The WWE Universe witnessed a momentous shift in 2016 when the WWE introduced the Universal Championship. This new title, designed specifically for Monday Night Raw, marked a distinct era in professional wrestling. While steeped in the rich history of WWE, the Universal Championship carved its own path, becoming a symbol of dominance and resilience on the red brand. Let's delve into the history, design, legendary titleholders, and unforgettable moments that have solidified the Universal Championship's place within WWE lore.
A Title Born from Brand Rivalry:
The "Brand Split" in 2016 saw Raw and SmackDown operate as distinct entities. SmackDown retained the prestigious WWE Championship, leaving Raw without a world title of its own. To address this imbalance and establish Raw's own top prize, WWE unveiled the Universal Championship at Monday Night Raw in July 2016.
This new title wasn't just a replica; it was a symbol of a new era on Raw. The design embodied a bold, futuristic aesthetic, a stark contrast to the classic lineage of the WWE Championship. The Universal Title represented a fresh start, a chance for new superstars to carve their legacies on the red brand.
A Design Focused on the Future:
The Universal Championship belt boasts a sleek, modern design. The central plate features a large, raised WWE logo, similar to the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, signifying its place within the WWE landscape. However, the surrounding elements diverge significantly.
The globe motif, a mainstay in previous championship designs, is absent here. Instead, the central plate is flanked by two bold, angular plates. These angular plates feature a dynamic design with a red and blue color scheme, reflecting the signature colors of Raw. The championship is crafted from genuine leather and adorned with sparkling Swarovski crystals, exuding an aura of luxury and power.
Champions Who Defined the Title:
Since its inception, the Universal Championship has been held by a diverse group of superstars, each adding their own unique chapter to the title's story.
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Seth Rollins: The inaugural champion, Seth Rollins, set the bar high with his thrilling in-ring performances and captivating feuds. His clean sweep victory over Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, and Finn Balor in a Fatal 4-Way match at the 2016 Battleground remains a defining moment for the title.
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Brock Lesnar: The "Beast Incarnate" Brock Lesnar's dominant reigns with the Universal Championship cemented his reputation as one of the most formidable forces in professional wrestling. His sheer power and unpredictability made him a captivating champion.
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Kevin Owens: Kevin Owens' unlikely victory over Triple H at WrestleMania 33 to capture the Universal Championship was a moment of pure elation for the WWE Universe. His reign, while short-lived, showcased his exceptional wrestling skills and undeniable charisma.
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AJ Styles: The "Phenomenal One" AJ Styles brought his unparalleled athleticism and innovative moveset to the title. His reign was filled with breathtaking matches, solidifying his position as one of the best wrestlers of his generation.
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Roman Reigns: Currently reigning as the "Undisputed WWE Universal Champion," Roman Reigns' dominance on both Raw and SmackDown is historic. His powerful in-ring work and captivating presence have made him a defining figure of the Universal Championship era.
These are just a few examples of the incredible superstars who have held the Universal Championship. Each reign has added its own layer of prestige and excitement to the title's legacy.
Unforgettable Moments that Shaped the Title's Legacy:
The Universal Championship has been at the center of some truly unforgettable moments in WWE history:
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Seth Rollins' Grueling Reign: Seth Rollins' first reign with the title was plagued by injuries. Despite battling through them, he delivered some of the most memorable matches of the era, including his classic encounter with Triple H at WrestleMania 33.
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Goldberg's Shocking Victory: In a stunning upset at WrestleMania 33, Goldberg defeated Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship in a mere 1 minute and 26 seconds. This unexpected result left the WWE Universe in awe.
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Kofi Kingston's Emotional Title Win: After years of dedication, Kofi Kingston's victory over Daniel Bryan at Extreme Rules 2019 to capture the Universal Championship was a truly heartwarming moment. The outpouring of joy from the WWE Universe cemented this win as a historic moment.
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The Fiend's Arrival: The mysterious "Fiend" Bray Wyatt's first Universal Championship victory at Hell in a Cell 2019 was an unsettling yet captivating spectacle. This marked a new era for the title, shrouded in darkness and psychological warfare.