Buddy Roberts
The first champions were The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy and Buddy Roberts), who won the championship on December 25, 1982 as part of WCCW's annual Christmas Star Wars show. For storyline purposes David Von Erich actually substituted for Buddy Roberts in the match, citing "travel difficulties". After winning the match Von Erich gave the belt to Buddy Roberts, which was part of a building storyline feud between the Freebird and The Von Erichs. The Von Erich/Freebird storyline feud played a major part in the history of the championship as various combinations of Freebirds and Von Erichs were involved in 17 of the 19 reigns. Michael Hayes, Kevin Von Erich and Kerry Von Erich were the last team to hold the championship as it was abandoned in 1988.