The history of side-plates and how they came to be customizable

The Evolution of Championship Belt Side Plates and the Rise of Customization

The Origins of Championship Belt Side Plates

Championship belts have long been the centerpiece of professional wrestling, boxing, and mixed martial arts, symbolizing victory and prestige. While the main plate often steals the spotlight, the side plates carry their own fascinating history. Originally, side plates were designed purely as decorative extensions of the central plate. They showcased ornamental details, engravings, and logos that reflected the promotion’s brand identity.

In the early days of wrestling championships, belts were handcrafted with fixed designs. The central plate would feature the promotion name and championship title, while the side plates usually carried supporting motifs such as eagles, stars, or banners. Fans buying replica belts from trusted platforms like WWFBelt.com still admire these traditional designs because they represent the golden age of wrestling.

The 1980s and 1990s: Themed Side Plates

By the 1980s, when wrestling entered mainstream popularity, the creativity of belt designs grew. The WWF Winged Eagle Belt, carried by icons like Hulk Hogan and Bret Hart, featured elegant side plates with world globes and banners. While these plates were not customizable, they elevated the belt’s storytelling by reinforcing the concept of a “world championship.”

During the 1990s Attitude Era, belts such as the Smoking Skull Championship carried by “Stone Cold” Steve Austin showcased unique side plate imagery. However, these were one-off designs meant for specific wrestlers, not interchangeable parts. At the time, no one anticipated that fans and champions alike would one day have the ability to fully customize side plates to represent personal legacies.

The Shift to Personalization in the 2000s

As wrestling entered the 2000s, branding became increasingly tied to individual superstars. Promotions recognized the marketing value of connecting a championship directly to a champion’s persona. This led to the evolution of customizable side plates.

When WWE unveiled the WWE Championship belt design in 2013, one of its groundbreaking innovations was the removable side plates. Champions could now replace the default WWE logo plates with designs unique to their character. John Cena, Randy Orton, and Brock Lesnar were among the first to carry belts with personalized side plates, instantly elevating the prestige of the championship.

This innovation allowed promotions to maintain a consistent main plate while still making each reign feel unique. For fans, it created a deeper emotional connection, as they could own replicas featuring their favorite superstar’s side plates. Platforms like WWFBelt.com offer these variations, making customization a core part of belt collecting.

The Psychology of Custom Side Plates

The popularity of custom side plates stems from a combination of tradition and personal identity. Fans are drawn to the idea of “owning a piece of history,” but they also want something that feels personal. Custom plates let collectors:

1. Identify with their favorite wrestler by displaying their logos.

2. Showcase individuality by swapping designs.

3. Celebrate the uniqueness of every title reign.

Just as wrestlers see their names and logos engraved onto side plates as a symbol of legitimacy, fans experience a sense of pride when displaying replicas with their hero’s customization.

The Role of Technology in Customization

Modern belt production has embraced laser engraving and precision etching, making it easier to swap and design side plates. Collectors can now order plates with high-definition logos, color infills, and even 3D reliefs. Some companies experiment with interchangeable magnetic side plates, though rivets and screws remain the industry standard.

Why Custom Side Plates Changed Collecting Forever

Custom side plates not only gave champions a sense of individuality but also transformed the collector’s market. Fans are no longer limited to owning “one belt design.” Instead, they can curate a collection of belts with multiple side plates, displaying different eras and champions.

For instance, a fan might purchase a WWE Championship replica and collect side plates for Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and Becky Lynch. This approach offers variety without requiring multiple belts. It also makes side plates an affordable entry point for new collectors, as buying plates alone costs less than acquiring an entire belt.

Collectors and Display Options

Displaying belts with side plates has become an art form in itself. Many collectors build showcases where they rotate side plates based on preference. Some use belt stands or wall mounts, while others invest in full display cases. The growing trend of rotating plates reflects the demand for personalization in modern memorabilia collecting.

For guides on proper belt storage, cleaning, and display, collectors can explore helpful resources on WWFBelt.com, ensuring their investments stay pristine.

FAQs on Side Plates and Customization

1. When did WWE first introduce customizable side plates?
WWE introduced removable side plates with the 2013 WWE Championship redesign.

2. Can side plates from one belt fit on another?
Not always. Some belts share similar sizing, but designs are usually model-specific.

3. Are custom side plates sold separately from belts?
Yes, collectors can purchase official or replica plates independently.

4. How are side plates attached to belts?
They are typically secured with screws or rivets, making them easy to replace.

5. Do all wrestling promotions use customizable plates?
WWE popularized them, but AEW and other promotions still prefer fixed side plates.

6. Can fans create their own custom side plates?
Yes, with third-party engravers, though official plates are more authentic.

7. Are side plates made of real metal?
High-quality replicas feature zinc alloy or brass, often with gold or nickel plating.

8. How do collectors preserve the shine of side plates?
By using non-abrasive polishing cloths and proper storage conditions.

9. Do championship belts lose value without original side plates?
Yes, authenticity and complete sets increase a belt’s value.

10. Why do fans prefer customizable side plates?
They make each title reign personal and allow fans to feel closer to their favorite superstars.

Conclusion

The history of championship belt side plates reflects the evolution of wrestling itself—from traditional, fixed designs to personalized emblems of identity. Custom side plates turned championships into living symbols of individual legacies while giving fans the ability to connect more deeply with the wrestlers they admire. Whether you’re a casual fan or a serious collector, customizable side plates offer a blend of history, art, and personal pride.