Status quo on SmackDown, hesitancy with top star - 5 consequences of the addition of the WWE World Heavyweight Championship
At first sight, WWE's reintroduction of the World Heavyweight Championship was a great move. It provides the rest of the WWE roster with the chance to win a significant title since the company apparently doesn't want Roman Reigns to ever lose.
Its re-emergence also meant that the entire RAW brand wouldn't have to wait for Reigns to decide to defend the Undisputed Championship.
With the 2023 WWE Draft resetting rosters, it meant some stars would have a big opportunity. Others, however, were likely still stuck in the same quagmire on SmackDown with The Tribal Chief as Champ.
A new title for a portion of the roster is a good idea, but its installation doesn't address some unresolved issues. Here are five consequences brought on by the creation of the World Heavyweight title.
#5. It allows Reigns to keep both belts
The easiest way to circumvent the Undisputed title situation would have simply been for Reigns to discard the WWE Championship. He's only technically been the Universal Champ - not the Undisputed Champion - for nearly 1,000 days. The run as Undisputed Champ has been for a year-plus.
By having The Tribal Chief discard and look down on the WWE title, the belt would have been put up for grabs on RAW. The titles are often just props for Roman and Paul Heyman, so arrogantly tossing one belt aside wouldn't be out of character.
Physically, there are also now three top titles with the introduction of the World Heavyweight Championship. Had the two titles merged into a single Undisputed Championship belt, then it wouldn't be a problem. Otherwise, why carry both belts if they aren't separated at some point?
#4. Someone beating Reigns would have boosted a new WWE name
One of the most important results of beating a long-reigning champion is the luster given to the new champ. When Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre each dethroned Brock Lesnar, it helped legitimize them as main-eventers.
Neither star, however, has recaptured major gold in WWE lately due to Reigns holding both titles for the last year. McIntyre is reportedly unhappy with his place in the hierarchy while Rollins has been every bit as good or even better during Roman's title run.
The performer that eventually defeats The Head of the Table will get instant credibility. If it's Cody Rhodes, he may already have it. If someone like Solo Sikoa or Austin Theory or another younger star did so, the win would propel that star into the stratosphere.
#3. The champion will have to represent both brands at most premium live events
Another issue with the new title for RAW is that the World Heavyweight Champion will have to be a workhorse star. He will have to defend the title at every event due to Reigns' part-time schedule and sporadic defenses.
That could be a good thing or a bad thing depending on how the champion is booked. Too many matches, like with AEW's International Championship, will seem overbooked. Too few defenses, like with MJF or Reigns, will lessen the title run.
Seth Rollins, Lashley, Styles, or a newer performer like Gunther would be perfect representatives due to their athleticism. Gunther has also put on wrestling clinics throughout his career. That will be needed every month once a champ is crowned.
#2. It has caused hesitancy to make Seth Rollins the champion
Once the news came out about a new major champ, the two frontrunners were Rhodes and Rollins. Rhodes was a favorite due to his successful return to WWE. Rollins has been one of the most popular stars over the last two years.
The American Nightmare was taken out of the running once Brock Lesnar blindsided him. That made The Visionary the favorite to capture the World Heavyweight Championship.
A recent report came out, however, stating that WWE may be hesitant to make Rollins the World Heavyweight Champ due to the possibility of getting more movie roles. He missed a recent RAW due to being on set for Captain America: New World Order.
Rollins deserves a major run due to his hard work throughout his career. Getting more movie work, however, could be both a blessing and a curse for the former multi-time titleholder.
#1. Roman Reigns may hold the Undisputed Championship until WrestleMania 40 and face The Rock
As Rhodes was unable to dethrone The Tribal Chief, eyes turned to the next possible person who could do what The American Nightmare could not. Solo Sikoa did interfere to cost Rhodes the win, so Cody still has a claim to a rematch.
Due to Reigns' infrequent defenses and part-time schedule, the likelihood of holding the Undisputed title until WrestleMania 40 grows with each month. WWE has always wanted a mega-match between Reigns and the Rock. The problem, however, is that if it is for the title, no outcome benefits the entire WWE roster.
If Reigns wins, it's more of the same with no advancement for the rest of the stars. If the Rock wins, it shows that officials don't consider any other full-time star on the same level as The Tribal Chief.
Another problem with a win by the Rock is that he's over 50 and a part-timer. It would be one of the biggest matches in WWE history, but the outcome would do no favors for anyone other than members of the Bloodline.