The latest edition of “Ask 411” brings an engaging analysis of the landscape of professional wrestling titles defended on television, particularly focusing on the comparisons between AEW and WWE. Ryan Byers, the column’s host, dives into questions regarding wrestling history and the intricate details of championship defenses within these prominent promotions.
A reader inquiry sparked a comparative analysis of how many different titles have been defended on AEW’s programming versus WWE’s. AEW boasts a total of 37 championships, including titles from its affiliate, Ring of Honor, while WWE, covering its “Raw era,” has seen 48 different titles. Byers notes that the total rises to 61 when considering the entire history of WWE, dating back to its origins in 1957.
The article also shines a light on the often subjective nature of what can be classified as a “title” in wrestling, admitting that the criteria can impact the counts significantly. A further breakdown of the various championships defended across both promotions illustrates the rich and diverse history within professional wrestling.
An interesting point raised in the column pertains to the Renegade, a brief but notable character from WCW. Ryan offered insights into the athlete’s life, highlighting how Richard “Ric” Wilson adopted the Renegade persona, even as it was perceived as an imitation of the Ultimate Warrior. The column reflects on the allure and challenges of embodying a wrestling character, using Wilson’s tragic story to underline the struggles many wrestlers face behind the scenes.
Moreover, Byers answers a query about Shane Douglas’s challenges to Ric Flair during the ECW days, revealing that they were intended to position Douglas as an anti-establishment figure rather than setting up any actual payoff.
The depth of analysis in the column serves to illustrate not only the funhouse mirror of wrestling’s character dynamics and title legitimacy but also reminds readers of the real-life challenges wrestlers often encounter. If you have questions about wrestling, the column encourages you to reach out, showing an open door to engage with the wrestling community.
As wrestling continues to evolve with new storylines and character arcs, it’s a reminder of the passion that both fans and wrestlers share for this unique form of entertainment.