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WWE Hardcore Championship

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description WWE Hardcore Championship Overview

The WWE Hardcore Championship was a men's professional wrestling title active from 1998 until 2002, when it was unified with the Intercontinental Championship. Its rules generally permitted weapons, no disqualification, and falls count anywhere, allowing matches to continue beyond the ring. WWE added the 24/7 rule in 1999, permitting the title to change hands whenever an official was present, subject to limited exceptions. The championship is associated with a loose, brawl-oriented match format.

help WWE Hardcore Championship FAQ

When was the WWE Hardcore Championship introduced?

WWE introduced the title on the November 2, 1998 episode of Raw, when Mr. McMahon awarded it to Mankind. WWE lists the championship as active from 1998 through 2002. ([WWE](https://www.wwe.com/classics/classic-lists/8-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-hardcore-title))

What were the original WWE Hardcore Championship match rules?

Hardcore title defenses generally had no disqualification, no count-outs, and pinfalls could take place anywhere. Matches could therefore spill from the ring into backstage areas or other parts of the arena. ([WWE](https://www.wwe.com/classics/hardcore-championship-history))

What did the 24/7 rule mean for the Hardcore Championship?

The champion could be pinned at any time as long as a referee was present to make the three-count. Crash Holly became closely associated with this rule after introducing it in 2000. ([WWE](https://www.wwe.com/titlehistory/hardcore-championship))

What happened to the WWE Hardcore Championship in 2002?

The title was retired after it was unified with the Intercontinental Championship on Raw in August 2002. Rob Van Dam was the final Hardcore Champion involved in that unification. ([WWE](https://www.wwe.com/classics/hardcore-championship-history))