List of WWE Champions: Difference between revisions

Content deleted Content added

Inline

Revision as of 14:49, 21 September 2017

The WWE Championship is a professional wrestling championship in WWE, currently on the SmackDown brand. It is the first world title established in WWE, having been introduced in 1963 as the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF) World Heavyweight Championship. The promotion was renamed World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1979 and ended its affiliation with the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) in 1983, with the title also renamed to reflect the changes. In 2001, it was unified with the World Championship (formerly the WCW World Heavyweight Championship) following the WWF's buyout of World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and became the Undisputed WWF Championship.^[1]^[2] In 2002, the WWF was renamed World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and split its roster into two brands, Raw and SmackDown.^[3]^[4] The title, now renamed 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.^[5]

When WWE Champion Randy Orton defeated World Heavyweight Champion John Cena at the TLC pay-per-view on December 15, 2013, the World Heavyweight Championship was unified with the WWE Championship, resulting in the retiring of the former,^[6] and the renaming of the latter to the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. On June 27, 2016, the name was shortened back to the WWE Championship,^[7] before assuming the WWE World Championship name on July 26, 2016, when the brand extension 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.^[8]

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 first champion was Buddy Rogers, who won 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. The current champion is Jinder Mahal, who is in his first reign. He won the championship by defeating Randy Orton at Backlash in Rosemont, Illinois on May 21, 2017.

Overall, there have been 50 different official champions, with John Cena having the most reigns at thirteen. Seven men in history have held the championship for a continuous reign of one year (365 days) or more: Bruno Sammartino, Pedro Morales, Bob Backlund, Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, John Cena, and CM Punk.^[9]

Title history

Names

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 – June 29, 1998
WWF Championship	June 29, 1998 – December 9, 2001
Undisputed WWF Championship	December 9, 2001^[2] – May 6, 2002^[3]
Undisputed WWE Championship	May 6, 2002^[3] – May 19, 2002^[10]
WWE Undisputed Championship	May 19, 2002^[3] – September 2, 2002^[11]
WWE Championship	September 2, 2002^[11] – December 15, 2013
WWE World Heavyweight Championship	December 15, 2013 – June 27, 2016
WWE Championship	June 27, 2016^[12]^[13] – July 25, 2016
WWE World Championship	July 26, 2016^[14] – December 9, 2016
WWE Championship	December 10, 2016^[8] – present

Reigns

As of November 14, 2024.

Reign	The reign number for the specific champion listed
Location	The city in which the title was won
Event	The event promoted by the respective promotion in which the title was won
†	Indicates the title change is not recognized by WWE
+	Indicates the current reign is changing daily


No.	Wrestler	Reign	Date	Days held	Location	Event	Notes	Ref.
1	Buddy Rogers	1	April 25, 1963	22	Rio de Janeiro, Brazil	—	Won a fictional tournament in Rio de Janeiro after the WWWF left the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), of which Rogers had been the 7th NWA World Heavyweight Champion since defeating Pat O'Connor on June 30, 1961.^[15] After Rogers' one fall loss to Lou Thesz for the title on January 24, 1963, which Northeast promoters (led by Vince McMahon Sr. and Toots Mondt) did not recognize, they withdrew their membership from the NWA to form the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF).^[16] The WWWF billed Rogers as their world champion since January 25,^[17] but did not recognize him as the first ever WWWF World Heavyweight Champion until April 11, 1963.^[18] However, WWE.com lists Rogers' reign and the establishment of the title beginning on April 25, 1963.^[19]	^[20]
2	Bruno Sammartino	1	May 17, 1963	2,803	New York, NY	House show		^[21]
3	Ivan Koloff	1	January 18, 1971	21	New York, NY	House show		^[22]
4	Pedro Morales	1	February 8, 1971	1,027	New York, NY	House show	The title was renamed the WWWF Heavyweight Championship when WWWF rejoined the NWA in 1971.	^[23]
5	Stan Stasiak	1	December 1, 1973	9	Philadelphia, PA	House show		^[24]
6	Bruno Sammartino	2	December 10, 1973	1,237	New York, NY	House show		^[25]
7	Superstar Billy Graham	1	April 30, 1977	296	Baltimore, MD	House show		^[26]
8	Bob Backlund	1	February 20, 1978	2,135 (648)^†	New York, NY	House show	The title was renamed the WWF Heavyweight Championship when the World Wide Wrestling Federation became the World Wrestling Federation in March 1979.	^[27]^[28]
—	Antonio Inoki	1^†	November 30, 1979	6	Tokushima, Japan	House show		^[29]^[30]
—	Vacated	—	December 6, 1979	—	Tokyo, Japan	House show	Antonio Inoki immediately vacated the title after a rematch with Bob Backlund ended in a no contest due to the interference of Tiger Jeet Singh.	^[29]
—	Bob Backlund	2^†	December 17, 1979	1,470	New York City, NY	House show	Backlund defeated Bobby Duncum in a Texas Death match to fill the vacancy. WWE recognizes Backlund's first and second reigns as being uninterrupted, and considers this a continuation of the first.	^[29]
9	The Iron Sheik	1	December 26, 1983	28	New York City, NY	House show	The Iron Sheik won by submission when Bob Backlund's manager Arnold Skaaland threw in the towel when Backlund was put into Sheik's Camel Clutch to prevent any major injury. The title was renamed the WWF World Heavyweight Championship when the WWF conclusively ended its affiliation with the NWA. WWE recognizes Sheik's reign as lasting 29 days.	^[31]
10	Hulk Hogan	1	January 23, 1984	1,474	New York City, NY	House show		^[32]
11	André the Giant	1	February 5, 1988	<1	Indianapolis, IN	The Main Event I	André defeated Hulk Hogan when referee Earl Hebner, who was bribed by Ted DiBiase, scored the three-count, despite Hogan raising his shoulder past the two-count.	^[33]
—	Vacated	—	February 5, 1988	—	Indianapolis, IN	The Main Event I	Immediately after winning the title from Hulk Hogan, André handed the championship belt to Ted DiBiase; President Jack Tunney ruled this as vacating the title.	^[33]
12	Randy Savage	1	March 27, 1988	371	Atlantic City, NJ	WrestleMania IV	Defeated Ted DiBiase in a tournament final to win the vacant title.	^[34]
13	Hulk Hogan	2	April 2, 1989	364	Atlantic City, NJ	WrestleMania V		^[35]
14	The Ultimate Warrior	1	April 1, 1990	293	Toronto, ON	WrestleMania VI	This was a title for title match, where Warrior also defended the Intercontinental Championship.	^[36]
15	Sgt. Slaughter	1	January 19, 1991	64	Miami, FL	Royal Rumble		^[37]
16	Hulk Hogan	3	March 24, 1991	248	Los Angeles, CA	WrestleMania VII		^[38]
17	The Undertaker	1	November 27, 1991	6	Detroit, MI	Survivor Series		^[39]
18	Hulk Hogan	4	December 3, 1991	1	San Antonio, TX	This Tuesday in Texas		^[40]
—	Vacated	—	December 4, 1991	—	New Haven, CT	Superstars of Wrestling	Hulk 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.	^[40]
19	Ric Flair	1	January 19, 1992	77	Albany, NY	Royal Rumble	This was the Royal Rumble match, in which Flair last eliminated Sid Justice to win the vacant title.	^[41]
20	Randy Savage	2	April 5, 1992	149	Indianapolis, IN	WrestleMania VIII		^[42]
21	Ric Flair	2	September 1, 1992	41	Hershey, PA	Prime Time Wrestling	Aired on tape delay on September 14, 1992.	^[43]
22	Bret Hart	1	October 12, 1992	174	Saskatoon, SK	House show	WWE recognizes Hart's reign as lasting 175 days.	^[44]
23	Yokozuna	1	April 4, 1993	<1	Las Vegas, NV	WrestleMania IX		^[45]
24	Hulk Hogan	5	April 4, 1993	70	Las Vegas, NV	WrestleMania IX		^[46]
25	Yokozuna	2	June 13, 1993	280	Dayton, OH	King of the Ring		^[47]
26	Bret Hart	2	March 20, 1994	248	New York City, NY	WrestleMania X	Roddy Piper was the guest referee.	^[48]
27	Bob Backlund	2⁽³⁾	November 23, 1994	3	San Antonio, TX	Survivor Series	This was a "Throw in the Towel" submission match.	^[49]
28	Diesel	1	November 26, 1994	358	New York City, NY	House show		^[50]
29	Bret Hart	3	November 19, 1995	133	Landover, MD	Survivor Series	This was a no disqualification match.	^[51]
30	Shawn Michaels	1	March 31, 1996	231	Anaheim, CA	WrestleMania XII	This was a 60-minute Iron Man match, in which Michaels won 1–0 in overtime.	^[52]
31	Sycho Sid	1	November 17, 1996	63	New York City, NY	Survivor Series		^[53]
32	Shawn Michaels	2	January 19, 1997	25	San Antonio, TX	Royal Rumble		^[54]
—	Vacated	—	February 13, 1997	—	Lowell, MA	Raw	Shawn Michaels forfeited the title due to a knee injury.	^[54]
33	Bret Hart	4	February 16, 1997	1	Chattanooga, TN	In Your House 13: Final Four	This was a four-way elimination match for the vacant title, also involving Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Undertaker, and Vader.	^[55]
34	Sycho Sid	2	February 17, 1997	34	Nashville, TN	Raw		^[56]
35	The Undertaker	2	March 23, 1997	133	Rosemont, IL	WrestleMania 13	This was a no disqualification match.	^[57]
36	Bret Hart	5	August 3, 1997	98	East Rutherford, NJ	SummerSlam	Shawn Michaels was the guest referee.	^[58]
37	Shawn Michaels	3	November 9, 1997	140	Montreal, QC	Survivor Series	This was the Montreal Screwjob.	^[59]
38	Stone Cold Steve Austin	1	March 29, 1998	91	Boston, MA	WrestleMania XIV	Mike Tyson was the special outside enforcer.	^[60]
39	Kane	1	June 28, 1998	1	Pittsburgh, PA	King of the Ring	This was a First Blood match.	^[61]
40	Stone Cold Steve Austin	2	June 29, 1998	90	Cleveland, OH	Raw Is War	The title was renamed the WWF Championship.	^[62]
—	Vacated	—	September 27, 1998	—	Hamilton, ON	Breakdown: In Your House	Vacated after Kane and The Undertaker simultaneously pinned Stone Cold Steve Austin in a triple threat match. A subsequent match for the vacant title at Judgment Day: In Your House between Kane and The Undertaker ended in a no contest.^[63]	^[62]
41	The Rock	1	November 15, 1998	44	St. Louis, MO	Survivor Series	Defeated Mankind in the finals of a tournament for the vacant title. WWE recognizes The Rock's reign as lasting 50 days, ending on January 4, 1999, when the following episode aired on tape delay.	^[64]
42	Mankind	1	December 29, 1998	26	Worcester, MA	Raw Is War	This was a no disqualification match. WWE recognizes Mankind's reign as lasting 20 days, beginning on January 4, 1999, when the episode aired on tape delay.	^[65]
43	The Rock	2	January 24, 1999	2	Anaheim, CA	Royal Rumble	This was an "I Quit" match, which The Rock won by knocking Mankind unconscious while someone backstage played an audio recording of Mankind saying "I quit" while The Rock placed the microphone against his face. WWE recognizes The Rock's regin as lasting 7 days, ending on January 31, 1999, when the following match aired on tape delay.	^[66]
44	Mankind	2	January 26, 1999	20	Tucson, AZ	Halftime Heat	This was an Empty Arena match that aired on tape delay as a special during halftime of Super Bowl XXXIII on January 31, 1999. WWE recognizes Mankind's reign as lasting 15 days, beginning on January 31.	^[67]
45	The Rock	3	February 15, 1999	41	Birmingham, AL	Raw Is War	This was a ladder match.	^[68]
46	Stone Cold Steve Austin	3	March 28, 1999	56	Philadelphia, PA	WrestleMania XV	This was a no disqualification match with Mankind as the special guest referee.	^[69]
47	The Undertaker	3	May 23, 1999	36	Kansas City, MO	Over the Edge	Both Vince McMahon and Shane McMahon were special guest referees.	^[70]
48	Stone Cold Steve Austin	4	June 28, 1999	55	Charlotte, NC	Raw Is War		^[71]
49	Mankind	3	August 22, 1999	1	Minneapolis, MN	SummerSlam	This was a triple threat match, also involving Triple H, with Jesse Ventura as guest referee.	^[72]
50	Triple H	1	August 23, 1999	22	Ames, IA	Raw Is War	Shane McMahon was the guest referee. WWE recognizes Triple H's reign as lasting 24 days, ending on September 16, 1999, when the following episode aired on tape delay.	^[73]
51	Vince McMahon	1	September 14, 1999	6	Las Vegas, NV	SmackDown	Shane McMahon was the guest referee. WWE recognizes Vince's reign as lasting 4 days, beginning on September 16, 1999, when the episode aired on tape delay.	^[74]
—	Vacated	—	September 20, 1999	—	Houston, TX	Raw Is War	Vince McMahon vacated the title.	^[74]
52	Triple H	2	September 26, 1999	49	Charlotte, NC	Unforgiven	This was a Six-Pack Challenge match, also involving The Rock, Mankind, Big Show, The British Bulldog, and Kane. Stone Cold Steve Austin was the special outside enforcer.	^[75]
53	Big Show	1	November 14, 1999	50	Detroit, MI	Survivor Series	This was a triple threat match, also involving The Rock.	^[76]
54	Triple H	3	January 3, 2000	118	Miami, FL	Raw Is War	On April 17, 2000, Chris Jericho defeated Triple H for the WWF Championship after Earl Hebner's fast-count. Later that night, Triple H forced Hebner to reverse the decision, nullifying Jericho's reign and continuing Triple H's.	^[77]
55	The Rock	4	April 30, 2000	21	Washington, D.C.	Backlash	Shane McMahon was the guest referee.	^[78]
56	Triple H	4	May 21, 2000	35	Louisville, KY	Judgment Day	This was a 60-minute Iron Man match, which Triple H won 6–5 with Shawn Michaels as the guest referee.	^[79]
57	The Rock	5	June 25, 2000	119	Boston, MA	King of the Ring	This was a six-man tag team match with The Rock, The Undertaker, and Kane vs. Triple H, Vince McMahon, and Shane McMahon. The Rock pinned Vince to win Triple H's title.	^[80]
58	Kurt Angle	1	October 22, 2000	126	Albany, NY	No Mercy	This was a no disqualification match.	^[81]
59	The Rock	6	February 25, 2001	35	Las Vegas, NV	No Way Out	After the WWF purchased World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in March 2001, the WCW Championship became a second concurrently active world championship in the WWF.	^[82]
60	Stone Cold Steve Austin	5	April 1, 2001	175	Houston, TX	WrestleMania X-Seven	This was a no disqualification match. WWE recognizes Austin's reign as lasting 176 days.	^[83]
61	Kurt Angle	2	September 23, 2001	15	Pittsburgh, PA	Unforgiven		^[84]
62	Stone Cold Steve Austin	6	October 8, 2001	62	Indianapolis, IN	Raw		^[85]
63	Chris Jericho	1	December 9, 2001	98	San Diego, CA	Vengeance	Earlier the same night, Jericho defeated (WCW) World Champion The Rock for that title. By defeating Stone Cold Steve Austin for the WWF Championship, Jericho unified both titles as the Undisputed WWF Championship.	^[86]
64	Triple H	5	March 17, 2002	35	Toronto, ON	WrestleMania X8	In late March 2002, due to the WWF's roster having doubled in size, the brand extension began, splitting the roster between the Raw and SmackDown brands, represented by the TV shows of the same name. Championships were assigned to be exclusive to a specific brand. The Undisputed Championship and the Women's Championship were non-exclusive at this time, and were defended on both brands.	^[87]
65	Hollywood Hulk Hogan	6	April 21, 2002	28	Kansas City, MO	Backlash	On May 6, 2002, after the World Wrestling Federation was renamed "World Wrestling Entertainment" due to a lawsuit by the World Wide Fund for Nature, the title was also renamed: Undisputed WWE Championship and then WWE Undisputed Championship.	^[88]
66	The Undertaker	4	May 19, 2002	63	Nashville, TN	Judgment Day	On May 20, 2002, Rob Van Dam pinned The Undertaker for the title. Raw owner Ric Flair immediately restarted the match due to The Undertaker's foot being on the ropes and The Undertaker subsequently pinned Van Dam, nullifying Van Dam's reign and continuing Undertaker's.	^[89]
67	The Rock	7	July 21, 2002	35	Detroit, MI	Vengeance	This was a triple threat match, also involving Kurt Angle.	^[90]
68	Brock Lesnar	1	August 25, 2002	84	Uniondale, NY	SummerSlam	The following night, Lesnar signed a deal to appear exclusively on the SmackDown brand, also making the championship exclusive to the brand. The World Heavyweight Championship was then created for the Raw brand. On September 2, 2002, the Undisputed Championship became the WWE Championship as it was no longer "undisputed".	^[91]
69	Big Show	2	November 17, 2002	28	New York, NY	Survivor Series		^[92]
70	Kurt Angle	3	December 15, 2002	105	Sunrise, FL	Armageddon		^[93]
71	Brock Lesnar	2	March 30, 2003	119	Seattle, WA	WrestleMania XIX		^[94]
72	Kurt Angle	4	July 27, 2003	51	Denver, CO	Vengeance	This was a triple threat match, also involving Big Show. WWE recognizes Angle's reign as lasting 53 days, ending on September 18, 2003, when the following episode aired on tape delay.	^[95]
73	Brock Lesnar	3	September 16, 2003	152	Raleigh, NC	SmackDown	This was a 60-minute Iron Man match. WWE recognizes Lesnar's reign as lasting 150 days, beginning on September 18, 2003, when the episode aired on tape delay. They incorrectly list his reign as ending on February 13, 2004, and lasting 148 days.	^[96]
74	Eddie Guerrero	1	February 15, 2004	133	Daly City, CA	No Way Out		^[97]^[98]
75	John "Bradshaw" Layfield	1	June 27, 2004	280	Norfolk, VA	The Great American Bash	This was a Texas Bullrope match.	^[99]^[100]
76	John Cena	1	April 3, 2005	280	Los Angeles, CA	WrestleMania 21	The title became exclusive to the Raw brand following the 2005 WWE draft lottery.	^[101]^[102]
77	Edge	1	January 8, 2006	21	Albany, NY	New Year's Revolution	Edge cashed in his Money in the Bank contract from WrestleMania 21 immediately after John Cena won an Elimination Chamber match.	^[103]^[104]
78	John Cena	2	January 29, 2006	133	Miami, FL	Royal Rumble		^[105]^[106]
79	Rob Van Dam	1	June 11, 2006	22	New York City, NY	ECW One Night Stand	Van Dam cashed in his Money in the Bank contract from WrestleMania 22. This was an Extreme Rules match. The title became property of the new ECW brand due to Van Dam's status as an ECW wrestler. The ECW World Heavyweight Championship was subsequently reactivated for the brand and awarded to Van Dam. Van Dam became the first person to simultaneously hold the WWE and ECW championships.	^[107]^[108]
80	Edge	2	July 3, 2006	76	Philadelphia, PA	Raw	This was a triple threat match, also involving John Cena. The title became exclusive to the Raw brand due to Edge's status as a Raw superstar.	^[109]^[110]
81	John Cena	3	September 17, 2006	380	Toronto, ON	Unforgiven	This was a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match. WWE recognizes Cena's reign as lasting 381 days.	^[111]
—	Vacated	—	October 2, 2007	—	Dayton, OH	ECW	Vacated when John Cena suffered a torn right pectoral tendon.	^[112]
82	Randy Orton	1	October 7, 2007	<1	Rosemont, IL	No Mercy	Orton was originally scheduled to have a Last Man Standing match against John Cena for the title, but due to Cena vacating the title, Vince McMahon awarded Orton the title.	^[113]^[114]
83	Triple H	6		<1			Defeated Randy Orton in the opening match after Vince McMahon accepted Triple H's open challenge on Orton's behalf.	^[114]^[115]
84	Randy Orton	2		203			Due to promising the match type, Vince McMahon made Triple H defend the title against Orton in a Last Man Standing match.	^[114]^[116]
85	Triple H	7	April 27, 2008	210	Baltimore, MD	Backlash	This was a fatal four-way elimination match, also involving John Cena and John Bradshaw Layfield. The title became exclusive to the SmackDown brand following the 2008 WWE draft.	^[117]^[118]
86	Edge	3	November 23, 2008	21	Boston, MA	Survivor Series	This was a triple threat match, also involving Vladimir Kozlov. Jeff Hardy had originally been scheduled to take part in the match, but did not participate after being (in storyline) attacked prior to the event. Triple H and Kozlov started the match before Edge was revealed as Hardy's surprise replacement.	^[119]^[120]
87	Jeff Hardy	1	December 14, 2008	42	Buffalo, NY	Armageddon	This was a triple threat match, also involving Triple H.	^[121]^[122]
88	Edge	4	January 25, 2009	21	Detroit, MI	Royal Rumble	This was a no-disqualification match.	^[123]^[124]
89	Triple H	8	February 15, 2009	70	Seattle, WA	No Way Out	This was an Elimination Chamber match, also involving Jeff Hardy, Vladimir Kozlov, The Undertaker, and Big Show. The title became exclusive to the Raw brand following the 2009 WWE draft. WWE recognizes Triple H's reign as lasting 69 days.	^[125]^[126]
90	Randy Orton	3	April 26, 2009	42	Providence, RI	Backlash	This was a six-man tag team match with Orton, Ted DiBiase, and Cody Rhodes against Triple H, Shane McMahon, and Batista. Orton won the championship due to his team winning.	^[127]^[128]
91	Batista	1	June 7, 2009	2	New Orleans, LA	Extreme Rules	This was a steel cage match.	^[129]^[130]
—	Vacated	—	June 9, 2009	—	—	—	Vacated when Batista suffered a torn left biceps.	^[131]
92	Randy Orton	4	June 15, 2009	90	Charlotte, NC	Raw	This was a fatal four-way match for the vacant title, also involving Triple H, John Cena, and Big Show.	^[132]^[133]
93	John Cena	4	September 13, 2009	21	Montreal, QC	Breaking Point	This was an "I Quit" match. If anyone interfered on Randy Orton's behalf, he would have forfeited the title.	^[134]^[135]
94	Randy Orton	5	October 4, 2009	21	Newark, NJ	Hell in a Cell	This was a Hell in a Cell match.	^[136]^[137]
95	John Cena	5	October 25, 2009	49	Pittsburgh, PA	Bragging Rights	This was a 60-minute Anything Goes Iron Man match in which Cena won 6-5. If Cena lost, he would have had to leave the Raw brand.	^[138]^[139]
96	Sheamus	1	December 13, 2009	70	San Antonio, TX	TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs	This was a Tables match. On February 16, 2010, the ECW brand was disbanded and the ECW Championship was deactivated.	^[140]^[141]
97	John Cena	6	February 21, 2010	<1	St. Louis, MO	Elimination Chamber	This was an Elimination Chamber match, also involving Triple H, Randy Orton, Ted DiBiase, and Kofi Kingston.	^[142]
98	Batista	2	February 21, 2010	35	St. Louis, MO	Elimination Chamber	Mr. McMahon granted SmackDown superstar Batista a championship match with John Cena after Cena won the Elimination Chamber match. Batista then transferred to the Raw roster after winning the title. WWE recognizes Batista's reign as lasting 36 days.	^[143]
99	John Cena	7	March 28, 2010	84	Glendale, AZ	WrestleMania XXVI		^[144]
100	Sheamus	2	June 20, 2010	91	Uniondale, NY	Fatal 4-Way	This was a fatal four-way match, also involving Edge and Randy Orton.	^[145]
101	Randy Orton	6	September 19, 2010	64	Rosemont, IL	Night of Champions	This was a Six-Pack Elimination Challenge match, also involving Edge, John Cena, Chris Jericho, and Wade Barrett.	^[146]
102	The Miz	1	November 22, 2010	160	Orlando, FL	Raw	The Miz cashed in his Money in the Bank contract after Randy Orton had successfully defended the WWE Championship against Wade Barrett. WWE recognizes Miz's reign as lasting 159 days.	^[147]
103	John Cena	8	May 1, 2011	77	Tampa, FL	Extreme Rules	This was a triple threat steel cage match, also involving John Morrison.	^[148]
104	CM Punk	1	July 17, 2011	28	Rosemont, IL	Money in the Bank	Punk was scripted to leave WWE the day after with the championship. He returned on the July 25, 2011 episode of Raw; his reign was deemed to continue through this period.	^[149]
105	Rey Mysterio (and CM Punk)	1 (1)	July 25, 2011	<1	Hampton, VA	Raw	Defeated The Miz in a tournament final to crown a new champion. CM Punk was also recognized as WWE Champion.	^[150]
106	John Cena (and CM Punk)	9 (1)	July 25, 2011	20	Hampton, VA	Raw	Cena immediately challenged Rey Mysterio for the championship. CM Punk was also recognized as WWE Champion.	^[151]
—	CM Punk	1	August 14, 2011	–	Los Angeles, CA	SummerSlam	Defeated John Cena in a match to determine the undisputed champion. This is considered a continuation of Punk's first reign, lasting a total of 28 days. Triple H was the special guest referee.	^[152]
107	Alberto Del Rio	1	August 14, 2011	35	Los Angeles, CA	SummerSlam	Cashed in his Money in the Bank contract after CM Punk was attacked by Kevin Nash. On August 29, 2011, the first brand extension ended, allowing the WWE Champion to appear on both Raw and SmackDown.	^[153]
108	John Cena	10	September 18, 2011	14	Buffalo, NY	Night of Champions		^[154]
109	Alberto Del Rio	2	October 2, 2011	49	New Orleans, LA	Hell in a Cell	This was a triple threat Hell in a Cell match, also involving CM Punk.	^[155]
110	CM Punk	2	November 20, 2011	434	New York City, NY	Survivor Series	WWE recognizes Punk's reign as lasting 435 days.	^[156]
111	The Rock	8	January 27, 2013	70	Phoenix, AZ	Royal Rumble	CM Punk had initially won, but the match was then restarted by Mr. McMahon due to interference by The Shield.	^[157]
112	John Cena	11	April 7, 2013	133	East Rutherford, NJ	WrestleMania 29		^[158]
113	Daniel Bryan	1	August 18, 2013	<1	Los Angeles, CA	SummerSlam	Triple H was the special guest referee.	^[159]
114	Randy Orton	7	August 18, 2013	28	Los Angeles, CA	SummerSlam	Cashed in his Money in the Bank contract. Triple H was the special guest referee. WWE recognizes Orton's reign as lasting 29 days.	^[160]
115	Daniel Bryan	2	September 15, 2013	1	Detroit, MI	Night of Champions		^[161]
—	Vacated	—	September 16, 2013	—	Cleveland, OH	Raw	Vacated after a controversial finish when Daniel Bryan defeated Randy Orton to win the title. A subsequent match for the vacant title at Battleground between Bryan and Orton ended in a no contest.	^[162]
116	Randy Orton	8	October 27, 2013	161	Miami, FL	Hell in a Cell	Defeated Daniel Bryan in a Hell in a Cell match for the vacant title with Shawn Michaels serving as the special guest referee. On December 15, 2013 at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs, Orton defeated John Cena to unify the World Heavyweight Championship with the WWE Championship. The World Heavyweight Championship was retired and the WWE Championship became known as the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.	^[163]
117	Daniel Bryan	3	April 6, 2014	64	New Orleans, LA	WrestleMania XXX	This was a triple threat match, also involving Batista.	^[164]
—	Vacated	—	June 9, 2014	—	Minneapolis, MN	Raw	Daniel Bryan was stripped of the title due to a neck injury.	^[165]
118	John Cena	12	June 29, 2014	49	Boston, MA	Money in the Bank	This was a ladder match for the vacant title, also involving Alberto Del Rio, Bray Wyatt, Cesaro, Kane, Randy Orton, Roman Reigns, and Sheamus. WWE recognizes Cena's reign as lasting 50 days.	^[166]
119	Brock Lesnar	4	August 17, 2014	224	Los Angeles, CA	SummerSlam		^[167]
120	Seth Rollins	1	March 29, 2015	220	Santa Clara, CA	WrestleMania 31	Cashed in his Money in the Bank contract during a singles match between Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns, thus making it a triple threat match.	^[168]
—	Vacated	—	November 4, 2015	—	—	—	Vacated after Seth Rollins suffered a torn ACL, MCL, and a damaged meniscus at a live show in Dublin, Ireland.	^[169]
121	Roman Reigns	1	November 22, 2015	<1	Atlanta, GA	Survivor Series	Defeated Dean Ambrose in a tournament final to win the vacant title.	^[170]
122	Sheamus	3	November 22, 2015	22	Atlanta, GA	Survivor Series	Cashed in his Money in the Bank contract. WWE recognizes Sheamus' reign as lasting 23 days.	^[171]
123	Roman Reigns	2	December 14, 2015	41	Philadelphia, PA	Raw	This was a title vs. career match.	^[172]
124	Triple H	9	January 24, 2016	70	Orlando, FL	Royal Rumble	This was the Royal Rumble match, in which Roman Reigns defended the title. Reigns was eliminated by Triple H, who lastly eliminated Dean Ambrose.	^[173]
125	Roman Reigns	3	April 3, 2016	77	Arlington, TX	WrestleMania 32		^[174]
126	Seth Rollins	2	June 19, 2016	<1	Las Vegas, NV	Money in the Bank		^[175]
127	Dean Ambrose	1	June 19, 2016	84	Las Vegas, NV	Money in the Bank	Cashed in his Money in the Bank contract; the title was briefly reverted to being called the WWE Championship. The brand extension returned and the title became exclusive to the SmackDown brand following the 2016 WWE draft. It was subsequently renamed to WWE World Championship. The WWE Universal Championship was created for the Raw brand.	^[175] ^[176] ^[177]
128	AJ Styles	1	September 11, 2016	140	Richmond, VA	Backlash	In December 2016, the title's name was shortened back to WWE Championship.^[8]	^[178]
129	John Cena	13	January 29, 2017	14	San Antonio, TX	Royal Rumble	WWE recognizes Cena's reign as lasting 15 days.	^[179]
130	Bray Wyatt	1	February 12, 2017	49	Phoenix, AZ	Elimination Chamber	This was an Elimination Chamber match, also involving AJ Styles, Baron Corbin, Dean Ambrose, and The Miz.	^[180]
131	Randy Orton	9	April 2, 2017	49	Orlando, FL	WrestleMania 33	WWE recognizes Orton's reign as lasting 50 days.	^[181]
132	Jinder Mahal	1	May 21, 2017	2,734+	Rosemont, IL	Backlash		^[182]

Combined reigns

Record 13-time champion John Cena, shown here with the "Spinner Belt" which represented the championship from 2005–2013

Bruno Sammartino, who reigned for a combined 4,040 days as champion

As of November 14, 2024.

†	Indicates the current champion

Rank	Wrestler	No. of reigns	Combined days	Combined days recognized by WWE
1	Bruno Sammartino	2	4,040
2	Hulk Hogan	6	2,185
3	Bob Backlund	2	2,138
4	John Cena	13	1,254	1,257
5	Pedro Morales	1	1,027
6	Randy Orton	9	658	660
7	Bret Hart	5	654	655
8	Triple H	9	609	610
9	Brock Lesnar	4	579	577
10	Stone Cold Steve Austin	6	529	530
11	Randy Savage	2	520
12	CM Punk	2	462	463
13	Shawn Michaels	3	396
14	The Rock	8	367	378
15	Diesel	1	358
16	Kurt Angle	4	297	299
17	Superstar Billy Graham	1	296
18	The Ultimate Warrior	1	293
19	Yokozuna	2	280
19	John Bradshaw Layfield	1	280
21	The Undertaker	4	238
22	Seth Rollins	2	220
23	Sheamus	3	183	184
24	The Miz	1	160	159
25	AJ Styles	1	140
26	Edge	4	139
27	Eddie Guerrero	1	133
28	Jinder Mahal †	1	2734+
29	Roman Reigns	3	118
29	Ric Flair	2	118
31	Chris Jericho	1	98
32	Sycho Sid	2	97
33	Alberto Del Rio	2	84
33	Dean Ambrose	1	84
35	Big Show	2	78
36	Daniel Bryan	3	65
37	Sgt. Slaughter	1	64
38	Bray Wyatt	1	49
39	Mankind	3	47	36
40	Jeff Hardy	1	42
41	Batista	2	37	38
42	The Iron Sheik	1	28	29
43	Buddy Rogers	1	22
43	Rob Van Dam	1	22
45	Ivan Koloff	1	21
46	Stan Stasiak	1	9
47	Vince McMahon	1	6	4
—	Antonio Inoki	1	6	–
48	Kane	1	1
49	Rey Mysterio	1	<1
49	André the Giant	1	<1

References

^ "WWE Entertainment, Inc. Acquires WCW from Turner Broadcasting". WWE. 2001-03-21. Archived from the original on 2005-04-08. Retrieved 2008-10-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ ^a ^b "Chris Jericho Becomes First Undisputed Champion of Professional Wrestling". WWE. 2001-12-09. Archived from the original on 2006-01-17. Retrieved 2008-10-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d "World Wrestling Federation Entertainment Drops The "F" To Emphasize the "E" for Entertainment". WWE. 2002-05-06. Archived from the original on 2005-03-21. Retrieved 2008-10-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "WWE Entertainment To Make RAW and SmackDown Distinct Television Brands". WWE. 2002-03-27. Archived from the original on 2005-03-21. Retrieved 2008-10-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "WWE Championship History". WrestleView. Retrieved 2008-10-17.
^ "Retired Championships". WWE. Archived from the original on 2016-01-09. Retrieved 2015-11-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ Johnson, Mike. "Future of top WWE championship already hinted at". PWInsider.com. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
^ ^a ^b ^c "WWE Championship". WWE. Archived from the original on December 14, 2016. Retrieved December 13, 2016.
^ "WWE Championship Title History". WWE. Retrieved 2008-10-17.
^ "Undertaker vs. Hulk Hogan for the WWE Championship". WWE. May 19, 2002. Archived from the original on February 24, 2007. Retrieved April 16, 2008. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ ^a ^b Nemer, Paul (2002-09-02). "Full WWE Raw Results – 9/2/02". WrestleView.com. Retrieved 2009-11-24.
^ "WWE Championship". WWE. Archived from the original on 29 June 2016. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
^ Fernandes, Steven (28 June 2016). "WWE Championship name change official, Bellas and more news". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
^ "WWE World Championship". WWE.com. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
^ "Buddy Rogers". WWE. Retrieved November 15, 2016. So in 1961, when he dethroned Pat O'Connor for the NWA World Championship in Chicago's Comiskey Park [...]
^ "1963". thehistoryofwwe.com. Retrieved November 15, 2016. - 1/25/63: The World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF) was formed when promoters in the Northeast refused to acknowledge Rogers' one-fall loss of the NWA championship. The real reason was that Vince McMahon Sr. wanted to keep Rogers on as his territory's champion since so much money was being made from his title run. Rogers continued to wrestle as the "world champion" in the Northeast region and was recognized as the "WWWF World Champion" starting in April.
^ "1963". thehistoryofwwe.com. Retrieved November 15, 2016. World Champion Buddy Rogers defeated Bobo Brazil
^ "1963". thehistoryofwwe.com. Retrieved November 15, 2016. WWWF World Champion Buddy Rogers fought Bruno Sammartino to a no contest; it was prior to this bout that Rogers received the WWWF World Title though he had been billed as 'world champion' since January
^ "WWE World Championship". WWE. Retrieved November 15, 2016.
^ "Buddy Rogers's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-08-28. Retrieved 2007-03-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Bruno Sammartino's first reign". WWE. Retrieved 2007-03-17.
^ "Ivan Koloff's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-15. Retrieved 2011-07-15. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Pedro Morales's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-12-10. Retrieved 2007-03-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Stan Stasiak's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-12-10. Retrieved 2007-03-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Bruno Sammartino's second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-24. Retrieved 2007-03-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Billy Graham's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-24. Retrieved 2007-03-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Bob Backlund's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-11-29. Retrieved 2007-03-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Bob Backlund bio". WWE. Retrieved 2012-08-20.
^ ^a ^b ^c "WWWF/WWF/WWE Heavyweight Title History". The History of the WWE. Retrieved 2012-08-02.
^ "WWE Championship Title History".
^ "The Iron Sheik's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-12-31. Retrieved 2007-03-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Hulk Hogan's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-06-24. Retrieved 2007-03-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ ^a ^b "Andre the Giant's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-06-24. Retrieved 2007-03-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Randy Savage's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-06-24. Retrieved 2007-03-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Hulk Hogan's second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-06-24. Retrieved 2007-03-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "The Ultimate Warrior's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-03. Retrieved 2007-03-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Sgt. Slaughter's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-12-10. Retrieved 2007-03-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Hulk Hogan's third reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-06-24. Retrieved 2007-03-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "The Undertaker's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-06-24. Retrieved 2007-03-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ ^a ^b "Hulk Hogan's fourth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-23. Retrieved 2007-03-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Ric Flair's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-23. Retrieved 2007-03-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Randy Savage's second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-12-10. Retrieved 2007-03-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Ric Flair's second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-17. Retrieved 2007-03-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Bret Hart's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-12-31. Retrieved 2007-03-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Yokozuna's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-12-10. Retrieved 2007-03-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Hulk Hogan's fifth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-19. Retrieved 2007-03-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Yokozuna's second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-11-27. Retrieved 2007-03-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Bret Hart's second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-16. Retrieved 2007-03-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Bob Backlund's second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-17. Retrieved 2007-03-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Diesel's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-17. Retrieved 2007-03-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Bret Hart's third reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-17. Retrieved 2007-03-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Shawn Michaels's reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-24. Retrieved 2007-03-21. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Sycho Sid's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-11-23. Retrieved 2007-03-21. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ ^a ^b "Shawn Michaels's second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-06-23. Retrieved 2007-03-21. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Bret Hart's fourth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-19. Retrieved 2007-03-21. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Sycho Sid's second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-12-10. Retrieved 2007-03-21. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "The Undertaker's second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-06-24. Retrieved 2007-03-21. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Bret Hart's fifth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-11-29. Retrieved 2007-03-21. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Shawn Michaels's third reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-06-24. Retrieved 2007-03-21. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Steve Austin's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-24. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Kane's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-06-23. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ ^a ^b "Steve Austin's second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-06-23. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2009-06-18. Retrieved 2008-08-25. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
^ "The Rock's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-11-25. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Mankind's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-11-29. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "The Rock's second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-17. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Mankind's second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-11-06. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "The Rock's third reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-11-25. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Steve Austin's third reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-11-06. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "The Undertaker's third reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-30. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Steve Austin's fourth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-11-29. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Mankind's third reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-11-06. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Triple H's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-06-24. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ ^a ^b "Mr. McMahon's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-11-06. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Triple H's second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-17. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "The Big Show's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-10-01. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Triple H's third reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-18. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "The Rock's fourth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-11-30. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "WWE Championship - The Rock". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-11-30. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "The Rock's fifth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-10-01. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Kurt Angle's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-09-24. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "The Rock's sixth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-09-24. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Steve Austin's fifth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-10-01. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Kurt Angle's second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-18. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Steve Austin's sixth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2006-01-14. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Chris Jericho's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-11-06. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Triple H's fifth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-06-24. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Hulk Hogan's sixth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-06-24. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "The Undertaker's fourth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-24. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "The Rock's seventh reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-26. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Brock Lesnar's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-21. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "The Big Show's second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-17. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Kurt Angle's third reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-18. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Brock Lesnar's second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-31. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Kurt Angle's fourth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-19. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Brock Lesnar's third reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-15. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Eddie Guerrero's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-06-30. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ Roopansingh, Jaya (2004-02-16). "Guerrero crowned at No Way Out". SLAM! Wrestling. Retrieved 2009-11-24.
^ "John "Bradshaw" Layfield's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-15. Retrieved 2007-03-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ Martin, Adam (2004-06-27). "WWE Great American Bash (SmackDown) PPV Results – 6/27/04". WrestleView. Retrieved 2009-11-24.
^ "John Cena's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-06-24. Retrieved 2007-03-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ Martin, Adam (2005-04-03). "WWE WrestleMania 21 PPV Results – 4/3/05 – Los Angeles, CA". WrestleView. Retrieved 2009-11-24.
^ "Edge's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2006-01-11. Retrieved 2007-03-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ Sokol, Chris (2006-01-09). "Edge surprise champ after Revolution". SLAM! Wrestling. Retrieved 2009-11-24.
^ "John Cena's second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2006-02-04. Retrieved 2007-03-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ Martin, Adam (2006-01-29). "Royal Rumble (RAW/SmackDown) PPV Results – 1/29/06 – Miami, FL". WrestleView. Retrieved 2009-11-24.
^ "Rob Van Dam's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2006-07-19. Retrieved 2007-03-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ Martin, Adam (2006-06-11). "ECW One Night Stand PPV Results – 6/11/06". WrestleView. Retrieved 2009-11-24.
^ "Edge's second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2006-07-05. Retrieved 2007-03-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ Plummer, Dave. "Raw: Edge wins WWE title". SLAM! Wrestling. Retrieved 2009-11-24.
^ "John Cena's third reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2012-05-09. Retrieved 2012-08-03. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Mr. McMahon vacates Cena's WWE Championship". WWE. 2007-10-02. Retrieved 2012-08-03.
^ "Randy Orton's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2007-10-11. Retrieved 2007-10-07. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ ^a ^b ^c "WWE title magic at No Mercy". The Sun. 2007-10-09. Archived from the original on 2007-10-11. Retrieved 2009-11-24. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Triple H's sixth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2007-10-11. Retrieved 2007-10-07. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Randy Orton's second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2007-10-11. Retrieved 2007-10-07. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Triple H's seventh reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2008-04-30. Retrieved 2008-04-28. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ Hillhouse, Dave. "HHH reigns again after Backlash". SLAM! Wrestling. Retrieved 2009-11-24.
^ "Edge's third reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2008-12-04. Retrieved 2008-11-24. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Your new WWE champions..." The Sun. 2008-11-25. Archived from the original on 2008-12-10. Retrieved 2009-11-24. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Jeff Hardy's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2008-12-17. Retrieved 2008-12-15. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ Keller, Wade (2008-12-14). "Keller's WWE Armageddon PPV report 12/14: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live event – John Cena vs. Chris Jericho". PWTorch. Retrieved 2009-11-24.
^ "Edge's fourth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2009-02-21. Retrieved 2009-01-26. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ Martin, Adam (2009-01-25). "Royal Rumble PPV Results – 1/25/09". WrestleView.com. Archived from the original on 2012-10-01. Retrieved 2011-01-04. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Triple H's eighth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2009-02-25. Retrieved 2009-04-26. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ Martin, Adam (2009-02-15). "WWE No Way Out Results – 2/15/09". WrestleView. Archived from the original on 2012-09-29. Retrieved 2011-01-04. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Orton's third reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2009-04-30. Retrieved 2009-04-27. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ Martin, Adam (2009-04-26). "Backlash PPV Results – 4/26/09". WrestleView. Archived from the original on 2012-10-01. Retrieved 2011-01-04. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Batista's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2009-06-11. Retrieved 2009-04-27. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ Martin, Adam (2009-06-07). "Extreme Rules PPV Results – 6/7/09". WrestleView. Archived from the original on 2012-10-01. Retrieved 2011-01-04. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Wounded Animal". WWE. 2009-06-09. Archived from the original on June 12, 2009. Retrieved 2009-06-09.
^ "Orton's fourth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2009-06-19. Retrieved 2009-06-16. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ Golden, Hunter (2009-06-16). "Raw Results – 6/15/09". WrestleView. Archived from the original on 2012-10-01. Retrieved 2011-01-04. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Cena's fourth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2009-09-22. Retrieved 2009-09-13. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ Martin, Adam (2009-09-13). "Breaking Point PPV Results – 9/13/09". WrestleView. Archived from the original on 2012-10-01. Retrieved 2011-01-04. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Orton's fifth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2009-10-08. Retrieved 2009-10-25. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ Martin, Adam (2009-10-04). "Hell in a Cell PPV Results – 10/4/09". WrestleView. Archived from the original on 2012-09-28. Retrieved 2011-01-04. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Cena's fifth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2009-10-29. Retrieved 2009-10-25. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ Martin, Adam (2009-10-25). "Bragging Rights Results – 10/25/09". WrestleView. Archived from the original on 2012-10-01. Retrieved 2011-01-04. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Sheamus' first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2009-12-17. Retrieved 2009-12-14. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ Martin, Adam (2011-01-04). "WWE TLC PPV Results – 12/13/09". Wrestle View. Archived from the original on 2012-10-01. Retrieved 2010-01-11. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Cena's sixth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2010-02-25. Retrieved 2009-02-21. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Batista's second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2010-02-25. Retrieved 2009-02-21. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "John Cena's seventh reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2010-04-01. Retrieved 2010-03-28. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Sheamus' second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2010-06-25. Retrieved 2010-09-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Randy Orton's sixth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2010-09-24. Retrieved 2010-09-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "The Miz's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2010-12-08. Retrieved 2010-11-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "John Cena's eighth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2011-05-06. Retrieved 2011-05-24. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "CM Punk's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2011-10-07. Retrieved 2011-07-19. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Rey Mysterio's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2011-09-29. Retrieved 2011-07-25. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "John Cena's ninth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2011-10-07. Retrieved 2011-07-27. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ Woartman, James. "CM Punk def. John Cena; Alberto Del Rio cashed in Raw Money in the Bank briefcase (New Undisputed WWE Champion)". WWE. Retrieved 2011-08-14.
^ "Alberto Del Rio's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2011-10-07. Retrieved 2011-08-15. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "John Cena's tenth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2011-09-24. Retrieved 2011-09-19. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Alberto Del Rio's second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2011-10-06. Retrieved 2011-10-03. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "CM Punk's second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2011-11-24. Retrieved 2012-02-19. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "The Rock's eighth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2013-01-31. Retrieved 2013-01-28. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "John Cena's eleventh reign". WWE. Retrieved 2013-04-08.
^ "Daniel Bryan's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2013-08-22. Retrieved 2013-08-19. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Randy Orton's seventh reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2013-08-22. Retrieved 2013-09-16. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Daniel Bryan's second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2013-09-20. Retrieved 2013-09-16. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ Benigno, Anthony. "WWE COO Triple H stripped Daniel Bryan of the WWE Championship". Retrieved September 16, 2013.
^ "Randy Orton's eighth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on December 3, 2013. Retrieved October 27, 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Daniel Bryan's third reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2014-04-10. Retrieved 2014-04-06. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Stephanie McMahon strips Daniel Bryan of the WWE World Heavyweight Championship". WWE. Retrieved June 9, 2014.
^ "John Cena's twelfth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on July 12, 2014. Retrieved June 29, 2014. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Brock Lesnar's fourth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on August 20, 2014. Retrieved August 17, 2014. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Seth Rollins' first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved March 29, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Seth Rollins suffers knee injury, new WWE World Heavyweight Champion to be crowned at Survivor Series". WWE. November 5, 2015. Archived from the original on November 6, 2015. Retrieved November 5, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Roman Reigns' first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on November 23, 2015. Retrieved November 22, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Sheamus' third reign". WWE. Archived from the original on November 23, 2015. Retrieved November 22, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Roman Reigns' second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 17 December 2015. Retrieved 15 December 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Triple H's ninth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 25 January 2016. Retrieved 15 January 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ Caldwell, James. "4/3 WrestleMania 32 PPV Results – CALDWELL's Complete Live Report on Main PPV". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved April 3, 2016.
^ ^a ^b Caldwell, James. "6/19 WWE MITB PPV Results – CALDWELL's Complete Live Report". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved June 19, 2016.
^ "WWE Entertainment, Inc. Acquires WCW from Turner Broadcasting". WWE. 2001-03-21. Archived from the original on 2005-04-08. Retrieved 2008-10-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Finn Bálor def. Seth Rollins to become the first WWE Universal Champion". WWE. 2016-08-21. Retrieved 2016-08-23.
^ Caldwell, James. "9/11 WWE Backlash Results – CALDWELL'S Complete PPV Report". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved September 11, 2016.
^ Powell, Jason. "1/29 Powell's WWE Royal Rumble 2017 live review: AJ Styles vs. John Cena for the WWE Championship, Kevin Owens vs. Roman Reigns in a No DQ match for the WWE Universal Championship with Chris Jericho in a shark cage". Pro Wreslting Dot Net. Retrieved January 29, 2017.
^ Powell, Jason. "2/12 Powell's WWE Elimination Chamber 2017 live review: John Cena vs. AJ Styles vs. Dean Ambrose vs. The Miz vs. Baron Corbin vs. Bray Wyatt in an Elimination Chamber match for the WWE Championship". Pro Wreslting Dot Net. Retrieved February 12, 2017.
^ Powell, Jason. "Powell's WrestleMania 33 live review: Undertaker vs. Roman Reigns, Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar for the WWE Universal Championship, AJ Styles vs. Shane McMahon, Seth Rollins vs. Triple H in an unsanctioned match". Pro Wreslting Dot Net. Retrieved April 2, 2017.
^ Powell, Jason. "5/21 Powell's WWE Backlash Live Review: Randy Orton vs. Jinder Mahal for the WWE Championship, Kevin Owens vs. AJ Styles for the U.S. Championship, Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Dolph Ziggler". Pro Wreslting Dot Net. Retrieved May 21, 2017.

External links

[1] "WWE Entertainment, Inc. Acquires WCW from Turner Broadcasting". WWE. 2001-03-21. Archived from the original on 2005-04-08. Retrieved 2008-10-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Undisputed-2] "Chris Jericho Becomes First Undisputed Champion of Professional Wrestling". WWE. 2001-12-09. Archived from the original on 2006-01-17. Retrieved 2008-10-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[WWF3-3] "World Wrestling Federation Entertainment Drops The "F" To Emphasize the "E" for Entertainment". WWE. 2002-05-06. Archived from the original on 2005-03-21. Retrieved 2008-10-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[4] "WWE Entertainment To Make RAW and SmackDown Distinct Television Brands". WWE. 2002-03-27. Archived from the original on 2005-03-21. Retrieved 2008-10-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[5] "WWE Championship History". WrestleView. Retrieved 2008-10-17.

[6] "Retired Championships". WWE. Archived from the original on 2016-01-09. Retrieved 2015-11-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[7] Johnson, Mike. "Future of top WWE championship already hinted at". PWInsider.com. Retrieved 29 June 2016.

[WWEChampionshipDec2016-8] "WWE Championship". WWE. Archived from the original on December 14, 2016. Retrieved December 13, 2016.

[9] "WWE Championship Title History". WWE. Retrieved 2008-10-17.

[10] "Undertaker vs. Hulk Hogan for the WWE Championship". WWE. May 19, 2002. Archived from the original on February 24, 2007. Retrieved April 16, 2008. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[TitleDisputed-11] Nemer, Paul (2002-09-02). "Full WWE Raw Results – 9/2/02". WrestleView.com. Retrieved 2009-11-24.

[12] "WWE Championship". WWE. Archived from the original on 29 June 2016. Retrieved 29 June 2016.

[13] Fernandes, Steven (28 June 2016). "WWE Championship name change official, Bellas and more news". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved 29 June 2016.

[14] "WWE World Championship". WWE.com. Retrieved 26 July 2016.

[15] "Buddy Rogers". WWE. Retrieved November 15, 2016. So in 1961, when he dethroned Pat O'Connor for the NWA World Championship in Chicago's Comiskey Park [...]

[16] "1963". thehistoryofwwe.com. Retrieved November 15, 2016. - 1/25/63: The World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF) was formed when promoters in the Northeast refused to acknowledge Rogers' one-fall loss of the NWA championship. The real reason was that Vince McMahon Sr. wanted to keep Rogers on as his territory's champion since so much money was being made from his title run. Rogers continued to wrestle as the "world champion" in the Northeast region and was recognized as the "WWWF World Champion" starting in April.

[17] "1963". thehistoryofwwe.com. Retrieved November 15, 2016. World Champion Buddy Rogers defeated Bobo Brazil

[18] "1963". thehistoryofwwe.com. Retrieved November 15, 2016. WWWF World Champion Buddy Rogers fought Bruno Sammartino to a no contest; it was prior to this bout that Rogers received the WWWF World Title though he had been billed as 'world champion' since January

[19] "WWE World Championship". WWE. Retrieved November 15, 2016.

[Rogers1-20] "Buddy Rogers's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-08-28. Retrieved 2007-03-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Sammartino1-21] "Bruno Sammartino's first reign". WWE. Retrieved 2007-03-17.

[Koloff1-22] "Ivan Koloff's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-15. Retrieved 2011-07-15. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Morales1-23] "Pedro Morales's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-12-10. Retrieved 2007-03-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Stasiak1-24] "Stan Stasiak's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-12-10. Retrieved 2007-03-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Sammartino2-25] "Bruno Sammartino's second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-24. Retrieved 2007-03-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Graham1-26] "Billy Graham's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-24. Retrieved 2007-03-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Backlund1-27] "Bob Backlund's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-11-29. Retrieved 2007-03-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[BacklundBio-28] "Bob Backlund bio". WWE. Retrieved 2012-08-20.

[phantom-29] "WWWF/WWF/WWE Heavyweight Title History". The History of the WWE. Retrieved 2012-08-02.

[30] "WWE Championship Title History".

[Sheik1-31] "The Iron Sheik's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-12-31. Retrieved 2007-03-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Hogan1-32] "Hulk Hogan's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-06-24. Retrieved 2007-03-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Andre1-33] "Andre the Giant's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-06-24. Retrieved 2007-03-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Savage1-34] "Randy Savage's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-06-24. Retrieved 2007-03-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Hogan2-35] "Hulk Hogan's second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-06-24. Retrieved 2007-03-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Warrior1-36] "The Ultimate Warrior's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-03. Retrieved 2007-03-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Slaughter1-37] "Sgt. Slaughter's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-12-10. Retrieved 2007-03-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Hogan3-38] "Hulk Hogan's third reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-06-24. Retrieved 2007-03-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Undertaker1-39] "The Undertaker's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-06-24. Retrieved 2007-03-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Hogan4-40] "Hulk Hogan's fourth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-23. Retrieved 2007-03-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Flair1-41] "Ric Flair's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-23. Retrieved 2007-03-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Savage2-42] "Randy Savage's second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-12-10. Retrieved 2007-03-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Flair2-43] "Ric Flair's second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-17. Retrieved 2007-03-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Hart1-44] "Bret Hart's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-12-31. Retrieved 2007-03-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Yokozuna1-45] "Yokozuna's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-12-10. Retrieved 2007-03-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Hogan5-46] "Hulk Hogan's fifth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-19. Retrieved 2007-03-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Yokozuna2-47] "Yokozuna's second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-11-27. Retrieved 2007-03-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Hart2-48] "Bret Hart's second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-16. Retrieved 2007-03-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Backlund2-49] "Bob Backlund's second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-17. Retrieved 2007-03-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Kevin_Nash1-50] "Diesel's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-17. Retrieved 2007-03-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Hart3-51] "Bret Hart's third reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-17. Retrieved 2007-03-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[HBK1-52] "Shawn Michaels's reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-24. Retrieved 2007-03-21. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Sid1-53] "Sycho Sid's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-11-23. Retrieved 2007-03-21. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[HBK2-54] "Shawn Michaels's second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-06-23. Retrieved 2007-03-21. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Hart4-55] "Bret Hart's fourth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-19. Retrieved 2007-03-21. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Sid2-56] "Sycho Sid's second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-12-10. Retrieved 2007-03-21. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Undertaker2-57] "The Undertaker's second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-06-24. Retrieved 2007-03-21. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Hart5-58] "Bret Hart's fifth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-11-29. Retrieved 2007-03-21. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[HBK3-59] "Shawn Michaels's third reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-06-24. Retrieved 2007-03-21. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Austin1-60] "Steve Austin's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-24. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Kane1-61] "Kane's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-06-23. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Austin2-62] "Steve Austin's second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-06-23. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[63] "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2009-06-18. Retrieved 2008-08-25. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)

[Rock1-64] "The Rock's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-11-25. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Mankind1-65] "Mankind's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-11-29. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Rock2-66] "The Rock's second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-17. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Mankind2-67] "Mankind's second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-11-06. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Rock3-68] "The Rock's third reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-11-25. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Austin3-69] "Steve Austin's third reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-11-06. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Undertaker3-70] "The Undertaker's third reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-30. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Austin4-71] "Steve Austin's fourth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-11-29. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Mankind3-72] "Mankind's third reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-11-06. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[TripleH1-73] "Triple H's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-06-24. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[McMahon1-74] "Mr. McMahon's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-11-06. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[TripleH2-75] "Triple H's second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-17. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[BigShow1-76] "The Big Show's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-10-01. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[TripleH3-77] "Triple H's third reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-18. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Rock4-78] "The Rock's fourth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-11-30. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Triple_H-79] "WWE Championship - The Rock". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-11-30. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Rock5-80] "The Rock's fifth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-10-01. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Angle1-81] "Kurt Angle's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-09-24. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Rock6-82] "The Rock's sixth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-09-24. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Austin5-83] "Steve Austin's fifth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-10-01. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Angle2-84] "Kurt Angle's second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-18. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Austin6-85] "Steve Austin's sixth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2006-01-14. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Jericho1-86] "Chris Jericho's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-11-06. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[TripleH5-87] "Triple H's fifth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-06-24. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Hogan6-88] "Hulk Hogan's sixth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-06-24. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Undertaker4-89] "The Undertaker's fourth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-24. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Rock7-90] "The Rock's seventh reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-26. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Lesnar1-91] "Brock Lesnar's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-21. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[BigShow2-92] "The Big Show's second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-17. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Angle3-93] "Kurt Angle's third reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-18. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Lesnar2-94] "Brock Lesnar's second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-31. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Angle4-95] "Kurt Angle's fourth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-19. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Lesnar3-96] "Brock Lesnar's third reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-15. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Eddie1-97] "Eddie Guerrero's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-06-30. Retrieved 2007-03-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[98] Roopansingh, Jaya (2004-02-16). "Guerrero crowned at No Way Out". SLAM! Wrestling. Retrieved 2009-11-24.

[JBL1-99] "John "Bradshaw" Layfield's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-07-15. Retrieved 2007-03-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[100] Martin, Adam (2004-06-27). "WWE Great American Bash (SmackDown) PPV Results – 6/27/04". WrestleView. Retrieved 2009-11-24.

[Cena1-101] "John Cena's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2005-06-24. Retrieved 2007-03-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[102] Martin, Adam (2005-04-03). "WWE WrestleMania 21 PPV Results – 4/3/05 – Los Angeles, CA". WrestleView. Retrieved 2009-11-24.

[JTD1-103] "Edge's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2006-01-11. Retrieved 2007-03-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[104] Sokol, Chris (2006-01-09). "Edge surprise champ after Revolution". SLAM! Wrestling. Retrieved 2009-11-24.

[Cena2-105] "John Cena's second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2006-02-04. Retrieved 2007-03-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[106] Martin, Adam (2006-01-29). "Royal Rumble (RAW/SmackDown) PPV Results – 1/29/06 – Miami, FL". WrestleView. Retrieved 2009-11-24.

[RVD1-107] "Rob Van Dam's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2006-07-19. Retrieved 2007-03-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[108] Martin, Adam (2006-06-11). "ECW One Night Stand PPV Results – 6/11/06". WrestleView. Retrieved 2009-11-24.

[Edge2-109] "Edge's second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2006-07-05. Retrieved 2007-03-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[110] Plummer, Dave. "Raw: Edge wins WWE title". SLAM! Wrestling. Retrieved 2009-11-24.

[Cena3-111] "John Cena's third reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2012-05-09. Retrieved 2012-08-03. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[112] "Mr. McMahon vacates Cena's WWE Championship". WWE. 2007-10-02. Retrieved 2012-08-03.

[Orton1-113] "Randy Orton's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2007-10-11. Retrieved 2007-10-07. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[NoMercySun-114] "WWE title magic at No Mercy". The Sun. 2007-10-09. Archived from the original on 2007-10-11. Retrieved 2009-11-24. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[HHH6-115] "Triple H's sixth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2007-10-11. Retrieved 2007-10-07. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Orton2-116] "Randy Orton's second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2007-10-11. Retrieved 2007-10-07. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[HHH7-117] "Triple H's seventh reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2008-04-30. Retrieved 2008-04-28. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[118] Hillhouse, Dave. "HHH reigns again after Backlash". SLAM! Wrestling. Retrieved 2009-11-24.

[119] "Edge's third reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2008-12-04. Retrieved 2008-11-24. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[120] "Your new WWE champions..." The Sun. 2008-11-25. Archived from the original on 2008-12-10. Retrieved 2009-11-24. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[121] "Jeff Hardy's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2008-12-17. Retrieved 2008-12-15. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[122] Keller, Wade (2008-12-14). "Keller's WWE Armageddon PPV report 12/14: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live event – John Cena vs. Chris Jericho". PWTorch. Retrieved 2009-11-24.

[123] "Edge's fourth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2009-02-21. Retrieved 2009-01-26. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[124] Martin, Adam (2009-01-25). "Royal Rumble PPV Results – 1/25/09". WrestleView.com. Archived from the original on 2012-10-01. Retrieved 2011-01-04. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[125] "Triple H's eighth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2009-02-25. Retrieved 2009-04-26. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[126] Martin, Adam (2009-02-15). "WWE No Way Out Results – 2/15/09". WrestleView. Archived from the original on 2012-09-29. Retrieved 2011-01-04. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[127] "Orton's third reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2009-04-30. Retrieved 2009-04-27. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[128] Martin, Adam (2009-04-26). "Backlash PPV Results – 4/26/09". WrestleView. Archived from the original on 2012-10-01. Retrieved 2011-01-04. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[129] "Batista's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2009-06-11. Retrieved 2009-04-27. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[130] Martin, Adam (2009-06-07). "Extreme Rules PPV Results – 6/7/09". WrestleView. Archived from the original on 2012-10-01. Retrieved 2011-01-04. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Batistavacate-131] "Wounded Animal". WWE. 2009-06-09. Archived from the original on June 12, 2009. Retrieved 2009-06-09.

[132] "Orton's fourth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2009-06-19. Retrieved 2009-06-16. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[133] Golden, Hunter (2009-06-16). "Raw Results – 6/15/09". WrestleView. Archived from the original on 2012-10-01. Retrieved 2011-01-04. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[134] "Cena's fourth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2009-09-22. Retrieved 2009-09-13. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[135] Martin, Adam (2009-09-13). "Breaking Point PPV Results – 9/13/09". WrestleView. Archived from the original on 2012-10-01. Retrieved 2011-01-04. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[136] "Orton's fifth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2009-10-08. Retrieved 2009-10-25. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[137] Martin, Adam (2009-10-04). "Hell in a Cell PPV Results – 10/4/09". WrestleView. Archived from the original on 2012-09-28. Retrieved 2011-01-04. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[138] "Cena's fifth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2009-10-29. Retrieved 2009-10-25. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[139] Martin, Adam (2009-10-25). "Bragging Rights Results – 10/25/09". WrestleView. Archived from the original on 2012-10-01. Retrieved 2011-01-04. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[140] "Sheamus' first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2009-12-17. Retrieved 2009-12-14. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[141] Martin, Adam (2011-01-04). "WWE TLC PPV Results – 12/13/09". Wrestle View. Archived from the original on 2012-10-01. Retrieved 2010-01-11. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[142] "Cena's sixth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2010-02-25. Retrieved 2009-02-21. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[143] "Batista's second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2010-02-25. Retrieved 2009-02-21. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[144] "John Cena's seventh reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2010-04-01. Retrieved 2010-03-28. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[145] "Sheamus' second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2010-06-25. Retrieved 2010-09-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[146] "Randy Orton's sixth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2010-09-24. Retrieved 2010-09-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[147] "The Miz's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2010-12-08. Retrieved 2010-11-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[148] "John Cena's eighth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2011-05-06. Retrieved 2011-05-24. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[149] "CM Punk's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2011-10-07. Retrieved 2011-07-19. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[150] "Rey Mysterio's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2011-09-29. Retrieved 2011-07-25. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[151] "John Cena's ninth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2011-10-07. Retrieved 2011-07-27. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[152] Woartman, James. "CM Punk def. John Cena; Alberto Del Rio cashed in Raw Money in the Bank briefcase (New Undisputed WWE Champion)". WWE. Retrieved 2011-08-14.

[153] "Alberto Del Rio's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2011-10-07. Retrieved 2011-08-15. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[154] "John Cena's tenth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2011-09-24. Retrieved 2011-09-19. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[155] "Alberto Del Rio's second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2011-10-06. Retrieved 2011-10-03. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[156] "CM Punk's second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2011-11-24. Retrieved 2012-02-19. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[157] "The Rock's eighth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2013-01-31. Retrieved 2013-01-28. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[158] "John Cena's eleventh reign". WWE. Retrieved 2013-04-08.

[159] "Daniel Bryan's first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2013-08-22. Retrieved 2013-08-19. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[160] "Randy Orton's seventh reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2013-08-22. Retrieved 2013-09-16. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[161] "Daniel Bryan's second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2013-09-20. Retrieved 2013-09-16. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[162] Benigno, Anthony. "WWE COO Triple H stripped Daniel Bryan of the WWE Championship". Retrieved September 16, 2013.

[163] "Randy Orton's eighth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on December 3, 2013. Retrieved October 27, 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[164] "Daniel Bryan's third reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 2014-04-10. Retrieved 2014-04-06. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[165] "Stephanie McMahon strips Daniel Bryan of the WWE World Heavyweight Championship". WWE. Retrieved June 9, 2014.

[166] "John Cena's twelfth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on July 12, 2014. Retrieved June 29, 2014. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[167] "Brock Lesnar's fourth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on August 20, 2014. Retrieved August 17, 2014. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[168] "Seth Rollins' first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved March 29, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[169] "Seth Rollins suffers knee injury, new WWE World Heavyweight Champion to be crowned at Survivor Series". WWE. November 5, 2015. Archived from the original on November 6, 2015. Retrieved November 5, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[170] "Roman Reigns' first reign". WWE. Archived from the original on November 23, 2015. Retrieved November 22, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[171] "Sheamus' third reign". WWE. Archived from the original on November 23, 2015. Retrieved November 22, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[172] "Roman Reigns' second reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 17 December 2015. Retrieved 15 December 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[173] "Triple H's ninth reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 25 January 2016. Retrieved 15 January 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[WrestleMania32-174] Caldwell, James. "4/3 WrestleMania 32 PPV Results – CALDWELL's Complete Live Report on Main PPV". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved April 3, 2016.

[MITB16-175] Caldwell, James. "6/19 WWE MITB PPV Results – CALDWELL's Complete Live Report". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved June 19, 2016.

[176] "WWE Entertainment, Inc. Acquires WCW from Turner Broadcasting". WWE. 2001-03-21. Archived from the original on 2005-04-08. Retrieved 2008-10-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[BalorUniversal-177] "Finn Bálor def. Seth Rollins to become the first WWE Universal Champion". WWE. 2016-08-21. Retrieved 2016-08-23.

[Backlash2016-178] Caldwell, James. "9/11 WWE Backlash Results – CALDWELL'S Complete PPV Report". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved September 11, 2016.

[RR2017-179] Powell, Jason. "1/29 Powell's WWE Royal Rumble 2017 live review: AJ Styles vs. John Cena for the WWE Championship, Kevin Owens vs. Roman Reigns in a No DQ match for the WWE Universal Championship with Chris Jericho in a shark cage". Pro Wreslting Dot Net. Retrieved January 29, 2017.

[EC2017-180] Powell, Jason. "2/12 Powell's WWE Elimination Chamber 2017 live review: John Cena vs. AJ Styles vs. Dean Ambrose vs. The Miz vs. Baron Corbin vs. Bray Wyatt in an Elimination Chamber match for the WWE Championship". Pro Wreslting Dot Net. Retrieved February 12, 2017.

[WM33-181] Powell, Jason. "Powell's WrestleMania 33 live review: Undertaker vs. Roman Reigns, Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar for the WWE Universal Championship, AJ Styles vs. Shane McMahon, Seth Rollins vs. Triple H in an unsanctioned match". Pro Wreslting Dot Net. Retrieved April 2, 2017.

[Backlash2017-182] Powell, Jason. "5/21 Powell's WWE Backlash Live Review: Randy Orton vs. Jinder Mahal for the WWE Championship, Kevin Owens vs. AJ Styles for the U.S. Championship, Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Dolph Ziggler". Pro Wreslting Dot Net. Retrieved May 21, 2017.

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[9]

[10]

[11]

[12]

[13]

[14]

[15]

[16]

[17]

[18]

[19]

[20]

[21]

[22]

[23]

[24]

[25]

[26]

[27]

[28]

[29]

[30]

[31]

[32]

[33]

[34]

[35]

[36]

[37]

[38]

[39]

[40]

[41]

[42]

[43]

[44]

[45]

[46]

[47]

[48]

[49]

[50]

[51]

[52]

[53]

[54]

[55]

[56]

[57]

[58]

[59]

[60]

[61]

[62]

[63]

[64]

[65]

[66]

[67]

[68]

[69]

[70]

[71]

[72]

[73]

[74]

[75]

[76]

[77]

[78]

[79]

[80]

[81]

[82]

[83]

[84]

[85]

[86]

[87]

[88]

[89]

[90]

[91]

[92]

[93]

[94]

[95]

[96]

[97]

[98]

[99]

[100]

@@ Line 4: / Line 4: @@
 In 2001, it was [[championship unification|unified]] with the World Championship (formerly the [[WCW World Heavyweight Championship]]) following the WWF's [[buyout]] of [[World Championship Wrestling]] (WCW) and became the [[Undisputed championship|Undisputed WWF Championship]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2001/2001_03_23.jsp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050408044957/http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2001/2001_03_23.jsp |dead-url=yes |archive-date=2005-04-08 |title=WWE Entertainment, Inc. Acquires WCW from Turner Broadcasting |date=2001-03-21 |publisher=[[WWE]] |accessdate=2008-10-17 |df= }}</ref><ref name="Undisputed">{{cite web|url=http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2001/2001_12_09.jsp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060117113439/http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2001/2001_12_09.jsp |dead-url=yes |archive-date=2006-01-17 |title=Chris Jericho Becomes First Undisputed Champion of Professional Wrestling |date=2001-12-09 |publisher=[[WWE]] |accessdate=2008-10-17 |df= }}</ref> In 2002, the WWF was renamed World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and [[WWE brand extension|split its roster into two brands]], [[WWE Raw|Raw]] and [[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown]].<ref name="WWF3">{{cite web|url=http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2002/2002_05_06.jsp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050321172148/http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2002/2002_05_06.jsp |dead-url=yes |archive-date=2005-03-21 |title=World Wrestling Federation Entertainment Drops The "F" To Emphasize the "E" for Entertainment |date=2002-05-06 |publisher=[[WWE]] |accessdate=2008-10-17 |df= }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2002/2002_03_27.jsp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050321171233/http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2002/2002_03_27.jsp |dead-url=yes |archive-date=2005-03-21 |title=WWE Entertainment To Make RAW and SmackDown Distinct Television Brands |publisher=[[WWE]] |date=2002-03-27 |accessdate=2008-10-17 |df= }}</ref> The title, now renamed WWE Championship, was then designated to the SmackDown brand, while WWE established an alternate world title known as the [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE)|World Heavyweight Championship]] for the Raw brand. A third alternate world title, the [[ECW World Heavyweight Championship]], was reactivated for the [[ECW (WWE)|ECW]] brand in 2006. It was vacated and decommissioned when the ECW brand disbanded in 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/info/wwfworld.shtml|title=WWE Championship History|publisher=WrestleView|accessdate=2008-10-17}}</ref>
-When WWE Champion [[Randy Orton]] defeated World Heavyweight Champion [[John Cena]] at the [[TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs (2013)|TLC]] [[List of WWE pay-per-view events|pay-per-view]] on December 15, 2013, the World Heavyweight Championship was unified with the WWE Championship, resulting in the retiring of the former,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/retired-championships|title=Retired Championships|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2015-11-22}}</ref> and the renaming of the latter to the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. On June 27, 2016, the name was shortened back to the WWE Championship,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Johnson|first1=Mike|title=Future of top WWE championship already hinted at|url=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|website=PWInsider.com|accessdate=29 June 2016}}</ref> before assuming the WWE World Championship name on July 26, 2016, when the brand extension 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.<ref name="WWEChampionshipDec2016">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwe-championship|title=WWE Championship|publisher=[[WWE]]|accessdate=December 13, 2016|archivedate=December 14, 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161214011819/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwe-championship}}</ref>
+When WWE Champion [[Randy Orton]] defeated World Heavyweight Champion [[John Cena]] at the [[TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs (2013)|TLC]] [[List of WWE pay-per-view events|pay-per-view]] on December 15, 2013, the World Heavyweight Championship was unified with the WWE Championship, resulting in the retiring of the former,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/retired-championships|title=Retired Championships|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2015-11-22|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109092104/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/retired-championships|archivedate=2016-01-09|df=}}</ref> and the renaming of the latter to the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. On June 27, 2016, the name was shortened back to the WWE Championship,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Johnson|first1=Mike|title=Future of top WWE championship already hinted at|url=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|website=PWInsider.com|accessdate=29 June 2016}}</ref> before assuming the WWE World Championship name on July 26, 2016, when the brand extension 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.<ref name="WWEChampionshipDec2016">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwe-championship|title=WWE Championship|publisher=[[WWE]]|accessdate=December 13, 2016|archivedate=December 14, 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161214011819/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwe-championship}}</ref>
 The championship is generally contested in [[Professional wrestling match types|professional wrestling matches]], in which participants execute [[Screenplay|scripted]] finishes rather than contend in [[Competition#Sports|direct competition]]. Some reigns were held by champions using a [[ring name]], while others use their [[Personal name|real name]]. The first champion was [[Buddy Rogers (wrestler)|Buddy Rogers]], who won 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. The current champion is [[Jinder Mahal]], who is in his first reign. He won the championship by defeating [[Randy Orton]] at [[Backlash (2017)|Backlash]] in [[Rosemont, Illinois]] on May 21, 2017.
@@ Line 1,705: / Line 1,705: @@
 == External links ==
-* [http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwe-championship Official WWE Championship Title History]
+* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160629011310/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwe-championship Official WWE Championship Title History]
 * [http://www.wrestling-titles.com/wwe/wwe-h.html WWE Championship history at Wrestling Titles.com]

v t e WWE Champions
1960s	Buddy Rogers Bruno Sammartino
1970s	Ivan Koloff Pedro Morales Stan Stasiak "Superstar" Billy Graham Bob Backlund
1980s	The Iron Sheik Hulk Hogan André the Giant Randy Savage
1990s	The Ultimate Warrior Sgt. Slaughter The Undertaker Ric Flair Bret Hart Yokozuna Diesel Shawn Michaels Sycho Sid Stone Cold Steve Austin Kane The Rock Mankind Triple H Mr. McMahon Big Show
2000s	Kurt Angle Chris Jericho Brock Lesnar Eddie Guerrero John "Bradshaw" Layfield John Cena Edge Rob Van Dam Randy Orton Jeff Hardy Batista Sheamus
2010s	The Miz CM Punk Rey Mysterio Alberto Del Rio Daniel Bryan Seth Rollins Roman Reigns Dean Ambrose AJ Styles Bray Wyatt Jinder Mahal Kofi Kingston
2020s	Drew McIntyre Bobby Lashley Big E Cody Rhodes (current)