WWE Universal Championship
The WWE Universal Championship is a men's professional wrestling world heavyweight championship created and promoted by the American promotion WWE, defended on the SmackDown brand division. Since April 2022, the title has been jointly held and defended with the WWE Championship as the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, but both titles have maintained their individual lineages. It is one of three world titles in WWE, alongside its companion WWE Championship on SmackDown, and the World Heavyweight Championship on Raw. The current champion is Cody Rhodes, who is in his first reign. He won the undisputed championship by defeating previous champion Roman Reigns in a Bloodline Rules match at WrestleMania XL Night 2 on April 7, 2024.
The inaugural WWE Universal Champion Finn Bálor
Two-time champion Roman Reigns in his first reign with the original Raw version of the championship belt used from 2016 to 2019
Roman Reigns with the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship belt (2023–present), which represents both the Universal and WWE Championships. He became undisputed champion during his second Universal Championship reign, which is the longest reign for the title at 1,316 days and the fourth longest world championship reign in WWE history.
Current champion Cody Rhodes, who holds the title in tandem with the WWE Championship as the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship
World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) is an American professional wrestling promotion. It is owned and operated by TKO Group Holdings, a majority-owned subsidiary of Endeavor Group Holdings. A global integrated media and entertainment company, WWE has also branched out into fields outside of wrestling, including film, football, and various other business ventures. The company is additionally involved in licensing its intellectual property to companies to produce video games and action figures.
Vincent J. McMahon with Verne Gagne and Bruno Sammartino in 1975
Hulk Hogan, pictured in 1989, was the WWF's top star during the 1980s professional wrestling boom.
Shawn Michaels became one of the biggest star in WWF during this time, since an iconic ladder match at WrestleMania X.
Stone Cold Steve Austin rivalry with Vince McMahon is often cited as having turned the tides for WWF in the Monday Night War against rival promotion WCW.