WWE Champions
The WWE Championship, one of the most prestigious titles in professional wrestling, has seen its fair share of historic moments, legendary champions, and unforgettable rivalries. From its creation in 1963 to the present day, the title has evolved along with the company itself, marking milestones and defining eras in the wrestling world. In this blog, we’ll take a detailed look at the key champions and title changes in the history of the WWE Championship from 1963 to the present.
1963 - 1970: The Creation of the WWE Championship and the Early Years
In 1963, the world of professional wrestling changed forever with the creation of the WWF World Heavyweight Championship (now known as the WWE Championship). On April 25, 1963, Buddy Rogers was crowned the first champion by Vincent J. McMahon, the president of the promotion at the time.
During this period, Bruno Sammartino emerged as one of the most dominant champions in WWE history. His 2,803-day reign from 1963 to 1971 remains the longest title reign in history, solidifying his place as the face of the company during its early years.
1970s: A Changing of the Guard and More Champions
By the 1970s, the promotion began to expand beyond the Northeast U.S., and new champions were introduced. In 1971, Pedro Morales won the title, becoming the first Hispanic WWE Champion. He held the championship for over 1,000 days, setting a new standard for championship reigns.
The era also saw Bob Backlund take over the title in 1978 with his monumental 2,135-day reign, which spanned much of the 1970s and early 1980s.
1980s: The Hulkamania Era and the Rise of New Superstars
The 1980s marked a revolutionary time in the history of the WWE Championship. On January 23, 1984, Hulk Hogan won the title from The Iron Sheik and ushered in the era of Hulkamania. Hogan became the face of the company and was integral to WWE's transition from a regional promotion to a global phenomenon.
Alongside Hogan’s reign, Randy “Macho Man” Savage became a key figure. Savage captured the WWE Championship in 1988 at WrestleMania IV, defeating Ted DiBiase in a tournament to claim the gold.
1990s: The Attitude Era and the Rise of Stone Cold Steve Austin
The 1990s ushered in the Attitude Era, which marked the beginning of a new generation of champions and the resurgence of the WWE Championship. The decade saw the rise of Stone Cold Steve Austin, who became one of the most iconic figures in WWE history.
In 1996, Austin won his first title and played a pivotal role in WWE’s battle with WCW during the Monday Night Wars. He eventually defeated Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania XIV in 1998 to capture the title, beginning the era of Austin 3:16 and cementing his legacy as one of the most influential champions of all time.
2000s: The Ruthless Aggression Era and John Cena's Dominance
The early 2000s saw the rise of new champions like Triple H and The Rock, both of whom had multiple reigns during this period. However, John Cena became the face of the company in the mid-2000s, winning his first WWE Championship in 2005 at WrestleMania 21. Cena’s charisma, work ethic, and star power helped shape WWE during the Ruthless Aggression Era.
Cena would go on to hold the title for multiple reigns over the years, solidifying himself as one of the most decorated champions in WWE history.
2010s: CM Punk, Brock Lesnar, and the Changing Landscape of WWE
In 2011, CM Punk made history with his dramatic Money in the Bank victory, taking the WWE Championship from John Cena and famously leaving the company with the belt. Punk’s reign was one of the most talked-about periods in WWE history, drawing attention and praise from fans and critics alike.
The era also saw Brock Lesnar return to WWE and dominate the championship scene. He defeated John Cena for the title at SummerSlam 2014, marking the start of his reign and his legendary matches, including the shocking defeat of The Undertaker at WrestleMania 30.
2020s: Roman Reigns and the Era of the Tribal Chief
As we entered the 2020s, Roman Reigns emerged as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, holding both the WWE Championship and Universal Championship. His reign, which began in 2020, has been one of the most dominant in WWE history, as he continues to hold both titles after unifying them at WrestleMania 38 in 2022. Reigns' time as Tribal Chief has cemented him as a modern icon, carrying WWE into a new era of dominance.
Key Champions and Milestones
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Buddy Rogers – First WWE Champion (1963)
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Bruno Sammartino – Longest title reign in history (1963-1971)
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Hulk Hogan – Face of WWE during the 1980s (1984-1990)
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Stone Cold Steve Austin – Icon of the Attitude Era (1996-2000)
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John Cena – Dominant force in the 2000s and 2010s (2005-2010s)
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Roman Reigns – Undisputed Champion of the 2020s (2020-Present)
FAQs about the WWE Championship
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Who was the first WWE Champion?
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The first WWE Champion was Buddy Rogers, crowned on April 25, 1963.
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What was the longest WWE Championship reign?
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The longest WWE Championship reign belongs to Bruno Sammartino, who held the title for an astounding 2,803 days from 1963 to 1971.
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Who ended Hulk Hogan’s first WWE Championship reign?
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Hulk Hogan lost his title to André the Giant in a controversial match at WrestleMania III in 1987, although Hogan regained it shortly afterward.
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Who is the current WWE Champion?
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As of 2025, Roman Reigns is the reigning Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, holding both the WWE Championship and Universal Championship.
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How many times has John Cena won the WWE Championship?
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John Cena has won the WWE Championship 13 times, making him one of the most decorated champions in WWE history.
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