History of the world heavyweight championship

The Animal

Prior to Sept. 2, 2002, WWE recognized only one World Champion, and that champion represented both RAW and SmackDown! Just after SummerSlam, however, champion Brock Lesnar inked a deal to become exclusive to SmackDown!, leaving RAW without a champion. RAW General Manager Eric Bischoff then declared that since Lesnar had left for SmackDown!, that RAW needed its own champion. So with that, he opened a briefcase and pulled out the old WCW Championship and gave it to Triple H, naming him the first World Heavyweight Champion. Since that time, greats such as Shawn Michaels and Chris Benoit have staked claim to the prestigious championship.

CHAMPION	DEFEATED	LOCATION	DATE
Triple H	n/a	Milwaukee, WI	09-02-02
Shawn Michaels	Triple H	New York, NY	11-17-02
Triple H	Shawn Michaels	Fort Lauderdale, FL	12-15-02
Goldberg	Triple H	Hershey, PA	09-21-03
Triple H	Goldberg	Orlando, FL	12-14-03
Chris Benoit	Triple H	New York, NY	03-14-04
Randy Orton	Chris Benoit	Toronto, Ontario	08-15-04
Triple H	Randy Orton	Portland, OR	09-12-04
Triple H	n/a	Puerto Rico	01-09-05
Batista	Triple H	Los Angeles, CA	04-03-05

Credit:WWE.com

Unleash The Animal!

Bouchie

Yes. The belt I like to call WCW trash.

IRALB

No no, tis a gorgeous belt.

Bouchie

It's a novelty belt. I think the Hardcore title held more prestige.

IRALB

As far looks go, this is what a World's Heavyweight Championship title belt should look like. All gold and pretty.

AudioSavior

I love that belt. I like the whole gold solid gold look to it and think it is one of the best looking belts ever. If I were to ever want a belt, I would want that one.

Bouchie

I always liked the WWE's belts better than any other promotion. Except, of course, for Cena's stupid thing. That belt that Triple H was "given" was 20 minutes away from being sold on ebay.

AudioSavior

It is origianl and I can't think of a belt like it existing in any sport. It is also one most used when pro athletes wear a mock belt.