The WWE Universal Championship is one of the most prestigious titles in professional wrestling today. WWE introduced the title in 2016 to serve as the primary championship for its Raw brand, complementing the WWE Championship on SmackDown. Over the years, some of the biggest names in the industry have held the Universal Championship, establishing its reputation as a highly coveted prize and theglobespot.
The Birth of the WWE Universal Championship
On July 25, 2016, then-Raw General Manager Mick Foley and Commissioner Stephanie McMahon introduced the championship. WWE needed a new top-tier championship after the brand split, which made the WWE Championship exclusive to SmackDown. At SummerSlam 2016, Finn Bálor defeated Seth Rollins to become the first-ever Universal Champion. Unfortunately, Bálor relinquished the title the next day due to a shoulder injury, marking one of the shortest reigns in WWE history.
Notable Champions and Historic Reigns
Since its inception, some of WWE’s most dominant superstars have held the Universal Championship. Brock Lesnar’s reigns with the title solidified its significance, as he held the belt for a combined total of over 500 days. His battles against Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and other top-tier superstars helped elevate the championship’s prestige.
Roman Reigns’ reign, which began in August 2020, has arguably been the most influential in the championship’s history. As of today, he has held the title for over 1,000 days, making him the longest-reigning Universal Champion. WWE has compared his dominance to legendary reigns of past champions such as Bruno Sammartino and Hulk Hogan.
Design and Evolution
The WWE Universal Championship’s design has undergone minor changes since its introduction. The title originally featured a red strap to align with the Raw brand. In 2019, WWE changed its appearance to blue when it became exclusive to SmackDown. The championship features a large WWE logo at its center, much like the WWE Championship, but with a unique colored background to differentiate it.
Memorable Matches and Rivalries
Several legendary matches have taken place over the years for the Universal Championship. Some of the most notable encounters include:
- Finn Bálor vs. Seth Rollins (SummerSlam 2016)
- Brock Lesnar vs. Goldberg (WrestleMania 33)
- Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar (WrestleMania 38)
- Kevin Owens vs. Chris Jericho (Fastlane 2017)
- Bray Wyatt vs. Seth Rollins (Hell in a Cell 2019)
These matches not only showcased incredible in-ring action but also played a significant role in shaping the championship’s legacy.
The Future of the Universal Championship
With WWE constantly evolving, the Universal Championship’s future remains bright. The introduction of new talent and potential unification with the WWE Championship could change the landscape of professional wrestling. Whether the title remains separate or becomes part of a larger storyline, its significance in WWE history is undeniable.
