Understanding Custom WWE Side Plates
Custom WWE side plates are personalized, interchangeable metal plates that affix to the sides of modern WWE championship belts. They are a distinctive feature, allowing each reigning champion to imprint their unique identity onto prestigious titles like the WWE Championship or the Universal Championship. This innovation moved beyond generic championship designs, making the belt a more personal accolade for the holder.
The Significance of Personalization
The introduction of custom side plates has significantly enhanced the presentation and storytelling within WWE. Their importance includes:
- Brand Reinforcement: Side plates often feature a Superstar’s logos, catchphrases, or symbols, reinforcing their character and brand identity. Memorable examples include plates designed for iconic figures such as “Stone Cold” Steve Austin or John Cena.
- Elevated Prestige: A personalized championship feels more unique and tailored to the champion, adding a layer of distinction to their reign and making the physical title a true representation of their era.
- Merchandising Opportunities: Replica side plates are popular merchandise items, allowing fans to customize their own replica championship belts and connect with their favorite Superstars.
- Visual Storytelling: The act of changing side plates when a new champion is crowned is a visual cue signifying a new era or the vanquishing of the previous titleholder’s legacy.
Types and Availability
There are primarily two categories of custom WWE side plates:
- Official On-Screen Plates: These are designed by WWE specifically for their champions. Each set is unique to the Superstar and is prominently displayed on television. These are not typically available for public purchase in their screen-used form. Authentic, television-used championship components, including unique plates, can become incredibly valuable collector’s items.
- Replica Side Plates: WWE and licensed retailers offer a wide variety of replica side plates. Fans can purchase plates featuring the designs of current and past champions, or sometimes even more generic WWE-themed designs. These are designed to fit official WWE replica belts.
Beyond official offerings, some dedicated fans and third-party artists also create their own unofficial custom side plates, offering a wider range of designs, though these are not officially licensed WWE products.
Key Considerations for Replica Custom Side Plates
For fans looking to acquire or customize replica side plates, here are a few points to consider:
- Belt Compatibility: Ensure the side plates are compatible with the specific WWE replica championship belt model you own (e.g., WWE Championship, Universal Championship, Women’s Championships). Different belts have different side plate mounting systems and sizes.
- Material and Quality: Replica plates vary in material, commonly zinc alloy or similar metals, and in the intricacy of their detailing and enameling. Higher quality replicas will offer better durability and a more authentic look and feel.
- Authenticity of Design: If seeking plates of a specific Superstar, compare them to on-screen versions for accuracy in design, color, and detail.
- Installation: Most official replica side plates are designed for easy installation, usually requiring only a small screwdriver to remove the standard plates and affix the custom ones.
Custom side plates represent a fusion of personal branding and championship glory, adding a significant layer of depth and personality to WWE’s most coveted prizes.
