List of weird championships introduced by WWE
WWE is the king of pro-wrestling, as superstars put up a great performance to come out on top and vie for a designated championship in the promotion. While there are a number of championships in WWE, the promotion has also introduced some weird championship belts in its lifetime. On the same note, we take a look at five such weird championships.
WWE honored martial arts specialists with a championship!
WWE once also honored martial arts specialists besides pro-wrestlers. The title was first introduced in 1978 and was used in MMA-style matches, which were generally held in Japan. The title was first won by Antonio Inoki, who held it for 3,780 days, before losing it to Shota Chochishvili. Inoki won it back 31 days later and held it for further 220 days before abandonment.
WWE also introduced an internationally recognized Heavyweight Championship
I know, it just keeps getting confusing. Nonetheless, I shall explain it. The International Heavyweight Championship was introduced as a part of an alliance between WWE, NJPW, and JUWF. Introduced initially in 1948, it was won by Antonino Rocca. It was discontinued in 1963, before being re-introduced in 1982. It ran for three more years before being completely abandoned.
A separate Heavyweight Championship for United States!
Back during the time of WWWF, the United States Heavyweight Championship was introduced as the secondary title to the World Heavyweight Championship. Introduced in 1963, it was initially won by Bobo Brazil. Over a period of 13 years, only five men had held the championship, with Brazil winning it on seven occasions. Notably, it has no connection with the current US Championship in WWE.
A championship to honor the Million Dollar Man!
The Million Dollar Championship was never sanctioned by WWE. It was introduced by former WWE superstar Ted DiBiase in 1989, who was the inaugural champion. It was abandoned and re-introduced on two occasions, before being completely abandoned in 2010. The last person to hold the championship was DiBiase's son, Ted DiBiase Jr. Virgil was the only superstar to win the title in a match.
A title that is defended 24 hours a day
This is the latest title introduced by WWE in 2019, with the stipulation of it being defended round the clock. Since introduction, the championship has been won by 23 superstars, with Titus O'Neil being the inaugural champion. However, R-Truth has had the most success, winning it on 19 occasions. Fox Sports commentator Rob Stone was the first non-WWE personality to win it. Weird indeed.
