, who desperately wanted to keep the title so he could enjoy his honeymoon, remains one of the funniest storylines in WWE history.

    Rob Gronkowski (NFL Superstar & WrestleMania 36 Champion)

    At WrestleMania 36, former NFL star Rob Gronkowski shocked the world by pinning Mojo Rawley to win the title. His reign brought mainstream attention to the championship before he lost it after returning to football.

    Bad Bunny (Grammy Award-Winning Musician)

    During his WWE appearances in 2021, Bad Bunny won the 24/7 Championship and even took the title to The Grammys, making it one of the few wrestling championships to appear on a major awards show. He later relinquished the title to R-Truth, showing his respect for WWE.

    Akira Tozawa & The Ninja Clan

    Akira Tozawa frequently challenged for the title, often appearing with a group of ninjas to help him win. His comedic skits added to the over-the-top nature of the championship.

    Drake Maverick’s Emotional Journey

    Drake Maverick’s obsession with the 24/7 Championship led to one of WWE’s funniest storylines. His honeymoon was constantly interrupted as he tried to hold onto the title, only for R-Truth to find ways to steal it back.

    Most Unexpected 24/7 Championship Victories

    • Pat Patterson & Gerald Brisco – The WWE Hall of Famers, both in their 70s, briefly won the championship, bringing back memories of the Hardcore Title’s 24/7 rule.
    • Santa Claus – During a Christmas-themed episode of Raw, Santa himself won the belt before being rolled up for a quick loss.
    • The Gobbledy Gooker – The infamous Thanksgiving mascot held the title for a brief moment before losing it.
    • Peter Rosenberg (ESPN Host) – The sports personality shocked fans by pinning R-Truth to win the title live on the air.

    The Decline and Retirement of the 24/7 Championship

    As WWE’s creative direction changed, the 24/7 Championship’s presence diminished. The title, once a major comedic and unpredictable element on Raw and SmackDown, began appearing less frequently by 2022.

    On November 7, 2022, Nikki Cross won the championship from Dana Brooke. In a symbolic moment, she threw the belt into a trash can backstage, effectively ending its run. WWE later confirmed that the 24/7 Championship was officially retired.

    Legacy of the 24/7 Championship

    Although the title was never meant to be a prestigious championship, it became one of the most entertaining aspects of WWE programming. It provided comic relief, shocking moments, and even mainstream exposure.

    While some criticized the belt for lacking credibility, others appreciated it as a fun and unpredictable element in WWE storytelling. The championship allowed lower-card wrestlers to get valuable screen time, and its wild title changes kept fans engaged.

    Key Takeaways from the 24/7 Championship’s Legacy:

    • Most Reigns: R-Truth (54)
    • Most Unlikely Champion: Bad Bunny
    • Most Emotional Storyline: Drake Maverick’s obsession with the title
    • Most Mainstream Exposure: Rob Gronkowski taking it to the NFL, Bad Bunny featuring it at the Grammys

    Although the 24/7 Championship is now retired, its chaotic and hilarious moments remain a memorable part of WWE history