by Nicholas A. Levack

Created on: January 21, 2009

Throughout the history of professional wrestling, it's reasonable to say that one championship has stood out more amongst all others. One title - or "strap" - has seen more days and been recognized by more people as a world championship, than any other reward of its kind. The championship I speak of is the WWE's crown jewel, the WWE Championship.

Though through a cynical perspective, a champion is merely a way to garner viewers. While that may be an aspect of it, one must remember that professional wrestling has always been about entertainment - that's where its roots began. Being the head of any entertainment franchise, means that you connect with the people that hold up the industry in some special way. I'm one in a large group of people who dislike John Cena for his wrestling inability, however I still manage to respect him for how hard of a worker he is, the genuinely kind personality you hear so much of, and the fact he's at least good on the stick. So if being a champion means you have a strong bond with the fans or you have a talent for acting your gimmick, it's almost like earning the lead role in a movie - one which requires a large variety of dangerous stunts, mind you.

John Cena is one of many others who have held the coveted WWE Championship, proving that he is a notable figurehead in the business we know and love, resent him as much as we do for his wrestling. Jeff Hardy is another whose skill as a wrestler comes into question. He holds a special place in my mind since he was one wrestler of an entire generation, currently active as I was just getting into wrestling. However, at the time he was a spotmonkey (I say that with no disrespect, even if the term usually implies it), and I must admit that to this day he still, to an extent, is a spotmonkey. I would give him that he has become a better chain wrestler and knows how to work a story into a match, not just dazzle the fans with big moves - but he still doesn't match up to the best hands the WWE has, including Edge, Undertaker, Matt Hardy, Chris Jericho, Shawn Michaels, and a few others.

So what is my opinion of Jeff being the WWE Champion? I've made it clear that I personally like him, even if I must say he's not a great wrestler. I also described how a champion will also always be someone who connects with the fans, not just a great wrestler. But what is my straight-forward statement on whether or not I approve of Jeff Hardy's reign?

Here it is: I do.

Few wrestlers have ever put more heart into

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