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General
History
Title matches
WWE Hardcore Championship
WWE Hardcore Championship
Details
Promotions: WWE
Date established: November 2, 1998
Date retired: August 26, 2002
Other name(s)
Other name(s): WWF Hardcore Championship (1998–2002)
WWE Hardcore Championship (2002)
Statistics
First champion(s) Mankind
Most reigns Raven (27)
Longest reign Big Boss Man (97 days)
Shortest reign Terri Runnels (9 seconds)
Oldest champion Pat Patterson (59 years, 152 days)
Youngest champion Christopher Nowinski (23 years, 285 days)
Heaviest champion Big Show (500 lb (230 kg))
Lightest champion Terri Runnels (100 lb (45 kg))


The WWE Hardcore Championship a hardcore wrestling championship in WWE, which was contested under "hardcore" rules (no disqualifications, no countouts, and pinfalls count anywhere). In the latter part of the title's history, a rule was implemented allowing anyone to challenge the champion at any place or time, provided a referee was present (dubbed the "24/7 rule"). It was established on November 2, 1998 with Mankind as the inaugural champion. In 2002, it was unified with the WWE Intercontinental Championship by Rob Van Dam, the final Hardcore Champion.

History

Mr. McMahon awarded Mankind the World Wrestling Federation Hardcore Championship on November 2, 1998. After Mankind lost the title to Big Boss Man, he never attempted to recapture it mainly because of the main event push he received shortly afterward. At the time of conception, the idea was for the belt to be used in comedy segments to play on Mankind's reputation as a hardcore wrestler. However, as Mankind and hardcore wrestling became more popular with audiences, the Hardcore Championship became a more serious title. Its popularity led competitor World Championship Wrestling to create its own Hardcore Championship, a move followed by numerous independent promotions.

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