Nikki Storm has reflected on the dramatic conclusion of her 24/7 Championship tenure, where she discarded the title into a trash can during a WWE Raw segment, marking the end of an era for the beloved title. The former Nikki Cross held the title a record 11 times, ultimately becoming its final champion on November 7th, 2022, before making the memorable backstage statement.
In a recent interview on Insight With Chris Van Vliet, Storm revealed details about the segment’s execution, including an unexpected live broadcast where she accidentally missed the trash can. “We taped a rehearsal where it was perfect—I nailed it, landing inside the trash can—but we had to go live due to an audio issue,” she explained. “I was so deep into my character during the live take, visualizing emptiness and chaos. I threw it, missed, but stayed in character because breaking the illusion would have been worse than missing the can.”
Embracing the Unplanned Outcome
Storm viewed the mishap through the lens of fate, suggesting the missed throw was intentional to leave room for future champions. “I believe everything happens for a reason,” she said. “Missing that trash can opened the door for someone else to inherit the title. It was still in the spirit of chaos—the core of the 24/7 Championship—which doesn’t prioritize the trophy itself but the entertainment it delivers.” She highlighted the title’s legacy, noting contributions from wrestlers like R-Truth, Akira Tozawa, Dana Brooke, Tamina, and Reggie, as well as memorable moments such as the 24/7 wedding and her iconic Blue Fascinator, affirming its status as one of WWE’s most entertaining segments.
Creative Intent Behind the Act
According to Storm, WWE originally wanted to phase out the 24/7 Championship. “I think they wanted to move on from that title, and this was their way of retiring it,” she shared. “It was a symbolic send-off, even if it wasn’t planned perfectly.” The decision to discard the belt resonated as a final chapter to an era defined by unpredictability and humor.
