But the thing is, legacy is important, but it can't also supersede the rules of the game. It isn't an exhibition, it isn't a right detached just for two that haven't fought to make a "fans dream match"... it is still within the organisation...
... so there are back up fighters... The fighters, in cases of injury, ought to be had to face the back up fighter. It kinda sucks, yeah, but it's a thing they need to consider. So Stipe didn't want to fight Sergei... ok, and it was also said a "interim belt" would be disrespectful for Stipe... but that's placing high emphasis on whatever he built... it can't be more important than the rules of the game. So ideally, Stipe and Sergei should have fought, as much as Stipe would have everything to lose, and Sergei would have much to lose --- I mean, if he lost the fight, it still wouldn't impact as much as it would Stipe, but that's the thing, you're an active fighter, you're putting yourself at this risk of needing to fight not JJ firstly... but if he believes JJ is the best and he can beat JJ, he'd need to have total confidence Sergei would be beatable, as he's aiming beyond it... like Pereira has high plans but takes on short notice challenges.
So they made Aspinall fill the Stipe's role... well, I can see the point of Aspinall being frustrated too. ofc, because he's taken two risky fights, but still isn't seen as the official champion, there are two champions in the division... so yeah, it may be kinda frustrating for him to have gone through two tough battles, one in short notice, and have the title given to him with the aesthetics remaining of "would he really have that real belt?"... which could never be answered as he hasn't fought directly the one who had the belt officially.
I can see both sides in it.
