On this past weeks episode of Smackdown Live, Sami Zayn gave Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura a special gift. This was a redesigned Intercontinental Championship, thus retiring the classic design which dates back to the 80’s.
The reception to the change has overall been good, with some throwing around conspiracy theories that they changed the design as Cody Rhodes was the one who reintroduced the belt with the white strap, but that is a reach to say the very least.
Cody has this to say on the rumors when asked on Twitter if him introducing the previous design was why they altered it.
“Unlikely. Probably just time for a change. All good things and such… I’m sure this one will have great moments/wrestlers attached to it just like the older one.”
Change is good, but whats the reason behind the change? I have a pretty strong theory why, beyond that designs are dated or just downright ugly like the current tag team championships on both brands.
Customizable Side Plates
Its far from a dramatic reason, but something the titles due for change lacks is the ability for a champion to customize their belts using side plates, something that has been standard on the top titles & womens titles for a while now.
Having that personal touch makes a champion feel more important, plus it makes for very easy merchandising chances for initial champions, as you can sell replica sideplates. Not to mention, putting out a few updated belts just before Christmas is smart business.
Its a simple touch, and its clearly seen on Nakamuras new championship, and was a detail I never noticed was missing from the title.
Other Belts To Be Redesigned
Rumor has it, redesigned versions of the United States Championship, and both RAW & Smackdown Tag Team Championships have been produced, and are awaiting approval from Vince McMahon before being introduced.
They likely want to spread out introducing the redesigned titles, but I sincerely hope the tag titles are next. The current design, especially when compared to old designs is pretty ugly. The US Championship is also not the best design, especially compared to the more modern belts in WWE, but that one atleast has a classic look to it.
If the new titles are as nice as the redesigned Intercontinental Championship, and not akin to them color-swapping the Universal Championship, it’ll be very interesting to see whats coming soon.
