Why WWE Did ‘Phantom Title Change’ At Raw Reunion

The Raw Reunion featured the WWE 24/7 Title in a big way. That title changed hands a lot during the night. You can read all about that here and it’s pretty entertaining story.

One person who won the title for a moment was Pat Patterson. The first-ever WWE Intercontinental Champion then lost the 24/7 Title much like how he won the IC Title in the first place — off camera. After all, Patterson is famous for winning the IC Title after a tournament in Barcelona that never happened.

Dave Meltzer noted on Wrestling Observer Radio that WWE did a “phantom title change” on Pat Patterson because he wasn’t cleared at all. They couldn’t even get him on his back for the pinfall. This is also why he won the title after laying in a couple of weak kicks before pinning Drake Maverick with his foot on him instead of getting down to actually make the cover.

It is sad when legends are physically unable to do simple things like pin a man when he’s on the ground, but that’s just one of the many consequences they face after a lifetime of bumps and taking abuse for the enjoyment of fans.