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List of WWE Champions

The WWE Championship is a professional wrestling world heavyweight championship in WWE, currently defended on the SmackDown brand. It was the first world title established in WWE, at the time known as the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF), having been introduced in 1963 as the WWWF World Heavyweight Championship. The WWWF, a National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) territory, did not recognize Lou Thesz's victory over reigning NWA champion Buddy Rogers and sought to create its own world title upon exiting the body.[a] The WWWF rejoined the NWA in 1971; however, one of the caveats of rejoining is that the championship would no longer be recognised as a "world championship", and only as a regional heavyweight championship.[1] The promotion was renamed World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1979 and ended its affiliation with the (NWA) in 1983, with the title also renamed to reflect the changes; it regained its world championship status upon leaving the NWA. In 2001, it was unified with the World Championship and became the Undisputed WWF Championship.[2][3] In 2002, the WWF was renamed World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and split its roster into two brands, Raw and SmackDown.[4][5] The title, now renamed the WWE Championship, was then designated to the SmackDown brand while WWE established an alternate world title known as the World Heavyweight Championship for the Raw brand. A third alternate world title, the ECW World Heavyweight Championship, was reactivated for the ECW brand in 2006. It was vacated and decommissioned when the ECW brand disbanded in 2010.[6]

Current champion Cody Rhodes, who holds the title in tandem with the WWE Universal Championship as the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship

When WWE Champion Randy Orton defeated World Heavyweight Champion John Cena at the TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs pay-per-view event on December 15, 2013, in a Tables, ladders, and chairs match, the World Heavyweight Championship was unified with the WWE Championship, resulting in the retiring of the former,[7] as well as the renaming of the latter to the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. On June 27, 2016, the name was shortened back to the WWE Championship,[8] before assuming the WWE World Championship name on July 26, 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.[9] Since April 2022, the title has represented one-half of the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, with the other half represented by the Universal Championship, but both titles have retained their individual lineages. Under the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship moniker, the title was moved to SmackDown in the 2023 draft and Raw established a new World Heavyweight Championship as an alternative title.

The championship is generally contested in professional wrestling matches, in which participants execute scripted finishes rather than contend in direct competition. Some reigns were held by champions using a ring name while others use their real name. Cody Rhodes is the current champion in his first reign. He won the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship (WWE and Universal Championships) by defeating Roman Reigns in a Bloodline Rules match at WrestleMania XL Night 2 on April 7, 2024, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

As of April 26, 2024, there have been 147 recognized reigns between 55 recognized champions and 11 recognized vacancies (there are 4 reigns, 2 people, and 2 vacancies that are not recognized by the WWE). The first champion was Buddy Rogers, who was awarded the championship in 1963. The champion with the single longest reign is Bruno Sammartino with a reign of 2,803 days while the record for longest combined reign is also held by Sammartino at 4,040. John Cena has the most reigns with 13. Nine men in history have held the championship for a continuous reign of one year (365 days) or more: Bruno Sammartino (who achieved the feat on two occasions), Pedro Morales, Bob Backlund, Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, John Cena, CM Punk, AJ Styles, and Roman Reigns. Of those nine, four held the championship for a continuous reign of 1000 days or more: Bruno Sammartino (who achieved the feat on two occasions), Pedro Morales, Bob Backlund, and Hulk Hogan. [10]

Title history

Names

NameYears
WWWF World Heavyweight ChampionshipApril 25, 1963 – February 8, 1971
WWWF Heavyweight ChampionshipFebruary 8, 1971 – March 1, 1979
WWF Heavyweight ChampionshipMarch 1, 1979 – December 26, 1983
WWF World Heavyweight ChampionshipDecember 26, 1983 – May 27, 1989
WWF ChampionshipMay 27, 1989 – December 9, 2001
Undisputed WWF ChampionshipDecember 9, 2001[3] – May 6, 2002[4]
Undisputed WWE ChampionshipMay 6, 2002[4] – May 19, 2002[11]
WWE Undisputed ChampionshipMay 19, 2002[4] – September 2, 2002[12]
WWE ChampionshipSeptember 2, 2002[12] – December 15, 2013
WWE World Heavyweight ChampionshipDecember 15, 2013 – June 27, 2016
WWE ChampionshipJune 27, 2016[13][14] – July 24, 2016
WWE World ChampionshipJuly 25, 2016[15] – December 9, 2016
WWE ChampionshipDecember 10, 2016[9] – present
Undisputed WWE Universal Championship[b]April 3, 2022 – present

Reigns

As of April 26, 2024.

Key
No.Overall reign number
ReignReign number for the specific champion
DaysNumber of days held
Days recog.Number of days held recognized by the promotion
†Championship change is unrecognized by the promotion
<1Reign lasted less than a day
+Current reign is changing daily
No.ChampionChampionship changeReign statisticsNotesRef.
DateEventLocationReignDaysDays recog.
World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF)
1Buddy RogersApril 11, 1963Heavyweight WrestlingWashington, D.C.13621Awarded the title 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. After Rogers' one fall loss to Lou Thesz for the title on January 24, 1963, Northeast promoters (led by Vince McMahon Sr. and Toots Mondt) did not recognize this title change and withdrew their membership from the NWA to form the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF). The WWWF billed Rogers as their world champion since January 25, 1963, but it did not recognize him as the first ever WWWF World Heavyweight Champion until April 11, 1963, when he received the title belt. However, WWE lists Rogers' reign and the establishment of the title beginning on April 25, 1963.[16][17][18]
[19][20][21]
[22]
2Bruno SammartinoMay 17, 1963House showNew York, NY12,8032,803[23]
3Ivan KoloffJanuary 18, 1971House showNew York, NY12121[24]
4Pedro MoralesFebruary 8, 1971House showNew York, NY11,0271,027The title was renamed the WWWF Heavyweight Championship when the WWWF rejoined the NWA in 1971.[25]
National Wrestling Alliance: World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF)[c]
5Stan StasiakDecember 1, 1973House showPhiladelphia, PA199[26]
6Bruno SammartinoDecember 10, 1973House showNew York, NY21,2371,237[27]
7"Superstar" Billy GrahamApril 30, 1977House showBaltimore, MD1296296[28]
8Bob BacklundFebruary 20, 1978WWF on MSG NetworkNew York, NY16482,135The title was renamed the WWF Heavyweight Championship when the WWWF became the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in March 1979 for marketing purposes.[29][30][31]
National Wrestling Alliance: World Wrestling Federation (WWF)[d]
†Antonio InokiNovember 30, 1979Toukon SeriesTokushima, Japan—6—During the September 30, 2022, episode of SmackDown, while announcing the news of Inoki's death, commentator Corey Graves referred to Inoki as the first Japanese wrestler to hold the WWE Championship, but noted that due to the controversial nature of the championship match, his reign was never officially recognized.[17][32][33][34]
—VacatedDecember 6, 1979—Tokyo, Japan———Inoki immediately vacated the title after a title defense rematch with Bob Backlund ended in a no contest due to the interference of New Japan Pro-Wrestling's Tiger Jeet Singh.[17][32]
†Bob BacklundDecember 17, 1979WWF on MSG NetworkNew York, NY11,470—Defeated Bobby Duncum in a Texas deathmatch to fill the vacancy. On October 19, 1981, following a controversial match with Greg Valentine in Madison Square Garden, the title was vacated (recognized only in New York City) by the NY State Athletic Commission. Backlund defeated Valentine in a rematch in MSG on November 23, 1981, to end the vacancy. WWE recognizes this whole period as one uninterrupted reign.[17][32][35][36]
9The Iron SheikDecember 26, 1983WWF on MSG NetworkNew York, NY12828The 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 ended its affiliation with the NWA.[37][38]
World Wrestling Federation (WWF)
10Hulk HoganJanuary 23, 1984WWF on MSG NetworkNew York, NY11,4741,474[39]
11André the GiantFebruary 5, 1988The Main Event IIndianapolis, IN1<1<1Defeated Hulk Hogan when referee Earl Hebner, who was bribed by Ted DiBiase, scored the three-count despite Hogan raising his shoulder at the one-count.[40]
†Ted DiBiaseFebruary 5, 1988The Main Event IIndianapolis, IN18—Immediately after winning the title from Hulk Hogan, André the Giant handed the championship belt to Ted DiBiase, but WWF President Jack Tunney ruled this as vacating the title and therefore DiBiase's reign is not recognized by WWE, albeit he was announced as such in the following days and even defended the title once against Bam Bam Bigelow in a February 8, 1988 live event.[32][40]
—VacatedFebruary 13, 1988Superstars of WrestlingHershey, PA———WWF President Jack Tunney refused to recognize Ted DiBiase as champion and vacated the title. WWE recognizes the vacancy as starting on February 5, 1988, the date of the controversy, rather than the date in which the announcement was made in a video aired on tape delay on February 13, 1988.[32][40]
12Randy SavageMarch 27, 1988WrestleMania IVAtlantic City, NJ1371371Defeated Ted DiBiase in a tournament final to win the vacant title.[41]
13Hulk HoganApril 2, 1989WrestleMania VAtlantic City, NJ2364364The title was renamed the WWF Championship in May 1989.[42]
14The Ultimate WarriorApril 1, 1990WrestleMania VIToronto, ON, Canada1293293This was a title vs. title match in which Warrior also defended the Intercontinental Championship.[43]
15Sgt. SlaughterJanuary 19, 1991Royal RumbleMiami, FL16464[44]
16Hulk HoganMarch 24, 1991WrestleMania VIILos Angeles, CA3248248[45]
17The UndertakerNovember 27, 1991Survivor SeriesDetroit, MI166[46]
18Hulk HoganDecember 3, 1991This Tuesday in TexasSan Antonio, TX411[47]
—VacatedDecember 4, 1991Superstars of WrestlingNew Haven, CT———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.[47]
19Ric FlairJanuary 19, 1992Royal RumbleAlbany, NY17777This was the Royal Rumble match. Flair last eliminated Sid Justice to win the vacant title.[48]
20Randy SavageApril 5, 1992WrestleMania VIIIIndianapolis, IN2149149[49]
21Ric FlairSeptember 1, 1992Prime Time WrestlingHershey, PA24141Aired on tape delay on September 14, 1992.[50][51][52]
22Bret HartOctober 12, 1992House showSaskatoon, SK, Canada1174174[53]
23 YokozunaApril 4, 1993WrestleMania IXLas Vegas, NV1<1<1[54]
24Hulk HoganApril 4, 1993WrestleMania IXLas Vegas, NV57070After Yokozuna pinned Bret Hart to win the title, Yokozuna's manager, Mr. Fuji, issued an immediate challenge to Hogan for the championship. Hogan accepted and won the impromptu match.[55]
25 YokozunaJune 13, 1993King of the RingDayton, OH2280280[56]
26Bret HartMarch 20, 1994WrestleMania XNew York, NY2248248Roddy Piper was the guest referee.[57]
27Bob BacklundNovember 23, 1994Survivor SeriesSan Antonio, TX233This was a Throw in the Towel submission match.[58]
28 DieselNovember 26, 1994House showNew York, NY1358358This is the most recent title change on a non-televised event.[59]
29Bret HartNovember 19, 1995Survivor SeriesLandover, MD3133133This was a no disqualification match.[60]
30Shawn MichaelsMarch 31, 1996WrestleMania XIIAnaheim, CA1231231This was a 60-minute Iron Man match in which Michaels won 1–0 in overtime.[61]
31Sycho SidNovember 17, 1996Survivor SeriesNew York, NY16363[62]
32Shawn MichaelsJanuary 19, 1997Royal RumbleSan Antonio, TX22525[63]
—VacatedFebruary 13, 1997RawLowell, MA———Shawn Michaels forfeited the title due to a knee injury.[63]
33Bret HartFebruary 16, 1997In Your House 13: Final FourChattanooga, TN411This was a four corners elimination match for the vacant title also involving Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Undertaker, and Vader.[64]
34Sycho SidFebruary 17, 1997RawNashville, TN23434[65]
35The UndertakerMarch 23, 1997WrestleMania 13Rosemont, IL2133133This was a no disqualification match.[66]
36Bret HartAugust 3, 1997SummerSlamEast Rutherford, NJ59898Shawn Michaels was the guest referee.[67]
37Shawn MichaelsNovember 9, 1997Survivor SeriesMontreal, QC, Canada3140140This was the Montreal Screwjob.[68]
38Stone Cold Steve AustinMarch 29, 1998WrestleMania XIVBoston, MA19191Mike Tyson was the special outside enforcer.[69]
39 KaneJune 28, 1998King of the RingPittsburgh, PA111This was a First Blood match; had Kane lost, he would have set himself on fire.[70]
40Stone Cold Steve AustinJune 29, 1998RawCleveland, OH29090[71]
—VacatedSeptember 27, 1998Breakdown: In Your HouseHamilton, ON, Canada———The title was vacated after Kane and The Undertaker simultaneously pinned Steve Austin in a triple threat match.[72][71]
41The RockNovember 15, 1998Survivor SeriesSt. Louis, MO14450Defeated Mankind in the finals of the Deadly Game tournament in a recreation of the Montreal Screwjob to win the vacant title. WWE recognizes The Rock's reign as ending on January 4, 1999, when the following episode aired on tape delay.[73]
42 MankindDecember 29, 1998RawWorcester, MA12620This was a no disqualification match. WWE recognizes Mankind's reign as beginning on January 4, 1999, when the episode aired on tape delay.[74]
43The RockJanuary 24, 1999Royal RumbleAnaheim, CA227This was an "I quit" match which The Rock won by knocking Mankind unconscious while someone backstage, later revealed to be Shane McMahon, played an audio recording of Mankind saying "I quit" when The Rock placed the microphone against his face. WWE recognizes The Rock's reign as ending on January 31, 1999, when the following match aired on tape delay.[75]
44 MankindJanuary 26, 1999Halftime HeatTucson, AZ22015This was an Empty Arena match that aired on tape delay as a special during halftime of Super Bowl XXXIII on January 31, 1999, the date WWE recognizes as the beginning of Mankind's reign.[76]
45The RockFebruary 15, 1999RawBirmingham, AL34141This was a ladder match.[77]
46Stone Cold Steve AustinMarch 28, 1999WrestleMania XVPhiladelphia, PA35656This was a no disqualification match with Mankind as the guest referee.[78]
47The UndertakerMay 23, 1999Over the EdgeKansas City, MO33636Both Vince McMahon and Shane McMahon were the guest referees.[79]
48Stone Cold Steve AustinJune 28, 1999RawCharlotte, NC45555If The Undertaker had gotten himself disqualified, or if The Corporate Ministry interfered in the match he would have lost the championship.[80]
49 MankindAugust 22, 1999SummerSlamMinneapolis, MN311This was a triple threat match also involving Triple H. Jesse Ventura was the guest referee.[81]
50Triple HAugust 23, 1999RawAmes, IA12224Shane McMahon was the guest referee. WWE recognizes Triple H's reign as ending on September 16, 1999, when the following episode aired on tape delay.[82]
51Vince McMahonSeptember 14, 1999SmackDown!Las Vegas, NV164Shane McMahon was the guest referee. WWE recognizes Vince McMahon's reign as beginning on September 16, 1999, when the episode aired on tape delay.[83]
—VacatedSeptember 20, 1999RawHouston, TX———Vince McMahon vacated the title due to the Fully Loaded stipulation after losing his feud with Steve Austin, who defeated The Undertaker at the event and forced McMahon to no longer appear on WWF television.[83]
52Triple HSeptember 26, 1999UnforgivenCharlotte, NC24949This was a six-pack challenge for the vacant title, also involving Big Show, The British Bulldog, Kane, Mankind, and The Rock. Steve Austin was the special outside enforcer.[84]
53Big ShowNovember 14, 1999Survivor SeriesDetroit, MI15050This was a triple threat match also involving The Rock. Steve Austin had originally been scheduled to take part in the match, but he did not participate after being (in storyline) run over by a car in the parking garage earlier in the night and was replaced by Big Show.[85]
54Triple HJanuary 3, 2000RawMiami, FL3118117[86]
55The RockApril 30, 2000BacklashWashington, D.C.42120Shane McMahon was the guest referee.[87]
56Triple HMay 21, 2000Judgment DayLouisville, KY43534This was a 60-minute Iron Man match which Triple H won 6–5. Shawn Michaels was the guest referee.[88]
57The RockJune 25, 2000King of the RingBoston, MA5119118This was a six-man tag team match with Kane, The Rock, and The Undertaker vs. Triple H, Shane McMahon, and Vince McMahon. Pre-match stipulation stated if the team of The Rock, Kane and Undertaker won, whoever scored the fall would win the title. The Rock pinned Vince to win Triple H's title.[89]
58Kurt AngleOctober 22, 2000No MercyAlbany, NY1126125This was a no disqualification match.[90]
59The RockFebruary 25, 2001No Way OutLas Vegas, NV63534After the WWF purchased World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in March 2001, the WCW Championship became a second concurrently active world championship in the WWF. By November 2001, the WCW title was renamed to World Championship.[91]
60Stone Cold Steve AustinApril 1, 2001WrestleMania X-SevenHouston, TX5175175This was a no disqualification match.[92]
61Kurt AngleSeptember 23, 2001UnforgivenPittsburgh, PA21514[93]
62Stone Cold Steve AustinOctober 8, 2001RawIndianapolis, IN66261[94]
63Chris JerichoDecember 9, 2001VengeanceSan Diego, CA19897Earlier the same night, Jericho defeated World Champion The Rock for that title. By defeating Stone Cold Steve Austin for the WWF Championship, Jericho unified both titles to become the first-ever Undisputed WWF champion. The World Championship was retired while the WWF Championship became known as the Undisputed WWF Championship.[95]
64Triple HMarch 17, 2002WrestleMania X8Toronto, ON, Canada53534In 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, with the exception of the Undisputed WWF Championship and the WWF Women's Championship, which were non-exclusive at this time.[96]
65Hollywood Hulk HoganApril 21, 2002BacklashKansas City, MO62828After the WWF was renamed World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) due to a lawsuit by the World Wide Fund for Nature on May 6, 2002, the title was also renamed Undisputed WWE Championship and then WWE Undisputed Championship.[97]
World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)
66The UndertakerMay 19, 2002Judgment DayNashville, TN46362[98]
67The RockJuly 21, 2002VengeanceDetroit, MI73534This was a triple threat match also involving Kurt Angle who Rock pinned.[99]
68Brock LesnarAugust 25, 2002SummerSlamUniondale, NY18483The following night, Lesnar signed a deal to appear exclusively on the SmackDown brand, making the championship exclusive to the brand. The World Heavyweight Championship was then created for the Raw brand and awarded to Triple H, who was Lesnar's number one contender. On September 2, 2002, the WWE Undisputed Championship became the WWE Championship as it was no longer "undisputed".[100]
WWE: SmackDown
69Big ShowNovember 17, 2002Survivor SeriesNew York, NY22827[101]
70Kurt AngleDecember 15, 2002ArmageddonSunrise, FL3105104[102]
71Brock LesnarMarch 30, 2003WrestleMania XIXSeattle, WA2119118Had Angle been counted out, disqualified, or had anyone interfered on his behalf, he would have forfeited the title to Lesnar.[103]
72Kurt AngleJuly 27, 2003VengeanceDenver, CO45152This was a triple threat match also involving Big Show. WWE recognizes Angle's reign as ending on September 18, 2003, when the following episode aired on tape delay.[104]
73Brock LesnarSeptember 16, 2003SmackDown!Raleigh, NC3152150This was a 60-minute Iron Man match in which Lesnar won 5–4. WWE recognizes Lesnar's reign as beginning on September 18, 2003, when the episode aired on tape delay.[105]
74Eddie GuerreroFebruary 15, 2004No Way OutDaly City, CA1133132[106][107]
75John "Bradshaw" LayfieldJune 27, 2004The Great American BashNorfolk, VA1280279This was a Texas bullrope match.[108][109]
76John CenaApril 3, 2005WrestleMania 21Los Angeles, CA1280279The title became exclusive to the Raw brand following the 2005 WWE Draft Lottery.[110][111]
WWE: Raw
77 EdgeJanuary 8, 2006New Year's RevolutionAlbany, NY12120This was Edge's Money in the Bank cash-in match.[112][113]
78John CenaJanuary 29, 2006Royal RumbleMiami, FL2133132[114][115]
79Rob Van DamJune 11, 2006ECW One Night StandNew York, NY12221This was Van Dam's Money in the Bank cash-in match.
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, who became the only wrestler to ever hold both titles at the same time. The ECW Championship became a third concurrently active world championship in WWE.		[116][117]
WWE: ECW
80 EdgeJuly 3, 2006RawPhiladelphia, PA27675This 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 wrestler.		[118][119]
WWE: Raw
81John CenaSeptember 17, 2006UnforgivenToronto, ON, Canada3380380This was a Tables, Ladders and Chairs match.
Had John Cena lost, he would have had to leave the Raw brand.		[120]
—VacatedOctober 2, 2007ECWDayton, OH———The title was vacated when John Cena suffered a torn right pectoral tendon.[121]
82Randy OrtonOctober 7, 2007No MercyRosemont, IL1<1<1Orton was originally scheduled to have a Last Man Standing match against John Cena for the title, but due to Cena vacating the title due to a legit injury, Mr. McMahon awarded it to Orton at the start of the event, and was immediately challenged by Triple H.[122]
83Triple HOctober 7, 2007No MercyRosemont, IL6<1<1After winning the championship, Mr. McMahon would tell Triple H that his previously booked match against Umaga at that event would now be for the WWE Championship. After defeating Umaga, McMahon stated that Randy Orton was invoking his rematch clause and scheduled a rematch for the same night.[123]
84Randy OrtonOctober 7, 2007No MercyRosemont, IL2203202This was a Last Man Standing match.[124]
85Triple HApril 27, 2008BacklashBaltimore, MD7210209This 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.		[125][126]
WWE: SmackDown
86 EdgeNovember 23, 2008Survivor SeriesBoston, MA32120This was a triple threat match also involving Vladimir Kozlov. Jeff Hardy had originally been scheduled to take part in the match, but he 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.[127]
87Jeff HardyDecember 14, 2008ArmageddonBuffalo, NY14241This was a triple threat match also involving Triple H.[128][129]
88 EdgeJanuary 25, 2009Royal RumbleDetroit, MI42120This was a no disqualification match.[130][131]
89Triple HFebruary 15, 2009No Way OutSeattle, WA87069This was an Elimination Chamber match also involving Big Show, Jeff Hardy, The Undertaker, and Vladimir Kozlov. The title became exclusive to the Raw brand following the 2009 WWE Draft.[132][133]
WWE: Raw
90Randy OrtonApril 26, 2009BacklashProvidence, RI34241This was a six-man tag team match with The Legacy (Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, and Ted DiBiase) against Batista, Triple H, and Shane McMahon. Orton pinned Triple H to win the title.[134][135]
91 BatistaJune 7, 2009Extreme RulesNew Orleans, LA121This was a steel cage match.[136][137]
—VacatedJune 9, 2009—————The title was vacated when Batista suffered a torn left biceps.[138]
92Randy OrtonJune 15, 2009RawCharlotte, NC49089This was a fatal four-way match for the vacant title also involving Big Show, John Cena, and Triple H.[139][140]
93John CenaSeptember 13, 2009Breaking PointMontreal, QC, Canada42120This was an "I quit" match.
Had anyone interfered on Randy Orton's behalf, he would have forfeited the title.		[141][142]
94Randy OrtonOctober 4, 2009Hell in a CellNewark, NJ52120This was a Hell in a Cell match.[143][144]
95John CenaOctober 25, 2009Bragging RightsPittsburgh, PA54948This was a 60-minute Anything Goes Iron Man match in which Cena won 6–5.
Had Cena lost, he would have had to leave the Raw brand.		[145][146]
96 SheamusDecember 13, 2009TLC: Tables, Ladders & ChairsSan Antonio, TX17069This was a tables match.[147][148]
97John CenaFebruary 21, 2010Elimination ChamberSt. Louis, MO6<1<1This was an Elimination Chamber match also involving Kofi Kingston, Randy Orton, Ted DiBiase Jr., and Triple H.[149]
98 BatistaFebruary 21, 2010Elimination ChamberSt. Louis, MO23535Batista was transferred to the Raw brand after winning the title.[150]
99John CenaMarch 28, 2010WrestleMania XXVIGlendale, AZ78483[151]
100 SheamusJune 20, 2010Fatal 4-WayUniondale, NY29190This was a fatal four-way match also involving Edge and Randy Orton.[152]
101Randy OrtonSeptember 19, 2010Night of ChampionsRosemont, IL66463This was a six-pack elimination challenge also involving Chris Jericho, Edge, John Cena, and Wade Barrett, who decided to cash-in his title shot due to winning the first season of NXT.[153]
102The MizNovember 22, 2010RawOrlando, FL1160159This was Miz's Money in the Bank cash-in match.
In April 2011, WWE ceased using its full name with the "WWE" abbreviation becoming an orphaned initialism.		[154]
103John CenaMay 1, 2011Extreme RulesTampa, FL87776This was a triple threat steel cage match also involving John Morrison.[155]
104CM PunkJuly 17, 2011Money in the BankRosemont, IL12828Punk (kayfabe) left WWE the day after with the championship, but he returned on the July 25, 2011, episode of Raw and his reign was deemed to continue through this period.[156]
—VacatedJuly 18, 2011RawGreen Bay, WI———The title was vacated due to CM Punk "leaving" WWE.
This vacancy is no longer recognized due to Punk's return on the July 25, 2011, episode of Raw.		[32][157]
105Rey MysterioJuly 25, 2011RawHampton, VA1<1<1Defeated The Miz in a tournament final to crown a new champion.
CM Punk was also recognized as WWE Champion.		[158]
106John CenaJuly 25, 2011RawHampton, VA92019As the former champion prior to CM Punk, Cena was granted a title match against Rey Mysterio by Triple H.
Punk was also recognized as WWE Champion.		[159]
†CM PunkAugust 14, 2011SummerSlamLos Angeles, CA1——Punk defeated John Cena in a match to determine the undisputed champion.
Triple H was the guest referee.
This is considered a continuation of Punk's first reign.		[160]
107Alberto Del RioAugust 14, 2011SummerSlamLos Angeles, CA13534This was Del Rio's Money in the Bank cash-in match.
On August 29, 2011, the first brand extension ended, allowing the WWE Champion to appear on both Raw and SmackDown.		[161]
WWE (unbranded)
108John CenaSeptember 18, 2011Night of ChampionsBuffalo, NY101413[162]
109Alberto Del RioOctober 2, 2011Hell in a CellNew Orleans, LA24948This was a triple threat Hell in a Cell match also involving CM Punk who Del Rio pinned.[163]
110CM PunkNovember 20, 2011Survivor SeriesNew York, NY2434434[164]
111The Rock

January 27, 2013Royal RumblePhoenix, AZ87069CM Punk had initially won, but the match was restarted by Vince McMahon due to interference by The Shield (Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns, and Seth Rollins).[165]
112John CenaApril 7, 2013WrestleMania 29East Rutherford, NJ11133132[166]
113Daniel BryanAugust 18, 2013SummerSlamLos Angeles, CA1<1<1Triple H was the guest referee.[167]
114Randy OrtonAugust 18, 2013SummerSlamLos Angeles, CA72828This was Orton's Money in the Bank cash-in match.
Triple H was the guest referee.		[168]
115Daniel BryanSeptember 15, 2013Night of ChampionsDetroit, MI21<1[169]
—VacatedSeptember 16, 2013RawCleveland, OH———The title was vacated after a controversial finish when Daniel Bryan defeated Randy Orton to win the title.[170]
116Randy OrtonOctober 27, 2013Hell in a CellMiami, FL8161160Orton defeated Daniel Bryan in a Hell in a Cell match to win the vacant title with Shawn Michaels as the guest referee.
On December 15, 2013, at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs, Orton defeated John Cena in a Tables, Ladders and Chairs match to unify the World Heavyweight Championship with the WWE Championship. The World Heavyweight Championship was then retired and the WWE Championship became known as the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.		[171]
117Daniel BryanApril 6, 2014WrestleMania XXXNew Orleans, LA36463This was a triple threat match also involving Batista, whom Bryan forced to submit to win the match.[172]
—VacatedJune 9, 2014RawMinneapolis, MN———Daniel Bryan was stripped of the title due to a neck injury.[173]
118John CenaJune 29, 2014Money in the BankBoston, MA124949This was an eight-man ladder match for the vacant title also involving Alberto Del Rio, Bray Wyatt, Cesaro, Kane, Randy Orton, Roman Reigns, and Sheamus.[174]
119Brock LesnarAugust 17, 2014SummerSlamLos Angeles, CA4224223[175]
120Seth RollinsMarch 29, 2015WrestleMania 31Santa Clara, CA1221220This was Rollins's Money in the Bank cash-in match which was originally a singles match between Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns, but converted into a triple threat match after Rollins cashed-in his contract mid-match. Rollins pinned Reigns to win the match.[176]
—VacatedNovember 5, 2015—————The title was vacated after Seth Rollins suffered a torn ACL, MCL, and a damaged meniscus at a live event in Dublin, Ireland.[177]
121Roman ReignsNovember 22, 2015Survivor SeriesAtlanta, GA1<1<1Defeated Dean Ambrose in a tournament final to win the vacant title.[178]
122 SheamusNovember 22, 2015Survivor SeriesAtlanta, GA32222This was Sheamus's Money in the Bank cash-in match.[179]
123Roman ReignsDecember 14, 2015RawPhiladelphia, PA24140This was a title vs. career match.[180]
124Triple HJanuary 24, 2016Royal RumbleOrlando, FL97069This was the Royal Rumble match in which Roman Reigns defended the title and entered at number one. Triple H eliminated Reigns before lastly eliminating Dean Ambrose to win the title.[181]
125Roman ReignsApril 3, 2016WrestleMania 32Arlington, TX37776[182]
126Seth RollinsJune 19, 2016Money in the BankLas Vegas, NV2<1<1[183]
127Dean AmbroseJune 19, 2016Money in the BankLas Vegas, NV18483This was Ambrose's Money in the Bank cash-in match.
The title's name reverted to WWE Championship after Ambrose's win.
The brand extension returned and the title became exclusive to the SmackDown brand following the 2016 WWE Draft. The WWE Universal Championship was created for the Raw brand; the WWE Championship was then renamed to WWE World Championship.		[183]
WWE: SmackDown
128AJ StylesSeptember 11, 2016BacklashRichmond, VA1140140In December 2016, the title's name reverted to WWE Championship.[9][184]
129John CenaJanuary 29, 2017Royal RumbleSan Antonio, TX131414[185]
130Bray WyattFebruary 12, 2017Elimination ChamberPhoenix, AZ14948This was an Elimination Chamber match also involving AJ Styles, Baron Corbin, Dean Ambrose, and The Miz.[186]
131Randy OrtonApril 2, 2017WrestleMania 33Orlando, FL94949[187]
132Jinder MahalMay 21, 2017BacklashRosemont, IL1170169[188]
133AJ StylesNovember 7, 2017SmackDownManchester, England2371371[189][190]
134Daniel BryanNovember 13, 2018SmackDownSt. Louis, MO4145144[191]
135Kofi KingstonApril 7, 2019WrestleMania 35East Rutherford, NJ1180180[192]
136Brock LesnarOctober 4, 2019SmackDown's 20th AnniversaryLos Angeles, CA5173184On the November 1, 2019, episode of SmackDown, Lesnar quit SmackDown and went to Raw, taking the title with him.[193]
WWE: Raw
137Drew McIntyreMarch 25, 2020WrestleMania 36
Part 2		Orlando, FL1214202WrestleMania was taped on March 25 and 26,[194] and was unclear in which day the match took place. McIntyre confirmed in his memoir, A Chosen Destiny: My Story, that the WWE Championship match was taped on March 25.[195]
WWE recognizes this reign as beginning on April 5, 2020, when the match aired on tape delay.		[196]
138Randy OrtonOctober 25, 2020Hell in a CellOrlando, FL102222This was a Hell in a Cell match.[197]
139Drew McIntyreNovember 16, 2020RawOrlando, FL29796This was a no disqualification and no countout match.[198]
140The MizFebruary 21, 2021Elimination ChamberSt. Petersburg, FL288This was Miz's Money in the Bank cash-in match.[199]
141Bobby LashleyMarch 1, 2021RawSt. Petersburg, FL1196195This was a lumberjack match.[200]
142Big ESeptember 13, 2021RawBoston, MA1110110This was Big E's Money in the Bank cash-in match.
Big E was transferred to the Raw brand after winning the title.		[201]
143Brock LesnarJanuary 1, 2022Day 1Atlanta, GA62827This was a fatal five-way match also involving Bobby Lashley, Kevin Owens, and Seth Rollins.[202]
144Bobby LashleyJanuary 29, 2022Royal RumbleSt. Louis, MO22120[203]
145Brock LesnarFebruary 19, 2022Elimination ChamberJeddah, Saudi Arabia74343This was an Elimination Chamber match also involving AJ Styles, Austin Theory, Riddle, and Seth Rollins.[204]
WWE: SmackDown
146Roman ReignsApril 3, 2022WrestleMania 38
Night 2		Arlington, TX4735734This was a Winner Takes All match in which Reigns also defended the Universal Championship. Reigns subsequently became recognized as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.
The title became exclusive to the SmackDown brand following the 2023 WWE Draft. With Reigns holding both the WWE Championship and Universal Championship, a new World Heavyweight Championship was established for Raw.		[205]
147Cody RhodesApril 7, 2024WrestleMania XL
Night 2		Philadelphia, PA119+18+This was a Bloodline Rules match in which Reigns also defended the Universal Championship. Rhodes won the title as a member of the Raw brand and was subsequently transferred to SmackDown.[206]

Combined reigns

Two-time champion Bruno Sammartino, whose first reign is the longest reign at 2,803 days. He also has the longest combined reign at 4,040 days.
Record 13-time champion John Cena

As of April 26, 2024.

Key
RecRecognized by the promotion
†Current champion; reign changing daily
<1Reign was less than a day
RankChampionNo. of
reigns		Combined days
ActualRecognized
by WWE
1Bruno Sammartino24,040
2Hulk Hogan62,185
3Bob Backlund22,1212,138
4John Cena131,2541,245
5Pedro Morales11,027
6Roman Reigns4853850
7Brock Lesnar7823828
8Randy Orton10680674
9Bret Hart5654
10Triple H9609605
11Stone Cold Steve Austin6529528
12Randy Savage2520
13AJ Styles2511
14CM Punk2462
15Shawn Michaels3396
16The Rock8367373
17 Diesel1358
18Drew McIntyre2311298
19Kurt Angle4297295
20"Superstar" Billy Graham1296
21The Ultimate Warrior1293
22 Yokozuna2280
John "Bradshaw" Layfield1280279
24The Undertaker4238237
25Seth Rollins2221220
26Bobby Lashley2217215
27Daniel Bryan4210207
28 Sheamus3183181
29Kofi Kingston1180
30Jinder Mahal1170169
31The Miz2168167
32 Edge4139135
33Eddie Guerrero1133132
34Ric Flair2118
35Big E1110
36Chris Jericho19897
37Sycho Sid297
38Alberto Del Rio28482
Dean Ambrose18483
40Big Show27877
41Sgt. Slaughter164
42Bray Wyatt14948
43 Mankind34736
44Jeff Hardy14241
45Batista 23736
46Buddy Rogers13621
47The Iron Sheik128
48Rob Van Dam12221
49Ivan Koloff121
50Cody Rhodes †119+18+
51Stan Stasiak19
—Ted DiBiase—8—
—Antonio Inoki—6—
52Vince McMahon164
53 Kane11
54Rey Mysterio1<1
André the Giant1<1

See also

Notes

References

External links

Retrieved from "https:https://www.search.com.vn/wiki/index.php?lang=en&q=List_of_WWE_Champions&oldid=1220851634"
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