List of WWE champions - wikipedia List of WWE champions This article is about a list of wrestlers who have held the current WWE Championship. For a list of wrestlers who have held the now - retired `` World Heavyweight Championship '', see List of World Heavyweight Champions ( WWE ). For a list of current title holders in WWE, see List of current champions in WWE. Two - time and current champion AJ Styles The WWE Championship is a professional wrestling world heavyweight 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. In 2002, the WWF was renamed World Wrestling Entertainment ( WWE ) and split its roster into two brands, Raw and SmackDown. 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. 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 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 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. 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 AJ Styles, who is in his second reign. He won the championship by defeating Jinder Mahal on SmackDown in Manchester, England on November 7, 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. Contents 1 Title history 1.1 Names 1.2 Reigns 2 Combined reigns 3 References 4 External links 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 -- May 6, 2002 Undisputed WWE Championship May 6, 2002 -- May 19, 2002 WWE Undisputed Championship May 19, 2002 -- September 2, 2002 WWE Championship September 2, 2002 -- December 15, 2013 WWE World Heavyweight Championship December 15, 2013 -- June 27, 2016 WWE Championship June 27, 2016 -- July 25, 2016 WWE World Championship July 26, 2016 -- December 9, 2016 WWE Championship December 10, 2016 -- present Reigns As of August 29, 2018. Key No. The overall championship reign Reign The reign number for the specific champion listed Days The number of the days that the champion held the title for Days recog. The number of days that the promotion officially recognizes the champion as having held the title for † The championship change is not officially recognized by the promotion < 1 The reign lasted less than a day + The current reign is changing daily No. Champion Championship change Reign statistics Notes Ref. Date Event Location Reign Days Days recog. Buddy Rogers April 25, 1963 N / A Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 7001220000000000000 ♠ 22 7001220000000000000 ♠ 22 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. 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, but did not recognize him as the first ever WWWF World Heavyweight Champion until April 11. However, WWE.com lists Rogers ' reign and the establishment of the title beginning on April 25. Bruno Sammartino May 17, 1963 House show New York, NY 7003280300000000000 ♠ 2,803 7003280300000000000 ♠ 2,803 Ivan Koloff January 18, 1971 House show New York, NY 7001210000000000000 ♠ 21 7001210000000000000 ♠ 21 Pedro Morales February 8, 1971 House show New York, NY 7003102700000000000 ♠ 1,027 7003102700000000000 ♠ 1,027 The title was renamed the WWWF Heavyweight Championship when WWWF rejoined the NWA in 1971. 5 Stan Stasiak December 1, 1973 House show Philadelphia, PA 7000900000000000000 ♠ 9 7000900000000000000 ♠ 9 6 Bruno Sammartino December 10, 1973 House show New York, NY 7003123700000000000 ♠ 1,237 7003123700000000000 ♠ 1,237 7 Superstar Billy Graham April 30, 1977 House show Baltimore, MD 7002296000000000000 ♠ 296 7002296000000000000 ♠ 296 8 Bob Backlund February 20, 1978 House show New York, NY 7002648000000000000 ♠ 648 7003213500000000000 ♠ 2,135 The title was renamed the WWF Heavyweight Championship when the World Wide Wrestling Federation became the World Wrestling Federation in March 1979. † Antonio Inoki November 30, 1979 House show Tokushima, Japan 7000600000000000000 ♠ 6 -- -- Vacated December 6, 1979 House show Tokyo, Japan -- -- -- 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. † Bob Backlund December 17, 1979 House show New York City, NY 7003147000000000000 ♠ 1,470 -- 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. 9 The Iron Sheik December 26, 1983 House show New York City, NY 7001280000000000000 ♠ 28 7001290000000000000 ♠ 29 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 ended its affiliation with the NWA. 10 Hulk Hogan January 23, 1984 House show New York City, NY 7003147400000000000 ♠ 1,474 7003147400000000000 ♠ 1,474 11 André the Giant February 5, 1988 The Main Event I Indianapolis, IN < 1 < 1 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. -- Vacated February 5, 1988 The Main Event I Indianapolis, IN -- -- -- 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. 12 Randy Savage March 27, 1988 WrestleMania IV Atlantic City, NJ 7002371000000000000 ♠ 371 7002371000000000000 ♠ 371 Defeated Ted DiBiase in a tournament final to win the vacant title. 13 Hulk Hogan April 2, 1989 WrestleMania V Atlantic City, NJ 7002364000000000000 ♠ 364 7002364000000000000 ♠ 364 14 The Ultimate Warrior April 1, 1990 WrestleMania VI Toronto, ON 7002293000000000000 ♠ 293 7002293000000000000 ♠ 293 This was a title for title match, in which Warrior also defended the Intercontinental Championship. 15 Sgt. Slaughter January 19, 1991 Royal Rumble Miami, FL 7001640000000000000 ♠ 64 7001640000000000000 ♠ 64 16 Hulk Hogan March 24, 1991 WrestleMania VII Los Angeles, CA 7002248000000000000 ♠ 248 7002248000000000000 ♠ 248 17 The Undertaker November 27, 1991 Survivor Series Detroit, MI 7000600000000000000 ♠ 6 7000600000000000000 ♠ 6 18 Hulk Hogan December 3, 1991 This Tuesday in Texas San Antonio, TX 7000100000000000000 ♠ 1 7000100000000000000 ♠ 1 -- Vacated December 4, 1991 Superstars of Wrestling New Haven, CT -- -- -- 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. 19 Ric Flair January 19, 1992 Royal Rumble Albany, NY 7001770000000000000 ♠ 77 7001770000000000000 ♠ 77 This was the Royal Rumble match, in which Flair last eliminated Sid Justice to win the vacant title. 20 Randy Savage April 5, 1992 WrestleMania VIII Indianapolis, IN 7002149000000000000 ♠ 149 7002149000000000000 ♠ 149 21 Ric Flair September 1, 1992 Prime Time Wrestling Hershey, PA 7001410000000000000 ♠ 41 7001410000000000000 ♠ 41 Aired on tape delay on September 14, 1992. 22 Bret Hart October 12, 1992 House show Saskatoon, SK 7002174000000000000 ♠ 174 7002175000000000000 ♠ 175 23 Yokozuna April 4, 1993 WrestleMania IX Las Vegas, NV < 1 < 1 24 Hulk Hogan April 4, 1993 WrestleMania IX Las Vegas, NV 5 7001700000000000000 ♠ 70 7001700000000000000 ♠ 70 25 Yokozuna June 13, 1993 King of the Ring Dayton, OH 7002280000000000000 ♠ 280 7002280000000000000 ♠ 280 26 Bret Hart March 20, 1994 WrestleMania X New York City, NY 7002248000000000000 ♠ 248 7002248000000000000 ♠ 248 Roddy Piper was the guest referee. 27 Bob Backlund November 23, 1994 Survivor Series San Antonio, TX 2 ( 3 ) 7000300000000000000 ♠ 3 7000300000000000000 ♠ 3 This was a `` Throw in the Towel '' submission match. 28 Diesel November 26, 1994 House show New York City, NY 7002358000000000000 ♠ 358 7002358000000000000 ♠ 358 29 Bret Hart November 19, 1995 Survivor Series Landover, MD 7002133000000000000 ♠ 133 7002133000000000000 ♠ 133 This was a no disqualification match. 30 Shawn Michaels March 31, 1996 WrestleMania XII Anaheim, CA 7002231000000000000 ♠ 231 7002231000000000000 ♠ 231 This was a 60 - minute Iron Man match, in which Michaels won 1 -- 0 in overtime. 31 Sycho Sid November 17, 1996 Survivor Series New York City, NY 7001630000000000000 ♠ 63 7001630000000000000 ♠ 63 32 Shawn Michaels January 19, 1997 Royal Rumble San Antonio, TX 7001250000000000000 ♠ 25 7001250000000000000 ♠ 25 -- Vacated February 13, 1997 Raw Lowell, MA -- -- -- Shawn Michaels forfeited the title due to a knee injury. 33 Bret Hart February 16, 1997 In Your House 13 : Final Four Chattanooga, TN 7000100000000000000 ♠ 1 7000100000000000000 ♠ 1 This was a four - way elimination match for the vacant title also involving Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Undertaker, and Vader. 34 Sycho Sid February 17, 1997 Raw Nashville, TN 7001340000000000000 ♠ 34 7001340000000000000 ♠ 34 35 The Undertaker March 23, 1997 WrestleMania 13 Rosemont, IL 7002133000000000000 ♠ 133 7002133000000000000 ♠ 133 This was a no disqualification match. 36 Bret Hart August 3, 1997 SummerSlam East Rutherford, NJ 5 7001980000000000000 ♠ 98 7001980000000000000 ♠ 98 Shawn Michaels was guest referee. 37 Shawn Michaels November 9, 1997 Survivor Series Montreal, QC 7002140000000000000 ♠ 140 7002140000000000000 ♠ 140 This was the Montreal Screwjob. 38 Stone Cold Steve Austin March 29, 1998 WrestleMania XIV Boston, MA 7001910000000000000 ♠ 91 7001910000000000000 ♠ 91 Mike Tyson was the special outside enforcer. 39 Kane June 28, 1998 King of the Ring Pittsburgh, PA 7000100000000000000 ♠ 1 7000100000000000000 ♠ 1 This was a First Blood match. 40 Stone Cold Steve Austin June 29, 1998 Raw is War Cleveland, OH 7001900000000000000 ♠ 90 7001900000000000000 ♠ 90 The title was renamed the WWF Championship. -- Vacated September 27, 1998 Breakdown : In Your House Hamilton, ON -- -- -- 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. 41 The Rock November 15, 1998 Survivor Series St. Louis, MO 7001440000000000000 ♠ 44 7001500000000000000 ♠ 50 Defeated Mankind in the finals of a tournament for the vacant title in a recreation of the Montreal Screwjob. WWE recognizes The Rock 's reign as ending on January 4, 1999, when the following episode aired on tape delay. 42 Mankind December 29, 1998 Raw is War Worcester, MA 7001260000000000000 ♠ 26 7001200000000000000 ♠ 20 This was a no disqualification match. WWE recognizes Mankind 's reign as beginning on January 4, 1999, when the episode aired on tape delay. 43 The Rock January 24, 1999 Royal Rumble Anaheim, CA 7000200000000000000 ♠ 2 7000700000000000000 ♠ 7 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 reign as ending on January 31, 1999, when the following match aired on tape delay. 44 Mankind January 26, 1999 Halftime Heat Tucson, AZ 7001200000000000000 ♠ 20 7001150000000000000 ♠ 15 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 beginning on January 31. 45 The Rock February 15, 1999 Raw is War Birmingham, AL 7001410000000000000 ♠ 41 7001410000000000000 ♠ 41 This was a ladder match. 46 Stone Cold Steve Austin March 28, 1999 WrestleMania XV Philadelphia, PA 7001560000000000000 ♠ 56 7001560000000000000 ♠ 56 This was a no disqualification match with Mankind as guest referee. 47 The Undertaker May 23, 1999 Over the Edge Kansas City, MO 7001360000000000000 ♠ 36 7001360000000000000 ♠ 36 Both Vince McMahon and Shane McMahon were guest referees. 48 Stone Cold Steve Austin June 28, 1999 Raw is War Charlotte, NC 7001550000000000000 ♠ 55 7001550000000000000 ♠ 55 49 Mankind August 22, 1999 SummerSlam Minneapolis, MN 7000100000000000000 ♠ 1 7000100000000000000 ♠ 1 This was a triple threat match also involving Triple H. Jesse Ventura was guest referee. 50 Triple H August 23, 1999 Raw is War Ames, IA 7001220000000000000 ♠ 22 7001240000000000000 ♠ 24 Shane McMahon was guest referee. WWE recognizes Triple H 's reign as ending on September 16, 1999, when the following episode aired on tape delay. 51 Vince McMahon September 14, 1999 SmackDown ! Las Vegas, NV 7000600000000000000 ♠ 6 7000400000000000000 ♠ 4 Shane McMahon was guest referee. WWE recognizes Vince 's reign as beginning on September 16, 1999, when the episode aired on tape delay. -- Vacated September 20, 1999 Raw is War Houston, TX -- -- -- Vince McMahon vacated the title. 52 Triple H September 26, 1999 Unforgiven Charlotte, NC 7001490000000000000 ♠ 49 7001490000000000000 ♠ 49 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. 53 Big Show November 14, 1999 Survivor Series Detroit, MI 7001500000000000000 ♠ 50 7001500000000000000 ♠ 50 This was a triple threat match, also involving The Rock. 54 Triple H January 3, 2000 Raw is War Miami, FL 7002118000000000000 ♠ 118 7002118000000000000 ♠ 118 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. 55 The Rock April 30, 2000 Backlash Washington, D.C. 7001210000000000000 ♠ 21 7001210000000000000 ♠ 21 Shane McMahon was guest referee. 56 Triple H May 21, 2000 Judgment Day Louisville, KY 7001350000000000000 ♠ 35 7001350000000000000 ♠ 35 This was a 60 - minute Iron Man match, which Triple H won 6 -- 5 with Shawn Michaels as guest referee. 57 The Rock June 25, 2000 King of the Ring Boston, MA 5 7002119000000000000 ♠ 119 7002119000000000000 ♠ 119 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. 58 Kurt Angle October 22, 2000 No Mercy Albany, NY 7002126000000000000 ♠ 126 7002126000000000000 ♠ 126 This was a no disqualification match. 59 The Rock February 25, 2001 No Way Out Las Vegas, NV 6 7001350000000000000 ♠ 35 7001350000000000000 ♠ 35 After the WWF purchased World Championship Wrestling ( WCW ) in March 2001, the WCW Championship became a second concurrently active world championship in the WWF. 60 Stone Cold Steve Austin April 1, 2001 WrestleMania X-Seven Houston, TX 5 7002175000000000000 ♠ 175 7002176000000000000 ♠ 176 This was a no disqualification match. 61 Kurt Angle September 23, 2001 Unforgiven Pittsburgh, PA 7001150000000000000 ♠ 15 7001150000000000000 ♠ 15 62 Stone Cold Steve Austin October 8, 2001 Raw Indianapolis, IN 6 7001620000000000000 ♠ 62 7001620000000000000 ♠ 62 63 Chris Jericho December 9, 2001 Vengeance San Diego, CA 7001980000000000000 ♠ 98 7001980000000000000 ♠ 98 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. 64 Triple H March 17, 2002 WrestleMania X8 Toronto, ON 5 7001350000000000000 ♠ 35 7001350000000000000 ♠ 35 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. 65 Hollywood Hulk Hogan April 21, 2002 Backlash Kansas City, MO 6 7001280000000000000 ♠ 28 7001280000000000000 ♠ 28 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. 66 The Undertaker May 19, 2002 Judgment Day Nashville, TN 7001630000000000000 ♠ 63 7001630000000000000 ♠ 63 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. 67 The Rock July 21, 2002 Vengeance Detroit, MI 7 7001350000000000000 ♠ 35 7001350000000000000 ♠ 35 This was a triple threat match, also involving Kurt Angle. 68 Brock Lesnar August 25, 2002 SummerSlam Uniondale, NY 7001840000000000000 ♠ 84 7001840000000000000 ♠ 84 The 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. On September 2, 2002, the Undisputed Championship became the WWE Championship as it was no longer `` undisputed ''. 69 Big Show November 17, 2002 Survivor Series New York, NY 7001280000000000000 ♠ 28 7001280000000000000 ♠ 28 70 Kurt Angle December 15, 2002 Armageddon Sunrise, FL 7002105000000000000 ♠ 105 7002105000000000000 ♠ 105 71 Brock Lesnar March 30, 2003 WrestleMania XIX Seattle, WA 7002119000000000000 ♠ 119 7002119000000000000 ♠ 119 72 Kurt Angle July 27, 2003 Vengeance Denver, CO 7001510000000000000 ♠ 51 7001530000000000000 ♠ 53 This 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. 73 Brock Lesnar September 16, 2003 SmackDown ! Raleigh, NC 7002152000000000000 ♠ 152 7002151000000000000 ♠ 151 This was a 60 - minute Iron Man match. WWE recognizes Lesnar 's reign as beginning on September 18, 2003, when the episode aired on tape delay. 74 Eddie Guerrero February 15, 2004 No Way Out Daly City, CA 7002133000000000000 ♠ 133 7002133000000000000 ♠ 133 75 John Bradshaw Layfield June 27, 2004 The Great American Bash Norfolk, VA 7002280000000000000 ♠ 280 7002280000000000000 ♠ 280 This was a Texas Bullrope match. 76 John Cena April 3, 2005 WrestleMania 21 Los Angeles, CA 7002280000000000000 ♠ 280 7002280000000000000 ♠ 280 The title became exclusive to the Raw brand following the 2005 WWE draft lottery. 77 Edge January 8, 2006 New Year 's Revolution Albany, NY 7001210000000000000 ♠ 21 7001210000000000000 ♠ 21 Edge cashed in his Money in the Bank contract from WrestleMania 21 immediately after John Cena won an Elimination Chamber match. 78 John Cena January 29, 2006 Royal Rumble Miami, FL 7002133000000000000 ♠ 133 7002133000000000000 ♠ 133 79 Rob Van Dam June 11, 2006 ECW One Night Stand New York City, NY 7001220000000000000 ♠ 22 7001220000000000000 ♠ 22 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. 80 Edge July 3, 2006 Raw Philadelphia, PA 7001760000000000000 ♠ 76 7001760000000000000 ♠ 76 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. 81 John Cena September 17, 2006 Unforgiven Toronto, ON 7002380000000000000 ♠ 380 7002381000000000000 ♠ 381 This was a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match. -- Vacated October 2, 2007 ECW Dayton, OH -- -- -- Vacated when John Cena suffered a torn right pectoral tendon. 82 Randy Orton October 7, 2007 No Mercy Rosemont, IL < 1 < 1 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 it to Orton. 83 Triple H October 7, 2007 No Mercy Rosemont, IL 6 < 1 < 1 Defeated Randy Orton in the opening match after Vince McMahon accepted Triple H 's open challenge on Orton 's behalf. 84 Randy Orton October 7, 2007 No Mercy Rosemont, IL 7002203000000000000 ♠ 203 7002203000000000000 ♠ 203 Due to promising the match type, Vince McMahon made Triple H defend the title against Orton in a Last Man Standing match. 85 Triple H April 27, 2008 Backlash Baltimore, MD 7 7002210000000000000 ♠ 210 7002210000000000000 ♠ 210 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. 86 Edge November 23, 2008 Survivor Series Boston, MA 7001210000000000000 ♠ 21 7001210000000000000 ♠ 21 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. 87 Jeff Hardy December 14, 2008 Armageddon Buffalo, NY 7001420000000000000 ♠ 42 7001420000000000000 ♠ 42 This was a triple threat match, also involving Triple H. 88 Edge January 25, 2009 Royal Rumble Detroit, MI 7001210000000000000 ♠ 21 7001210000000000000 ♠ 21 This was a no - disqualification match. 89 Triple H February 15, 2009 No Way Out Seattle, WA 8 7001700000000000000 ♠ 70 7001690000000000000 ♠ 69 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. 90 Randy Orton April 26, 2009 Backlash Providence, RI 7001420000000000000 ♠ 42 7001420000000000000 ♠ 42 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. 91 Batista June 7, 2009 Extreme Rules New Orleans, LA 7000200000000000000 ♠ 2 7000200000000000000 ♠ 2 This was a steel cage match. -- Vacated June 9, 2009 -- -- -- -- -- Vacated when Batista suffered a torn left biceps. 92 Randy Orton June 15, 2009 Raw Charlotte, NC 7001900000000000000 ♠ 90 7001900000000000000 ♠ 90 This was a fatal four - way match for the vacant title also involving Triple H, John Cena, and Big Show. 93 John Cena September 13, 2009 Breaking Point Montreal, QC 7001210000000000000 ♠ 21 7001210000000000000 ♠ 21 This was an `` I Quit '' match. If anyone interfered on Randy Orton 's behalf, he would have forfeited the title. 94 Randy Orton October 4, 2009 Hell in a Cell Newark, NJ 5 7001210000000000000 ♠ 21 7001210000000000000 ♠ 21 This was a Hell in a Cell match. 95 John Cena October 25, 2009 Bragging Rights Pittsburgh, PA 5 7001490000000000000 ♠ 49 7001490000000000000 ♠ 49 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. 96 Sheamus December 13, 2009 TLC : Tables, Ladders & Chairs San Antonio, TX 7001700000000000000 ♠ 70 7001700000000000000 ♠ 70 This was a tables match. On February 16, 2010, the ECW brand was disbanded and the ECW Championship was deactivated. 97 John Cena February 21, 2010 Elimination Chamber St. Louis, MO 6 < 1 < 1 This was an Elimination Chamber match also involving Triple H, Randy Orton, Ted DiBiase, and Kofi Kingston. 98 Batista February 21, 2010 Elimination Chamber St. Louis, MO 7001350000000000000 ♠ 35 7001360000000000000 ♠ 36 Mr. McMahon granted SmackDown wrestler 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. 99 John Cena March 28, 2010 WrestleMania XXVI Glendale, AZ 7 7001840000000000000 ♠ 84 7001840000000000000 ♠ 84 100 Sheamus June 20, 2010 Fatal 4 - Way Uniondale, NY 7001910000000000000 ♠ 91 7001910000000000000 ♠ 91 This was a fatal four - way match also involving Edge and Randy Orton. 101 Randy Orton September 19, 2010 Night of Champions Rosemont, IL 6 7001640000000000000 ♠ 64 7001640000000000000 ♠ 64 This was a Six - Pack Elimination Challenge match also involving Edge, John Cena, Chris Jericho, and Wade Barrett. 102 The Miz November 22, 2010 Raw Orlando, FL 7002160000000000000 ♠ 160 7002159000000000000 ♠ 159 The Miz cashed in his Money in the Bank contract after Randy Orton had successfully defended the WWE Championship against Wade Barrett. 103 John Cena May 1, 2011 Extreme Rules Tampa, FL 8 7001770000000000000 ♠ 77 7001770000000000000 ♠ 77 This was a triple threat steel cage match also involving John Morrison. 104 CM Punk July 17, 2011 Money in the Bank Rosemont, IL 7001280000000000000 ♠ 28 7001280000000000000 ♠ 28 Punk ( kayfabe ) left 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. 105 Rey Mysterio ( and CM Punk ) July 25, 2011 Raw Hampton, VA ( 1 ) < 1 < 1 Defeated The Miz in a tournament final to crown a new champion. CM Punk was also recognized as WWE Champion. 106 John Cena ( and CM Punk ) July 25, 2011 Raw Hampton, VA 9 ( 1 ) 7001200000000000000 ♠ 20 7001200000000000000 ♠ 20 New Chief Operating Officer Triple H decreed that Rey Mysterio had to face former champion Cena. CM Punk was also recognized as WWE Champion. -- CM Punk August 14, 2011 SummerSlam Los Angeles, CA -- -- Punk defeated John Cena in a match to determine the undisputed champion. This is considered a continuation of Punk 's first reign. Triple H was guest referee. 107 Alberto Del Rio August 14, 2011 SummerSlam Los Angeles, CA 7001350000000000000 ♠ 35 7001350000000000000 ♠ 35 Del Rio 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. 108 John Cena September 18, 2011 Night of Champions Buffalo, NY 10 7001140000000000000 ♠ 14 7001140000000000000 ♠ 14 109 Alberto Del Rio October 2, 2011 Hell in a Cell New Orleans, LA 7001490000000000000 ♠ 49 7001490000000000000 ♠ 49 This was a triple threat Hell in a Cell match also involving CM Punk. 110 CM Punk November 20, 2011 Survivor Series New York City, NY 7002434000000000000 ♠ 434 7002435000000000000 ♠ 435 111 The Rock January 27, 2013 Royal Rumble Phoenix, AZ 8 7001700000000000000 ♠ 70 7001700000000000000 ♠ 70 CM Punk had initially won, but the match was then restarted by Mr. McMahon due to interference by The Shield. 112 John Cena April 7, 2013 WrestleMania 29 East Rutherford, NJ 11 7002133000000000000 ♠ 133 7002133000000000000 ♠ 133 113 Daniel Bryan August 18, 2013 SummerSlam Los Angeles, CA < 1 < 1 Triple H was guest referee. 114 Randy Orton August 18, 2013 SummerSlam Los Angeles, CA 7 7001280000000000000 ♠ 28 7001290000000000000 ♠ 29 Orton cashed in his Money in the Bank contract. Triple H was guest referee. 115 Daniel Bryan September 15, 2013 Night of Champions Detroit, MI 7000100000000000000 ♠ 1 7000100000000000000 ♠ 1 -- Vacated September 16, 2013 Raw Cleveland, OH -- -- -- 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. 116 Randy Orton October 27, 2013 Hell in a Cell Miami, FL 8 7002161000000000000 ♠ 161 7002161000000000000 ♠ 161 Orton defeated Daniel Bryan in a Hell in a Cell match for the vacant title with Shawn Michaels serving as guest referee. On December 15, 2013 at TLC, 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. 117 Daniel Bryan April 6, 2014 WrestleMania XXX New Orleans, LA 7001640000000000000 ♠ 64 7001640000000000000 ♠ 64 This was a triple threat match also involving Batista. -- Vacated June 9, 2014 Raw Minneapolis, MN -- -- -- Daniel Bryan was stripped of the title due to a neck injury. 118 John Cena June 29, 2014 Money in the Bank Boston, MA 12 7001490000000000000 ♠ 49 7001500000000000000 ♠ 50 This was a ladder match for the vacant title also involving Alberto Del Rio, Bray Wyatt, Cesaro, Kane, Randy Orton, Roman Reigns, and Sheamus. 119 Brock Lesnar August 17, 2014 SummerSlam Los Angeles, CA 7002224000000000000 ♠ 224 7002224000000000000 ♠ 224 120 Seth Rollins March 29, 2015 WrestleMania 31 Santa Clara, CA 7002220000000000000 ♠ 220 7002220000000000000 ♠ 220 Rollins cashed in his Money in the Bank contract during a singles match between Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns, making it a triple threat match and subsequently pinned Reigns. -- Vacated November 4, 2015 -- -- -- -- -- Vacated after Seth Rollins suffered a torn ACL, MCL, and a damaged meniscus at a live show in Dublin, Ireland. 121 Roman Reigns November 22, 2015 Survivor Series Atlanta, GA < 1 < 1 Defeated Dean Ambrose in a tournament final to win the vacant title. 122 Sheamus November 22, 2015 Survivor Series Atlanta, GA 7001220000000000000 ♠ 22 7001230000000000000 ♠ 23 Sheamus cashed in his Money in the Bank contract. 123 Roman Reigns December 14, 2015 Raw Philadelphia, PA 7001410000000000000 ♠ 41 7001410000000000000 ♠ 41 This was a title vs. career match. 124 Triple H January 24, 2016 Royal Rumble Orlando, FL 9 7001700000000000000 ♠ 70 7001700000000000000 ♠ 70 This was the Royal Rumble match in which Roman Reigns defended the title. Reigns was eliminated by Triple H, who lastly eliminated Dean Ambrose. 125 Roman Reigns April 3, 2016 WrestleMania 32 Arlington, TX 7001770000000000000 ♠ 77 7001770000000000000 ♠ 77 126 Seth Rollins June 19, 2016 Money in the Bank Las Vegas, NV < 1 < 1 127 Dean Ambrose June 19, 2016 Money in the Bank Las Vegas, NV 7001840000000000000 ♠ 84 7001840000000000000 ♠ 84 Ambrose cashed in his Money in the Bank contract and the title 's name reverted to WWE Championship. 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 renamed to WWE World Championship. 128 AJ Styles September 11, 2016 Backlash Richmond, VA 7002140000000000000 ♠ 140 7002140000000000000 ♠ 140 In December 2016, the title 's name was shortened back to WWE Championship. 129 John Cena January 29, 2017 Royal Rumble San Antonio, TX 13 7001140000000000000 ♠ 14 7001150000000000000 ♠ 15 130 Bray Wyatt February 12, 2017 Elimination Chamber Phoenix, AZ 7001490000000000000 ♠ 49 7001490000000000000 ♠ 49 This was an Elimination Chamber match also involving AJ Styles, Baron Corbin, Dean Ambrose, and The Miz. 131 Randy Orton April 2, 2017 WrestleMania 33 Orlando, FL 9 7001490000000000000 ♠ 49 7001500000000000000 ♠ 50 132 Jinder Mahal May 21, 2017 Backlash Rosemont, IL 7002170000000000000 ♠ 170 7002170000000000000 ♠ 170 133 AJ Styles November 7, 2017 SmackDown Live Manchester, England 7002295000000000000 ♠ 295 + 7002295000000000000 ♠ 295 + 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 August 29, 2018. † Indicates the current champion < 1 Indications reign was less than a day + Indicates reign is changing daily Rank Wrestler No. of reigns Combined days Combined days recognized by WWE Bruno Sammartino 4,040 Hulk Hogan 6 2,185 Bob Backlund 2,138 John Cena 13 1,254 1,257 5 Pedro Morales 1,027 6 Randy Orton 9 658 660 7 Bret Hart 5 654 655 8 Triple H 9 609 610 9 Brock Lesnar 579 578 10 Stone Cold Steve Austin 6 529 530 11 Randy Savage 520 12 CM Punk 462 463 13 AJ Styles † 435 + 14 Shawn Michaels 396 15 The Rock 8 367 378 16 Diesel 358 17 Kurt Angle 297 299 18 Superstar Billy Graham 296 19 The Ultimate Warrior 293 20 Yokozuna 280 John Bradshaw Layfield 280 22 The Undertaker 238 23 Seth Rollins 220 24 Sheamus 183 184 25 Jinder Mahal 170 26 The Miz 160 159 27 Edge 139 28 Eddie Guerrero 133 29 Roman Reigns 118 Ric Flair 118 31 Chris Jericho 98 32 Sycho Sid 97 33 Alberto Del Rio 84 Dean Ambrose 84 35 Big Show 78 36 Daniel Bryan 65 37 Sgt. Slaughter 64 38 Bray Wyatt 49 39 Mankind 47 36 40 Jeff Hardy 42 41 Batista 37 38 42 The Iron Sheik 28 29 43 Buddy Rogers 22 Rob Van Dam 22 45 Ivan Koloff 21 46 Stan Stasiak 9 47 Vince McMahon 6 -- Antonio Inoki 6 -- 48 Kane 49 Rey Mysterio < 1 André the Giant < 1 References Jump up ^ `` WWE Entertainment, Inc. Acquires WCW from Turner Broadcasting ''. WWE. 2001 - 03 - 21. Archived from the original on 2005 - 04 - 08. Retrieved 2008 - 10 - 17. ^ Jump up to : `` 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. ^ Jump up to : `` 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. Jump up ^ `` WWE Entertainment To Make RAW and SmackDown Distinct Television Brands ''. WWE. 2002 - 03 - 27. 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Jump up ^ 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. Jump up ^ 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. Jump up ^ Pappolla, Ryan ( November 7, 2017 ). `` AJ Styles def. Jinder Mahal to win the WWE Championship ''. WWE. Retrieved December 3, 2017. Jump up ^ Powell, Jason. `` 11 / 7 Barnett 's WWE SmackDown Live TV Review : Jinder Mahal vs. AJ Styles for the WWE Championship, The Usos vs. Shelton Benjamin and Chad Gable for the SmackDown Tag Titles, Becky Lynch vs. James Ellsworth ''. Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved November 7, 2017. Professional wrestling portal External links Official WWE Championship Title History WWE Championship history at Wrestling Titles.com Current championships in WWE Championships Raw Universal reigns Intercontinental reigns Women 's reigns Tag Team reigns Cruiserweight reigns SmackDown WWE reigns United States reigns Women 's reigns Tag Team reigns NXT NXT reigns North American reigns Women 's reigns Tag Team reigns NXT UK United Kingdom reigns Women 's reigns Accomplishments André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal WrestleMania Women 's Battle Royal Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Triple Crown Grand Slam King of the Ring Money in the Bank Royal Rumble Greatest Royal Rumble Slammy Award WWE tournaments Former championships WWE Champions Buddy Rogers Bruno Sammartino Ivan Koloff Pedro Morales Stan Stasiak Superstar Billy Graham Bob Backlund The Iron Sheik Hulk Hogan André the Giant Randy Savage 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 Vince McMahon Big Show Kurt Angle Chris Jericho Brock Lesnar Eddie Guerrero John `` Bradshaw '' Layfield John Cena Edge Rob Van Dam Randy Orton Jeff Hardy Batista Sheamus The Miz CM Punk Rey Mysterio Alberto Del Rio Daniel Bryan Seth Rollins Roman Reigns Dean Ambrose AJ Styles ( current ) Bray Wyatt Jinder Mahal Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_WWE_Champions&oldid=857055290 '' Categories : World heavyweight wrestling championships WWE championships Professional wrestling champion lists Hidden categories : Articles with hCards Featured lists Talk Contents About Wikipedia Español Français हिन्दी Bahasa Indonesia Nederlands Polski Português Русский Simple English Suomi ไทย Türkçe Українська 5 more Edit links This page was last edited on 29 August 2018, at 07 : 58 ( UTC ). 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Question: who has won the wwe title the most times
Answer: John Cena