Post by MasterSnit on Mar 19, 2008 17:13:10 GMT -5
I just read this about RVD being the original choice for the first WWE world heavyweight champion -
... The MSG Raw also called for a No. 1 contenders match, which would see Triple H beat the Undertaker to claim a future title shot, just moments before Brock was to jump to SmackDown only.
Then, with Brock gone and defected, our plan called for Bischoff to announce the creation of the World Heavyweight Championship, with the No. 1 contender (Triple H) facing the IC Champion (Rob Van Dam) to crown the first champion at Unforgiven.
Van Dam would then win the World Title, and our plan called for both he and Brock to hold onto their championships until the following WrestleMania -- there had been so much turmoil and craziness with the Invasion storyline and the brand extension that we resolved it would be a good thing to get one guy driving each show for the better part of the year. Having Brock and Van Dam be the guys felt new and fresh, especially after a year when you had Austin, Hogan, Rock, Triple H and Undertaker on top -- all huge stars obviously, but the fans (and most of us on creative) were screaming for something new.
We figure it was a no-lose situation -- either we would have branded a new World Championship, or, if things didn't work out, we could just get a payday out of re-uniting the titles if need be. And the early talk was to do Brock vs. RVD at WrestleMania XIX.
Of course, things didn't quite work out this way ...
No shit! It didn't. Triple H was awarded the title and what ensued drove me to stop watching wrestling for a while, until late 04 - early 05 when Snitskymania swept me back in and Batista was getting ready to challenge Triple H and end his domination.
So what do you think about this? Would RVD have been a good first champion and what are your overall thoughts on those Triple H years. I know GLF, for one, actually enjoyed those 20 minute promo's at the start of every show but those seemingly endless promo's and title reigns definitely played a part in my decision to tap out for a long while. A fresh new world champion and main eventer was just what WWE needed at the time, in my opinion.
... The MSG Raw also called for a No. 1 contenders match, which would see Triple H beat the Undertaker to claim a future title shot, just moments before Brock was to jump to SmackDown only.
Then, with Brock gone and defected, our plan called for Bischoff to announce the creation of the World Heavyweight Championship, with the No. 1 contender (Triple H) facing the IC Champion (Rob Van Dam) to crown the first champion at Unforgiven.
Van Dam would then win the World Title, and our plan called for both he and Brock to hold onto their championships until the following WrestleMania -- there had been so much turmoil and craziness with the Invasion storyline and the brand extension that we resolved it would be a good thing to get one guy driving each show for the better part of the year. Having Brock and Van Dam be the guys felt new and fresh, especially after a year when you had Austin, Hogan, Rock, Triple H and Undertaker on top -- all huge stars obviously, but the fans (and most of us on creative) were screaming for something new.
We figure it was a no-lose situation -- either we would have branded a new World Championship, or, if things didn't work out, we could just get a payday out of re-uniting the titles if need be. And the early talk was to do Brock vs. RVD at WrestleMania XIX.
Of course, things didn't quite work out this way ...
No shit! It didn't. Triple H was awarded the title and what ensued drove me to stop watching wrestling for a while, until late 04 - early 05 when Snitskymania swept me back in and Batista was getting ready to challenge Triple H and end his domination.
So what do you think about this? Would RVD have been a good first champion and what are your overall thoughts on those Triple H years. I know GLF, for one, actually enjoyed those 20 minute promo's at the start of every show but those seemingly endless promo's and title reigns definitely played a part in my decision to tap out for a long while. A fresh new world champion and main eventer was just what WWE needed at the time, in my opinion.