For the exciting and usually uncertain globe of professional wrestling, champion belts hold a importance that transcends mere embellishment. They are the best symbols of achievement, hard work, and supremacy within the squared circle. Amongst one of the most distinguished and historically rich titles in the market are the WWF Championship Belts, a lineage that goes back to the very structure of what is now called copyright. These belts have not only stood for the pinnacle of wrestling prowess but have actually also evolved in style and definition alongside the promotion itself, coming to be iconic artifacts cherished by fans worldwide.
The trip of the WWF Champion started in 1963 when the Globe Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF), the forerunner to the WWF and at some point copyright, was developed. Complying with a conflict with the National Fumbling Alliance (NWA), Northeast marketers developed their own banner and identified Pal Rogers as their inaugural WWWF World Heavyweight Champ on April 25, 1963. Surprisingly, some accounts suggest that Rogers was granted the WWWF title belt, which was an old United States title he already had, as a placeholder up until a brand-new layout could be developed.
Throughout the WWWF age (1963-1979), the champion belt underwent numerous versions, frequently coinciding with the tenures of its most famous holders. Bruno Sammartino, the legendary "Living Tale," held the title for an impressive mixed total amount of over 4,000 days throughout 2 reigns. Throughout his time, various layouts were seen, including one shaped like the contiguous United States, highlighting the regional roots of the promotion. Later, a much more typical style including two wrestlers grappling above an eagle ended up being associated with Sammartino's second power and the champions who followed him, such as " Super Star" Billy Graham and Bob Backlund.
The year 1979 noted a considerable change as the WWWF officially became the World Fumbling Federation (WWF). This rebranding would ultimately result in adjustments in the championship's name and look. In the very early 1980s, as the WWF began its ascent in the direction of becoming a worldwide phenomenon, a larger, eco-friendly natural leather belt with gigantic gold plates was presented. This style featured a wrestler holding a championship with the world behind him, absolutely declaring the holder as the " Entire world Champion." Notably, the side plates of this version noted the lineage of previous champs, a custom that recognized the title's rich history. This iconic belt was held by figures like Bob Backlund, The Iron Sheik, and, most famously, Hulk Hogan, who brought it throughout the "Hulkamania" age, a period of extraordinary mainstream success for the WWF.
The mid to late 1980s saw the introduction of what several think about one of the most beloved designs in battling history: the "Winged Eagle" championship. Debuting in early 1988, with Hunk Hogan as the very first owner, this style featured a marvelous eagle with outstretched wings as the centerpiece, flanked by smaller sized side plates. The "Winged Eagle" belt ended up being a symbol of excellence throughout the late 1980s "Rock 'n' Wrestling" period and well into the 1990s "New Generation" age. Iconic champions such as Randy Savage, The Ultimate Warrior, Bret " Gunman" Hart, and Shawn Michaels all proudly held this version of the title. The "Winged Eagle" even transitioned into the very early years of the " Perspective Period," with " Rock Cold" Steve Austin being the last permanent champion to wear it.
The " Perspective Period," which took off in popularity in the late 1990s, brought with it a more hostile and edgy aesthetic, shown in the WWF Champion design. In late 1998, the " Large Eagle" belt was introduced. This style included a bigger main plate with a famous WWF " scrape" logo design, symbolizing the business's contemporary identification. While keeping a feeling of stature, the " Huge Eagle" layout aligned with the defiant spirit of the period and was held by legendary numbers like "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, The Rock, and Mick Foley.
As the calendar turned to the brand-new centuries, the WWF undertook one more improvement, ending up being Globe Fumbling Amusement (copyright) in 2002. This era likewise saw the marriage of the WWF Champion with the copyright Champion ( gotten after copyright's acquisition wwf belts of Whole world Champion Fumbling). The " Undeniable" championship was represented by both the "Big Eagle" and the copyright's "Big Gold Belt" being held simultaneously. This marriage was temporary, as the re-established copyright divided its roster right into two brand names, Raw and copyright, bring about the development of a new Whole world Heavyweight Championship for the Raw brand name, while the original title became unique to copyright and was renamed the copyright Champion.
Since then, the copyright Champion has actually remained to develop in name and design. In the mid-2000s, John Cena presented the " Rewriter" belt, a controversial yet undeniably attention-grabbing layout including a huge copyright logo design that could spin. This reflected Cena's personality and attract a younger audience. Succeeding designs have intended to blend modern aesthetic appeals with a sense of history and prestige.
Over the last few years, especially given that April 2022, the copyright Champion has actually been protected along with the copyright Universal Championship as the Undisputed copyright Universal Championship, though both titles maintained their individual lineages. Originally represented by both belts, a single, unified style at some point arised, decorated with black diamonds and the holder's customized side plates. Since April 13, 2025, Cody Rhodes holds the Undeniable copyright Championship, having actually linked it after beating Roman Powers at copyright XL in 2024. Following his victory, copyright officially renamed the linked title to the Undeniable copyright Championship.
The WWF Championship Belts, throughout their different versions, have actually worked as greater than just prizes. They stand for traditions, ages, and the many stories informed within the fumbling ring. Each layout is fundamentally linked to the champs who held them and the durations they defined. From the timeless grandeur of the "Winged Eagle" to the vibrant statement of the " Rewriter" and the existing unified style, these belts are concrete items of battling history, quickly recognizable signs of success in the whole world of specialist fumbling. Their advancement mirrors the evolution of the firm itself, frequently adapting to the times while forever honoring the rich custom whereupon they were developed.