The chaotic chronicles of the Hardcore Championship: photos
A cornerstone of the Attitude Era, the Hardcore Championship went from extreme innovation to turbulent punchline. Held by Legends like Mick Foley, The Undertaker, Kane and Big Show, the title disappeared after only four years. Check out these photos of sports-entertainment's most chaotic championship.
Taking a cue from ECW's tremendous popularity of the 1990s, WWE introduced the Hardcore Championship in late 1998, but just a few short years later, the title had devolved into something of a no holds barred punchline.
Bob Holly became so enamored with the emerging ring style that he formally ditched “Bob” to become Hardcore Holly.
Believe it or not, Gerald Brisco was a two-time Hardcore Champion, and faced off with Pat Patterson in a Hardcore Evening Gown Match for the title at King of the Ring 2000.
Steve Blackman was one of the better Hardcore Champions and faced off with Shane McMahon in a memorable Hardcore Championship Match at SummerSlam 2000.
Big Show won the Hardcore Championship on three occasions.
Kane won the Hardcore Title only once, but it was a memorable victory at WrestleMania X-Seven.
Rob Van Dam was a four-time Hardcore Champion as well as the title's last champ.
ECW's Rob Van Dam took on WWE's Jeff Hardy for the Hardcore Championship at 2001's unique Invasion pay-per-view event.
