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The ‘Championship Spree’ is wrestling’s ‘The Odyssey,’ where one departs his homeland and only after he defeats fantastical monsters may he return. In the case of wrestling, the departed will journey to several wrestling promotions where he will ‘conquer’ by defeating their champion and winning their respective title.

Premise:

• A wrestler vows to capture championships from ‘every’ other wrestling federation.

Purpose:

• Legitimize a promotion’s heavyweight championship.
• Promote relations with independent/interntional wrestling federations.

Who:

• An exiled heel/face who vows to return once they win every other championship.
• A face who was unfairly jipped out of the heavyweight championship and chooses to capture other federation titles as a means of redemption.
• A disgruntled heel unable to capture the title.

Timeline:

• Four to twelve months.

Description:

The ‘Championship Spree’ angle would take a considerable amount of time to plan as it calls for working with several independent or international groups. If the promotion refuses to work with others, they could ‘fabricate’ the other promotions and titles. Though such an angle would allow the promotion to scout new talent, and develop new partnerships. Realistically, in regards to US based promotions, only WWE, TNA, and Ring of Honor are in a position to execute this angle.

The deal gives smaller federations national exposure for allowing their champion to job (lose the belt). Every other week, the wrestler in question will capture another title. This can be done by airing video footage of the bout at the independent federation’s event, or inviting the champion to defend the title on the promotion’s TV show. This depends on creative taste and the working agreement of each promotion. For example, is it important to show the independent promotion in its true form as a high-school gym operation with 30 fans in attendance? Or is it better to put a professional spotlight on them and invite the group to a larger stage?

Audiences will look forward to seeing new faces, while the promotion doesn’t have to shell out new salaries to bring them in. Eventually, the wrestler will be covered in titles, and the ongoing saga will slowly build to an eventual ‘return’ and a heavyweight title defense.

This is a ‘loose’ angle that can be taken in any direction to fit the needs of the promotion. For instance, A Lex Express element could be thrown in, whereby the wrestler travels across the country in a chartered bus with announced appearances. While this would work in any federation, TNA would benefit more from such a move, as they need to gain more exposure.

Ideally, the angle should commence at a PPV when the multi-crown champion must forfeit his titles for a chance to win the title. The match will mean more if the contender has to give up everything he has accomplished. This also pushes the title, because it says that every other championship in the country combined is only worth a title shot. While the independent groups may not appreciate it, they desperately need the free advertising. Whether or not the wrestler has to win the title is up to the needs of the promotion.

It’s important to follow the story of each champhionship. If possible, the PPV card should feature title bouts to crown new champions for each recently vacated title. While these wrestlers may not possess drawing power (ability to attract audiences), the main event and the uniqueness of the event should bring in a profitable buy. While not highly praised, Starcade 1995 where WCW wrestlers competed against New Japan stars in a best of seven series highlights the potential for such a PPV.

The ‘Championship Spree’ is a breath of fresh air giving audiences a look outside of the norm while one wrestler is given a monumental push.