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This article is about WWE's long-standing world title. For WWE's world title created in 2016, seeWWE Universal Championship.For WWE’s world title created in 2023, seeWorld Heavyweight Championship (WWE).For other WWE men's world championships, seeWWE World Championship (disambiguation).

WWE Championship
TheUndisputed WWE Championshipbelt with default side plates, which represents both the WWE Championship andUniversal Championship(2023–present).
Details
PromotionWWE
BrandSmackDown
Date establishedApril 25, 1963
Current champion(s)Cody Rhodes
Date wonApril 7, 2024
Other name(s)
  • WWWF World Heavyweight Championship
    (1963–1971)
  • WWWF Heavyweight Championship
    (1971–1979)
  • WWF Heavyweight Championship
    (1979–1983)
  • WWF World Heavyweight Championship
    (1983–1989)
  • WWF Championship
    (1989–2001)
  • Undisputed WWF Championship
    (2001–2002)
  • Undisputed WWE Championship
    (2002, 2011, 2024–present)[a]
  • WWE Undisputed Championship
    (2002)
  • WWE Championship
    (2002–2013, 2016–present)
  • WWE World Heavyweight Championship
    (2013–2016)
  • WWE World Championship
    (2016)
  • Undisputed WWE Universal Championship
    (2022–2024)[b]
Statistics
First champion(s)Buddy Rogers
Most reignsJohn Cena
(13 reigns)
Longest reignBruno Sammartino
(1st reign, 2,803 days)
Shortest reignAndré the Giant
(1 minute and 48 seconds)[1]
Oldest championMr. McMahon
(54 years, 21 days)
Youngest championBrock Lesnar
(25 years, 44 days)
Heaviest championYokozuna
(568 lb (258 kg))
Lightest championRey Mysterio
(175 lb (79 kg))

TheWWE Championshipis a men'sprofessional wrestlingworld heavyweight championshipcreated and promoted by the AmericanpromotionWWE,defended on theSmackDownbrand division.Since April 2022, the title has been jointly held and defended with theWWE Universal Championshipas theUndisputed WWE Championship,but both titles have maintained their individual lineages. It is one of three world titles in WWE, alongside its companion Universal Championship on SmackDown, and theWorld Heavyweight ChampionshiponRaw.The current champion isCody Rhodes,who is in his first reign. He won the undisputed title by defeating previous championRoman Reignsin aBloodline Rules matchatWrestleMania XLNight 2 on April 7, 2024.

The original world championship of the promotion, it was established by the then-World Wide Wrestling Federation(WWWF) on April 25, 1963, as the WWWF World Heavyweight Championship, after the promotion seceded from theNational Wrestling Alliance(NWA) following a dispute over theNWA World Heavyweight Championship.The inaugural champion wasBuddy Rogers.Since its inception, the title has undergone many name changes due to company name changes and title unifications. It is the oldest championship currently active in WWE, and is presented as being the promotion's most prestigious title, with many matches for the title having headlinedpay-per-view and livestreaming events—including WWE's flagship eventWrestleMania.In professional wrestling in general, it is considered to be one of the most prestigious championships of all time.[2]

From its inception until 2001, it was promoted as WWE's sole primary championship. An additional world title, theWCW Championship,was added after the then-World Wrestling Federation's (WWF) purchase ofWorld Championship Wrestlingin early 2001. The titles were later unified as theUndisputed WWF Championship.After the first brand split in 2002 and the promotion beingrenamed to WWE,the championship became exclusive to SmackDown, dropping the "undisputed" moniker, while theWorld Heavyweight Championship (2002–2013 version)was created for Raw.ECWbecame a third brand in 2006, adding theECW Championship.That title was deactivated in 2010, and the World Heavyweight Championship was unified into the WWE Championship in 2013. The championship was again the sole world title of WWE until the introduction of the Universal Championship with the 2016 brand split and then a new World Heavyweight Championship in 2023. During both brand splits, the WWE Championship has switched brands, usually as a result of theWWE Draft;the2023 draftmoved it back to SmackDown.

History

Origin

Two-time championBruno Sammartino.His first reign is the longest at over seven years (2,803 days) and he has the longest combined reign (4,040 days); he is pictured here in his second reign (1973–1982 belt design) when the title was known as the WWWF Heavyweight Championship.

The title was introduced in 1963 withBuddy Rogersbecoming the first champion. Its backstory began in theNational Wrestling Alliance(NWA), which had various territorial memberpromotions.In the 1950s,Capitol Wrestling Corporation(CWC) was a member of the NWA and by 1963, its executives held a controlling stake over NWA operations. During this time, Buddy Rogers held theNWA World Heavyweight Championshipuntil January 24, whenLou Theszdefeated Rogers for the championship in a one-fall match. Claiming the title can only be contested in a traditional two-out-of-three falls match, CWC disputed the title change, and thus seceded from the NWA and became theWorld Wide Wrestling Federation(WWWF). The WWWF World Heavyweight Championship was then established and awarded to Buddy Rogers with the explanation that he won a fictional tournament inRio de Janeiro,supposedly defeatingAntonino Roccain the finals.[3]After several years, the WWWF became affiliated with the NWA once again; one of the caveats of rejoining is that the championship would no longer be recognised as a "world championship", and only as a regional heavyweight championship.[4]In 1979, the WWWF was renamedWorld Wrestling Federation(WWF), and then after conclusively ending its affiliation with the NWA in 1983, the title regained its "world championship" status and was renamed the WWF World Heavyweight Championship. Although the full name appeared on the championship belts until 1998, the name was often abbreviated to WWF Championship, which became its official name in 1998.

Monday Night War and unification

Further information:Championship unification
A diagram showing the evolution of various wrestling world championships and the way that they are connected to the WWE Championship.

In 1991,World Championship Wrestling(WCW), a member of the NWA, established theWCW World Heavyweight Championshipto replace the NWA's world title. In 1993, WCW seceded from the NWA and grew to become a rival promotion to the WWF. Both organizations grew into mainstream prominence and were eventually involved in atelevision ratingswar, dubbed theMonday Night War.Near the end of the ratings war, WCW began afinancial decline,which culminated in WWFpurchasing WCWin March 2001.[5]As a result of the purchase, the WWF acquired, among other assets,WCW's championships.Thus, there were two world titles in the WWF: the original WWF Championship and the WCW Championship, which was eventually renamed the "World Championship".[6][7]

In December 2001, the two championships wereunifiedatVengeance.At the event,Stone Cold Steve AustindefeatedKurt Angleto retain the WWF Championship, whileChris JerichodefeatedThe Rockfor the World Championship. After this, Jericho then defeated Austin, unifying the WWF and World Championships, and becoming the first Undisputed WWF Champion; the Undisputed championship retained the lineage of the WWF Championship and the World Championship was retired.[8]Subsequently, the Big Eagle Belt (formerly representing the WWF Championship) and theBig Gold Belt(formerly representing the World Championship) were used in tandem to represent theUndisputed Championship.[9][10][11]Jericho held the championship for four months until he lost it atWrestleMania X8againstTriple H,who was soon after presented with a single championship belt.[12]

Disputes

Record 13-time WWE ChampionJohn Cena– shown with the "Spinner Belt", which was used to represent the title from 2005 to 2013

The Undisputed Championship continued up through the beginning of the firstbrand split,which saw wrestlers being drafted to the company's maintelevision programs,RawandSmackDown,each show representing the brand of the same name, with championships assigned to and authority figures appointed for each brand.[13]The holder of the Undisputed Championship was the only male wrestler allowed to appear on both shows.

In May 2002, the WWF was renamedWorld Wrestling Entertainment(WWE) and the championships were renamed accordingly. At first, the championship remained unaffiliated with either brand as wrestlers from both brands could challenge the champion. Following the appointment ofEric BischoffandStephanie McMahonasGeneral ManagersofRawandSmackDown,respectively, Stephanie McMahon convinced then-Undisputed ChampionBrock Lesnarto become exclusive to the SmackDown brand, leaving the Raw brand without a world title.[14][15]In response, on September 2, Bischoff disputed Lesnar's status as champion, stating Lesnar was refusing to defend his title against the designated No. 1 contender, Triple H, and awarded the latter with the newly createdWorld Heavyweight Championship.Immediately afterward, Lesnar's championship dropped the epithet "Undisputed" and became known as the WWE Championship.[16]

Over the course of the first brand split, the WWE Championship was used as the world title of the SmackDown brand twice and of the Raw brand three times. In all but two cases, the WWE Championship switched brands as a result of theannual draft.In June 2006, WWE establishedECWas a third brand, on which formerExtreme Championship Wrestlingstars and newer talent competed. When ECW'sRob Van Damwon the WWE Championship atECW One Night Standon June 11, 2006, the championship briefly became a world title of the ECW brand; theECW World Heavyweight Championshipwas subsequently reactivated for the ECW brand upon Van Dam's title win. Van Dam held both titles until he lost the WWE Championship to Raw'sEdgethe following month. The ECW brand was disbanded in 2010, subsequently deactivating the ECW Championship. In April 2011, WWE ceased going by its full name with the "WWE" abbreviation becoming anorphaned initialism,and the first brand split ended that August.

Just prior to the end of the first brand split, astorylinesawCM Punkvowing to leave the company with the WWE Championship when his contract expired on July 17, 2011, the date of the2011Money in the Bankpay-per-view. At the event, Punk succeeded in defeating the defending championJohn Cenato win the title, and left the company with the physical championship belt. Subsequently, the championship was vacated andRey Mysteriowon an eight-man tournament by defeatingThe Mizin the finals to be crowned the new WWE Champion, only to subsequently lose it later that night to Cena, for the latter'srecord ninth reign.Punk then returned to WWE with his own championship belt,disputing Cena's claim to the title.[17]The two WWE Champions wrestled each other atSummerSlam;Punk defeated Cena to solidify his claim on the title.

Reunification and second brand split

Four-time championDaniel Bryan,shown with the 2013–2014 version of the championship belt (in his right hand) and theBig Gold Belt,which were used in tandem to represent the unified WWE World Heavyweight Championship from December 2013 to August 2014

Following the end of the first brand split in August 2011, both the WWE Champion and World Heavyweight Champion could appear on bothRawandSmackDown.In November 2013, the night afterSurvivor Series,reigning World Heavyweight Champion John Cena made a challenge to reigning WWE ChampionRandy Ortonto determine WWE's undisputed world champion. Orton defeated Cena in aTLC matchat theTLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairspay-per-view on December 15, 2013, to unify the titles. Subsequently, the unified championship was renamed WWE World Heavyweight Championship and retained the lineage of the WWE Championship; the World Heavyweight Championship was retired.[18]Orton and subsequent champions held both championship belts until a single championship belt was given to reigning champion Brock Lesnar in August 2014.[19]

AfterDean Ambrosebecame champion in June 2016, the title's name was reverted to WWE Championship.[20][21][22]In light of the return of thebrand splitthe following month, Ambrose wasdrafted to SmackDown.Ambrose then retained his title atBattlegroundon July 24 against Raw drafteesSeth RollinsandRoman Reigns,making the title exclusive to SmackDown.[23]On the July 25 episode ofRaw,to address the lack of a world title for the brand, theWWE Universal Championshipwas created;Finn Bálorbecame the inaugural champion atSummerSlam.[24]After the unveiling of the Universal title, the WWE Championship was renamed WWE World Championship,[25][26]but reverted to WWE Championship in December 2016 duringAJ Styles' first reign.[27]

The title changed hands for the first time outside of North America when AJ Styles defeatedJinder Mahalto win his second WWE Championship inManchester,England on the November 7, 2017, episode ofSmackDown.This was also the first time in nearly 15 years that the championship changed hands on an episode ofSmackDown;the last time was in 2003 when Brock Lesnar defeated Kurt Angle for the title.[28]

AtCrown Jewelon October 31, 2019, SmackDown wrestler"The Fiend" Bray Wyattwon the Universal Championship, thus transferring the title to SmackDown. Also at that event, after reigning WWE Champion Brock Lesnar had defeatedCain Velasquezto retain the title, he was attacked by Raw'sRey Mysterio,who Lesnar had attacked a few weeks prior.[29]The following night onFriday Night SmackDown,Lesnar quit SmackDown and went to Raw to continue his feud with Mysterio, thus transferring the WWE Championship to Raw.[30]

Universal Championship relationship

Roman Reignswith theUndisputed WWE Universal Championshipbelt (2023–present), which represents both the WWE andUniversal Championships;after losing the belt toCody Rhodesin April 2024, it subsequently became referred to as the Undisputed WWE Championship but still representing both individual championships.

AtWrestleMania 38Night 2 on April 3, 2022, SmackDown's Universal Champion Roman Reigns defeated reigning WWE Champion Brock Lesnar in aWinner Takes All matchto claim both world championships and then become recognized as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. WWE billed the match as a championship unification match and Reigns as a double champion, defending both titles together across both brands as theUndisputed WWE Universal Championship.[31]On the April 24, 2023, episode ofRaw,WWE Chief Content OfficerTriple Hannounced that regardless of what brand Reigns was drafted to in the2023 WWE Draft,he and his undisputed championship would become exclusive to that brand. Triple H subsequently unveiled anew World Heavyweight Championshipfor the opposing brand as the counterpart to Reigns' Undisputed Championship, which was won by Seth "Freakin" Rollins atNight of Champions.[32][33]As Reigns was drafted to SmackDown, the World Heavyweight Championship became exclusive to Raw.[34]

On the June 2, 2023, episode ofSmackDown,Triple H presented Reigns with a new singular championship belt to represent the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.[35]Amidst confusion of the lineages,Fightfulreported that WWE confirmed to them that the two championships are still in fact separate lineages, represented by one belt.[36]This has also been represented on WWE, with both Reigns andCody Rhodes,who defeated Reigns atWrestleMania XL,being shown as champions of both individual titles rather than the combined Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, which was shortened to Undisputed WWE Championship after Rhodes won the title.[37][38]

Brand designation

With the first brand split, an annualdraftwas established in 2002. Each year (except 2003), the General Managers participated in a draft lottery in which select members of WWE's roster were assigned to a brand. The revived ECW became a third brand from 2006 to 2010.[39]On August 29, 2011, WWE ended the brand extension and wrestlers (including all champions), were then free to appear on any program.

On July 19, 2016,SmackDownmoved to Tuesdays and became a live show with its own set of wrestlers and writers, separate fromRaw,thus reintroducing the brand split. The draft took place on the live premiere ofSmackDown.[40]On the July 18 episode ofRaw,SmackDown CommissionerShane McMahonnamedDaniel Bryanthe SmackDown General Manager and Raw Commissioner Stephanie McMahon namedMick Foleythe Raw General Manager.[22][41]

Below is a list of dates indicating the transitions of the WWE Championship between the Raw, SmackDown, and ECW brands.

Date of transition Brand Notes
August 26, 2002 SmackDown! WWE Undisputed ChampionBrock Lesnarsigned withSmackDown!,making the title exclusive to the brand.
The title was renamed to WWE Championship after theWorld Heavyweight Championship (original)was established forRaw.[42]
June 6, 2005 Raw WWE ChampionJohn Cenawas drafted toRawduring the2005 WWE Draft Lottery.[43]
June 11, 2006 ECW Following WWE's revival ofExtreme Championship Wrestlingas a third brand dubbedECW,Rob Van Damwas chosen by ECW representativePaul Heymanto move to the new brand.
AtECW One Night Stand,Van Dam cashed in hisMoney in the Bank contractand defeatedJohn Cenato win the WWE Championship, thus transferring the title to ECW.
TheECW World Heavyweight Championshipwas reactivated and awarded to Van Dam, who held both titles.[44]
July 3, 2006 Raw The WWE Championship was returned toRawafterEdgedefeatedRob Van DamandJohn Cena.[45]
June 23, 2008 SmackDown WWE ChampionTriple Hwas drafted toSmackDownduring the2008 WWE Draft.[46]
April 13, 2009 Raw WWE ChampionTriple Hwas drafted back toRawduring the2009 WWE Draft.[47]
Both theECWbrand and renamedECW Championshipwere deactivated in 2010.
August 29, 2011 N/A End of first brand split. The WWE Champion could appear on bothRawandSmackDown.
The WWE Championship and theoriginal World Heavyweight Championshipwere unified in December 2013, with the World Heavyweight Championship retired as a result.
July 19, 2016 SmackDown Reintroduction of the brand split.
WWE ChampionDean Ambrosewas drafted toSmackDownduring the2016 WWE Draft.
TheWWE Universal Championshipwas created forRaw.
November 1, 2019 Raw WWE ChampionBrock LesnarquitSmackDownand transferred toRaw.
April 28, 2023 SmackDown Undisputed WWE Universal ChampionRoman Reignswas drafted toSmackDownduring the2023 WWE Draft.
Anew World Heavyweight Championshipwas created forRaw.

Belt designs

1963–1982

Buddy Rogerswith the original title belt used to represent the then-WWWF World Heavyweight Championship

When introduced in 1963, the original WWWF World Heavyweight Championship was represented by a United States championship belt that Buddy Rogers had defended in various territories prior to becoming the inaugural WWWF world champion. The center plate of this belt was an outline of the continental United States and there were two shield-shaped side plates with grapplers on them; the plates were on a red leather strap. On the center plate, there was a circle flanked by grapplers, and the circle was designed to contain a photograph of the titleholder. Above the circle was a shield with an eagle atop it with stars on opposite sides of the shield. The caption "World's Champion" was added below the circle. This title belt was worn by the inaugural champion Buddy Rogers in 1963 and the second champion Bruno Sammartino.[48]

Bruno Sammartinowearing the original WWWF World Heavyweight Championship belt he won fromBuddy Rogers.

After Sammartino became champion, a new title belt on a blue strap was created and used until 1965. The enlarged center piece contained a crowned globe and two grapplers, and read "WWWF World Champion"; the two side plates commemorated Sammartino's title win. This belt was stolen in September 1965; a new belt was created with a mostly similar design with a couple of minor differences with the design of the side plates. This is the most recognizable version of Sammartino's belt that was used until 1971 and has been called the "holy grail of professional wrestling artifacts". After defeating Sammartino in January 1971,Ivan Koloffheld Sammartino's belt for three weeks before losing it toPedro Morales.[49][50][51][52]

"Superstar" Billy Grahamwith his red leather variation of the then-WWWF Heavyweight Championship in 1977

During Morales's reign, the championship belt was updated several times. First in 1971, this design was on anindigocolored strap and contained three shield-shaped plates. Below the center plate, which read "World Heavyweight Champion" and had a cross at its center, a separate horizontal plate read "WWWF". This was replaced with another design in 1972. This version, on a red strap, read "WWWF Heavyweight Wrestling Champion" around the edges with an eagle at the center, while six side plates represented several countries. 1973 saw the introduction of another yet similar design; this one was on a black strap and contained two grapplers above a differently designed eagle. This version was subsequently held byStan Stasiak,Bruno Sammartino,"Superstar" Billy Graham– who wore a red leather variation – andBob Backlund.During the latter's reign, the promotion's name was shortened to World Wrestling Federation (WWF), but the physical championship belt still read "WWWF".[51][52]

1982–2005

Six-time championHulk Hoganwith the "Hogan 86" (1986–1988) version of the then-WWF Championship
Five-time championBret Hartwith the "Winged Eagle" (1988–1998) version of the then-WWF Championship
Eight-time championThe Rockwith the "Big Eagle" / "Attitude Era" (1998–2002) version of the then-WWF Championship; this design was used in tandem with theBig Gold Beltto represent the Undisputed Championship from December 2001 until April 2002

After the previous design was destroyed, a new design was introduced in January 1983, nicknamed the "Big Green Belt" due to its size and the color of its strap. This was the first to be created under the WWF name. It included eight (later ten) side plates dedicated to the previous champions. The center plate featured a wrestler holding up a championship belt with a globe behind him. This design, held by Bob Backlund,The Iron Sheik,andHulk Hogan,was replaced first by the "Hogan '84" design during the spring of 1984, then by the nearly identical "Hogan '85" design, which first appeared at WrestleMania 1. Both were called "Hogan" belts as they were only worn by Hulk Hogan, and they were similar in design to theNWA Television Championshipat the time. The '84 belt consisted of a dual-plated gold and silver main plate as well as two dual-plated side plates on each side. The main plate was engraved with red lettering. The '85 belt had a silver and black main plate with raised silver lettering and the same side plates as the '84 belt. Both belts included black straps. Both center plates read "WWF" at the top, below that was an eagle with two banners below it reading "World Heavyweight Wrestling Champion". The bottom read "World Wrestling Federation" and above that was a name plate commemorating Hogan's title win, while the side plates noted previous champions. In October 1985, a new belt was introduced and was again only worn by Hogan. This belt is erroneously known as the "Hogan '86" belt. The center plate featured a globe in the center, along with Roman columns and olive branches. It read "World Heavyweight Wrestling Champion" and included the famous WWF block logo at the top, while four side plates had flags (two flags per side plate) representing the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan, the United Kingdom, Australia, the Soviet Union, and Italy.[51][52]

On February 5, 1988, just before ending his first championship reign, Hogan introduced another new design, the "Winged Eagle" championship belt, which became the primary design for the next decade with many wrestlers holding this version, and is considered the most popular design of the championship. Its nickname is derived from the eagle's wings seemingly coming off of the center plate, which included the block WWF logo and read "World Heavyweight Wrestling Champion". The championship belt also had four identical side plates. Apart from the usual black leather strap,The Ultimate Warriorwore white, light blue, yellow, and purple variations, with the latter also worn bySgt. Slaughter.In March 1998, after "Stone Cold" Steve Austin became champion, he was presented with a new design, often dubbed the "Big Eagle" or "Attitude Era"championship belt. The center plate was similar to the previous design, but became fully rounded, and the side plates were updated with the inner side plates containing theMcMahon familycrest of a lion holding a shield that had the WWF logo. When it was unveiled, it originally contained the block WWF logo and was on a blue strap, but was updated in November 1998 to the WWF scratch logo and on a black strap. In addition to the logo, it read "World Wrestling Federation Champion".[51][52]

Seven-time and youngest championBrock Lesnar.
Top:Lesnar with the WWE Undisputed Championship belt (2002–2005); he was the last to hold this as the Undisputed Champion as the title became the WWE Championship in September 2002
Bottom:Lesnar with the "Network Logo" belt (2014–2023); he was the first wrestler to hold this design

AfterChris Jerichounified the WWF and World Championships into the Undisputed WWF Championship, the "Big Eagle" championship belt was used in tandem with the "Big Gold Belt",the former WCW Championship belt, until a single Undisputed Championship belt was introduced to championTriple Hon the April 1, 2002, episode ofRaw.[12]This new belt, dubbed the "Undisputed Championship Belt", was designed byNew York-based tattoo artist Keith Ciaramello. Taking inspiration from WCW, this design included a name plate, and like the previous two designs, it had an eagle atop the globe. There were also stars seemingly shooting out from the globe. It originally had the WWF scratch logo and read "World Wrestling Federation Champion"; after the promotion was renamed World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) in May 2002, both the scratch logo and wording were changed accordingly. The inner side plates on this design also contained the McMahon family crest of a lion holding a shield that had the company logo.[53]The championship would drop the "undisputed" moniker in September 2002, becoming the WWE Championship again when it became exclusive to SmackDown!, while the Big Gold Belt was resurrected to represent the World Heavyweight Championship for Raw.[51][52]

2005–2014

CM Punkwearing the "Spinner Belt" (2005–2013) version of the WWE Championship

After John Cena won the WWE Championship in April 2005, he introduced his own custom belt, the "Spinner Belt", which had a gold and diamondbling-blingstyle reflecting hiship hopcharacter at the time. Although originally a custom belt for Cena, it became the WWE Championship's primary design from April 12, 2005, until February 18, 2013. The scratch WWE logo, placed between an eagle on top and the word "Champ" and a name plate below, could be spun likespinner wheelsor aturntablein keeping with the hip-hop theme. The WWE logo was encrusted with diamonds while other parts of the championship were emblazoned with various other jewels. The inner side plates read "WWE Champion", though before 2008, one side plate indicated the brand the title was designated to. The spinning function was phased out in later years and the logo set in a fixed place, most notably duringThe Miz's first reign (2010–2011) when the logo was turned upside down to look like an "M".[52]

The Rockunveiling the "Big Logo" (2013–2014) version of the WWE Championship

On the February 18, 2013, episode ofRaw,The Rock unveiled a new WWE Championship belt, often dubbed the "Big Logo Belt".[51]The new title was partially designed byOrange County ChoppersofAmerican Chopperfame, as well as well-known belt maker Dave Millican.[54]The championship included a large cut-out of the scratch WWE logo (encrusted with diamonds) inside a large irregular heptagonal plate, with the border of the plate featuring diamonds and other gems. The backing behind the logo was the black leather strap itself with a nugget texture. The word "Champion" appeared in a large gold banner underneath the logo. Gold divider bars separated the center plate from its two large side plates. The side plates featured a removable center section that could be customized with the champion's logo in lieu of a nameplate; the default side plates consisted of a red globe with the WWE logo on the globe underneath a crown.[55][52]

After Randy Orton unified the WWE Championship and World Heavyweight Championship, with the latter being retired, the "Big Logo Belt" was used in tandem with the "Big Gold Belt" to represent the renamed WWE World Heavyweight Championship.[56][51]

2014–present

On the August 18, 2014, episode ofRaw,reigning championBrock Lesnar,who had won the title the night before atSummerSlam,was presented with a single championship belt, retiring the Big Gold Belt in the process. This new standard belt, often dubbed the "Network Logo" belt, had a slightly updated design from the belt introduced by The Rock in 2013 as a result of WWE changing their corporate logo to the one originally used for theWWE Network,which had launched earlier that year in February. It included a large center plate dominated by a cut out of the current WWE logo (encrusted with diamonds) inside an irregular heptagon with the capital words "World Heavyweight Champion" along the bottom edges, in very small print. The backing behind the logo was again the black leather strap with nugget texture. The belt retained the gold divider bars introduced in the previous design. The large side plates, like the previous design, included removable round center sections, allowing the holder's personal logo to be added to the championship belt; the default plates showed gold and red world maps with the WWE logo over them but without the crown from the previous design. Customizable side plates have since become a prominent feature with the majority of WWE's championship belts.[19][51][52]

The "Network Logo" design would become a blueprint for WWE's men's and women's world championships, with the only differences being the name at the bottom of the center plate and the colors, as well as the women's being smaller. First was theWWE Women's Championshipin April 2016,[57]which became the Raw Women's Championship later that year, although it reverted to its original name in June 2023.[58]After the WWE World Heavyweight Championship became exclusive to SmackDown as a result of the 2016 brand split, the design would also be used for the WWE Universal Championship that was introduced for the Raw brand.[59]The design was also used for theSmackDown Women's Championshipintroduced in August[60]until that title received a new design in June 2023 when it was renamed Women's World Championship.[61]TheNXT United Kingdom ChampionshipandNXT UK Women's Championshipbelts also used the same base outline but with a different design on the center plate itself.[62][63]After the introduction of the Universal Championship, the WWE World Heavyweight Championship subsequently reverted to being called the WWE Championship, although from July to December 2016, it was called the "WWE World Championship".[64][65][66][67][68][69]The physical belt retained the text "World Heavyweight Champion".

After Roman Reigns became the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion at WrestleMania 38 in April 2022, both the standard versions of the WWE Championship and Universal Championship belts were used in tandem to represent the undisputed title, although both titles retained their individual lineages. On the June 2, 2023, episode ofSmackDown,in celebration of Reigns reaching 1,000 days as Universal Champion, he was presented with a new single title belt to represent the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. It features the same "Network Logo" design on a black strap, but the WWE logo is encrusted with black diamonds, it has a gold nugget-textured background behind the logo which was made as part of the metal plate instead of colored leather, and the text at the bottom of the plate says "Undisputed Champion"; the side plates remained the same.[35]Despite this, his managerPaul Heymanhad continued to carry around the previous WWE and Universal Championship belts until the end of July.[70]On WWE's website, pictures of the previous title belts were still used for the individual title histories of each championship until April 2024 when the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship (subsequently referred to as the Undisputed WWE Championship) belt replaced the image for the WWE Championship; the Universal Championship title history remains a picture of the previous blue belt.

Customization

The Rockpictured with"Stone Cold" Steve Austin's custom "Smoking Skull" belt after he had stolen it from Austin instorylinein 1999

Custom championship belts have been created to honor certain reigning champions or match theircharacters.During Hogan's reign in 1986, he had a modified version of the Hogan '86 made, which included a picture of himself at the center. Not much is known about this "mystery belt" as he quickly reverted to the Hogan '86 version. A much larger version similar to the Hogan '86 championship belt was created forAndré the GiantbeforeWrestleMania III,although he never wore it as champion.[71][51]

Four-time championEdge,pictured with his custom "Rated R Spinner" belt that he used during his second reign in 2006

A custom championship belt was used by "Stone Cold" Steve Austin during his second reign (1998), which included his "Smoking Skull" logo as well as rattle snakes. As an answer, The Rock also had a custom championship belt designed and constructed, including his trademark "Brahma Bull" logo, but due to creative reasons, it never appeared on television.[53]The Spinner Belt, originally a customized belt for John Cena, remained the standard title belt from 2005 to 2013. DuringEdge's second reign in 2006, he introduced his own variation, the "Rated R Spinner" design, replacing the WWE scratch logo with his "Rated R Superstar" logo. Edge had sketched a completely new custom design, but due to creative differences, it did not get made.[72][51]Edge, who was not a fan of his spinner version and wanted a custom design that meant something, later said that WWE probably decided to go with the Rated R Spinner version in order to sell more merchandise.[73]During Daniel Bryan's fourth reign (2018–2019) as part of his environmentalist heel gimmick, he threw the standard title belt in a garbage can (bemoaning the fact it was made from leather) and introduced a new custom belt, dubbed the "Planet's Championship", featuring the same design as the "Network Logo" belt, but made from "entirely sustainable materials" (such as the strap being made fromhempand the center and side plates carved from wood of a naturally fallenoak tree;the side plates also had his name instead of the WWE logo).[74]

In other sports

In October 2014, WWE presented theSan Francisco Giantsa replica of the "Network Logo" belt for winning the2014 World Series.[75][76]This began a tradition for WWE, and they have since created custom WWE Championship belts for winners in professional sports, with the side plates commemorating the achievement. They have also presented a custom belt to exceptionally notable people for their efforts in their profession.[77]WWE had originally presented custom WWE Championships to winners in both male and female sports, but in 2018, they began presenting those in female sports with custom Women's Championship belts.[78]

Since that original gift in 2014, WWE has presented custom WWE Championship belts to winners of theWorld Series,[79][80][81][82][83][84]Super Bowl,[85][86][87][88][89]NBA Finals,[90][91][92][93][94][95]FIFA Women's World Cup,[96]College Football Playoff National Championship,[97]Stanley Cup Finals,[98][99][100][101]Australian Open,[102]Premier League,[103][104]Bundesliga,[105]Indian Premier League,[106]Liga MX,[107]Argentine Primera División,[108]Major League Baseball Home Run Derby,[109]Formula One World Championship,[110]UEFA Champions League,[111]Overwatch League,[112]Cricket World Cup,[113]Men's US Open,[114]andCanadian Football LeagueGrey Cup.[115]WWE also presented a title toLondon police officerCharlie Guenigault for his "exceptional bravery" during the2017 London Bridge attack,[116]and to the U.S. servicemen and women who have helped in hostingWWE Tribute to the Troops(since 2015) as well as for their continued service to the country.[117][118][119][120]In 2020, WWE Championship belts were also presented to Christophe Agius and Philippe Chéreau, WWE announcers in France for 20 consecutive years presenting WWE on French television.[121]With the introduction of the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship belt in June 2023, WWE have since presented custom versions of it.[122]

Reigns

Main article:List of WWE Champions
Current championCody Rhodes,who holds the title in tandem with theWWE Universal Championshipas theUndisputed WWE Championship

The WWE Championship was the first world championship introduced into the promotion in 1963. The inaugural champion was Buddy Rogers, and there have been 55 different official champions overall and 11 vacancies.[123]The longest reigning champion isBruno Sammartino,who held the title from May 17, 1963, to January 18, 1971, for a total of 2,803 days (7 years, 8 months, and 1 day); Sammartino also holds the record for longest combined reign at 4,040 days.[124]André the Giant is the shortest reigning champion, officially holding the title for 1 minute, 48 seconds due to selling the title to Ted DiBiase following his title win.[1]The youngest champion is Brock Lesnar, who won the title for the first time at the age of 25 years, 44 days during SummerSlam 2002 in August 2002, while the oldest champion isMr. McMahon,who won the title for the first and only time at the age of 54 years, 21 days during the September 16, 1999 episode of SmackDown. John Cena holds the record for most reigns with 13 which occurred between 2005 and 2017.[123]

Cody Rhodes is the current champion in his first reign. He won the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship (WWE and Universal Championships) by defeating Roman Reigns in aBloodline Rules matchat WrestleMania XL Night 2 on April 7, 2024, inPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania.Following his win, the undisputed title's name was truncated to Undisputed WWE Championship.[123]

See also

Notes

  1. ^Used only in addition to the "WWE Championship" name.
  2. ^Name used when defended with theWWE Universal Championship.

References

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  78. ^Pappolla, Ryan (September 26, 2018)."Triple H sends custom title to W NBA Champions Seattle Storm".WWE.RetrievedSeptember 26,2018.
  79. ^Triple H[@TripleH] (November 2, 2015)."Congrats to the 2015 MLB World Series Champions the Kansas City Royals!"(Tweet) – viaTwitter.
  80. ^Triple H[@TripleH] (November 3, 2016)."Congrats to the Chicago Cubs on a long-awaited (and well-deserved) World Series win. We got you something for the celebration... Enjoy It"(Tweet) – viaTwitter.
  81. ^Triple H[@TripleH] (November 2, 2017)."Congrats to the Astros on an amazing World Series win. WWE looks forward to celebrating with Houston at Survivor Series. Bring this along!"(Tweet) – viaTwitter.
  82. ^Laboon, Jeff (October 30, 2018)."Triple H sends custom WWE Championship to the 2018 World Series Champion Boston Red Sox".WWE.RetrievedNovember 28,2019.
  83. ^Triple H[@TripleH] (October 31, 2019)."A back-and-forth World Series that crowned new MLB Champions for their very first time. Congratulations to the Washington Nationals on your historic win. Time to bring the celebration to DC!"(Tweet) – viaTwitter.
  84. ^WWE[@WWE] (November 3, 2021)."Congratulations to @solerpower12, @austinriley1308 & the entire @Braves organization on an incredible #WorldSeries victory. Enjoy this custom #WWETitle for the celebration! #BattleATL"(Tweet).RetrievedNovember 3,2021– viaTwitter.
  85. ^Triple H[@TripleH] (February 3, 2015)."WWE Title on its way to Gillette Stadium for Patriots parade! Congrats Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman, Super Bowl Champs"(Tweet) – viaTwitter.
  86. ^Triple H[@TripleH] (February 7, 2016)."Congratulations to the Denver Broncos on winning Super Bowl 50! We have something coming your way shortly... Champs Are Here"(Tweet) – viaTwitter.
  87. ^Triple H[@TripleH] (February 6, 2017)."A never-say-quit team, a football dynasty, and an amazing Super Bowl 51. Congrats Patriots, this title is coming to New England!!"(Tweet) – viaTwitter.
  88. ^Triple H[@TripleH] (February 5, 2018)."To quote Zach Ertz, you're" the World Champions ".... so you need a World Title! Congratulations Eagles!"(Tweet) – viaTwitter.
  89. ^Laboon, Jeff (February 4, 2019)."Triple H congratulates New England Patriots' Super Bowl LIII victory with custom WWE Championship".WWE.RetrievedNovember 28,2019.
  90. ^Laboon, Jeff (June 17, 2015)."Golden State Warriors celebrate 2015 NBA Championship with WWE World Heavyweight Title".WWE.RetrievedJune 9,2018.
  91. ^Triple H[@TripleH] (June 20, 2016)."An unprecedented comeback and a long overdue NBA Championship... THAT is something to celebrate. Congrats Cavs!"(Tweet) – viaTwitter.
  92. ^Triple H[@TripleH] (June 13, 2017)."The NBA Championship is back in the Bay...and Kevin Durant is going to have his hands full with all this gold. Congratulations Warriors!"(Tweet) – viaTwitter.
  93. ^Laboon, Jeff (June 9, 2018)."Golden State Warriors celebrate 2018 NBA Championship with custom WWE Title".WWE.RetrievedJune 9,2018.
  94. ^Triple H[@TripleH] (June 14, 2019)."Congrats to Kyle Lowry, Kawhi Leonard and the entire Raptors organization on bringing their first NBA title to Toronto! Can't wait to celebrate with all of you at SummerSlam, August 11 Scotiabank Arena. Until then, enjoy this WWE Championship!"(Tweet) – viaTwitter.
  95. ^Conway, Tim (October 12, 2020)."Triple H Sends WWE Championship Belt to LeBron James, Lakers After Finals Win".Bleacher Report.RetrievedOctober 12,2020.
  96. ^WWE Staff (July 10, 2015)."Megan Rapinoe celebrates with the WWE World Heavyweight Championship".WWE.RetrievedMay 31,2017.
  97. ^Powers, Kevin (November 13, 2015)."Sheamus delivers WWE World Heavyweight Championship to Notre Dame Football".WWE.RetrievedMay 31,2017.
  98. ^Triple H[@TripleH] (June 13, 2016)."Congratulations to the Stanley Cup Champion Penguins! Can never go wrong w/ an HBK Line! Title Coming Your Way"(Tweet) – viaTwitter.
  99. ^Triple H[@TripleH] (June 12, 2017)."Back-to-back NHL Champions...gonna need a bigger trophy case in Pittsburgh. Congratulations to the Penguins!"(Tweet) – viaTwitter.
  100. ^Laboon, Jeff (June 8, 2018)."Washington Capitals celebrate 2018 Stanley Cup with custom WWE Championship".WWE.RetrievedJune 8,2018.
  101. ^Laboon, Jeff (June 13, 2019)."St. Louis Blues celebrate 2019 Stanley Cup with custom WWE Championship".WWE.RetrievedNovember 28,2019.
  102. ^WWE Staff (January 28, 2017)."Triple H tweets out a WWE Championship with custom plates for Serena Williams".WWE.RetrievedNovember 28,2019.
  103. ^Laboon, Jeff (May 20, 2017)."WWE sends custom title to Premier League Champions".WWE.RetrievedMay 31,2017.
  104. ^WWE Staff (May 6, 2018)."Triple H sends custom WWE Title to Premier League Champions Manchester City".WWE.RetrievedMay 10,2018.
  105. ^Triple H [@TripleH] (June 6, 2017)."From WWE to FC Bayern München: Five years at Bundesliga.......ONE Champion! This is headed your way David Alaba & Franck Ribéry"(Tweet) – viaTwitter.
  106. ^Triple H [@TripleH] (July 13, 2017)."Mumbai Indians and Rohit Sharma, as promised, the WWE Title is on its way... Congratulations!"(Tweet) – viaTwitter.
  107. ^Triple H [@TripleH] (July 24, 2017)."Felicidades a las Chivas por la #12 Here is something to help with the Championship celebration..."(Tweet) – viaTwitter.
  108. ^De La Pena, Arturo (June 25, 2017)."Triple H sends custom WWE Title to Argentinian Primera División League champions Boca Juniors".WWE.RetrievedJune 26,2017.
  109. ^New York Yankees [@Yankees] (August 15, 2017)."Champions deserve championship belts. WWE stars stopped by to award Aaron his belt for the HR Derby"(Tweet) – viaTwitter.
  110. ^Triple H [@TripleH] (November 24, 2017)."From us at WWE to F1 Champion Lewis Hamilton, finish the season strong at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix...hope to see you when WWE comes to Abu Dhabi on December 7 & 8"(Tweet) – viaTwitter.
  111. ^WWE Staff (July 30, 2018)."Triple H sends custom WWE Title to Champions League winners Real Madrid".WWE.RetrievedAugust 20,2018.
  112. ^Triple H[@TripleH] (September 13, 2018)."After an exceptional resurgence, history was captured at the Overwatch League's First Finals. Congrats London Spitfire and Cloud9! Jack Etienne, this custom title is coming to you!"(Tweet) – viaTwitter.
  113. ^Triple H[@TripleH] (July 19, 2019)."An incredible tournament, an awe-inspiring final, and a team of worthy champions. Congratulations to England Cricket for winning the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2019! This custom WWE Championship is YOURS!"(Tweet) – viaTwitter.
  114. ^Triple H[@TripleH] (September 9, 2019)."An incredible end to 4 HOURS and 50 MINUTES in the finals of the US Open. Congratulations to Rafael Nadal…this custom WWE Championship should help celebrate your 19th Grand Slam Title!"(Tweet) – viaTwitter.
  115. ^"Triple H Sends Custom Title to CFL Grey Cup Champions the Winnipeg Blue Bombers".Fox Sports.January 18, 2020.
  116. ^WWE Staff (June 20, 2017)."Triple H visits London police officer wounded in London Bridge attack".WWE.RetrievedJune 26,2017.
  117. ^Triple H[@TripleH] (December 8, 2015)."Honored to present a Troops WWE World Heavyweight Championship to Captains Stacey K. Wright and Scott Gray at US Navy"(Tweet) – viaTwitter.
  118. ^Triple H[@TripleH] (December 13, 2016)."This Championship is in recognition of all you do for our country. Thank you Cmd. Sgt Troxell, Elaine Rogers & Maj. Gen. Becker"(Tweet) – viaTwitter.
  119. ^Triple H[@TripleH] (December 5, 2017)."Thank you to Captain Roy Love, Commanding Officer of US Navy Base San Diego and his staff for hosting Tribute to the Troops and helping WWE honor our armed forces today and always"(Tweet) – viaTwitter.
  120. ^Triple H[@TripleH] (December 4, 2018)."Thank You to Major General Felix Gedney, Colonel Henry Perry, and all the servicemen and women at Ft. Hood for allowing us to host Tribute to the Troops this morning and for your continued service to our country"(Tweet) – viaTwitter.
  121. ^Mattias (February 19, 2020)."20 ans de Christophe Agius et Philippe Chéreau: la WWE leur offre une ceinture personnalisée".catch-newz(in French).RetrievedJune 11,2020.
  122. ^Triple H[@TripleH] (February 13, 2024)."It's that time of year when the @Chiefs break out the hardware… big congrats to the back-to-back champs!"(Tweet).RetrievedFebruary 15,2024– viaTwitter.
  123. ^abc"WWE Championship".WWE.RetrievedMarch 9,2017.
  124. ^"Bruno Sammartino".WWE.RetrievedNovember 9,2014.
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