10 Best WWE World Title Changes On Free TV
Major title changes that didn't cost you a penny...
Big E won the WWE Title last Monday by cashing-in his Money in the Bank briefcase on Bobby Lashley, following Lashley's successful defence against Randy Orton on Raw.
It was a spectacular moment, something that Big E has deserved and been ready to receive for a long time now.
Refreshingly, the New Day man told everyone what he was going to do before he did it, Tweeting out his intentions and then following through on his promise. A babyface doing exactly what he said - how about that?
The reaction to his win from fans and those in the industry has been overwhelmingly positive, with some saying it was one of the best WWE television moments in recent memory.
Watching it all go down got me thinking about other times a world title - be it WWE, World Heavyweight or Universal - changed hands on free TV.
There have been some great ones over the years, from other cash-ins and other surprises to hard-fought epics.
Here are, in no particular order, ten of the very best.
10. Kevin Owens (2016)
WWE's Universal Championship had a rocky start to life.
First, the belt's design received a very negative reaction when it was unveiled on Raw. Then, inaugural champion Finn Balor was forced to vacate it just twenty four hours after winning it due to an injury he suffered in the title match with Seth Rollins at SummerSlam 2016.
With Roman Reigns being demoted following a recent Wellness Policy suspension, WWE were hoping the Irish Ace would act as face of the brand for the time being.
They were forced to improvise and go in a different direction, booking a four-way match for the title a week after Balor vacated it.
In it, Kevin Owens battled Reigns, Seth Rollins and Big Cass in an elimination bout. The action was good and, in the end, it came down to the Prizefighter and the Architect.
Triple H interfered late on and, in a somewhat predictable swerve, betrayed Rollins and Pedigreed him, allowing Owens to win the title.
KO's reign wasn't an all-timer or anything, but his title win was well done and it certainly made for intriguing television.
Written by Lewis Howse
Features journalist for Cultaholic.com and script writer for the Cultaholic YouTube Channel.
