Why Did WWE Get Rid of the World Heavyweight Championship?By Coder| September 29, 2023 Wrestling Blogs Why Did WWE Get Rid of the World Heavyweight Championship? The World Heavyweight Championship was one of the most prestigious titles in the world of professional wrestling. It had a rich history and was held by some of the greatest wrestlers of all time. However, in 2013, WWE made the surprising decision to retire the World Heavyweight Championship. This move left many fans wondering why such a significant title was taken away. The Brand Split One of the main reasons behind the retirement of the World Heavyweight Championship was WWE’s decision to reintroduce the brand split. The brand split divided WWE’s roster into two separate brands: Raw and SmackDown. Each brand had its own set of championships, including a world title. With two world titles, WWE felt that it was diluting the significance of both championships. By consolidating them into one undisputed championship, they could create a more focused and meaningful world title picture. The Universal Championship In addition to reintroducing the brand split, WWE also introduced a new championship known as the Universal Championship. This title was created for Raw and became their top prize. The introduction of this new championship meant that there was no longer a need for two separate world titles. The Universal Championship quickly became synonymous with Raw and allowed WWE to establish a clear hierarchy within their programming. It also provided an opportunity for new stars to step up and become the face of Monday nights. Streamlining Storylines Another factor that played a role in retiring the World Heavyweight Championship was streamlining storylines. With only one world title in play, WWE could focus their storytelling efforts on a single champion and their pursuit by other wrestlers. This shift allowed for more cohesive narratives and increased the stakes in championship matches. It also gave WWE the flexibility to create more compelling storylines and rivalries without having to juggle multiple world titles and their respective contenders. A Symbolic Change Retiring the World Heavyweight Championship was also a symbolic change for WWE. It represented a new era and a fresh direction for the company. By unifying the championships, WWE showcased their commitment to innovation and evolution. Additionally, retiring the World Heavyweight Championship allowed WWE to pay homage to its history while embracing progress. It opened up opportunities for new titles and concepts, creating excitement among fans and allowing for fresh narratives to unfold. In Conclusion The retirement of the World Heavyweight Championship was a strategic decision made by WWE in order to streamline their programming, create more focused storylines, and establish a clear hierarchy within their brand split. While it may have been a surprise to many fans, it ultimately allowed for new opportunities and signaled a shift towards innovation and progress.