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List of WWE Champions

Updated: Wikipedia source

List of WWE Champions

The WWE Championship, also referred to as the Undisputed WWE Championship since April 2024, is a men's professional wrestling world heavyweight championship in WWE, defended on the SmackDown brand. It was the first world title established in WWE, at the time known as the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF), having been introduced in 1963 as the WWWF World Heavyweight Championship. The WWWF, a National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) territory, did not recognize Lou Thesz's victory over reigning NWA champion Buddy Rogers and sought to create its own world title upon exiting the body. The WWWF rejoined the NWA in 1971; however, one of the caveats of rejoining is that the championship would no longer be recognized as a "world championship", and only as a regional heavyweight championship. The WWWF was renamed World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1979 and ended its affiliation with the NWA in 1983, with the title also renamed to reflect the changes; it regained its world championship status upon leaving the NWA. In 2001, it was unified with the World Championship and became the Undisputed WWF Championship. In 2002, the WWF was renamed World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and split its roster into two brands (named after their television show): Raw and SmackDown. The title, now renamed the WWE Championship, was then designated to the SmackDown brand while WWE established an alternate world title known as the World Heavyweight Championship for the Raw brand. A third alternate world title, the ECW World Heavyweight Championship, was reactivated for the ECW brand in 2006. It was vacated and decommissioned when the ECW brand disbanded in 2010. When WWE Champion Randy Orton defeated World Heavyweight Champion John Cena at the TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs pay-per-view event on December 15, 2013, in a TLC match, the World Heavyweight Championship was unified with the WWE Championship, resulting in the retiring of the former, as well as the renaming of the latter to the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. On June 27, 2016, the name was shortened back to the WWE Championship, before assuming the WWE World Championship name on July 26, when the brand split returned. It became designated to the SmackDown brand and WWE again established an alternate world title known as the WWE Universal Championship for the Raw brand. In December 2016, WWE again shortened the title's name back to WWE Championship. From April 2022 to April 2024, the title represented one-half of the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, with the other half represented by the Universal Championship; both titles retained their individual lineages. Under the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship moniker, the title was moved to SmackDown in the 2023 WWE Draft and Raw established a new World Heavyweight Championship as an alternative title. The championship is generally contested in professional wrestling matches, in which participants execute scripted finishes rather than contend in direct competition. Some reigns were held by champions using a ring name while others use their real name. The current champion is Cody Rhodes who is in his third reign. He won the title by defeating previous champion Drew McIntyre on the March 6, 2026, episode of SmackDown. As of May 19, 2026, there have been 151 recognized reigns between 55 recognized champions and 11 recognized vacancies (there are 4 reigns, 2 people, and 2 vacancies that are not recognized by the WWE). The first champion was Buddy Rogers, who was awarded the championship in 1963. The champion with the single longest reign is Bruno Sammartino with a reign of 2,803 days while the record for longest combined reign is also held by Sammartino at 4,040. Cena has the most reigns with 14. Ten men in history have held the championship for a continuous reign of one year (365 days) or more: Sammartino (who achieved the feat on two occasions), Pedro Morales, Bob Backlund, Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, John Cena, CM Punk, AJ Styles, Roman Reigns, and Cody Rhodes. Of those ten, four held the championship for a continuous reign of 1,000 days or more: Sammartino (who achieved the feat on two occasions), Morales, Backlund, and Hogan.

Tables

· Title history › Names
WWWF World Heavyweight Championship
WWWF World Heavyweight Championship
Name
WWWF World Heavyweight Championship
Years
April 25, 1963 – February 8, 1971
WWWF Heavyweight Championship
WWWF Heavyweight Championship
Name
WWWF Heavyweight Championship
Years
February 8, 1971 – March 1, 1979
WWF Heavyweight Championship
WWF Heavyweight Championship
Name
WWF Heavyweight Championship
Years
March 1, 1979 – December 26, 1983
WWF World Heavyweight Championship
WWF World Heavyweight Championship
Name
WWF World Heavyweight Championship
Years
December 26, 1983 – May 27, 1989
WWF Championship
WWF Championship
Name
WWF Championship
Years
May 27, 1989 – December 9, 2001
Undisputed WWF Championship
Undisputed WWF Championship
Name
Undisputed WWF Championship
Years
December 9, 2001 – May 6, 2002
Undisputed WWE Championship
Undisputed WWE Championship
Name
Undisputed WWE Championship
Years
May 6, 2002 – May 19, 2002
WWE Undisputed Championship
WWE Undisputed Championship
Name
WWE Undisputed Championship
Years
May 19, 2002 – September 2, 2002
WWE Championship
WWE Championship
Name
WWE Championship
Years
September 2, 2002 – December 15, 2013
Undisputed WWE Championship
Undisputed WWE Championship
Name
Undisputed WWE Championship
Years
August 14, 2011 – August 15, 2011
WWE World Heavyweight Championship
WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Name
WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Years
December 15, 2013 – June 27, 2016
WWE Championship
WWE Championship
Name
WWE Championship
Years
June 27, 2016 – July 24, 2016
WWE World Championship
WWE World Championship
Name
WWE World Championship
Years
July 25, 2016 – December 9, 2016
WWE Championship
WWE Championship
Name
WWE Championship
Years
December 10, 2016 – present
Undisputed WWE Universal Championship
Undisputed WWE Universal Championship
Name
Undisputed WWE Universal Championship
Years
April 3, 2022 – April 7, 2024
Undisputed WWE Championship
Undisputed WWE Championship
Name
Undisputed WWE Championship
Years
April 7, 2024 – present
Name
Years
WWWF World Heavyweight Championship
April 25, 1963 – February 8, 1971
WWWF Heavyweight Championship
February 8, 1971 – March 1, 1979
WWF Heavyweight Championship
March 1, 1979 – December 26, 1983
WWF World Heavyweight Championship
December 26, 1983 – May 27, 1989
WWF Championship
May 27, 1989 – December 9, 2001
Undisputed WWF Championship
December 9, 2001 – May 6, 2002
Undisputed WWE Championship
May 6, 2002 – May 19, 2002
WWE Undisputed Championship
May 19, 2002 – September 2, 2002
WWE Championship
September 2, 2002 – December 15, 2013
Undisputed WWE Championship
August 14, 2011 – August 15, 2011
WWE World Heavyweight Championship
December 15, 2013 – June 27, 2016
WWE Championship
June 27, 2016 – July 24, 2016
WWE World Championship
July 25, 2016 – December 9, 2016
WWE Championship
December 10, 2016 – present
Undisputed WWE Universal Championship
April 3, 2022 – April 7, 2024
Undisputed WWE Championship
April 7, 2024 – 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
†
†
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
Current reign is changing daily
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
†
Championship change is unrecognized by the promotion
<1
Reign lasted less than a day
+
Current reign is changing daily
· 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
Buddy Rogers
Championship change
April 1, 1963
Championship change
Heavyweight Wrestling
Championship change
Washington, D .
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
46
Reign statistics
21
Notes
Rogers had been NWA World Heavyweight Champion since 1961. After Rogers lost the title to Lou Thesz on January 24, 1963, Northeast promoters did not recognize this title change and withdrew from the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) to form the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF). The WWWF continued to recognize Rogers as world champion and awar
2
2
No.
2
Champion
Bruno Sammartino
Championship change
May 17, 1963
Championship change
House show
Championship change
New York, NY
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
2,803
Reign statistics
2,803
3
3
No.
3
Champion
Ivan Koloff
Championship change
January 18, 1971
Championship change
House show
Championship change
New York, NY
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
21
Reign statistics
21
4
4
No.
4
Champion
Pedro Morales
Championship change
February 8, 1971
Championship change
House show
Championship change
New York, NY
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
1,027
Reign statistics
1,027
Notes
The title was renamed the WWWF Heavyweight Championship when the WWWF rejoined the NWA in 1971.
5
5
No.
5
Champion
Stan Stasiak
Championship change
December 1, 1973
Championship change
House show
Championship change
Philadelphia, PA
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
9
Reign statistics
9
6
6
No.
6
Champion
Bruno Sammartino
Championship change
December 10, 1973
Championship change
House show
Championship change
New York, NY
Reign statistics
2
Reign statistics
1,237
Reign statistics
1,237
7
7
No.
7
Champion
"Superstar" Billy Graham
Championship change
April 30, 1977
Championship change
House show
Championship change
Baltimore, MD
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
296
Reign statistics
296
8
8
No.
8
Champion
Bob Backlund
Championship change
February 20, 1978
Championship change
WWF on MSG Network
Championship change
New York, NY
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
648
Reign statistics
2,135
Notes
The WWWF was renamed World Wrestling Federation in March 1979 and the title renamed accordingly.
†
†
No.
†
Champion
Antonio Inoki
Championship change
November 30, 1979
Championship change
Toukon Series
Championship change
Tokushima, Japan
Reign statistics
—
Reign statistics
6
Reign statistics
—
Notes
WWE acknowledges that this championship match took place; however, due to the controversial nature of the match, they do not recognize that the title changed hands due to the finish. During the September 30, 2022, episode of SmackDown (October 1 in Japan due to the time difference), in referencing this match in memory of Inoki, who died that day,
—
—
No.
—
Champion
Vacated
Championship change
December 6, 1979
Championship change
—
Championship change
Tokyo, Japan
Reign statistics
—
Reign statistics
—
Reign statistics
—
Notes
Inoki immediately vacated the title after a title defense rematch with Bob Backlund ended in a no contest due to the interference of New Japan Pro-Wrestling's Tiger Jeet Singh.
†
†
No.
†
Champion
Bob Backlund
Championship change
December 17, 1979
Championship change
WWF on MSG Network
Championship change
New York, NY
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
1,470
Reign statistics
—
Notes
Defeated Bobby Duncum in a Texas deathmatch to fill the vacancy. On October 19, 1981, following a controversial match with Greg Valentine in Madison Square Garden, the title was vacated (recognized only in New York City) by the New York State Athletic Commission. Backlund defeated Valentine in a rematch in MSG on November 23, 1981, to end the vacan
9
9
No.
9
Champion
The Iron Sheik
Championship change
December 26, 1983
Championship change
WWF on MSG Network
Championship change
New York, NY
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
28
Reign statistics
28
Notes
The Iron Sheik won by submission when Bob Backlund's manager Arnold Skaaland threw in the towel to prevent any major injury. The title was renamed the WWF World Heavyweight Championship when the WWF ended its affiliation with the NWA.
10
10
No.
10
Champion
Hulk Hogan
Championship change
January 23, 1984
Championship change
WWF on MSG Network
Championship change
New York, NY
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
1,474
Reign statistics
1,474
11
11
No.
11
Champion
André the Giant
Championship change
February 5, 1988
Championship change
The Main Event I
Championship change
Indianapolis, IN
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
<1
Reign statistics
<1
Notes
Defeated Hulk Hogan when referee Earl Hebner, who was bribed by Ted DiBiase, scored the three-count despite Hogan kicking-out by raising his shoulder at the one-count.
†
†
No.
†
Champion
Ted DiBiase
Championship change
February 5, 1988
Championship change
The Main Event I
Championship change
Indianapolis, IN
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
8
Reign statistics
—
Notes
Immediately after winning the title from Hulk Hogan, André the Giant handed the championship belt to Ted DiBiase, but WWF President Jack Tunney refused to recognize DiBiase's reign and declared the title vacant. In the subsequent days, DiBiase defended the title once against Bam Bam Bigelow in a February 8, 1988, house show.
—
—
No.
—
Champion
Vacated
Championship change
February 13, 1988
Championship change
Superstars of Wrestling
Championship change
Hershey, PA
Reign statistics
—
Reign statistics
—
Reign statistics
—
Notes
WWF President Jack Tunney refused to recognize Ted DiBiase as champion and vacated the title. WWE recognizes the vacancy as starting on February 5, 1988, the date of the controversy, rather than decision being aired on tape delay on February 13, 1988.
12
12
No.
12
Champion
Randy Savage
Championship change
March 27, 1988
Championship change
WrestleMania IV
Championship change
Atlantic City, NJ
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
371
Reign statistics
371
Notes
Defeated Ted DiBiase in a tournament final to win the vacant title.
13
13
No.
13
Champion
Hulk Hogan
Championship change
April 2, 1989
Championship change
WrestleMania V
Championship change
Atlantic City, NJ
Reign statistics
2
Reign statistics
364
Reign statistics
364
Notes
The title was renamed the WWF Championship in May 1989.
14
14
No.
14
Champion
Ultimate Warrior
Championship change
April 1, 1990
Championship change
WrestleMania VI
Championship change
Toronto, ON, Canada
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
293
Reign statistics
293
Notes
This was a title vs. title match in which Warrior also defended the Intercontinental Championship.
15
15
No.
15
Champion
Sgt. Slaughter
Championship change
January 19, 1991
Championship change
Royal Rumble
Championship change
Miami, FL
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
64
Reign statistics
64
16
16
No.
16
Champion
Hulk Hogan
Championship change
March 24, 1991
Championship change
WrestleMania VII
Championship change
Los Angeles, CA
Reign statistics
3
Reign statistics
248
Reign statistics
248
17
17
No.
17
Champion
The Undertaker
Championship change
November 27, 1991
Championship change
Survivor Series
Championship change
Detroit, MI
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
6
Reign statistics
6
18
18
No.
18
Champion
Hulk Hogan
Championship change
December 3, 1991
Championship change
This Tuesday in Texas
Championship change
San Antonio, TX
Reign statistics
4
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
1
—
—
No.
—
Champion
Vacated
Championship change
December 4, 1991
Championship change
Superstars of Wrestling
Championship change
Austin, TX
Reign statistics
—
Reign statistics
—
Reign statistics
—
Notes
Hogan was stripped of the title by WWF President Jack Tunney due to the controversy surrounding both of the previous title changes. Aired on tape delay on December 7, 1991.
19
19
No.
19
Champion
Ric Flair
Championship change
January 19, 1992
Championship change
Royal Rumble
Championship change
Albany, NY
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
77
Reign statistics
77
Notes
This was the Royal Rumble match. Flair last eliminated Sid Justice to win the vacant title.
20
20
No.
20
Champion
Randy Savage
Championship change
April 5, 1992
Championship change
WrestleMania VIII
Championship change
Indianapolis, IN
Reign statistics
2
Reign statistics
149
Reign statistics
149
21
21
No.
21
Champion
Ric Flair
Championship change
September 1, 1992
Championship change
Prime Time Wrestling
Championship change
Hershey, PA
Reign statistics
2
Reign statistics
41
Reign statistics
41
Notes
Aired on tape delay on September 14, 1992.
22
22
No.
22
Champion
Bret Hart
Championship change
October 12, 1992
Championship change
House show
Championship change
Saskatoon, SK, Canada
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
174
Reign statistics
174
23
23
No.
23
Champion
Yokozuna
Championship change
April 4, 1993
Championship change
WrestleMania IX
Championship change
Paradise, NV
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
<1
Reign statistics
<1
24
24
No.
24
Champion
Hulk Hogan
Championship change
April 4, 1993
Championship change
WrestleMania IX
Championship change
Paradise, NV
Reign statistics
5
Reign statistics
70
Reign statistics
70
Notes
After Yokozuna pinned Bret Hart to win the title, Yokozuna's manager, Mr. Fuji, immediately challenged Hogan. Hogan accepted and won the title.
25
25
No.
25
Champion
Yokozuna
Championship change
June 13, 1993
Championship change
King of the Ring
Championship change
Dayton, OH
Reign statistics
2
Reign statistics
280
Reign statistics
280
26
26
No.
26
Champion
Bret Hart
Championship change
March 20, 1994
Championship change
WrestleMania X
Championship change
New York, NY
Reign statistics
2
Reign statistics
248
Reign statistics
248
Notes
Roddy Piper was the guest referee.
27
27
No.
27
Champion
Bob Backlund
Championship change
November 23, 1994
Championship change
Survivor Series
Championship change
San Antonio, TX
Reign statistics
2
Reign statistics
3
Reign statistics
3
Notes
This was a Throw in the Towel match.
28
28
No.
28
Champion
Diesel
Championship change
November 26, 1994
Championship change
House show
Championship change
New York, NY
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
358
Reign statistics
358
29
29
No.
29
Champion
Bret Hart
Championship change
November 19, 1995
Championship change
Survivor Series
Championship change
Landover, MD
Reign statistics
3
Reign statistics
133
Reign statistics
133
Notes
This was a no disqualification match.
30
30
No.
30
Champion
Shawn Michaels
Championship change
March 31, 1996
Championship change
WrestleMania XII
Championship change
Anaheim, CA
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
231
Reign statistics
231
Notes
This was a 60-minute Iron Man match in which Michaels won 1–0 in overtime.
31
31
No.
31
Champion
Sycho Sid
Championship change
November 17, 1996
Championship change
Survivor Series
Championship change
New York, NY
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
63
Reign statistics
63
32
32
No.
32
Champion
Shawn Michaels
Championship change
January 19, 1997
Championship change
Royal Rumble
Championship change
San Antonio, TX
Reign statistics
2
Reign statistics
25
Reign statistics
25
—
—
No.
—
Champion
Vacated
Championship change
February 13, 1997
Championship change
Raw
Championship change
Lowell, MA
Reign statistics
—
Reign statistics
—
Reign statistics
—
Notes
Shawn Michaels forfeited the title due to a knee injury.
33
33
No.
33
Champion
Bret Hart
Championship change
February 16, 1997
Championship change
In Your House 13: Final Four
Championship change
Chattanooga, TN
Reign statistics
4
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
1
Notes
This was a four corners elimination match for the vacant title also involving Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Undertaker, and Vader.
34
34
No.
34
Champion
Sycho Sid
Championship change
February 17, 1997
Championship change
Raw
Championship change
Nashville, TN
Reign statistics
2
Reign statistics
34
Reign statistics
34
35
35
No.
35
Champion
The Undertaker
Championship change
March 23, 1997
Championship change
WrestleMania 13
Championship change
Rosemont, IL
Reign statistics
2
Reign statistics
133
Reign statistics
133
Notes
This was a no disqualification match.
36
36
No.
36
Champion
Bret Hart
Championship change
August 3, 1997
Championship change
SummerSlam
Championship change
East Rutherford, NJ
Reign statistics
5
Reign statistics
98
Reign statistics
98
Notes
Shawn Michaels was the guest referee.
37
37
No.
37
Champion
Shawn Michaels
Championship change
November 9, 1997
Championship change
Survivor Series
Championship change
Montreal, QC, Canada
Reign statistics
3
Reign statistics
140
Reign statistics
140
Notes
This was the Montreal Screwjob.
38
38
No.
38
Champion
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin
Championship change
March 29, 1998
Championship change
WrestleMania XIV
Championship change
Boston, MA
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
91
Reign statistics
91
Notes
Mike Tyson was the special outside enforcer.
39
39
No.
39
Champion
Kane
Championship change
June 28, 1998
Championship change
King of the Ring
Championship change
Pittsburgh, PA
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
1
Notes
This was a First Blood match; had Kane lost, he would have set himself on fire.
40
40
No.
40
Champion
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin
Championship change
June 29, 1998
Championship change
Raw
Championship change
Cleveland, OH
Reign statistics
2
Reign statistics
90
Reign statistics
90
—
—
No.
—
Champion
Vacated
Championship change
September 27, 1998
Championship change
Breakdown: In Your House
Championship change
Hamilton, ON, Canada
Reign statistics
—
Reign statistics
—
Reign statistics
—
Notes
The title was vacated after Kane and The Undertaker simultaneously pinned Steve Austin in a triple threat match.
41
41
No.
41
Champion
The Rock
Championship change
November 15, 1998
Championship change
Survivor Series
Championship change
St. Louis, MO
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
44
Reign statistics
50
Notes
Defeated Mankind in the finals of the Deadly Game tournament in a recreation of the Montreal Screwjob to win the vacant title. WWE recognizes The Rock's reign as ending on January 4, 1999, when the following episode aired on tape delay.
42
42
No.
42
Champion
Mankind
Championship change
December 29, 1998
Championship change
Raw
Championship change
Worcester, MA
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
26
Reign statistics
20
Notes
This was a no disqualification match. WWE recognizes Mankind's reign as beginning on January 4, 1999, when the episode aired on tape delay.
43
43
No.
43
Champion
The Rock
Championship change
January 24, 1999
Championship change
Royal Rumble
Championship change
Anaheim, CA
Reign statistics
2
Reign statistics
2
Reign statistics
7
Notes
This was an "I quit" match which The Rock won by knocking Mankind unconscious while an audio recording of Mankind saying "I quit" was played when The Rock placed the microphone against his face. WWE recognizes The Rock's reign as ending on January 31, 1999, when the following match aired on tape delay.
44
44
No.
44
Champion
Mankind
Championship change
January 26, 1999
Championship change
Halftime Heat
Championship change
Tucson, AZ
Reign statistics
2
Reign statistics
20
Reign statistics
15
Notes
This was an Empty Arena match that aired on tape delay as a special during halftime of Super Bowl XXXIII on January 31, 1999, the date WWE recognizes as the beginning of Mankind's reign.
45
45
No.
45
Champion
The Rock
Championship change
February 15, 1999
Championship change
Raw
Championship change
Birmingham, AL
Reign statistics
3
Reign statistics
41
Reign statistics
41
Notes
This was a ladder match.
46
46
No.
46
Champion
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin
Championship change
March 28, 1999
Championship change
WrestleMania XV
Championship change
Philadelphia, PA
Reign statistics
3
Reign statistics
56
Reign statistics
56
Notes
This was a no disqualification match with Mankind as the guest referee.
47
47
No.
47
Champion
The Undertaker
Championship change
May 23, 1999
Championship change
Over the Edge
Championship change
Kansas City, MO
Reign statistics
3
Reign statistics
36
Reign statistics
36
Notes
Both Vince McMahon and Shane McMahon were the guest referees. If Austin had been disqualified, he would have lost the championship.
48
48
No.
48
Champion
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin
Championship change
June 28, 1999
Championship change
Raw
Championship change
Charlotte, NC
Reign statistics
4
Reign statistics
55
Reign statistics
55
Notes
If The Undertaker had been disqualified, he would have lost the championship.
49
49
No.
49
Champion
Mankind
Championship change
August 22, 1999
Championship change
SummerSlam
Championship change
Minneapolis, MN
Reign statistics
3
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
1
Notes
This was a triple threat match also involving Triple H. Jesse Ventura was the guest referee.
50
50
No.
50
Champion
Triple H
Championship change
August 23, 1999
Championship change
Raw
Championship change
Ames, IA
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
22
Reign statistics
24
Notes
Shane McMahon was the guest referee. WWE recognizes Triple H's reign as ending on September 16, 1999, when the following episode aired on tape delay.
51
51
No.
51
Champion
Vince McMahon
Championship change
September 14, 1999
Championship change
SmackDown!
Championship change
Paradise, NV
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
6
Reign statistics
4
Notes
Shane McMahon was the guest referee. WWE recognizes Vince McMahon's reign as beginning on September 16, 1999, when the episode aired on tape delay.
—
—
No.
—
Champion
Vacated
Championship change
September 20, 1999
Championship change
Raw
Championship change
Houston, TX
Reign statistics
—
Reign statistics
—
Reign statistics
—
Notes
Vince McMahon vacated the title.
52
52
No.
52
Champion
Triple H
Championship change
September 26, 1999
Championship change
Unforgiven
Championship change
Charlotte, NC
Reign statistics
2
Reign statistics
49
Reign statistics
49
Notes
This was a six-men elimination match for the vacant title, also involving Big Show, The British Bulldog, Kane, Mankind, and The Rock. Steve Austin was the outside enforcer.
53
53
No.
53
Champion
Big Show
Championship change
November 14, 1999
Championship change
Survivor Series
Championship change
Detroit, MI
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
50
Reign statistics
50
Notes
This was a triple threat match also involving The Rock. Big Show replaced Steve Austin who had been (in storyline) run over by a car earlier in the night.
54
54
No.
54
Champion
Triple H
Championship change
January 3, 2000
Championship change
Raw
Championship change
Miami, FL
Reign statistics
3
Reign statistics
118
Reign statistics
117
55
55
No.
55
Champion
The Rock
Championship change
April 30, 2000
Championship change
Backlash
Championship change
Washington, D .
Reign statistics
4
Reign statistics
21
Reign statistics
20
Notes
Shane McMahon was the guest referee.
56
56
No.
56
Champion
Triple H
Championship change
May 21, 2000
Championship change
Judgment Day
Championship change
Louisville, KY
Reign statistics
4
Reign statistics
35
Reign statistics
34
Notes
This was a 60-minute Iron Man match which Triple H won 6–5. Shawn Michaels was the guest referee.
57
57
No.
57
Champion
The Rock
Championship change
June 25, 2000
Championship change
King of the Ring
Championship change
Boston, MA
Reign statistics
5
Reign statistics
119
Reign statistics
118
Notes
This was a six-man tag team match with Kane, The Rock, and The Undertaker vs. Triple H, Shane McMahon, and Vince McMahon. Pre-match stipulation stated if The Rock, Kane or Undertaker scored the fall, he would win the title. The Rock pinned Vince to win Triple H's title.
58
58
No.
58
Champion
Kurt Angle
Championship change
October 22, 2000
Championship change
No Mercy
Championship change
Albany, NY
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
126
Reign statistics
125
Notes
This was a no disqualification match.
59
59
No.
59
Champion
The Rock
Championship change
February 25, 2001
Championship change
No Way Out
Championship change
Paradise, NV
Reign statistics
6
Reign statistics
35
Reign statistics
34
60
60
No.
60
Champion
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin
Championship change
April 1, 2001
Championship change
WrestleMania X-Seven
Championship change
Houston, TX
Reign statistics
5
Reign statistics
175
Reign statistics
175
Notes
This was a no disqualification match.
61
61
No.
61
Champion
Kurt Angle
Championship change
September 23, 2001
Championship change
Unforgiven
Championship change
Pittsburgh, PA
Reign statistics
2
Reign statistics
15
Reign statistics
14
62
62
No.
62
Champion
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin
Championship change
October 8, 2001
Championship change
Raw
Championship change
Indianapolis, IN
Reign statistics
6
Reign statistics
62
Reign statistics
61
63
63
No.
63
Champion
Chris Jericho
Championship change
December 9, 2001
Championship change
Vengeance
Championship change
San Diego, CA
Reign statistics
1
Reign statistics
98
Reign statistics
97
Notes
Jericho had defeated The Rock for the (WCW) World Championship earlier the same night. By defeating Stone Cold Steve Austin for the WWF Championship, Jericho unified both titles to become Undisputed WWF Championship.
64
64
No.
64
Champion
Triple H
Championship change
March 17, 2002
Championship change
WrestleMania X8
Championship change
Toronto, ON, Canada
Reign statistics
5
Reign statistics
35
Reign statistics
34
Notes
In late March 2002, WWE's roster was split into two brands, with most championships assigned to be exclusive to a specific brand. The Undisputed WWF Championship remained non-exclusive at this time.
65
65
No.
65
Champion
Hollywood Hulk Hogan
Championship change
April 21, 2002
Championship change
Backlash
Championship change
Kansas City, MO
Reign statistics
6
Reign statistics
28
Reign statistics
28
Notes
After the WWF was renamed World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) due to a lawsuit by the World Wide Fund for Nature on May 6, 2002, the title was also renamed Undisputed WWE Championship and then WWE Undisputed Championship.
No.
Champion
Championship change
Reign statistics
Notes
Ref.
Date
Event
Location
Reign
Days
Days recog.
World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF)
1
Buddy Rogers
April 1, 1963
Heavyweight Wrestling
Washington, D .
1
46
21
Rogers had been NWA World Heavyweight Champion since 1961. After Rogers lost the title to Lou Thesz on January 24, 1963, Northeast promoters did not recognize this title change and withdrew from the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) to form the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF). The WWWF continued to recognize Rogers as world champion and awar
2
Bruno Sammartino
May 17, 1963
House show
New York, NY
1
2,803
2,803
3
Ivan Koloff
January 18, 1971
House show
New York, NY
1
21
21
4
Pedro Morales
February 8, 1971
House show
New York, NY
1
1,027
1,027
The title was renamed the WWWF Heavyweight Championship when the WWWF rejoined the NWA in 1971.
National Wrestling Alliance: World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF)
5
Stan Stasiak
December 1, 1973
House show
Philadelphia, PA
1
9
9
6
Bruno Sammartino
December 10, 1973
House show
New York, NY
2
1,237
1,237
7
"Superstar" Billy Graham
April 30, 1977
House show
Baltimore, MD
1
296
296
8
Bob Backlund
February 20, 1978
WWF on MSG Network
New York, NY
1
648
2,135
The WWWF was renamed World Wrestling Federation in March 1979 and the title renamed accordingly.
National Wrestling Alliance: World Wrestling Federation (WWF)
†
Antonio Inoki
November 30, 1979
Toukon Series
Tokushima, Japan
—
6
—
WWE acknowledges that this championship match took place; however, due to the controversial nature of the match, they do not recognize that the title changed hands due to the finish. During the September 30, 2022, episode of SmackDown (October 1 in Japan due to the time difference), in referencing this match in memory of Inoki, who died that day,
—
Vacated
December 6, 1979
—
Tokyo, Japan
—
—
—
Inoki immediately vacated the title after a title defense rematch with Bob Backlund ended in a no contest due to the interference of New Japan Pro-Wrestling's Tiger Jeet Singh.
†
Bob Backlund
December 17, 1979
WWF on MSG Network
New York, NY
1
1,470
—
Defeated Bobby Duncum in a Texas deathmatch to fill the vacancy. On October 19, 1981, following a controversial match with Greg Valentine in Madison Square Garden, the title was vacated (recognized only in New York City) by the New York State Athletic Commission. Backlund defeated Valentine in a rematch in MSG on November 23, 1981, to end the vacan
9
The Iron Sheik
December 26, 1983
WWF on MSG Network
New York, NY
1
28
28
The Iron Sheik won by submission when Bob Backlund's manager Arnold Skaaland threw in the towel to prevent any major injury. The title was renamed the WWF World Heavyweight Championship when the WWF ended its affiliation with the NWA.
World Wrestling Federation (WWF)
10
Hulk Hogan
January 23, 1984
WWF on MSG Network
New York, NY
1
1,474
1,474
11
André the Giant
February 5, 1988
The Main Event I
Indianapolis, IN
1
<1
<1
Defeated Hulk Hogan when referee Earl Hebner, who was bribed by Ted DiBiase, scored the three-count despite Hogan kicking-out by raising his shoulder at the one-count.
†
Ted DiBiase
February 5, 1988
The Main Event I
Indianapolis, IN
1
8
—
Immediately after winning the title from Hulk Hogan, André the Giant handed the championship belt to Ted DiBiase, but WWF President Jack Tunney refused to recognize DiBiase's reign and declared the title vacant. In the subsequent days, DiBiase defended the title once against Bam Bam Bigelow in a February 8, 1988, house show.
—
Vacated
February 13, 1988
Superstars of Wrestling
Hershey, PA
—
—
—
WWF President Jack Tunney refused to recognize Ted DiBiase as champion and vacated the title. WWE recognizes the vacancy as starting on February 5, 1988, the date of the controversy, rather than decision being aired on tape delay on February 13, 1988.
12
Randy Savage
March 27, 1988
WrestleMania IV
Atlantic City, NJ
1
371
371
Defeated Ted DiBiase in a tournament final to win the vacant title.
13
Hulk Hogan
April 2, 1989
WrestleMania V
Atlantic City, NJ
2
364
364
The title was renamed the WWF Championship in May 1989.
14
Ultimate Warrior
April 1, 1990
WrestleMania VI
Toronto, ON, Canada
1
293
293
This was a title vs. title match in which Warrior also defended the Intercontinental Championship.
15
Sgt. Slaughter
January 19, 1991
Royal Rumble
Miami, FL
1
64
64
16
Hulk Hogan
March 24, 1991
WrestleMania VII
Los Angeles, CA
3
248
248
17
The Undertaker
November 27, 1991
Survivor Series
Detroit, MI
1
6
6
18
Hulk Hogan
December 3, 1991
This Tuesday in Texas
San Antonio, TX
4
1
1
—
Vacated
December 4, 1991
Superstars of Wrestling
Austin, TX
—
—
—
Hogan was stripped of the title by WWF President Jack Tunney due to the controversy surrounding both of the previous title changes. Aired on tape delay on December 7, 1991.
19
Ric Flair
January 19, 1992
Royal Rumble
Albany, NY
1
77
77
This was the Royal Rumble match. Flair last eliminated Sid Justice to win the vacant title.
20
Randy Savage
April 5, 1992
WrestleMania VIII
Indianapolis, IN
2
149
149
21
Ric Flair
September 1, 1992
Prime Time Wrestling
Hershey, PA
2
41
41
Aired on tape delay on September 14, 1992.
22
Bret Hart
October 12, 1992
House show
Saskatoon, SK, Canada
1
174
174
23
Yokozuna
April 4, 1993
WrestleMania IX
Paradise, NV
1
<1
<1
24
Hulk Hogan
April 4, 1993
WrestleMania IX
Paradise, NV
5
70
70
After Yokozuna pinned Bret Hart to win the title, Yokozuna's manager, Mr. Fuji, immediately challenged Hogan. Hogan accepted and won the title.
25
Yokozuna
June 13, 1993
King of the Ring
Dayton, OH
2
280
280
26
Bret Hart
March 20, 1994
WrestleMania X
New York, NY
2
248
248
Roddy Piper was the guest referee.
27
Bob Backlund
November 23, 1994
Survivor Series
San Antonio, TX
2
3
3
This was a Throw in the Towel match.
28
Diesel
November 26, 1994
House show
New York, NY
1
358
358
29
Bret Hart
November 19, 1995
Survivor Series
Landover, MD
3
133
133
This was a no disqualification match.
30
Shawn Michaels
March 31, 1996
WrestleMania XII
Anaheim, CA
1
231
231
This was a 60-minute Iron Man match in which Michaels won 1–0 in overtime.
31
Sycho Sid
November 17, 1996
Survivor Series
New York, NY
1
63
63
32
Shawn Michaels
January 19, 1997
Royal Rumble
San Antonio, TX
2
25
25
—
Vacated
February 13, 1997
Raw
Lowell, MA
—
—
—
Shawn Michaels forfeited the title due to a knee injury.
33
Bret Hart
February 16, 1997
In Your House 13: Final Four
Chattanooga, TN
4
1
1
This was a four corners elimination match for the vacant title also involving Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Undertaker, and Vader.
34
Sycho Sid
February 17, 1997
Raw
Nashville, TN
2
34
34
35
The Undertaker
March 23, 1997
WrestleMania 13
Rosemont, IL
2
133
133
This was a no disqualification match.
36
Bret Hart
August 3, 1997
SummerSlam
East Rutherford, NJ
5
98
98
Shawn Michaels was the guest referee.
37
Shawn Michaels
November 9, 1997
Survivor Series
Montreal, QC, Canada
3
140
140
This was the Montreal Screwjob.
Key · Combined reigns
†
†
Rec
†
Recognized by the promotion
Current champion; reign changing daily
<1
<1
Rec
<1
Recognized by the promotion
Reign was less than a day
Rec
Recognized by the promotion
†
Current champion; reign changing daily
<1
Reign was less than a day
· Combined reigns
Actual
Actual
Rank
Actual
Champion
Recognized by WWE
1
1
Rank
1
Champion
Bruno Sammartino
No. of reigns
2
Combined days
4,040
2
2
Rank
2
Champion
Hulk Hogan
No. of reigns
6
Combined days
2,185
3
3
Rank
3
Champion
Bob Backlund
No. of reigns
2
Combined days
2,121
Combined days
2,138
4
4
Rank
4
Champion
John Cena
No. of reigns
14
Combined days
1,360
5
5
Rank
5
Champion
Pedro Morales
No. of reigns
1
Combined days
1,027
6
6
Rank
6
Champion
Roman Reigns
No. of reigns
4
Combined days
853
Combined days
855
7
7
Rank
7
Champion
Brock Lesnar
No. of reigns
7
Combined days
823
Combined days
828
8
8
Rank
8
Champion
Randy Orton
No. of reigns
10
Combined days
680
Combined days
685
9
9
Rank
9
Champion
Bret Hart
No. of reigns
5
Combined days
654
10
10
Rank
10
Champion
Cody Rhodes †
No. of reigns
3
Combined days
612+
11
11
Rank
11
Champion
Triple H
No. of reigns
9
Combined days
609
Combined days
605
12
12
Rank
12
Champion
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin
No. of reigns
6
Combined days
529
Combined days
528
13
13
Rank
13
Champion
Randy Savage
No. of reigns
2
Combined days
520
14
14
Rank
14
Champion
AJ Styles
No. of reigns
2
Combined days
511
15
15
Rank
15
Champion
CM Punk
No. of reigns
2
Combined days
462
16
16
Rank
16
Champion
Shawn Michaels
No. of reigns
3
Combined days
396
17
17
Rank
17
Champion
The Rock
No. of reigns
8
Combined days
367
Combined days
377
Drew McIntyre
Drew McIntyre
Rank
Drew McIntyre
Champion
3
No. of reigns
357
19
19
Rank
19
Champion
Diesel
No. of reigns
1
Combined days
358
20
20
Rank
20
Champion
Kurt Angle
No. of reigns
4
Combined days
297
Combined days
295
21
21
Rank
21
Champion
"Superstar" Billy Graham
No. of reigns
1
Combined days
296
22
22
Rank
22
Champion
Ultimate Warrior
No. of reigns
1
Combined days
293
23
23
Rank
23
Champion
Yokozuna
No. of reigns
2
Combined days
280
John "Bradshaw" Layfield
John "Bradshaw" Layfield
Rank
John "Bradshaw" Layfield
Champion
1
No. of reigns
280
Combined days
279
25
25
Rank
25
Champion
The Undertaker
No. of reigns
4
Combined days
238
Combined days
237
26
26
Rank
26
Champion
Seth Rollins
No. of reigns
2
Combined days
221
Combined days
219
27
27
Rank
27
Champion
Bobby Lashley
No. of reigns
2
Combined days
217
Combined days
215
28
28
Rank
28
Champion
Daniel Bryan
No. of reigns
4
Combined days
210
Combined days
209
29
29
Rank
29
Champion
Sheamus
No. of reigns
3
Combined days
183
Combined days
182
30
30
Rank
30
Champion
Kofi Kingston
No. of reigns
1
Combined days
180
31
31
Rank
31
Champion
Jinder Mahal
No. of reigns
1
Combined days
170
Combined days
169
32
32
Rank
32
Champion
The Miz
No. of reigns
2
Combined days
168
Combined days
167
33
33
Rank
33
Champion
Edge
No. of reigns
4
Combined days
139
Combined days
135
34
34
Rank
34
Champion
Eddie Guerrero
No. of reigns
1
Combined days
133
Combined days
132
35
35
Rank
35
Champion
Ric Flair
No. of reigns
2
Combined days
118
36
36
Rank
36
Champion
Big E
No. of reigns
1
Combined days
110
37
37
Rank
37
Champion
Chris Jericho
No. of reigns
1
Combined days
98
Combined days
97
38
38
Rank
38
Champion
Sycho Sid
No. of reigns
2
Combined days
97
39
39
Rank
39
Champion
Alberto Del Rio
No. of reigns
2
Combined days
84
Combined days
82
Dean Ambrose
Dean Ambrose
Rank
Dean Ambrose
Champion
1
No. of reigns
84
Combined days
83
41
41
Rank
41
Champion
Big Show
No. of reigns
2
Combined days
78
Combined days
77
42
42
Rank
42
Champion
Sgt. Slaughter
No. of reigns
1
Combined days
64
43
43
Rank
43
Champion
Bray Wyatt
No. of reigns
1
Combined days
49
Combined days
48
44
44
Rank
44
Champion
Mankind
No. of reigns
3
Combined days
47
Combined days
36
45
45
Rank
45
Champion
Buddy Rogers
No. of reigns
1
Combined days
46
Combined days
21
46
46
Rank
46
Champion
Jeff Hardy
No. of reigns
1
Combined days
42
Combined days
41
47
47
Rank
47
Champion
Batista
No. of reigns
2
Combined days
37
Combined days
36
48
48
Rank
48
Champion
The Iron Sheik
No. of reigns
1
Combined days
28
49
49
Rank
49
Champion
Rob Van Dam
No. of reigns
1
Combined days
22
Combined days
21
50
50
Rank
50
Champion
Ivan Koloff
No. of reigns
1
Combined days
21
51
51
Rank
51
Champion
Stan Stasiak
No. of reigns
1
Combined days
9
—
—
Rank
—
Champion
Ted DiBiase
No. of reigns
—
Combined days
8
Combined days
—
—
—
Rank
—
Champion
Antonio Inoki
No. of reigns
—
Combined days
6
Combined days
—
52
52
Rank
52
Champion
Vince McMahon
No. of reigns
1
Combined days
6
Combined days
4
53
53
Rank
53
Champion
Kane
No. of reigns
1
Combined days
1
54
54
Rank
54
Champion
Rey Mysterio
No. of reigns
1
Combined days
<1
André the Giant
André the Giant
Rank
André the Giant
Champion
1
No. of reigns
<1
Rank
Champion
No. of reigns
Combined days
Actual
Recognized by WWE
1
Bruno Sammartino
2
4,040
2
Hulk Hogan
6
2,185
3
Bob Backlund
2
2,121
2,138
4
John Cena
14
1,360
5
Pedro Morales
1
1,027
6
Roman Reigns
4
853
855
7
Brock Lesnar
7
823
828
8
Randy Orton
10
680
685
9
Bret Hart
5
654
10
Cody Rhodes †
3
612+
11
Triple H
9
609
605
12
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin
6
529
528
13
Randy Savage
2
520
14
AJ Styles
2
511
15
CM Punk
2
462
16
Shawn Michaels
3
396
17
The Rock
8
367
377
Drew McIntyre
3
357
19
Diesel
1
358
20
Kurt Angle
4
297
295
21
"Superstar" Billy Graham
1
296
22
Ultimate Warrior
1
293
23
Yokozuna
2
280
John "Bradshaw" Layfield
1
280
279
25
The Undertaker
4
238
237
26
Seth Rollins
2
221
219
27
Bobby Lashley
2
217
215
28
Daniel Bryan
4
210
209
29
Sheamus
3
183
182
30
Kofi Kingston
1
180
31
Jinder Mahal
1
170
169
32
The Miz
2
168
167
33
Edge
4
139
135
34
Eddie Guerrero
1
133
132
35
Ric Flair
2
118
36
Big E
1
110
37
Chris Jericho
1
98
97
38
Sycho Sid
2
97
39
Alberto Del Rio
2
84
82
Dean Ambrose
1
84
83
41
Big Show
2
78
77
42
Sgt. Slaughter
1
64
43
Bray Wyatt
1
49
48
44
Mankind
3
47
36
45
Buddy Rogers
1
46
21
46
Jeff Hardy
1
42
41
47
Batista
2
37
36
48
The Iron Sheik
1
28

References

  1. By convention, the title would only change hands after a two-out-of-three pinfall victory; however, Thesz defeated Roger
  2. During the 1971–1983 period when the WWWF/WWF was a member of the NWA, the title was not recognized as a world champions
  3. CBS Sports
    https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-champions-2024-list-of-promotions-current-titleholders-including-cody-rhodes-gunther-liv-morgan-more/
  4. National Wrestling Alliance: The Untold Story of the Monopoly that Strangled Pro Wrestling
  5. "WWE Entertainment, Inc. Acquires WCW from Turner Broadcasting"
    https://web.archive.org/web/20050408044957/http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2001/2001_03_23.jsp
  6. "Chris Jericho Becomes First Undisputed Champion of Professional Wrestling"
    https://web.archive.org/web/20060117113439/http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2001/2001_12_09.jsp
  7. "World Wrestling Federation Entertainment Drops The "F" To Emphasize the "E" for Entertainment"
    https://web.archive.org/web/20050321172148/http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2002/2002_05_06.jsp
  8. "WWE Entertainment To Make RAW and SmackDown Distinct Television Brands"
    https://web.archive.org/web/20050321171233/http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2002/2002_03_27.jsp
  9. WrestleView
    http://www.wrestleview.com/info/wwfworld.shtml
  10. "Retired Championships"
    https://web.archive.org/web/20160109092104/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/retired-championships
  11. Pro Wrestling Insider
    http://www.pwinsider.com/article/103003/future-of-top-wwe-championship-already-hinted-at-new-battleground-ppv-bout-and-more-wwe-news.html?p=1
  12. "WWE Championship"
    https://web.archive.org/web/20161214011819/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwe-championship
  13. SEScoops
    https://www.sescoops.com/news/wwe/wwe-retires-universal-championship/
  14. WhatCulture
    https://whatculture.com/wwe/cody-rhodes-is-undisputed-champion-no-more-wwe-news
  15. F4WOnline
    https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/triple-h-announces-creation-of-new-wwe-world-heavyweight-title/
  16. Sports Illustrated
    https://www.si.com/wrestling/2023/04/25/wwe-world-heavyweight-championship-roman-reigns-paul-levesque
  17. Fightful
    https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/cody-rhodes-wins-undisputed-wwe-championship-on-3-6-wwe-smackdown/
  18. "WWE Championship Title History"
    http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/
  19. WrestleView
    http://www.wrestleview.com/news/1031022615.shtml
  20. www
    https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2011/cena-punk-wwe-title
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