WWE has a rich history of championships that have defined the careers of countless Superstars. Understanding the first-ever champions of these prestigious titles provides insight into the legacy of professional wrestling.
WWE Championship
The WWE Championship is the most prestigious title in WWE, first awarded to Buddy Rogers on April 25, 1963. Rogers defeated Antonino Rocca in a tournament final to become the inaugural champion, which at the time was called the WWWF Championship (although the lineage continues to the modern day WWE title).
This title has been held by legends such as Bruno Sammartino, Hulk Hogan, and “Stone Cold Steve Austin, who have each left an indelible mark on wrestling history.
Intercontinental Championship
Established in 1979, the Intercontinental Championship was first worn by Pat Patterson. This title has been synonymous with excellence, often regarded as a stepping stone to the WWE Championship.
Over the years, it has been held by iconic wrestlers like The Rock, Shawn Michaels, and Bret Hart, showcasing their skills and elevating their careers.
United States Championship
The United States Championship was introduced on January 1, 1975, with Harley Race as its first champion. Originally part of Jim Crockett Promotions as the NWA United States Heavyweight Championship, this title transitioned to WWE following its acquisition of WCW in 2001.
The championship has witnessed numerous memorable reigns and is currently a key title defended on SmackDown.
World Tag Team Championship
The World Tag Team Championship, created in 1971, has seen many legendary teams compete for glory. The inaugural champions were Crazy Luke Graham and Tarzan Tyler, who defeated Dick the Bruiser and The Sheik on June 3, 1971.
This title has evolved over time, with various teams like Edge & Christian, The Hardy Boyz and The Dudley Boyz making significant impacts in tag team wrestling history.
WWE Women’s Championship (1956–2010)
The first-ever Women’s Champion in WWE history was The Fabulous Moolah, who won the title on September 18, 1956. The company claims a lineage that dates back to that date, when The Fabulous Moolah became the third NWA World Women’s Champion.
Moolah held the championship for an impressive 28 years (as WWE does not recognise certain losses she had, although the NWA does) making her reign one of the longest in professional wrestling history. She was a trailblazer for women’s wrestling, competing against various opponents and helping to elevate the status of female wrestlers in the industry.
Divas Championship
The Divas Championship was introduced on July 6, 2008, with Michelle McCool as its inaugural champion. This title represented a significant shift in women’s wrestling, with the company supposedly focusing on showcasing female talent in WWE from that point on.
The Divas Championship was retired in favor of a renewed emphasis on women’s wrestling with the reintroduction of the Women’s Championship in 2016.
SmackDown Women’s Championship
The SmackDown Women’s Championship was introduced on September 11, 2016, with Becky Lynch as its first champion. This title has allowed female Superstars on SmackDown to showcase their talents and compete for championship glory.
Raw Women’s Championship
Similarly, the Raw Women’s Championship was also introduced in 2016 alongside the SmackDown title. The inaugural champion was Charlotte Flair, who won the title at WrestleMania 32. Both titles represent WWE’s commitment to promoting women’s wrestling and providing equal opportunities for female competitors.
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions
The inaugural WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions were Bayley and Sasha Banks, known as The Boss ‘n’ Hug Connection. They won the titles on February 17, 2019, during a tag team Elimination Chamber match at the Elimination Chamber event.
This match featured several high-profile teams at the time, including Nia Jax and Tamina, and The IIconics.
US Women’s Championship
Chelsea Green became the inaugural US Women’s Champion at Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 14th 2024, defeating Michin.
