In a candid discussion on a recent episode of “Busted Open Radio,” WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray shared his vision for a major restructuring of WWE’s championship titles. Since May, WWE has reverted to a dual world championship system, with the introduction of the World Heavyweight Championship for “Raw” alongside the “Smackdown” Undisputed WWE Championship. However, Bully Ray sees a more streamlined approach as beneficial for the company’s future.
“I would love a complete restructuring of world championships,” Bully stated. “One undisputed champion, and now you have your ‘Raw’ television champion, your ‘Smackdown’ television champion. Now, [if] you want that television champion to be the Intercontinental champion and the United States champion, that’s fine.”
The Problem with Multiple World Titles
Bully Ray’s critique centers around the redundancy and perceived lack of prestige associated with having two world champions. He specifically pointed to the current World Heavyweight Champion, Damien Priest, suggesting that Priest’s title feels secondary compared to Cody Rhodes’ Undisputed WWE Championship. Despite acknowledging Priest’s commendable work within the Judgment Day faction, Ray questioned the necessity and significance of the second world title.
“What’s the f***ing point of having a second world championship?” Ray asked pointedly. “It’s just there for the sake of being there … Some of these championships are nothing more than props because they’re not carved out and defined.”
Redefining the Championship Hierarchy
Bully Ray’s proposed model looks at the end of one undisputed world champion as the WWE. This champion will represent the ultimate prize, while the television competition of both “Raw” and “SmackDown” will act as a prestigious secondary title. He suggested that these titles could become synonymous with the Intercontinental United States Championship, further strengthening the titles
According to Ray, this streamlined process will add clarity and relevance to each contest, ensuring that each title holder is seen as an important and credible contender. He pointed out that the current system was eroding the prestige and importance of tournaments, with some feeling that they were merely consumables rather than coveted accolades.
The Case for GUNTHER
Speaking of the top talent in WWE, Bully Ray named GUNTHER as the second biggest star in the company behind Cody Rhodes. GUNTHER, who has been making waves with his high-profile performance, is seen by Rey as a more suitable candidate for the world championship than current title holder Damien Priest.
“Right now my number two guy is GUNTHER,” Ray announced, alluding to the Austrian superpower’s rising star at the company. Soon GUNTHER’s strength could kick him up a notch, as he is set to challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship at SummerSlam following his controversial victory over Randy Orton at King and Queen of the Ring.
The Path Forward
Bully Ray’s vision for WWE’s championship structure calls for a more focused and meaningful approach. By consolidating the titles and defining clear hierarchies, WWE can enhance the prestige of each championship and elevate the status of its champions. As WWE navigates its future, Ray’s suggestions offer a roadmap for ensuring that every titleholder is viewed with the respect and admiration they deserve.
Stephen’s Insight
Bully Ray’s critique and proposed restructuring of WWE’s championship landscape address a long-standing issue in professional wrestling: the oversaturation of titles. His insights highlight the importance of maintaining prestige and clarity within the title hierarchy, ensuring that each championship holds significant value. This approach not only benefits the wrestlers but also enhances the viewing experience for fans, creating a more compelling and competitive environment.
