Report: Replica Title Sales A Motivating Factor Behind WWE Bringing Back The Winged Eagle

Fans of a certain vintage rejoiced when Cody Rhodes revealed that he was wearing the famous 'winged eagle' WWE Championship belt prior to his title defense against Kevin Owens at Saturday Night's Main Event.

The 'American Nightmare' had lobbied for the return of the design, while fans who watched WWE programming between 1988 and 1998 (as well as title belt enthusiasts in general) have long sung its merits.

While WWE may have been placating Cody and a section of their fanbase by bringing an updated version of the title back for one night only, the company may have also had an ulterior motive.

On X, Andrew Zarian noted that the decision to bring back the winged eagle title was in part due to the ability to shift replicas.

"Will add a bit more. Months ago I had a conversation regarding this with someone at WWE. I was told that merch sales (replica title belt sales) would play a big part in making this a regular thing", Zarian wrote.

The winged eagle title belt may yet continue to feature on WWE television as part of the storyline between Rhodes and Owens, with KO posting a picture of himself holding the belt on social media alongside the caption 'Mine'.

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