List of WWE Champions

This is the title history of the WWE Championship. The title was introduced in 1963 by the then-World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF). It is recognized as the top championship in WWE.

The wrestler with the most reigns as WWE champion is John Cena with 14. Cena holds the most world championship reigns recognized by WWE at 17. The longest reigning champion is Bruno Sammartino, holding the championship for 7 years, 8 months, and 1 day from May 17, 1963, to January 18, 1971. The current champion is Drew McIntyre, who is in his third reign as champion.

 Title history 
As of  , 
† means that the title change was not recognized by WWE.
 #WrestlersReignDateDaysheldLocationEventNotesRef1Buddy Rogers1Rio de Janeiro, BrazilN/ARogers won a fictional tournament in Rio de Janeiro after the WWWF left the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). 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 ended their membership from the NWA to form the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF). The WWWF called 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 got the title belt. However, WWE lists Rogers' reign and the cration of the title beginning on April 25, 1963.2Bruno Sammartino1New York, NYHouse showBruno Sammartino faced off against the hated Buddy Rogers at Madison Square Garden. Sammartino used a dropkick, backbreaker and a crushing bear hug to become the champ. Sammartino would go on to defend his WWWF Championship for nearly eight years, which is a record that still stands today.3Ivan Koloff1Managed by Captain Lou Albano, the "Russian Bear" Ivan Koloff got a shot at Bruno Sammartino's WWWF Championship at Madison Square Garden, the same place that Sammartino won the title almost eight years before. Both Superstars were masters of the bear hug, but it was a knee drop from the top rope that gave Koloff the win. Although Koloff dethroned a champion that had held the title for nearly eight years, he would not be so lucky. Koloff's reign only lasted about three weeks.4Pedro Morales1The title was renamed WWWF Heavyweight Championship after WWWF rejoined the NWA in 1971.5Stan Stasiak1Philadelphia, PAMorales delivered a back suplex to Stasiak that went right into a pinning combination. Stasiak was able to get his arm up, while both of Morales' shoulders were on the mat. When the ref counted three, much to Morales' dismay, Stasiak's title reign began.6Bruno Sammartino2New York, NY7Billy Graham1Baltimore, MD|}8Bob Backlund1()†New York, NYBilly Graham, who was traditionally a rule breaker, had the rules broken on him for a change. Backlund had Graham in a pinned, but Graham got his foot on the ropes. The referee was out of position to see the champ's foot, though, and his hand hit the mat for the three count giving Backlund his first WWF Championship.

The title was renamed the WWF Heavyweight Championship after the World Wide Wrestling Federation became the World Wrestling Federation in March 1979.—Antonio Inoki1†Tokushima, JapanHis reign is not recognized by WWEVacated†——Inoki vacated the title after a rematch with Backlund ended in a no contest.Bob Backlund2†New York, NYBacklund defeated Bobby Duncum in a Texas Death match. During this reign a controversial ending to a match between Backlund and Greg Valentine took place on 10/19/81 at Madison Square Garden, where the dazed referee raised Valentine's arm in victory, thinking that it was Backlund, after the champion had scored the pinfall. A rematch was held at MSG on 11/23/81 with Backlund defeating Valentine. Backlund defended the belt in other arenas between the two matches taking place, indicating that he was still the recognized champion.9The Iron Sheik1New York, NYThe Iron Sheik won by forfeit after Backlund's manager Arnold Skaaland threw in the towel on his behalf to prevent any major injury as a result of Sheik's signature move "The Camel Clutch", but Backlund never officially submitted.10Hulk Hogan1Hogan overpowered The Iron Sheik and hit the big leg drop for his first WWF Championship.11André the Giant159
MinutesIndianapolis, INThe Main Event IDuring the match, Andre went for the pin, but Hogan got his shoulder up at the count of one. The referee continued to count, however, and awarded the match to Andre.
It was also revealed that Earl Hebner, who was said to have been refereeing the match, wasn't even in the ring. Instead, Ted DiBiase paid for another referee to have plastic surgery to look like Hebner so that he could guarantee Andre would win the WWF Championship. This is the shortest reign in the championship's history.—Vacated——Indianapolis, INThe Main Event IRight after he won the title from Hogan, André sold it to DiBiase; President Jack Tunney nullified this decision, and he vacated the title.12Randy Savage1Atlantic City, NJWrestleMania IVDuring the match, André went after Savage, which distracted the referee. This gave Hulk Hogan the opportunity to hit DiBiase with a chair, which then set up the flying elbow drop from Savage.
Savage defeated DiBiase in a tournament final to win the vacant title.13Hulk Hogan2WrestleMania V14The Ultimate Warrior1Toronto, ON, CanadaWrestleMania VIThis match was also for Warrior's WWF Intercontinental Championship, which was vacated shortly after this match.15Sgt. Slaughter1Miami, FLRoyal Rumble16Hulk Hogan3Los Angeles, CAWrestleMania VII17The Undertaker1Detroit, MISurvivor Series18Hulk Hogan4San Antonio, TXThis Tuesday in Texas—Vacated——N/AWWF Superstars of WrestlingHogan was stripped of the title by president Jack Tunney because of the controversy of the last two title changes. This aired December 7, 1991.19Ric Flair1Albany, NYRoyal RumbleHe won the Royal Rumble match by last eliminating Sid Justice.20Randy Savage2Indianapolis, INWrestleMania VIII21Ric Flair2Hershey, PAPrime Time WrestlingAired on September 14, 1992.22Bret Hart1Saskatoon, SKHouse show23Yokozuna1<1Las Vegas, NVWrestleMania IX24Hulk Hogan5Mr. Fuji had offered Hogan a match against Yokozuna and he offered to put the title on the line after Hogan had come down to help Hart, who had salt thrown in his eyes by Fuji during the match.25Yokozuna2Dayton, OHKing of the Ring26Bret Hart2New York, NYWrestleMania XRoddy Piper acted as the guest referee.27Bob Backlund2(3)†San Antonio, TXSurvivor SeriesThis was a "Throw in the Towel" submission match, where the only way to win was to have the opponent's cornerman throw a towel into the ring.28Diesel1New York, NYHouse show29Bret Hart3Landover, MDSurvivor SeriesThis was a no disqualification match.30Shawn Michaels1Anaheim, CAWrestleMania XIIThis was a 60-minute Iron Man match, which Michaels won in overtime after it ended in a 0–0 draw.31Sycho Sid1New York, NYSurvivor Series32Shawn Michaels2San Antonio, TXRoyal Rumble—Vacated——Lowell, MARawMichaels had to forfeit the title because of a knee injury.33Bret Hart4Chattanooga, TNIn Your House 13: Final FourThis match was a four-way elimination match also involving Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Undertaker and Vader.34Sycho Sid2Nashville, TNRaw35The Undertaker2Rosemont, ILWrestleMania 13This was a no disqualification match.36Bret Hart5East Rutherford, NJSummerSlamShawn Michaels acted as the guest referee.37Shawn Michaels3Montreal, QCSurvivor SeriesHe won the title in the Montreal Screwjob.38Stone Cold Steve Austin1Boston, MAWrestleMania XIVMike Tyson acted as the special outside enforcer.39Kane1Pittsburgh, PAKing of the RingThis was a first blood match.40Stone Cold Steve Austin2Cleveland, OHRaw is War—Vacated——Hamilton, ON, CanadaBreakdown: In Your HouseThe title was vacated after Kane and The Undertaker both pinned Austin in a triple threat match at the same time. Another match for the vacant title at Judgment Day: In Your House between Kane and The Undertaker ended in a no-contest.41The Rock1St. Louis, MOSurvivor SeriesThe Rock defeated Mankind in the finals of the Deadly Game tournament for the vacant title.42Mankind1Worcester, MARaw is WarThis match was a no-disqualification match. Aired on January 4, 1999.43The Rock2Anaheim, CARoyal RumbleThis was an "I Quit" match. The Rock won by knocking Mankind unconscious while someone backstage played an audio recording of Mankind saying "I quit" when The Rock held the microphone against his face.44Mankind2Tucson, AZHalftime HeatThis was an empty arena match which aired as a special during halftime of Super Bowl XXXIII on January 31, 1999.45The Rock3Birmingham, ALRaw is WarThis was a ladder match.46Stone Cold Steve Austin3Philadelphia, PAWrestleMania XVMankind acted as the guest referee in this no disqualification match.47The Undertaker3Kansas City, MOOver the EdgeBoth Shane and Mr. McMahon acted as the guest referees.48Stone Cold Steve Austin4Charlotte, NCRaw is War49Mankind3Minneapolis, MNSummerSlamThis was a triple threat match also involving Triple H, with Jesse Ventura acting as the guest referee.50Triple H1Ames, IARaw is WarShane McMahon acted as the guest referee.51Mr. McMahon1Las Vegas, NVSmackDownAired on September 16, 1999 with Shane McMahon acting as the guest referee.—Vacated——Houston, TXRaw is WarThe title was vacated by Mr. McMahon.52Triple H2Charlotte, NCUnforgivenThis was a Six-Pack Challenge match, also involving The Rock, Mankind, Big Show, The British Bulldog and Kane. Austin was the special outside enforcer.53Big Show1Detroit, MISurvivor SeriesThis was a triple threat match, also involving The Rock.54Triple H3Miami, FLRaw is WarOn April 17, 2000, Chris Jericho defeated Triple H for the WWF Championship after Earl Hebner fast-counted. Later in the night, Triple H forced Hebner to reverse the decision, which nullified Jericho's reign and continued Triple H's.55The Rock4Washington, D.C.BacklashShane McMahon acted as the guest referee.56Triple H4Louisville, KYJudgment DayThis was a 60-minute Iron Man match, which Triple H won 6–5 with Shawn Michaels acting as the guest referee.57The Rock5Boston, MAKing of the RingThis was a six-man tag team match between The Rock, The Undertaker and Kane vs. Triple H, Mr. McMahon and Shane McMahon. The Rock pinned Mr. McMahon to win Triple H's title.58Kurt Angle1Albany, NYNo MercyThis was a no disqualification match.59The Rock6Las Vegas, NVNo Way Out60Stone Cold Steve Austin5Houston, TXWrestleMania X-SevenThis was a no disqualification match.61Kurt Angle2Pittsburgh, PAUnforgiven62Stone Cold Steve Austin6Indianapolis, INRaw63Chris Jericho1San Diego, CAVengeanceEarlier that night, Jericho had already defeated WCW World Heavyweight Champion The Rock for that title. By defeating Austin for the WWF Championship, he unified both titles as the Undisputed Championship.64Triple H5Toronto, ONWrestleMania X865Hollywood Hulk Hogan6Kansas City, MOBacklashThe title was renamed the WWE Undisputed Championship on May 6, 2002 after World Wrestling Federation Entertainment, Inc. settled a lawsuit with the World Wide Fund for Nature, and it became simply World Wrestling Entertainment.66The Undertaker4Nashville, TNJudgment DayOn May 20, 2002, Rob Van Dam defeated The Undertaker for the title. Later in the night, Ric Flair restarted the match and Undertaker defeated him, which nullified Van Dam's reign and continued Undertaker's.67The Rock7Detroit, MIVengeanceThis was a triple threat match, also involving Kurt Angle.68Brock Lesnar1Uniondale, NYSummerSlamThe "Undisputed" was removed from the title's name after it became exclusive to the SmackDown! brand on September 2, 2002, which resulted in the creation of the World Heavyweight Championship for the Raw brand.69Big Show2New York, NYSurvivor Series70Kurt Angle3Sunrise, FLArmageddon71Brock Lesnar2Seattle, WAWrestleMania XIX72Kurt Angle4Denver, COVengeanceThis was a triple threat match, also involving Big Show.73Brock Lesnar3Raleigh, NCSmackDownThis was a 60-minute Iron Man match, that aired on September 18, 2003.74Eddie Guerrero1Daly City, CANo Way Out75John "Bradshaw" Layfield1Norfolk, VAThe Great American BashThis was a Texas Bullrope match.76John Cena1Los Angeles, CAWrestleMania 21The title became exclusive on the Raw brand on June 6, 2005 after Cena was drafted to Raw as the first pick in the 2005 Draft Lottery.77Edge1Albany, NYNew Year's RevolutionEdge cashed in his "Money in the Bank" contract that he won from WrestleMania 21 immediately after Cena won an Elimination Chamber match.78John Cena2Miami, FLRoyal Rumble79Rob Van Dam1New York, NYECW One Night StandRVD cashed in his Money in the Bank contract that he won at WrestleMania 22 in an Extreme Rules match. When RVD won, the title became property of the ECW brand. RVD became the first person to hold both the WWE and ECW World Championship.80Edge2Philadelphia, PARawThis was a triple threat match, also involving John Cena. The title became exclusive on the Raw brand.81John Cena3Toronto, ONUnforgivenThis was a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match.—Vacated——Dayton, OHECW on Sci FiThe title was vacated when Cena suffered a torn right pectoral tendon on the October 1 edition of Raw.82Randy Orton1<1Rosemont, ILNo MercyOrton was awarded the title by Mr. McMahon.83Triple H684Randy Orton2This was a Last Man Standing match.85Triple H7Baltimore, MDBacklashThis was a Fatal-Four Way Elimination match, also involving John Cena and JBL. The title became a SmackDown-exclusive title once again after Triple H was drafted there on June 23, 2008.86Edge3Boston, MASurvivor SeriesThis was a triple threat match, also involving Vladimir Kozlov. Jeff Hardy was originally scheduled to take part in the match, but he did not participate after he was (in storyline) attacked before to the event. Triple H and Kozlov started the match before Edge was revealed as Hardy's surprise replacement.87Jeff Hardy1Buffalo, NYArmageddonThis match was a triple threat match, also involving Triple H.88Edge4Detroit, MIRoyal RumbleThis was a no disqualification match.89Triple H8Seattle, WANo Way OutThis was an Elimination Chamber match, also involving Jeff Hardy, Vladimir Kozlov, The Undertaker and Big Show. The title became a Raw exclusive title once again after Triple H was drafted to Raw on April 13, 2009.90Randy Orton3Providence, RIBacklashThis was a six-man tag team match between Legacy (Orton, Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes) and Triple H, Shane McMahon and Batista, in which Orton would win the championship if his team won.91Batista1New Orleans, LAExtreme RulesThis was a steel cage match.92Randy Orton4Charlotte, NCRawThis match was a Fatal Four-Way match also involving Triple H, John Cena and Big Show.93John Cena4Montreal, QCBreaking PointThis was an "I Quit" match. If anyone would have interfered on Orton's behalf, he would have automatically lost the title.94Randy Orton5Newark, NJHell in a CellThis was a Hell in a Cell match.95John Cena5Pittsburgh, PABragging RightsThis was a 60-Minute Anything Goes Iron Man match in which Cena won 6-5. Has Cena lost, he would have been forced to leave the Raw brand.96Sheamus1San Antonio, TXTLC: Tables, Ladders & ChairsThis was a Tables match.97John Cena6<1St. Louis, MOElimination ChamberThis match was an Elimination Chamber match, also involving Triple H, Randy Orton, Ted DiBiase and Kofi Kingston.98Batista2Cena's celebration was interrupted by WWE Chairman Mr. McMahon. He said that Cena would be going to WrestleMania XXVI, only if he could beat Batista. McMahon then ordered Cena to face Batista in a previously unannounced match for the championship.99John Cena7Glendale, AZWrestleMania XXVI100Sheamus2Uniondale, NYFatal 4-WayThis was a Fatal Four-Way match also involving Edge and Randy Orton.101Randy Orton6Rosemont, ILNight of ChampionsThis was a Six-Pack Challenge Elimination match also involving Edge, John Cena, Chris Jericho and Wade Barrett.102The Miz1Orlando, FLRawThe Miz cashed in his Money in the Bank contract after Orton was successful in defending the WWE Championship against Barrett.103John Cena8Tampa, FLExtreme RulesThis was a triple threat steel cage match also involving John Morrison.104CM Punk1Rosemont, ILMoney in the BankPunk was scripted to leave WWE the day after with the championship. He returned on the July 25 episode of Raw; his reign was deemed to continue through this period.105Rey Mysterio(and CM Punk)1(1)<1Hampton, VARawMysterio defeated The Miz in the final of an eight-man tournament to crown a new champion. CM Punk was also the WWE Champion at this time.106John Cena(and CM Punk)9(1)CM Punk was also the WWE Champion at this time.—CM Punk1<1Los Angeles, CASummerSlamPunk defeated Cena in a match to determine who the undisputed champion was. This is considered a continuation of his first reign. Triple H acted as the  guest referee.107Alberto Del Rio1Los Angeles, CASummerSlamDel Rio cashed in his Money in the Bank contract and defeated CM Punk, who had just become the undisputed WWE Champion but was attacked by Kevin Nash after defeating Cena.108John Cena10Buffalo, NYNight of Champions109Alberto Del Rio2New Orleans, LAHell in a CellThis was a triple threat Hell in a Cell match also involving CM Punk.110CM Punk2New York, NYSurvivor Series111The Rock8Phoenix, AZRoyal RumblePunk originally won, but the match was restarted by Mr. McMahon because of interference by The Shield.112John Cena11East Rutherford, NJWrestleMania 29113Daniel Bryan1<1Los Angeles, CASummerSlamTriple H acted as the guest referee.114Randy Orton7Orton cashed in his Money in the Bank contract. Triple H, who attacked Bryan immediately before the match, acted as the special guest referee.115Daniel Bryan21Detroit, MINight of Champions -Vacated -September 16, 2013 -Cleveland, OHRawBryan was stripped of the title the night after Night of Champions by Triple H after referee Scott Armstrong said he had made a fast-count resulting in Bryan's win.116Randy Orton8Miami, FLHell in a CellHe defeated Daniel Bryan in a Hell in a Cell match for the vacant title with Shawn Michaels acting as the special guest referee.On December 15, 2013 at the TLC pay-per-view, when Orton defeated John Cena, he unified the World Heavyweight Championship with his WWE Championship.The title became known as the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.117Daniel Bryan3New Orleans, LAWrestleMania XXXThis was a Triple Threat match which also included Batista, whom Bryan made submit to win the title. -Vacated -June 9, 2014 -Minneapolis, MNRawBryan was stripped of the title after he injured his neck.118John Cena12Boston, MAMoney in the BankDefeated Alberto Del Rio, Bray Wyatt, Cesaro, Kane, Randy Orton, Roman Reigns, and Sheamus in a ladder match to win the vacant title.119Brock Lesnar4Los Angeles, CASummerSlam120Seth Rollins1220Santa Clara, CAWrestleMania 31Rollins cashed in his Money in the Bank during a singles match between Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns, making it a Triple Threat match. Rollins pinned Reigns to win the match.Vacated -November 4, 2015 -Dublin, IrelandWWE Live Event (house show)Title was vacated after Rollins tore his ACL, MCL, and medial meniscus in his knee121Roman Reigns1November 22, 2015<1Atlanta, GASurvivor SeriesDefeated Dean Ambrose in the tournament finals for the vacant WWE World Heavyweight Championship122Sheamus323Sheamus cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase.123Roman Reigns2December 14, 201541Philadelphia, PARawThis was a Title vs. Career match. Had Reigns lost the match, he would have been fired from WWE.124Triple H9January 24, 201670Orlando, FLRoyal RumbleTriple H won the Royal Rumble match by last eliminating Dean Ambrose to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Also, eliminated defending champion Roman Reigns.125Roman Reigns3April 3, 201677Arlington, TXWrestleMania 32126Seth Rollins2June 19, 2016<1Paradise, NVMoney in the Bank127Dean Ambrose184Ambrose cashed in the Money in the Bank briefcase he had won earlier that night.
On July 19, the championship became exclusive to the SmackDown brand after Ambrose was drafted there in the 2016 WWE draft. The title was also renamed back to "WWE Championship" and then "WWE World Championship" during this reign.128AJ Styles1September 11, 2016140Richmond, VABacklashIn December the title was renamed back to simply "WWE Championship"129John Cena13January 29, 201714San Antonio, TXRoyal RumbleCena became a 16-time world champion and became listed by WWE alongside Ric Flair as having the most world championships in professional wrestling.130Bray Wyatt1February 12, 201749Phoenix, AZElimination ChamberThis was an Elimination Chamber match, also involving Cena, AJ Styles, The Miz, Dean Ambrose and Baron Corbin.131Randy Orton9April 2, 201749Orlando, FLWrestleMania 33132Jinder Mahal1May 21, 2017170Rosemont, ILBacklashMahal pinned Orton to become the first ever WWE Champion of Indian descent at Backlash.
On August 15, Baron Corbin cashed in his Money In the Bank contract, however Mahal retained, resulting in a record for the shortest WWE Championship match at 6 seconds.133AJ Styles2November 7, 2017371Manchester, EnglandSmackDownThis was a title vs. career 3-on-1 handicap match, also involving The Singh Brothers as Mahal's tag team partners. This was the first time the WWE Championship changed hands in the UK.134Daniel Bryan4November 13, 2018145St. Louis, MOBryan introduced a new "eco-friendly" WWE Championship design.135Kofi Kingston1April 7, 2019180East Rutherford, NJWrestleMania 35 Kingston became the first African-born WWE Champion. The old design was brought back.136Brock Lesnar5October 4, 2019184Los Angeles, CASmackDownOn November 1, 2019, Lesnar quit SmackDown and went to Raw, taking the title with him.137Drew McIntyre1April 5, 2020214Orlando, FLWrestleMania 36 McIntyre became the first British WWE Champion. This match was taped on March 25, with WWE listing this reign as lasting 202 days.138Randy Orton10October 25, 202022Hell in a CellThis was a Hell in a Cell match.139Drew McIntyre2November 16, 202097RawThis was a no disqualification and no countout match.140The Miz2February 21, 20218St. Petersburg, FLElimination ChamberThis was Miz's Money in the Bank cash-in match.141Bobby Lashley1March 1, 2021196RawThis was a lumberjack match.142Big E1September 13, 2021110Boston, MAThis was Big E's Money in the Bank cash-in match.143Brock Lesnar6January 1, 202228Atlanta, GADay 1This was a fatal five-way match also involving Bobby Lashley, Kevin Owens, and Seth Rollins.144Bobby Lashley2January 29, 202221St. Louis, MORoyal Rumble145Brock Lesnar7February 19, 202243Jeddah, Saudi ArabiaElimination ChamberThis was an Elimination Chamber match, also involving AJ Styles, Austin Theory, Riddle and Seth Rollins.146Roman Reigns4April 3, 2022735Arlington, TXWrestleMania 38This was a Winner Takes All match in which Reigns also defended his Universal Championship. Both titles became listed together as the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. The title became exclusive to the SmackDown brand following the 2023 WWE Draft.147Cody Rhodes1April 7, 2024Philadelphia, PAWrestleMania XLThis was a Bloodline Rules match in which Reigns also defended the Universal Championship. Rhodes was drafted to SmackDown following his win. Both titles together were renamed to "Undisputed WWE Championship".148John Cena14April 20, 2025Paradise, NVWrestleMania 41149Cody Rhodes2August 3, 2025East Rutherford, NJSummerSlamThis was a Street Fight.1503January 9, 2026+Berlin, GermanySmackDownThis was a Three Stages of Hell match, where the three stages were: a regular singles match, a Falls Count Anywhere match, and a Steel cage match. McIntyre won the first and third falls.

List of combined reigns

As of  , .
+KeyRecRecognized by the promotion†Current champion; reign changing daily<1Reign was less than a day
RankChampionNo. of
reignsCombined daysActualRecognized
by WWE124,040262,185322,1212,1384  14 1,360 511,027648538557782382881068068595654109609605112  12652952813252014251115246216339617836737718 † 3 + +191358204297295211296221293232280128027925423823726222122027221721528421020929318318230118031117016932216816733413913534113313235211836111037198973829739284821848341278774216443149484434736451424146237364713621481284912221501215119——8—6521645311541<11<1

 References 

 Other websites 
 WWE Title History

Category:Lists of professional wrestlers
Category:World Wrestling Entertainment championships