Do we really need these Dark Title Matches?

[C.M. Shaddix]

It's very silly really, why does WWE still have titles defended at house shows, pre/post dark matches and at NXT dark matches? Isn't it obvious that WWE won't have a title change at a house show?(besides the tag titles in 2012, but that was because Bourne had to be suspended) All this does it foreshadow who the winner will be, for example, on Raw in 2011, there was are Dark 5-man HIAC match for the WWE title after Raw before the HIAC ppv, and after when the Triple Threat HIAC match was announced? Well there was, and that was totally pointless and showed you who the winner was gonna be. So why does WWE still do these Title matches at house shows and other shit? Thoughts on why?

 

[Roi]

For little kids who doesnt know that.

 

[Chaz]

Well yeah they're pointless, but I guess the reason is what Rhod just said.

 

[Lockard 23]

Kayfabe wise, it makes sense. If you attend house shows and guys/gals are in character wrestling matches, then it makes sense that their titles would be on the line. Even if it isn't televised, champions should still be expected to defend their titles since it's how true champions prove their worthy of holding the gold.

 

[Leo C]

Yeah, in kayfabe it makes sense and it doesn't really bother us because it's not televised, so.

 

[Cloud]

See now since the US Title is in the crapper at the min. I'd say since it always ends up on pre shows for PPV's that that title should actually be defended for real at house shows as its no biggie if it changes hands. Plus if it did they could show it on RAW an SD like they used to with the hardcore title when that was 24/7.

 

[Farooq]

There has been title changes before. Primo and Epico defeated Kofi and Bourne for the tag titles in a house show for the tag team titles, and John Morrison and Miz won the tag team championships in a house show in 2008 too.

 

[Dat Kid1]

Titles are defended at house shows so that the house shows draw more. Wouldnt you be more willing to see a match if the title is on the line

 

[Aids Johnson]

Titles are defended at house shows so that the house shows draw more. Wouldnt you be more willing to see a match if the title is on the line

exactly what i was going to post. High five son.

 

[Dat Kid1]

 

[Aids Johnson]

im kanye.

 

[catlady]

Storyline wise = Pointless (but not entirely)

 

[victor kwon]

How often to they defend titles at house shows anyway? Honestly I think it doesn't make sense because even on RAW or SMACKDOWN you only see a title defense once in a blue moon. Back in the Attitude Era you'd see the titles get put on the line all the time, but these days title shots are left to the PPVs.

And RE: the comments about title shots at house shows being bigger draws... That also doesn't make sense because everybody would know the reigning champion wouldn't lose. When's the last time a title's changed hands off the air?

 

[leojay]

And RE: the comments about title shots at house shows being bigger draws... That also doesn't make sense because everybody would know the reigning champion wouldn't lose. When's the last time a title's changed hands off the air?

Not everyone is as cool and insider as you, my little brother and his friends were on the edge of their seats thinking Ryback was about the win the WWE Championship just a month ago. Because, you know, kids actually go to these house shows.

Plus, the tag titles have changed two times over the last four(?) years at a house show, and they've also at times had the challenger win the title only for it to be reversed as a twist at times. And, didn't Bret Hart also win his first World Title at a house show that could later be bought on VCR?

Title matches definitely sell, if for the kids than anything else. Why not have the title on the line when you're going to have the same match at the house show anyway?

 

[victor kwon]

Not everyone is as cool and insider as you, my little brother and his friends were on the edge of their seats thinking Ryback was about the win the WWE Championship just a month ago. Because, you know, kids actually go to these house shows.

Plus, the tag titles have changed two times over the last four(?) years at a house show, and they've also at times had the challenger win the title only for it to be reversed as a twist at times. And, didn't Bret Hart also win his first World Title at a house show that could later be bought on VCR?

Title matches definitely sell, if for the kids than anything else. Why not have the title on the line when you're going to have the same match at the house show anyway?

Honestly, I highly doubt kids would be boo-ing if titles weren't on the line. Like I said, there are rarely any title matches even on RAW or Smackdown, and the fans still get into it. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure it's much more exciting for kids who don't realize the title wouldn't change hands off the air. But kids don't go alone, and they certainly dont pay for their tickets themselves, or even know how to get a ticket. If title matches did actually sell, then why wouldn't WWE indicate there would be a title defense? That sounds unlike the marketing whores of WWE.

I think house shows are just for the people the event is closest to. Title matches and top superstars aren't promised to be there, it's just icing on the cake.