List of NWA World Heavyweight Champions
Updated: 11/6/2025, 2:21:41 AM Wikipedia source
The NWA World's Heavyweight Championship is a professional wrestling world heavyweight championship owned and promoted by the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), an American professional wrestling promotion. It is the promotion's premier title. NWA currently recognizes 103 individual World's Heavyweight Championship reigns. The inaugural champion was Orville Brown. The longest reigning champion is Lou Thesz, who held the title from November 27, 1949 to March 15, 1956, for a total of 2,300 days (6 years, 3 months, and 16 days); Thesz also holds the record for longest combined reigns at 3,749 days. Shane Douglas has the record for the shortest reign as champion, for less than 1 day. Ric Flair holds the record for most reigns with 8. The youngest champion is Chris Candido who won the title at the age of 22, while the oldest champion is Tim Storm, who won it at the age of 51. "Thrillbilly" Silas Mason is the current champion in his first reign. He won the title by defeating Thom Latimer at NWA 77th Anniversary Show on August 16, 2025, in Huntington, New York.
Tables
· Title history › Names
NWA World Heavyweight Championship
NWA World Heavyweight Championship
Name
NWA World Heavyweight Championship
Years
July 14, 1948 – October 21, 2014
NWA World's Heavyweight Championship
NWA World's Heavyweight Championship
Name
NWA World's Heavyweight Championship
Years
October 21, 2014 – present
| Name | Years |
| NWA World Heavyweight Championship | July 14, 1948 – October 21, 2014 |
| NWA World's Heavyweight Championship | October 21, 2014 – present |
Key · Title history › Reigns
Reign
Reign
No.
Reign
Overall reign number
Reign number for the specific champion
Days
Days
No.
Days
Overall reign number
Number of days held
Days recog.
Days recog.
No.
Days recog.
Overall reign number
Number of days held recognized by the promotion
N/A
N/A
No.
N/A
Overall reign number
Unknown information
†
†
No.
†
Overall reign number
Championship change is unrecognized by the promotion
<1
<1
No.
<1
Overall reign number
Reign lasted less than a day
| No. | Overall reign number |
| Reign | Reign number for the specific champion |
| Days | Number of days held |
| Days recog. | Number of days held recognized by the promotion |
| N/A | Unknown information |
| † | Championship change is unrecognized by the promotion |
| <1 | Reign lasted less than a day |
· Title history › Reigns
Date
Date
No.
Date
Champion
Event
Championship change
Location
Championship change
Reign
Championship change
Days
Reign statistics
Days recog.
1
1
No.
1
Champion
Orville Brown
Championship change
July 14, 1948
Championship change
N/A
Championship change
Waterloo, IA
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
501
Reign statistics
501
Notes
On July 14, 1948, the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) was founded in Waterloo, Iowa and Brown was recognized as the first official NWA World Heavyweight Champion. At the time of the founding of the NWA, Brown already held the Midwest Wrestling Association's World Heavyweight Championship and the Iowa version of the NWA World Heavyweight Championship; during Brown's reign, the two championships were unified into the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.
2
2
No.
2
Champion
Lou Thesz
Championship change
November 27, 1949
Championship change
N/A
Championship change
N/A
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
1,941
Reign statistics
2,300
Notes
Awarded when Orville Brown suffered career-ending injuries in an automobile accident on November 1, 1949. Thesz had earlier won the National Wrestling Association's World Heavyweight Championship on July 20, 1948 from Wild Bill Longson. Thesz became the undisputed champion of all of wrestling by winning the Los Angeles Olympic Auditorium's World Heavyweight Championship, the remaining major world championship at the time other than the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, defeating Baron Michele Leone on May 21, 1952.
†
†
No.
†
Champion
Leo Nomellini
Championship change
March 22, 1955
Championship change
House show
Championship change
San Francisco, CA
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
115
Reign statistics
—
Notes
Nomellini defeated Lou Thesz by countout in the second fall and disqualification in the third fall. The California Athletic Commission recognized the title change by disqualification, but both wrestlers continued to claim the title.
†
†
No.
†
Champion
Lou Thesz
Championship change
July 15, 1955
Championship change
House show
Championship change
St. Louis, MO
Reign statistics
244
Reign statistics
—
Notes
Thesz defeated Leo Nomellini in a rematch.
3
3
No.
3
Champion
Whipper Billy Watson
Championship change
March 15, 1956
Championship change
House show
Championship change
Toronto, ON
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
239
Reign statistics
239
Notes
Watson won the match and the championship by count out.
4
4
No.
4
Champion
Lou Thesz
Championship change
November 9, 1956
Championship change
House show
Championship change
St. Louis, MO
Reign statistics
2
Reign statistics
217
Reign statistics
370
Notes
Thesz won the match and the championship by count out.
†
†
No.
†
Champion
Édouard Carpentier
Championship change
June 14, 1957
Championship change
House show
Championship change
Chicago, IL
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
40
Reign statistics
—
Notes
Carpentier was awarded the title when Lou Thesz could not continue the match due to a back injury. In some territories, Thesz continued to be recognized as NWA World Heavyweight Champion, while in others Carpentier was billed as the champion.
†
†
No.
†
Champion
Lou Thesz
Championship change
July 24, 1957
Championship change
House show
Championship change
Montreal, Quebec
Reign statistics
113
Reign statistics
—
Notes
Thesz won a rematch against Édouard Carpentier by disqualification. The NWA initially continued to recognize Carpentier as the champion, but voided any recognition of Carpentier as champion when he withdrew the claim for the title when Eddie Quinn, Carpentier's promoter in Montreal, quit the NWA in August 1958. Some territories such as Boston's Atlantic Athletic Commission (AAC), Los Angeles' North American Wrestling Alliance (NAWA, later WWA), and the Nebraska promotions continued to recognize Carpentier as NWA World Heavyweight Champion. The AAC recognized Killer Kowalski as world champion when he defeated Carpentier in Boston. Nebraska later recognized Verne Gagne as world champion when he defeated Carpentier in Omaha. Los Angeles recognized Freddie Blassie as world champion when he defeated Carpentier in 1961.
5
5
No.
5
Champion
Dick Hutton
Championship change
November 14, 1957
Championship change
House show
Championship change
Toronto, ON
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
421
Reign statistics
421
6
6
No.
6
Champion
Pat O'Connor
Championship change
January 9, 1959
Championship change
House show
Championship change
St. Louis, MO
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
440
Reign statistics
903
†
†
No.
†
Champion
Gene LeBell
Championship change
March 24, 1960
Championship change
House show
Championship change
Amarillo, TX
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
<1
Reign statistics
—
Notes
After LeBell defeated Pat O'Connor, he struck a Texas wrestling commissioner with the championship belt and the decision was reversed.
†
†
No.
†
Champion
Pat O'Connor
Championship change
March 24, 1960
Championship change
House show
Championship change
Amarillo, TX
Reign statistics
2
Reign statistics
463
Reign statistics
—
Notes
The title was returned to O'Connor due to the nature of the championship match.
7
7
No.
7
Champion
Buddy Rogers
Championship change
June 30, 1961
Championship change
House show
Championship change
Chicago, IL
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
145
Reign statistics
573
†
†
No.
†
Champion
Bruno Sammartino
Championship change
August 2, 1962
Championship change
House show
Championship change
Toronto, ON
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
<1
Reign statistics
—
Notes
On August 2, 1962, Sammartino defeated Buddy Rogers in Toronto, but refused to accept the title because Rogers had wrestled with an injury.
†
†
No.
†
Champion
Buddy Rogers
Championship change
August 2, 1962
Championship change
House show
Championship change
Toronto, ON
Reign statistics
2
Reign statistics
16
Reign statistics
—
Notes
The title was returned to Rogers after Sammartino refused the title due to Rogers' injury.
†
†
No.
†
Champion
Bobo Brazil
Championship change
August 18, 1962
Championship change
House show
Championship change
Newark, NJ
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
73
Reign statistics
—
Notes
Brazil refused the title because of a groin injury that Buddy Rogers had claimed to have. However, on September 6, 1962, Brazil was declared champion because a doctor had determined that Rogers had not suffered an injury. This title change is not currently recognized by the NWA.
†
†
No.
†
Champion
Buddy Rogers
Championship change
October 30, 1962
Championship change
House show
Championship change
Toledo, OH
Reign statistics
3
Reign statistics
86
Reign statistics
—
†
†
No.
†
Champion
Killer Kowalski
Championship change
November 21, 1962
Championship change
House show
Championship change
Montreal, Quebec
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
61
Reign statistics
—
Notes
Kowalski defeated Buddy Rogers on November 21 in Montreal after Rogers broke his ankle in the first fall. He was only recognized as champion in some states such as Texas until January 21, 1963 when he lost a rematch to Rogers in New York City. Kowalski disputed that Rogers had won the title during the rematch, arguing that the match had not been for the title. The NWA does not recognize any of Rogers' losses, with only one title reign counted for Rogers.
†
†
No.
†
Champion
Buddy Rogers
Championship change
January 21, 1963
Championship change
House show
Championship change
New York City, NY
Reign statistics
4
Reign statistics
3
Reign statistics
—
8
8
No.
8
Champion
Lou Thesz
Championship change
January 24, 1963
Championship change
House show
Championship change
Toronto, ON
Reign statistics
3
Reign statistics
1,079
Reign statistics
1,079
†
†
No.
†
Champion
Buddy Rogers
Championship change
January 24, 1963
Championship change
N/A
Championship change
N/A
Reign statistics
5
Reign statistics
77
Reign statistics
—
Notes
Promoters in the Northeastern United States refused to recognize Buddy Rogers' one-fall loss to Thesz, thus breaking away from the NWA to form the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF). Rogers continued to defend the championship in the WWWF until he was declared the first WWWF World Heavyweight Champion on April 11.
9
9
No.
9
Champion
Gene Kiniski
Championship change
January 7, 1966
Championship change
House show
Championship change
St. Louis, MO
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
1,131
Reign statistics
1,131
10
10
No.
10
Champion
Dory Funk Jr.
Championship change
February 11, 1969
Championship change
House show
Championship change
Tampa, FL
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
1,563
Reign statistics
1,563
11
11
No.
11
Champion
Harley Race
Championship change
May 24, 1973
Championship change
House show
Championship change
Kansas City, KS
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
57
Reign statistics
57
12
12
No.
12
Champion
Jack Brisco
Championship change
July 20, 1973
Championship change
House show
Championship change
Houston, TX
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
500
Reign statistics
500
13
13
No.
13
Champion
Giant Baba
Championship change
December 2, 1974
Championship change
House show
Championship change
Kagoshima, Japan
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
7
Reign statistics
7
Notes
This was a two-out-of-three-falls match.
14
14
No.
14
Champion
Jack Brisco
Championship change
December 9, 1974
Championship change
House show
Championship change
Toyohashi, Japan
Reign statistics
2
Reign statistics
366
Reign statistics
366
15
15
No.
15
Champion
Terry Funk
Championship change
December 10, 1975
Championship change
House show
Championship change
Miami Beach, FL
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
424
Reign statistics
424
16
16
No.
16
Champion
Harley Race
Championship change
February 6, 1977
Championship change
House show
Championship change
Toronto, ON
Reign statistics
2
Reign statistics
926
Reign statistics
926
17
17
No.
17
Champion
Dusty Rhodes
Championship change
August 21, 1979
Championship change
House show
Championship change
Tampa, FL
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
5
Reign statistics
5
18
18
No.
18
Champion
Harley Race
Championship change
August 26, 1979
Championship change
House show
Championship change
Orlando, FL
Reign statistics
3
Reign statistics
66
Reign statistics
66
19
19
No.
19
Champion
Giant Baba
Championship change
October 31, 1979
Championship change
House show
Championship change
Nagoya, Japan
Reign statistics
2
Reign statistics
7
Reign statistics
7
20
20
No.
20
Champion
Harley Race
Championship change
November 7, 1979
Championship change
House show
Championship change
Amagasaki, Japan
Reign statistics
4
Reign statistics
302
Reign statistics
302
21
21
No.
21
Champion
Giant Baba
Championship change
September 4, 1980
Championship change
House show
Championship change
Saga, Japan
Reign statistics
3
Reign statistics
5
Reign statistics
5
22
22
No.
22
Champion
Harley Race
Championship change
September 9, 1980
Championship change
House show
Championship change
Ōtsu, Japan
Reign statistics
5
Reign statistics
230
Reign statistics
230
23
23
No.
23
Champion
Tommy Rich
Championship change
April 27, 1981
Championship change
House show
Championship change
Augusta, GA
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
4
Reign statistics
4
24
24
No.
24
Champion
Harley Race
Championship change
May 1, 1981
Championship change
House show
Championship change
Gainesville, GA
Reign statistics
6
Reign statistics
51
Reign statistics
51
25
25
No.
25
Champion
Dusty Rhodes
Championship change
June 21, 1981
Championship change
House show
Championship change
Atlanta, GA
Reign statistics
2
Reign statistics
88
Reign statistics
88
26
26
No.
26
Champion
Ric Flair
Championship change
September 17, 1981
Championship change
House show
Championship change
Kansas City, KS
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
145
Reign statistics
631
Notes
Lou Thesz was the special referee.
†
†
No.
†
Champion
Jack Veneno
Championship change
September 7, 1982
Championship change
House show
Championship change
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
<1
Reign statistics
—
Notes
Veneno defeated Ric Flair in Santo Domingo. As Veneno refused to defend the title outside his native country, the title was returned to Flair on the same day.
†
†
No.
†
Champion
Ric Flair
Championship change
September 7, 1982
Championship change
House show
Championship change
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Reign statistics
121
Reign statistics
—
†
†
No.
†
Champion
Carlos Colón
Championship change
January 6, 1983
Championship change
House show
Championship change
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
4
Reign statistics
—
Notes
Colon's WWC World Heavyweight Championship was also on the line. This title change is not recognized by the NWA.
†
†
No.
†
Champion
Ric Flair
Championship change
January 10, 1983
Championship change
House show
Championship change
Miami, FL
Reign statistics
29
Reign statistics
—
Notes
This was a fictional match; this title change is not recognized by the NWA.
27
27
No.
27
Champion
Harley Race
Championship change
June 10, 1983
Championship change
House show
Championship change
St. Louis, MO
Reign statistics
7
Reign statistics
167
Reign statistics
167
28
28
No.
28
Champion
Ric Flair
Championship change
November 24, 1983
Championship change
Starrcade
Championship change
Greensboro, NC
Reign statistics
2
Reign statistics
117
Reign statistics
164
Notes
This was a steel cage match. Gene Kiniski was the special referee.
†
†
No.
†
Champion
Harley Race
Championship change
March 20, 1984
Championship change
House show
Championship change
Wellington, New Zealand
Reign statistics
8
Reign statistics
3
Reign statistics
—
Notes
This title change was not authorized by the NWA. This title change was recognized by World Championship Wrestling (WCW) from 1993 until 2001, and has been occasionally recognized by the NWA since 2015.
†
†
No.
†
Champion
Ric Flair
Championship change
March 23, 1984
Championship change
House show
Championship change
Kallang, Singapore
Reign statistics
44
Reign statistics
—
Notes
This title change was not authorized by the NWA.
29
29
No.
29
Champion
Kerry Von Erich
Championship change
May 6, 1984
Championship change
1st Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions
Championship change
Irving, TX
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
18
Reign statistics
18
Notes
This match had no time limit and the title could change hands on a disqualification; Kerry pinned Flair to win the title.
30
30
No.
30
Champion
Ric Flair
Championship change
May 24, 1984
Championship change
House show
Championship change
Yokosuka, Japan
Reign statistics
3
Reign statistics
793
Reign statistics
793
Notes
By early 1985, Jim Crockett Promotions (JCP) controlled many NWA territories and attempted going national, thus limiting championship matches primarily to performers under contract with JCP.
31
31
No.
31
Champion
Dusty Rhodes
Championship change
July 26, 1986
Championship change
The Great American Bash
Championship change
Greensboro, NC
Reign statistics
3
Reign statistics
14
Reign statistics
14
32
32
No.
32
Champion
Ric Flair
Championship change
August 9, 1986
Championship change
House show
Championship change
St. Louis, MO
Reign statistics
4
Reign statistics
412
Reign statistics
412
33
33
No.
33
Champion
Ron Garvin
Championship change
September 25, 1987
Championship change
World Wide Wrestling
Championship change
Detroit, MI
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
62
Reign statistics
62
Notes
Aired September 26, 1987 on tape delay.
34
34
No.
34
Champion
Ric Flair
Championship change
November 26, 1987
Championship change
Starrcade
Championship change
Chicago, IL
Reign statistics
5
Reign statistics
452
Reign statistics
452
Notes
On November 21, 1988 the NWA's flagship promotion Jim Crockett Promotions was purchased by Ted Turner and renamed World Championship Wrestling (WCW). This further limited championship matches to performers primarily within the company.
35
35
No.
35
Champion
Ricky Steamboat
Championship change
February 20, 1989
Championship change
Chi-Town Rumble
Championship change
Chicago, IL
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
76
Reign statistics
76
36
36
No.
36
Champion
Ric Flair
Championship change
May 7, 1989
Championship change
WrestleWar
Championship change
Nashville, TN
Reign statistics
6
Reign statistics
426
Reign statistics
426
37
37
No.
37
Champion
Sting
Championship change
July 7, 1990
Championship change
The Great American Bash
Championship change
Baltimore, MD
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
188
Reign statistics
188
38
38
No.
38
Champion
Ric Flair
Championship change
January 11, 1991
Championship change
House show
Championship change
East Rutherford, NJ
Reign statistics
7
Reign statistics
69
Reign statistics
69
Notes
After this title win, Flair was also recognized as the first WCW World Heavyweight Champion.
39
39
No.
39
Champion
Tatsumi Fujinami
Championship change
March 21, 1991
Championship change
Starrcade in Tokyo Dome
Championship change
Tokyo, Japan
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
59
Reign statistics
59
Notes
Briefly defended along with the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. This title change was originally ignored in the United States.
40
40
No.
40
Champion
Ric Flair
Championship change
May 19, 1991
Championship change
SuperBrawl I
Championship change
St. Petersburg, FL
Reign statistics
7
Reign statistics
112
Reign statistics
112
Notes
The title was returned to Flair due to the nature of the championship match. The NWA regards this as a continuation of Flair's seventh reign rather than the start of his eighth reign.
—
—
No.
—
Champion
Vacated
Championship change
September 8, 1991
Championship change
—
Championship change
—
Reign statistics
—
Reign statistics
—
Reign statistics
—
Notes
Ric Flair was stripped of the title upon signing with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF).
41
41
No.
41
Champion
Masahiro Chono
Championship change
August 12, 1992
Championship change
G1 Climax 1992 Day 5
Championship change
Tokyo, Japan
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
145
Reign statistics
145
Notes
Chono defeated Rick Rude in the final of the G1 Climax tournament.
42
42
No.
42
Champion
The Great Muta
Championship change
January 4, 1993
Championship change
Fantastic Story in Tokyo Dome
Championship change
Tokyo, Japan
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
48
Reign statistics
48
Notes
Muta's IWGP Heavyweight Championship was also on the line.
43
43
No.
43
Champion
Barry Windham
Championship change
February 21, 1993
Championship change
SuperBrawl III
Championship change
Asheville, NC
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
147
Reign statistics
147
44
44
No.
44
Champion
Ric Flair
Championship change
July 18, 1993
Championship change
Beach Blast
Championship change
Biloxi, MS
Reign statistics
8
Reign statistics
59
Reign statistics
59
—
—
No.
—
Champion
Vacated
Championship change
September 15, 1993
Championship change
—
Championship change
—
Reign statistics
—
Reign statistics
—
Reign statistics
—
Notes
WCW withdrew from the NWA on September 1, 1993. The NWA declared their championship vacant.
45
45
No.
45
Champion
Shane Douglas
Championship change
August 27, 1994
Championship change
NWA World Title Tournament
Championship change
Philadelphia, PA
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
<1
Reign statistics
<1
Notes
Douglas defeated 2 Cold Scorpio in tournament final.
—
—
No.
—
Champion
Vacated
Championship change
August 27, 1994
Championship change
NWA World Title Tournament
Championship change
Philadelphia, PA
Reign statistics
—
Reign statistics
—
Reign statistics
—
Notes
Shane Douglas, immediately upon winning it, refused the NWA championship and declared the ECW Championship, of which he was already in possession, to be a world championship. ECW then withdrew from the NWA.
46
46
No.
46
Champion
Chris Candido
Championship change
November 19, 1994
Championship change
NWA World Heavyweight Title Tournament
Championship change
Cherry Hill, NJ
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
97
Reign statistics
97
Notes
Candido defeated Tracy Smothers in tournament final.
47
47
No.
47
Champion
Dan Severn
Championship change
February 24, 1995
Championship change
House show
Championship change
Erlanger, KY
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
1,479
Reign statistics
1,479
48
48
No.
48
Champion
Naoya Ogawa
Championship change
March 14, 1999
Championship change
Battle in the Hama Ring
Championship change
Yokohama, Japan
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
195
Reign statistics
195
49
49
No.
49
Champion
Gary Steele
Championship change
September 25, 1999
Championship change
NWA 51st Anniversary Show
Championship change
Charlotte, NC
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
7
Reign statistics
7
Notes
Gary Steele pinned Ogawa in a three-way match, also involving Brian Anthony.
50
50
No.
50
Champion
Naoya Ogawa
Championship change
October 2, 1999
Championship change
House show
Championship change
Thomaston, CT
Reign statistics
2
Reign statistics
274
Reign statistics
274
—
—
No.
—
Champion
Vacated
Championship change
July 2, 2000
Championship change
—
Championship change
—
Reign statistics
—
Reign statistics
—
Reign statistics
—
Notes
Ogawa vacated the championship to focus on training for his scheduled (but later cancelled) mixed martial arts fight against Rickson Gracie.
51
51
No.
51
Champion
Mike Rapada
Championship change
September 19, 2000
Championship change
Tango in Tampa
Championship change
Tampa, FL
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
56
Reign statistics
56
Notes
Rapada defeated Jerry Flynn in tournament final.
52
52
No.
52
Champion
Sabu
Championship change
November 14, 2000
Championship change
Night of Decisions
Championship change
Tampa, FL
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
38
Reign statistics
38
53
53
No.
53
Champion
Mike Rapada
Championship change
December 22, 2000
Championship change
Christmas Chaos
Championship change
Nashville, TN
Reign statistics
2
Reign statistics
123
Reign statistics
123
54
54
No.
54
Champion
Steve Corino
Championship change
April 24, 2001
Championship change
House show
Championship change
Tampa, FL
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
172
Reign statistics
172
—
—
No.
—
Champion
Vacated
Championship change
October 13, 2001
Championship change
NWA 53rd Anniversary Show
Championship change
St. Petersburg, FL
Reign statistics
—
Reign statistics
—
Reign statistics
—
Notes
The championship was held up after a Corino vs. Shinya Hashimoto title match ended in a no contest due to Corino being unable to compete after sustaining a head injury.
55
55
No.
55
Champion
Shinya Hashimoto
Championship change
December 15, 2001
Championship change
Clash of the Champions
Championship change
McKeesport, PA
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
84
Reign statistics
84
Notes
This was three matches held round robin style; Gary Steele vs. Steve Corino, Gary Steele vs. Shinya Hashimoto, and Steve Corino vs. Shinya Hashimoto. Hashimoto won the round robin matches.
56
56
No.
56
Champion
Dan Severn
Championship change
March 9, 2002
Championship change
Vast Energy
Championship change
Tokyo, Japan
Reign statistics
2
Reign statistics
80
Reign statistics
80
—
—
No.
—
Champion
Vacated
Championship change
May 28, 2002
Championship change
—
Championship change
—
Reign statistics
—
Reign statistics
—
Reign statistics
—
Notes
Dan Severn was stripped of the title after refusing to defend the championship on the inaugural NWA: Total Nonstop Action pay-per-view.
57
57
No.
57
Champion
Ken Shamrock
Championship change
June 19, 2002
Championship change
Weekly pay-per-view event #1
Championship change
Huntsville, AL
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
49
Reign statistics
49
Notes
In June 2002, Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) worked out a licensing deal with the NWA to control and feature the NWA Championship. Shamrock defeated Malice to win the title.
58
58
No.
58
Champion
Ron Killings
Championship change
August 7, 2002
Championship change
Weekly pay-per-view event #8
Championship change
Nashville, TN
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
105
Reign statistics
105
59
59
No.
59
Champion
Jeff Jarrett
Championship change
November 20, 2002
Championship change
Weekly pay-per-view event #22
Championship change
Nashville, TN
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
203
Reign statistics
203
Notes
Jarrett unified the title with the WWA World Heavyweight Championship during this reign.
60
60
No.
60
Champion
A.J. Styles
Championship change
June 11, 2003
Championship change
Weekly pay-per-view event #49
Championship change
Nashville, TN
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
133
Reign statistics
133
Notes
This was a three-way match, also involving Raven.
61
61
No.
61
Champion
Jeff Jarrett
Championship change
October 22, 2003
Championship change
Weekly pay-per-view event #67
Championship change
Nashville, TN
Reign statistics
2
Reign statistics
182
Reign statistics
182
62
62
No.
62
Champion
A.J. Styles
Championship change
April 21, 2004
Championship change
Weekly pay-per-view event #91
Championship change
Nashville, TN
Reign statistics
2
Reign statistics
28
Reign statistics
28
Notes
This was a steel cage match.
63
63
No.
63
Champion
Ron Killings
Championship change
May 19, 2004
Championship change
Weekly pay-per-view event #95
Championship change
Nashville, TN
Reign statistics
2
Reign statistics
14
Reign statistics
14
Notes
This was a four-way match, also involving Chris Harris and Raven.
64
64
No.
64
Champion
Jeff Jarrett
Championship change
June 2, 2004
Championship change
Weekly pay-per-view event #97
Championship change
Nashville, TN
Reign statistics
3
Reign statistics
305
Reign statistics
305
Notes
This was a King of the Mountain match, also involving A.J. Styles, Chris Harris, and Raven. Ron Killings defeated Jarrett on the June 23 weekly pay-per-view event for the title, but due to issues surrounding the title change, the title was held up, before Vince Russo gave Jarrett the title back.
65
65
No.
65
Champion
Ray González
Championship change
April 3, 2005
Championship change
Juicio Final 2005
Championship change
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
<1
Reign statistics
<1
Notes
González pinned Jarrett on April 3 in San Juan, but the decision was reversed after the match due to an unauthorized referee counting the pinfall while the originally sanctioned referee was knocked out. Title change was ignored by TNA but was retroactively recognized by the NWA in 2015.
66
66
No.
66
Champion
Jeff Jarrett
Championship change
April 3, 2005
Championship change
Juicio Final 2005
Championship change
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Reign statistics
3
Reign statistics
42
Reign statistics
42
Notes
The title was returned to Jarrett due to the nature of the championship match. The NWA regards this as a continuation of Jarrett's third reign rather than the start of his fourth reign.
67
67
No.
67
Champion
A.J. Styles
Championship change
May 15, 2005
Championship change
Hard Justice
Championship change
Orlando, FL
Reign statistics
3
Reign statistics
35
Reign statistics
35
Notes
Tito Ortiz was the special referee.
68
68
No.
68
Champion
Raven
Championship change
June 19, 2005
Championship change
Slammiversary
Championship change
Orlando, FL
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
88
Reign statistics
88
Notes
This was a King of the Mountain match, also involving Abyss, Monty Brown, and Sean Waltman.
69
69
No.
69
Champion
Jeff Jarrett
Championship change
September 15, 2005
Championship change
International Incident
Championship change
Windsor, ON
Reign statistics
4
Reign statistics
38
Reign statistics
38
Notes
This was a "Raven's Rules" match.
70
70
No.
70
Champion
Rhino
Championship change
October 23, 2005
Championship change
Bound for Glory
Championship change
Orlando, FL
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
2
Reign statistics
2
Notes
Rhino won the right to face Jeff Jarrett in a Gauntlet for the Gold match after designated challenger Kevin Nash fell ill and withdrew. Tito Ortiz was the special referee.
71
71
No.
71
Champion
Jeff Jarrett
Championship change
October 25, 2005
Championship change
Impact!
Championship change
Orlando, FL
Reign statistics
5
Reign statistics
110
Reign statistics
110
Notes
Aired November 3, 2005 on tape delay.
72
72
No.
72
Champion
Christian Cage
Championship change
February 12, 2006
Championship change
Against All Odds
Championship change
Orlando, FL
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
126
Reign statistics
126
73
73
No.
73
Champion
Jeff Jarrett
Championship change
June 18, 2006
Championship change
Slammiversary
Championship change
Orlando, FL
Reign statistics
6
Reign statistics
126
Reign statistics
126
Notes
This was a King of the Mountain match, also involving Abyss, Ron Killings, and Sting.
74
74
No.
74
Champion
Sting
Championship change
October 22, 2006
Championship change
Bound for Glory
Championship change
Plymouth, MI
Reign statistics
2
Reign statistics
28
Reign statistics
28
Notes
Kurt Angle was the special outside enforcer. This was a Title vs. Career match where Sting put his career on the line.
75
75
No.
75
Champion
Abyss
Championship change
November 19, 2006
Championship change
Genesis
Championship change
Orlando, FL
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
56
Reign statistics
56
Notes
Abyss defeated Sting by disqualification after Sting pushed the referee.
76
76
No.
76
Champion
Christian Cage
Championship change
January 14, 2007
Championship change
Final Resolution
Championship change
Orlando, FL
Reign statistics
2
Reign statistics
119
Reign statistics
119
Notes
This was a three-way elimination match, also involving Sting.
—
—
No.
—
Champion
Vacated
Championship change
May 13, 2007
Championship change
—
Championship change
—
Reign statistics
—
Reign statistics
—
Reign statistics
—
Notes
Christian Cage was stripped of the championship when the NWA ended its business agreement with TNA.
77
77
No.
77
Champion
Adam Pearce
Championship change
September 1, 2007
Championship change
House show
Championship change
Bayamón, Puerto Rico
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
336
Reign statistics
336
Notes
Pearce defeated Brent Albright in the finals of the Reclaiming the Glory tournament. Pearce competed as a substitute for Bryan Danielson, who defeated Pearce in the semifinals but withdrew from the tournament due to a detached retina. Danielson was the special referee.
78
78
No.
78
Champion
Brent Albright
Championship change
August 2, 2008
Championship change
Death Before Dishonor VI
Championship change
New York City, NY
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
49
Reign statistics
49
79
79
No.
79
Champion
Adam Pearce
Championship change
September 20, 2008
Championship change
Glory By Honor VII
Championship change
Philadelphia, PA
Reign statistics
2
Reign statistics
35
Reign statistics
35
80
80
No.
80
Champion
Blue Demon Jr.
Championship change
October 25, 2008
Championship change
House show
Championship change
Mexico City, Mexico
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
505
Reign statistics
505
81
81
No.
81
Champion
Adam Pearce
Championship change
March 14, 2010
Championship change
House show
Championship change
Charlotte, NC
Reign statistics
3
Reign statistics
357
Reign statistics
357
Notes
This was a three-way elimination match, also featuring Phill Shatter.
82
82
No.
82
Champion
Colt Cabana
Championship change
March 6, 2011
Championship change
NWA Championship Wrestling from Hollywood
Championship change
West Hollywood, CA
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
48
Reign statistics
48
Notes
Aired April 2, 2011 on tape delay.
83
83
No.
83
Champion
The Sheik
Championship change
April 23, 2011
Championship change
Subtle Hustle
Championship change
Jacksonville, FL
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
79
Reign statistics
79
—
—
No.
—
Champion
Vacated
Championship change
July 11, 2011
Championship change
—
Championship change
—
Reign statistics
—
Reign statistics
—
Reign statistics
—
Notes
The Sheik was stripped of the championship for refusing to defend against Adam Pearce on July 31, 2011.
84
84
No.
84
Champion
Adam Pearce
Championship change
July 31, 2011
Championship change
NWA at the Ohio State Fair
Championship change
Columbus, OH
Reign statistics
4
Reign statistics
252
Reign statistics
252
Notes
Pearce defeated Chance Prophet, Jimmy Rave, and Shaun Tempers in a four-way match to win the vacant championship.
85
85
No.
85
Champion
Colt Cabana
Championship change
April 8, 2012
Championship change
NWA Championship Wrestling from Hollywood
Championship change
Glendale, CA
Reign statistics
2
Reign statistics
104
Reign statistics
104
Notes
Aired April 29, 2012 on tape delay.
86
86
No.
86
Champion
Adam Pearce
Championship change
July 21, 2012
Championship change
Metro Pro Wrestling
Championship change
Kansas City, KS
Reign statistics
5
Reign statistics
98
Reign statistics
98
Notes
Aired September 23, 2012 via tape delay. This was a two-out-of-three falls match and was match four of a seven-match series between Pearce and Colt Cabana. During this reign, ownership of the NWA World Championship and the NWA itself was transferred from Pro Wrestling Organization LLC to the International Wrestling Corp.
—
—
No.
—
Champion
Vacated
Championship change
October 27, 2012
Championship change
NWA Warzone Wrestling 14
Championship change
Berwick, Victoria, Australia
Reign statistics
—
Reign statistics
—
Reign statistics
—
Notes
Adam Pearce left the NWA and resigned as champion after the organization refused to allow him to defend the title in the concluding match of his seven-match series against Colt Cabana. The match did take place with Cabana winning, but both wrestlers refused the title in the aftermath.
87
87
No.
87
Champion
Kahagas
Championship change
November 2, 2012
Championship change
Wrath of Champions
Championship change
Clayton, NJ
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
134
Reign statistics
134
Notes
Kahagas won an elimination match for the vacant title by last eliminating Damien Wayne. Match also featured Chance Prophet, Jason Kincaid, Lance Erikson, Anthony Nese, Papadon, Biggie Biggs, and Lance Anoa'i. Kahagas was the reigning NWA National Heavyweight Champion at the time of his victory.
88
88
No.
88
Champion
Rob Conway
Championship change
March 16, 2013
Championship change
A Monster's Ball
Championship change
San Antonio, TX
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
294
Reign statistics
294
Notes
Conway replaced an injured Jax Dane and defeated Kahagas for the championship.
89
89
No.
89
Champion
Satoshi Kojima
Championship change
January 4, 2014
Championship change
Wrestle Kingdom 8 in Tokyo Dome
Championship change
Tokyo, Japan
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
149
Reign statistics
149
90
90
No.
90
Champion
Rob Conway
Championship change
June 2, 2014
Championship change
Cauliflower Alley Club Reunion Show
Championship change
Las Vegas, NV
Reign statistics
2
Reign statistics
257
Reign statistics
257
91
91
No.
91
Champion
Hiroyoshi Tenzan
Championship change
February 14, 2015
Championship change
The New Beginning in Sendai
Championship change
Sendai, Japan
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
196
Reign statistics
196
92
92
No.
92
Champion
Jax Dane
Championship change
August 29, 2015
Championship change
World War Gold
Championship change
San Antonio, TX
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
419
Reign statistics
419
93
93
No.
93
Champion
Tim Storm
Championship change
October 21, 2016
Championship change
House show
Championship change
Sherman, TX
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
414
Reign statistics
414
Notes
On October 1, 2017, Billy Corgan's company Lightning One, Inc. purchased the NWA, including the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. During this reign, the NWA's licensing model was abolished and championship matches were limited primarily to performers under contract with Lightning One, Inc. Additionally, the title was renamed to the NWA World’s Heavyweight Championship
94
94
No.
94
Champion
Nick Aldis
Championship change
December 9, 2017
Championship change
Cage of Death 19
Championship change
Sewell, NJ
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
266
Reign statistics
266
95
95
No.
95
Champion
Cody
Championship change
September 1, 2018
Championship change
All In
Championship change
Hoffman Estates, IL
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
50
Reign statistics
50
96
96
No.
96
Champion
Nick Aldis
Championship change
October 21, 2018
Championship change
NWA 70th Anniversary Show
Championship change
Nashville, TN
Reign statistics
2
Reign statistics
1,043
Reign statistics
1,043
Notes
This was a two-out-of-three falls match.
97
97
No.
97
Champion
Trevor Murdoch
Championship change
August 29, 2021
Championship change
NWA 73rd Anniversary Show
Championship change
St. Louis, MO
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
167
Reign statistics
167
Notes
This was a Title vs. Career match where Murdoch put his career on the line.
98
98
No.
98
Champion
Matt Cardona
Championship change
February 12, 2022
Championship change
PowerrrTrip
Championship change
Oak Grove, KY
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
119
Reign statistics
119
Notes
Aired via tape delay on the March 8, 2022 episode of NWA Powerrr.
—
—
No.
—
Champion
Vacated
Championship change
June 11, 2022
Championship change
Alwayz Ready
Championship change
Knoxville, TN
Reign statistics
—
Reign statistics
—
Reign statistics
—
Notes
Cardona vacated the title due to an injury.
99
99
No.
99
Champion
Trevor Murdoch
Championship change
June 11, 2022
Championship change
Alwayz Ready
Championship change
Knoxville, TN
Reign statistics
2
Reign statistics
154
Reign statistics
154
Notes
Defeated Nick Aldis, Thom Latimer, and Sam Shaw in a four-way match for the vacant title.
100
100
No.
100
Champion
Tyrus
Championship change
November 12, 2022
Championship change
Hard Times 3
Championship change
Chalmette, LA
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
288
Reign statistics
288
Notes
This was a three-way match, also involving Matt Cardona.
101
101
No.
101
Champion
EC3
Championship change
August 27, 2023
Championship change
NWA 75th Anniversary Show
Championship change
St. Louis, MO
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
370
Reign statistics
370
Notes
This was a Bullrope match with Tyrus's wrestling career on the line as well.
102
102
No.
102
Champion
Thom Latimer
Championship change
August 31, 2024
Championship change
NWA 76th Anniversary Show
Championship change
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
350
Reign statistics
350
Notes
Aired on tape delay on October 1, 2024 as an episode of NWA Powerrr.
103
103
No.
103
Champion
"Thrillbilly" Silas Mason
Championship change
August 16, 2025
Championship change
NWA 77th Anniversary Show
Championship change
Huntington, New York
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
81+
Reign statistics
81+
| No. | Champion | Championship change | Reign statistics | Notes | Ref. | ||||||
| Date | Event | Location | Reign | Days | Days recog. | ||||||
| National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) | |||||||||||
| 1 | Orville Brown | July 14, 1948 | N/A | Waterloo, IA | 1 | 501 | 501 | On July 14, 1948, the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) was founded in Waterloo, Iowa and Brown was recognized as the first official NWA World Heavyweight Champion. At the time of the founding of the NWA, Brown already held the Midwest Wrestling Association's World Heavyweight Championship and the Iowa version of the NWA World Heavyweight Championship; during Brown's reign, the two championships were unified into the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. | |||
| 2 | Lou Thesz | November 27, 1949 | N/A | N/A | 1 | 1,941 | 2,300 | Awarded when Orville Brown suffered career-ending injuries in an automobile accident on November 1, 1949. Thesz had earlier won the National Wrestling Association's World Heavyweight Championship on July 20, 1948 from Wild Bill Longson. Thesz became the undisputed champion of all of wrestling by winning the Los Angeles Olympic Auditorium's World Heavyweight Championship, the remaining major world championship at the time other than the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, defeating Baron Michele Leone on May 21, 1952. | |||
| † | Leo Nomellini | March 22, 1955 | House show | San Francisco, CA | 1 | 115 | — | Nomellini defeated Lou Thesz by countout in the second fall and disqualification in the third fall. The California Athletic Commission recognized the title change by disqualification, but both wrestlers continued to claim the title. | |||
| † | Lou Thesz | July 15, 1955 | House show | St. Louis, MO | 244 | — | Thesz defeated Leo Nomellini in a rematch. | ||||
| 3 | Whipper Billy Watson | March 15, 1956 | House show | Toronto, ON | 1 | 239 | 239 | Watson won the match and the championship by count out. | |||
| 4 | Lou Thesz | November 9, 1956 | House show | St. Louis, MO | 2 | 217 | 370 | Thesz won the match and the championship by count out. | |||
| † | Édouard Carpentier | June 14, 1957 | House show | Chicago, IL | 1 | 40 | — | Carpentier was awarded the title when Lou Thesz could not continue the match due to a back injury. In some territories, Thesz continued to be recognized as NWA World Heavyweight Champion, while in others Carpentier was billed as the champion. | |||
| † | Lou Thesz | July 24, 1957 | House show | Montreal, Quebec | 113 | — | Thesz won a rematch against Édouard Carpentier by disqualification. The NWA initially continued to recognize Carpentier as the champion, but voided any recognition of Carpentier as champion when he withdrew the claim for the title when Eddie Quinn, Carpentier's promoter in Montreal, quit the NWA in August 1958. Some territories such as Boston's Atlantic Athletic Commission (AAC), Los Angeles' North American Wrestling Alliance (NAWA, later WWA), and the Nebraska promotions continued to recognize Carpentier as NWA World Heavyweight Champion. The AAC recognized Killer Kowalski as world champion when he defeated Carpentier in Boston. Nebraska later recognized Verne Gagne as world champion when he defeated Carpentier in Omaha. Los Angeles recognized Freddie Blassie as world champion when he defeated Carpentier in 1961. | ||||
| 5 | Dick Hutton | November 14, 1957 | House show | Toronto, ON | 1 | 421 | 421 | ||||
| 6 | Pat O'Connor | January 9, 1959 | House show | St. Louis, MO | 1 | 440 | 903 | ||||
| † | Gene LeBell | March 24, 1960 | House show | Amarillo, TX | 1 | <1 | — | After LeBell defeated Pat O'Connor, he struck a Texas wrestling commissioner with the championship belt and the decision was reversed. | |||
| † | Pat O'Connor | March 24, 1960 | House show | Amarillo, TX | 2 | 463 | — | The title was returned to O'Connor due to the nature of the championship match. | |||
| 7 | Buddy Rogers | June 30, 1961 | House show | Chicago, IL | 1 | 145 | 573 | ||||
| † | Bruno Sammartino | August 2, 1962 | House show | Toronto, ON | 1 | <1 | — | On August 2, 1962, Sammartino defeated Buddy Rogers in Toronto, but refused to accept the title because Rogers had wrestled with an injury. | |||
| † | Buddy Rogers | August 2, 1962 | House show | Toronto, ON | 2 | 16 | — | The title was returned to Rogers after Sammartino refused the title due to Rogers' injury. | |||
| † | Bobo Brazil | August 18, 1962 | House show | Newark, NJ | 1 | 73 | — | Brazil refused the title because of a groin injury that Buddy Rogers had claimed to have. However, on September 6, 1962, Brazil was declared champion because a doctor had determined that Rogers had not suffered an injury. This title change is not currently recognized by the NWA. | |||
| † | Buddy Rogers | October 30, 1962 | House show | Toledo, OH | 3 | 86 | — | ||||
| † | Killer Kowalski | November 21, 1962 | House show | Montreal, Quebec | 1 | 61 | — | Kowalski defeated Buddy Rogers on November 21 in Montreal after Rogers broke his ankle in the first fall. He was only recognized as champion in some states such as Texas until January 21, 1963 when he lost a rematch to Rogers in New York City. Kowalski disputed that Rogers had won the title during the rematch, arguing that the match had not been for the title. The NWA does not recognize any of Rogers' losses, with only one title reign counted for Rogers. | |||
| † | Buddy Rogers | January 21, 1963 | House show | New York City, NY | 4 | 3 | — | ||||
| 8 | Lou Thesz | January 24, 1963 | House show | Toronto, ON | 3 | 1,079 | 1,079 | ||||
| † | Buddy Rogers | January 24, 1963 | N/A | N/A | 5 | 77 | — | Promoters in the Northeastern United States refused to recognize Buddy Rogers' one-fall loss to Thesz, thus breaking away from the NWA to form the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF). Rogers continued to defend the championship in the WWWF until he was declared the first WWWF World Heavyweight Champion on April 11. | |||
| 9 | Gene Kiniski | January 7, 1966 | House show | St. Louis, MO | 1 | 1,131 | 1,131 | ||||
| 10 | Dory Funk Jr. | February 11, 1969 | House show | Tampa, FL | 1 | 1,563 | 1,563 | ||||
| 11 | Harley Race | May 24, 1973 | House show | Kansas City, KS | 1 | 57 | 57 | ||||
| 12 | Jack Brisco | July 20, 1973 | House show | Houston, TX | 1 | 500 | 500 | ||||
| 13 | Giant Baba | December 2, 1974 | House show | Kagoshima, Japan | 1 | 7 | 7 | This was a two-out-of-three-falls match. | |||
| 14 | Jack Brisco | December 9, 1974 | House show | Toyohashi, Japan | 2 | 366 | 366 | ||||
| 15 | Terry Funk | December 10, 1975 | House show | Miami Beach, FL | 1 | 424 | 424 | ||||
| 16 | Harley Race | February 6, 1977 | House show | Toronto, ON | 2 | 926 | 926 | ||||
| 17 | Dusty Rhodes | August 21, 1979 | House show | Tampa, FL | 1 | 5 | 5 | ||||
| 18 | Harley Race | August 26, 1979 | House show | Orlando, FL | 3 | 66 | 66 | ||||
| 19 | Giant Baba | October 31, 1979 | House show | Nagoya, Japan | 2 | 7 | 7 | ||||
| 20 | Harley Race | November 7, 1979 | House show | Amagasaki, Japan | 4 | 302 | 302 | ||||
| 21 | Giant Baba | September 4, 1980 | House show | Saga, Japan | 3 | 5 | 5 | ||||
| 22 | Harley Race | September 9, 1980 | House show | Ōtsu, Japan | 5 | 230 | 230 | ||||
| 23 | Tommy Rich | April 27, 1981 | House show | Augusta, GA | 1 | 4 | 4 | ||||
| 24 | Harley Race | May 1, 1981 | House show | Gainesville, GA | 6 | 51 | 51 | ||||
| 25 | Dusty Rhodes | June 21, 1981 | House show | Atlanta, GA | 2 | 88 | 88 | ||||
| 26 | Ric Flair | September 17, 1981 | House show | Kansas City, KS | 1 | 145 | 631 | Lou Thesz was the special referee. | |||
| † | Jack Veneno | September 7, 1982 | House show | Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic | 1 | <1 | — | Veneno defeated Ric Flair in Santo Domingo. As Veneno refused to defend the title outside his native country, the title was returned to Flair on the same day. | |||
| † | Ric Flair | September 7, 1982 | House show | Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic | 121 | — | |||||
| † | Carlos Colón | January 6, 1983 | House show | San Juan, Puerto Rico | 1 | 4 | — | Colon's WWC World Heavyweight Championship was also on the line. This title change is not recognized by the NWA. | |||
| † | Ric Flair | January 10, 1983 | House show | Miami, FL | 29 | — | This was a fictional match; this title change is not recognized by the NWA. | ||||
| 27 | Harley Race | June 10, 1983 | House show | St. Louis, MO | 7 | 167 | 167 | ||||
| 28 | Ric Flair | November 24, 1983 | Starrcade | Greensboro, NC | 2 | 117 | 164 | This was a steel cage match. Gene Kiniski was the special referee. | |||
| † | Harley Race | March 20, 1984 | House show | Wellington, New Zealand | 8 | 3 | — | This title change was not authorized by the NWA. This title change was recognized by World Championship Wrestling (WCW) from 1993 until 2001, and has been occasionally recognized by the NWA since 2015. | |||
| † | Ric Flair | March 23, 1984 | House show | Kallang, Singapore | 44 | — | This title change was not authorized by the NWA. | ||||
· Combined reigns
<1
<1
†
<1
Indicates the current champion
The reign is shorter than one day.
| † | Indicates the current champion |
| <1 | The reign is shorter than one day. |
· Combined reigns
1
1
Rank
1
Wrestler
Lou Thesz
No. ofreigns
3
Combined days
3,749
2
2
Rank
2
Wrestler
Ric Flair
No. ofreigns
8
Combined days
3,119
3
3
Rank
3
Wrestler
Harley Race
No. ofreigns
7
Combined days
1,800
4
4
Rank
4
Wrestler
Dory Funk Jr.
No. ofreigns
1
Combined days
1,563
5
5
Rank
5
Wrestler
Dan Severn
No. ofreigns
2
Combined days
1,559
6
6
Rank
6
Wrestler
Nick Aldis
No. ofreigns
2
Combined days
1,309
7
7
Rank
7
Wrestler
Gene Kiniski
No. ofreigns
1
Combined days
1,131
8
8
Rank
8
Wrestler
Adam Pearce
No. ofreigns
5
Combined days
1,078
9
9
Rank
9
Wrestler
Jeff Jarrett
No. ofreigns
6
Combined days
1,006
10
10
Rank
10
Wrestler
Pat O'Connor
No. ofreigns
1
Combined days
903
11
11
Rank
11
Wrestler
Jack Brisco
No. ofreigns
2
Combined days
866
12
12
Rank
12
Wrestler
Buddy Rogers
No. ofreigns
1
Combined days
573
13
13
Rank
13
Wrestler
Rob Conway
No. ofreigns
2
Combined days
551
14
14
Rank
14
Wrestler
Blue Demon Jr.
No. ofreigns
1
Combined days
505
15
15
Rank
15
Wrestler
Orville Brown
No. ofreigns
1
Combined days
501
16
16
Rank
16
Wrestler
Naoya Ogawa
No. ofreigns
2
Combined days
469
17
17
Rank
17
Wrestler
Terry Funk
No. ofreigns
1
Combined days
424
18
18
Rank
18
Wrestler
Dick Hutton
No. ofreigns
1
Combined days
421
19
19
Rank
19
Wrestler
Jax Dane
No. ofreigns
1
Combined days
419
20
20
Rank
20
Wrestler
Tim Storm
No. ofreigns
1
Combined days
414
21
21
Rank
21
Wrestler
EC3
No. ofreigns
1
Combined days
370
22
22
Rank
22
Wrestler
Thom Latimer
No. ofreigns
1
Combined days
350
23
23
Rank
23
Wrestler
Trevor Murdoch
No. ofreigns
2
Combined days
321
24
24
Rank
24
Wrestler
Tyrus
No. ofreigns
1
Combined days
288
25
25
Rank
25
Wrestler
Christian Cage
No. ofreigns
2
Combined days
245
26
26
Rank
26
Wrestler
Whipper Billy Watson
No. ofreigns
1
Combined days
239
27
27
Rank
27
Wrestler
Sting
No. ofreigns
2
Combined days
216
28
28
Rank
28
Wrestler
A.J. Styles
No. ofreigns
3
Combined days
196
Hiroyoshi Tenzan
Hiroyoshi Tenzan
Rank
Hiroyoshi Tenzan
Wrestler
1
No. ofreigns
196
30
30
Rank
30
Wrestler
Mike Rapada
No. ofreigns
2
Combined days
179
31
31
Rank
31
Wrestler
Steve Corino
No. ofreigns
1
Combined days
172
32
32
Rank
32
Wrestler
Colt Cabana
No. ofreigns
2
Combined days
152
33
33
Rank
33
Wrestler
Satoshi Kojima
No. ofreigns
1
Combined days
149
34
34
Rank
34
Wrestler
Barry Windham
No. ofreigns
1
Combined days
147
35
35
Rank
35
Wrestler
Masahiro Chono
No. ofreigns
1
Combined days
145
36
36
Rank
36
Wrestler
Kahagas
No. ofreigns
1
Combined days
134
37
37
Rank
37
Wrestler
Ron Killings
No. ofreigns
2
Combined days
119
Matt Cardona
Matt Cardona
Rank
Matt Cardona
Wrestler
1
No. ofreigns
119
39
39
Rank
39
Wrestler
Dusty Rhodes
No. ofreigns
3
Combined days
107
40
40
Rank
40
Wrestler
Chris Candido
No. ofreigns
1
Combined days
97
41
41
Rank
41
Wrestler
Raven
No. ofreigns
1
Combined days
88
42
42
Rank
42
Wrestler
Shinya Hashimoto
No. ofreigns
1
Combined days
84
43
43
Rank
43
Wrestler
The Sheik
No. ofreigns
1
Combined days
79
44
44
Rank
44
Wrestler
Ricky Steamboat
No. ofreigns
1
Combined days
76
45
45
Rank
45
Wrestler
"Thrillbilly" Silas Mason †
No. ofreigns
1
Combined days
81+
46
46
Rank
46
Wrestler
Ron Garvin
No. ofreigns
1
Combined days
62
47
47
Rank
47
Wrestler
Tatsumi Fujinami
No. ofreigns
1
Combined days
59
48
48
Rank
48
Wrestler
Abyss
No. ofreigns
1
Combined days
56
49
49
Rank
49
Wrestler
Cody Rhodes
No. ofreigns
1
Combined days
50
50
50
Rank
50
Wrestler
Brent Albright
No. ofreigns
1
Combined days
49
Ken Shamrock
Ken Shamrock
Rank
Ken Shamrock
Wrestler
1
No. ofreigns
49
52
52
Rank
52
Wrestler
The Great Muta
No. ofreigns
1
Combined days
48
53
53
Rank
53
Wrestler
Sabu
No. ofreigns
1
Combined days
38
54
54
Rank
54
Wrestler
Giant Baba
No. ofreigns
3
Combined days
19
55
55
Rank
55
Wrestler
Kerry Von Erich
No. ofreigns
1
Combined days
18
56
56
Rank
56
Wrestler
Gary Steele
No. ofreigns
1
Combined days
7
57
57
Rank
57
Wrestler
Tommy Rich
No. ofreigns
1
Combined days
4
58
58
Rank
58
Wrestler
Rhino
No. ofreigns
1
Combined days
2
59
59
Rank
59
Wrestler
Ray González
No. ofreigns
1
Combined days
1
60
60
Rank
60
Wrestler
Shane Douglas
No. ofreigns
1
Combined days
<1
| Rank | Wrestler | No. ofreigns | Combined days |
| 1 | Lou Thesz | 3 | 3,749 |
| 2 | Ric Flair | 8 | 3,119 |
| 3 | Harley Race | 7 | 1,800 |
| 4 | Dory Funk Jr. | 1 | 1,563 |
| 5 | Dan Severn | 2 | 1,559 |
| 6 | Nick Aldis | 2 | 1,309 |
| 7 | Gene Kiniski | 1 | 1,131 |
| 8 | Adam Pearce | 5 | 1,078 |
| 9 | Jeff Jarrett | 6 | 1,006 |
| 10 | Pat O'Connor | 1 | 903 |
| 11 | Jack Brisco | 2 | 866 |
| 12 | Buddy Rogers | 1 | 573 |
| 13 | Rob Conway | 2 | 551 |
| 14 | Blue Demon Jr. | 1 | 505 |
| 15 | Orville Brown | 1 | 501 |
| 16 | Naoya Ogawa | 2 | 469 |
| 17 | Terry Funk | 1 | 424 |
| 18 | Dick Hutton | 1 | 421 |
| 19 | Jax Dane | 1 | 419 |
| 20 | Tim Storm | 1 | 414 |
| 21 | EC3 | 1 | 370 |
| 22 | Thom Latimer | 1 | 350 |
| 23 | Trevor Murdoch | 2 | 321 |
| 24 | Tyrus | 1 | 288 |
| 25 | Christian Cage | 2 | 245 |
| 26 | Whipper Billy Watson | 1 | 239 |
| 27 | Sting | 2 | 216 |
| 28 | Styles | 3 | 196 |
| Hiroyoshi Tenzan | 1 | 196 | |
| 30 | Mike Rapada | 2 | 179 |
| 31 | Steve Corino | 1 | 172 |
| 32 | Colt Cabana | 2 | 152 |
| 33 | Satoshi Kojima | 1 | 149 |
| 34 | Barry Windham | 1 | 147 |
| 35 | Masahiro Chono | 1 | 145 |
| 36 | Kahagas | 1 | 134 |
| 37 | Ron Killings | 2 | 119 |
| Matt Cardona | 1 | 119 | |
| 39 | Dusty Rhodes | 3 | 107 |
| 40 | Chris Candido | 1 | 97 |
| 41 | Raven | 1 | 88 |
| 42 | Shinya Hashimoto | 1 | 84 |
| 43 | The Sheik | 1 | 79 |
| 44 | Ricky Steamboat | 1 | 76 |
| 45 | "Thrillbilly" Silas Mason † | 1 | 81+ |
| 46 | Ron Garvin | 1 | 62 |
| 47 | Tatsumi Fujinami | 1 | 59 |
| 48 | Abyss | 1 | 56 |
| 49 | Cody Rhodes | 1 | 50 |
References
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- Duncan & Will (2000) p. 15 "Unifies following titles to become the Undisputed World Heavyweight champion: National Wrest
- Duncan & Will (2000) p. 15 "Whipper Billy Watson 56/03/15 Toronto, ON"
- Duncan & Will (2000) p. 15 "Lou Thesz [2] 56/11/09 St. Louis, MO"
- Duncan & Will (2000) p. 15 "Edouard Carpentier # 57/06/14 Chicago, IL"
- Duncan & Will (2000) p. 15 "Lou Thesz # 57 Carpentier withdraws his claim to the title when Montreal promoter Eddie Quin
- 'Dick Hutton 57/11/14 Toronto, ON"
- Duncan & Will (2000) p. 15 "Pat O'Connor 59/01/09 St. Louis, MO"
- Duncan & Will (2000) p. 15 "Lou Thesz [3] 63/01/24 Toronto, ON Promoters in northeast refuse to recognize Rogers' one-fa
- Duncan & Will (2000) p. 15 "Gene Kiniski 66/01/07 St. Louis, MO"
- Duncan & Will (2000) p. 17 "Flair allows himself to be pinned by Jack Veneno to avoid the riot from the audience, but th
- Duncan & Will (2000) p. 17 "Carlos Colon # 1983/01/06 San Juan, PR"
- Duncan & Will (2000) p. 19 "Chris Candido 1994/11/19 Cherry Hill, NJ Defeats Tracy Smothers in tournament final."
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- "Today the world lost one of the toughest men ever to walk God's green earth. RIP Harley Race! 8X NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion. The entire sport of professional wrestling and the National Wrestling Alliance sends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Harley"https://x.com/nwa/status/1157002972494290945
- "14.07.1948 - 01.11.1949: Orville Brown"https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=179&page=5&reign=1
- The Ringerhttps://www.theringer.com/2022/8/16/23306946/gene-lebell-death-obituary-judoka-pro-wrestling-hollywood-stuntman
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- The Godfather of Grappling
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- "On this day in pro wrestling history (Feb 11): AJ Styles wins the IWGP Title"http://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/daily-pro-wrestling-history-0211-aj-styles-wins-iwgp-title-229946
- "On this day in pro wrestling history (May 24): Harley Race wins NWA title due to interesting circumstances, Ric Flair beats Kerry Von Erich in Japan"http://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/day-pro-wrestling-history-may-24-harley-race-wins-nwa-title-due-interesting
- "On this day in pro wrestling history: Brisco beats Race for NWA title, Gagne beats Crusher for AWA title, Robinson vs. Gagen"http://www.f4wonline.com/daily-updates/day-pro-wrestling-history-brisco-beats-race-nwa-title-gagne-beats-crusher-awa-title
- "AJPW NWA World Champion Series 1974 - Tag 8 - TV-Show @ Kagoshima Prefectural Gymnasium in Kagoshima, Japan"https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=96815
- "WCW"https://web.archive.org/web/20000817233603/http://www.wcw.com/2000/superstars/world/
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- "Tatsumi Fujinami wins NWA World Heavyweight Championship"https://www.facebook.com/NWA/posts/pfbid0TuNW8edKB3K2qTaDFoqKCPXRBvdMK3eGJ1JJyptJ3osGNt8mDjJVMKJFUjdeC3D1l
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