25 Facts About The WWE Championship

The Birth of the WWE Championship

The WWE Championship is one of the most prestigious titles in professional wrestling. It has a rich history filled with memorable moments and legendary wrestlers.

1. The WWE Championship was first introduced on April 25, 1963. Buddy Rogers became the inaugural champion after defeating Antonino Rocca.

2. Originally, the title was known as the WWWF World Heavyweight Championship. The name changed several times before becoming the WWE Championship.

3. Bruno Sammartino holds the record for the longest single reign, lasting an incredible 2,803 days from 1963 to 1971.

Legendary Champions

Over the years, many wrestling legends have held the WWE Championship, each bringing their unique flair to the title.

4. Hulk Hogan won his first WWE Championship on January 23, 1984, defeating The Iron Sheik. This victory marked the beginning of the "Hulkamania" era.

5. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin won the WWE Championship six times, becoming one of the most popular wrestlers in WWE history.

6. The Rock, also known as Dwayne Johnson, has held the WWE Championship eight times. His charisma and electrifying persona made him a fan favorite.

Memorable Matches

The WWE Championship has been contested in some of the most unforgettable matches in wrestling history.

7. The first-ever WrestleMania main event in 1985 featured Hulk Hogan and Mr. T versus Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff, with Hogan as the reigning WWE Champion.

8. The 1992 Royal Rumble match was unique as the WWE Championship was on the line. Ric Flair won the match and the title, entering at number three and lasting over an hour.

9. At WrestleMania 12, Shawn Michaels defeated Bret Hart in a 60-minute Iron Man match to win the WWE Championship. This match is often regarded as one of the greatest in wrestling history.

Title Design and Changes

The WWE Championship belt has undergone several design changes, each reflecting the era it represents.

10. The original belt design featured a simple, classic look with a large eagle in the center.

11. In 1998, the "Attitude Era" belt was introduced, featuring a more aggressive and edgy design to match the era's tone.

12. The current design, introduced in 2014, features a large WWE logo in the center with customizable side plates for each champion.

Controversial Moments

The WWE Championship has not been without its share of controversy, adding to its storied history.

13. The "Montreal Screwjob" at Survivor Series 1997 saw Vince McMahon orchestrate a controversial finish, leading to Bret Hart losing the WWE Championship to Shawn Michaels.

14. In 2000, Chris Jericho briefly won the WWE Championship from Triple H on an episode of Raw, only for the decision to be reversed later that night.

15. CM Punk's "pipe bomb" promo in 2011 led to a storyline where he won the WWE Championship and "left" the company, creating a buzz among fans.

Women's WWE Championship

The WWE Championship isn't just for male wrestlers. The women's division has its own prestigious title.

16. The WWE Women's Championship was first introduced in 1956, with The Fabulous Moolah as the inaugural champion.

17. Trish Stratus holds the record for the most WWE Women's Championship reigns, with seven titles to her name.

18. In 2016, the WWE Women's Championship was rebranded as the Raw Women's Championship, with Charlotte Flair becoming the first champion under the new name.

International Champions

The WWE Championship has been held by wrestlers from around the world, showcasing the global appeal of WWE.

19. Canadian wrestler Bret Hart won the WWE Championship five times, becoming one of the most respected champions in history.

20. British wrestler Davey Boy Smith, also known as The British Bulldog, never won the WWE Championship but came close on several occasions, earning a place in fans' hearts.

21. Jinder Mahal, of Indian descent, won the WWE Championship in 2017, becoming the first wrestler of Indian origin to hold the title.

Unique Achievements

Certain wrestlers have achieved unique milestones with the WWE Championship, setting them apart from others.

22. John Cena holds the record for the most WWE Championship reigns, with 13 titles to his name.

23. Brock Lesnar is the youngest WWE Champion in history, winning the title at the age of 25 in 2002.

24. The Miz is the only wrestler to have successfully cashed in the Money in the Bank contract twice to win the WWE Championship.

25. Kofi Kingston's WWE Championship win at WrestleMania 35 in 2019 was a historic moment, as he became the first African-born WWE Champion.

The Legacy of the WWE Championship

The WWE Championship has a rich history filled with unforgettable moments and legendary wrestlers. From its inception in 1963, this title has been the pinnacle of professional wrestling. Icons like Bruno Sammartino, Hulk Hogan, and John Cena have all held this prestigious belt, each adding their unique flair to its legacy. The championship has seen epic battles, shocking upsets, and historic reigns that have kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Understanding the significance of the WWE Championship helps appreciate the dedication and talent required to hold it. Each champion has left an indelible mark, contributing to the evolving story of this iconic title. Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to wrestling, the WWE Championship's legacy is a testament to the sport's enduring appeal and the incredible athletes who compete for glory.