Who is the Current WWE Universal Champion? Roman Reigns is the current WWE Universal Champion, reigning with unmatched dominance, holding the title for an impressive second reign, he has surpassed all records and etched his name in history.
Who is the Current WWE Universal Champion?
The current WWE Universal Champion is Roman Reigns. Reigns is in his second reign as the champion, which is also the longest reign in the title’s history. He won the title by emerging victorious in a No Holds Barred triple threat match at Payback on August 30, 2020. In this match, Reigns defeated the previous champion, “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt, and Braun Strowman, whom Reigns pinned to claim the championship.
The WWE Universal Championship was created by WWE and is 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. However, both titles have maintained their individual lineages. The WWE Universal Championship is one of three world titles in WWE, alongside its companion WWE Championship on SmackDown and the World Heavyweight Championship on Raw.
The championship was established on July 25, 2016, in honor of WWE’s fanbase known as the WWE Universe. Its creation came as a result of the reintroduction of the brand split and subsequent draft on July 19, 2016. The WWE Championship, the promotion’s original world title, became exclusive to SmackDown, paving the way for the Universal Championship to become the top title of the Raw brand at the time. The inaugural Universal Champion was Finn Bálor.
Since its inception, the WWE Universal Championship has been featured in headline matches at various pay-per-view and livestreaming events. Notably, it has headlined six consecutive SummerSlam events from 2017 to 2022 and has been showcased at four WrestleManias (34, 37 Night 2, 38 Night 2, and 39 Night 2). Both SummerSlam and WrestleMania are considered significant events in WWE, with the latter being the company’s flagship event.
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Is Roman Reigns Still the Universal Champion?
Yes, Roman Reigns is still the universal champion. Roman Reigns has proven his dominance as the WWE Universal Champion by defeating notable adversaries throughout his career. Looking ahead, it seems that he will soon clash with even more renowned competitors. Roman Reigns has held the Universal Championship for an astounding 416 days since his triumph over Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 38 on April 3, 2022. Overall, he has held the title for an incredible 996 days, starting from his initial victory at Payback in 2020.
Recent reports suggest that WWE is considering making changes to its historical records, potentially acknowledging prolonged title reigns and introducing new names. Additionally, it is speculated that Roman Reigns is expected to enter WrestleMania 40 and 41 as the world champion, as long as he avoids major injuries or transitions to the world of Hollywood during that time.
Based on these reports, there is speculation that Roman Reigns could potentially retain the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship until SummerSlam 2024. If this were to happen, he would surpass Hulk Hogan’s record-setting title reign of 1,474 days from 1984 to 1988, solidifying his place in WWE history. However, it is important to note that these projections are speculative and subject to change as WWE’s plans evolve.
A significant milestone awaits Roman Reigns as the WWE Universal Champion on May 27, 2023, as he will reach an extraordinary 1,000 days with the title. This milestone coincides with the Night of Champions event in Saudi Arabia, where Reigns will team up with Solo Sikoa to face Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn for the Undisputed Tag Team Championship. This anticipated match will add another captivating chapter to Reigns’ already remarkable championship reign.
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About Roman Reigns
Roman Reigns is a force to be reckoned with in the world of professional wrestling. With an impressive athletic background, including college football at Georgia Tech and brief stints in the NFL and CFL, Reigns found his true calling in the squared circle. Since his debut in WWE in 2012 as part of The Shield, Reigns has captured the hearts of fans and established himself as a dominant force in the industry. As a member of The Shield alongside Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins, Reigns showcased his incredible skill and intensity.
The trio was a force of nature, wreaking havoc on their opponents and capturing numerous championships along the way. Reigns’ individual accomplishments are equally impressive. A six-time world champion, he has held the prestigious WWE Championship four times and the coveted WWE Universal Championship twice. In 2022, Reigns cemented his legacy as the longest-reigning Universal Champion, a feat that has solidified his place in WWE history. His ongoing reign of over 1,045 days is a testament to his unrivaled strength, resilience, and unwavering determination.
Not only has Reigns excelled as a champion, but he has also showcased his skills in various other roles. He won the 2015 Royal Rumble, earning a shot at the world title. Reigns has headlined WrestleMania, WWE’s biggest event, an impressive seven times, proving his status as a top-tier performer. Reigns’ transformation into “The Tribal Chief” and “Head of the Table” in 2020 revitalized his career and earned him acclaim from fans and critics alike. Embracing his villainous side, Reigns has captivated audiences with his commanding presence and magnetic charisma.
As the leader of The Bloodline stable, he has asserted his dominance over the WWE roster, leaving no doubt that he is the one to beat. In and out of the ring, Reigns embodies passion, dedication, and a relentless drive for excellence. His place in WWE history is secure, and his impact on the industry will be felt for years to come. Roman Reigns is not just a wrestler; he is a force of nature, a true champion, and a symbol of what it means to give your all and leave a lasting legacy.
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History of WWE Universal Championship
The History of the WWE Universal Championship is a fascinating journey that showcases the evolution and significance of one of professional wrestling’s most prestigious titles. From its establishment in 2016 to its current status as a symbol of excellence on the SmackDown brand, this comprehensive history highlights the notable champions, epic rivalries, and memorable moments that have shaped the legacy of the WWE Universal Championship. Discover the origins, transitions, and defining reigns of this coveted title as it continues to captivate fans and etch its place in WWE history.
The Establishment of the WWE Universal Championship
In mid-2016, the professional wrestling promotion WWE reintroduced the brand extension, dividing its main roster between the Raw and SmackDown brands. This move meant that wrestlers would exclusively perform on each brand’s respective weekly television program. As part of this reintroduction, the 2016 WWE Draft took place on July 19, 2016, coinciding with SmackDown’s shift to a live broadcast format.
During the draft, Dean Ambrose, the holder of the WWE Championship, was drafted to SmackDown. This left Raw without a world title, prompting the need for a new championship to serve as the top title for the brand. In response, WWE Commissioner Stephanie McMahon and General Manager Mick Foley established the WWE Universal Championship on the following episode of Raw. The title was named in honor of the WWE Universe, which is how the promotion refers to its fan base.
The Inaugural Universal Champion: Finn Bálor
The first champion was crowned at SummerSlam on August 21, 2016, in a pinfall and submission-only singles match. Seth Rollins, Raw’s number one draft pick, automatically earned his spot in the match. The opponent for Rollins was determined through two fatal four-way matches on Raw, with the winners facing each other in a singles match. Finn Bálor emerged victorious in the first fatal four-way by defeating Cesaro, Kevin Owens, and Rusev. Roman Reigns won the second fatal four-way by defeating Chris Jericho, Sami Zayn, and Sheamus.
Bálor went on to defeat Reigns and was added to the title match. At SummerSlam, wrestling under his “Demon” persona, Bálor defeated Rollins to become the inaugural WWE Universal Champion. This victory made Bálor the first WWE wrestler to win a world title in his pay-per-view debut and to win his first world title within a month of his debut on the main roster. Unfortunately, during the championship match, Bálor suffered a legitimate shoulder injury and was forced to vacate the title the following day.
The Transfer to SmackDown and “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt’s Reign
At Crown Jewel on October 31, 2019, “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt, who was on the SmackDown brand, won the Universal Championship by defeating Seth Rollins in a Falls Count Anywhere match. This victory resulted in the Universal Championship moving to the SmackDown brand. The following day, Brock Lesnar, the reigning WWE Champion, quit SmackDown and took the WWE Championship to Raw.
The Undisputed WWE Universal Champion: Roman Reigns
At WrestleMania 38 Night 2 on April 3, 2022, Roman Reigns, the reigning Universal Champion, faced off against Raw’s WWE Champion Brock Lesnar in a Winner Takes All match. The match was billed as a championship unification match, with both titles on the line. Reigns emerged victorious, defeating Lesnar and claiming both championships. As a result, Reigns became recognized as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. However, despite the unification, both the WWE Universal Championship and the WWE Championship maintained their separate lineages.
Exclusive Brand Status and the Introduction of the World Heavyweight Championship
On the April 24, 2023, episode of Raw, WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H announced that regardless of the brand Roman Reigns was drafted to in the 2023 WWE Draft, he and his undisputed championship would become exclusive to that brand. Triple H unveiled a new World Heavyweight Championship for the opposing brand, which was won by Seth “Freakin” Rollins at Night of Champions. As a result, Reigns, being drafted to SmackDown, made the World Heavyweight Championship exclusive to Raw.
A New Belt for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship
On the June 2, 2023, episode of SmackDown, Triple H presented Roman Reigns with a new singular championship belt to represent the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. This new belt replaced the previous dual-branded championship belt.
The Continuation of Separate Lineages
While confusion arose due to Roman Reigns holding only one belt, WWE confirmed to Fightful that the WWE Universal Championship and WWE Championship are still separate lineages. Once Reigns loses the title, the Universal Championship will be dropped in favor of the WWE Championship, ensuring the continuation of both titles’ individual histories.
Details About WWE Universal Championship Belt
The standard design of the WWE Universal Championship belt is based on the “Network Logo” design of the WWE Championship belt introduced in 2014, with a few notable distinctions. The center plate is a large cutout of the WWE logo, featuring diamonds within an irregular heptagonal plate. Below the logo, in small print, is the inscription “Universal Champion.” The center plate is separated from the side plates by gold divider bars.
The removable center section of each side plate displays the default design of the WWE logo over a red globe, but it can be customized with the champion’s logo. The most significant difference lies in the strap of the belt, which indicates the brand exclusivity. When the Universal Championship was first unveiled at SummerSlam 2016, the strap was red to signify its association with the Raw brand. The underline of the WWE logo on the center plate was black to enhance its visibility.
However, after the title became exclusive to SmackDown in late 2019, Bray Wyatt introduced a variation with a blue strap. Additionally, the underline of the WWE logo on the center plate was changed from black to red to reflect the brand shift. In terms of custom designs, Bray Wyatt, during his reign as “The Fiend,” introduced a unique version of the Universal Championship. The custom belt featured The Fiend’s face in place of the center plate. Instead of traditional side plates, red phrases reading “Hurt” and “Heal” were inscribed on black leather strips.
The strap itself featured red and black worn leather with red stitching. Another phrase associated with The Fiend, “Let Me In,” was also included. Wyatt used both the standard blue belt and the custom version during his reign, alternating between his Firefly Fun House and Fiend personas. Following Roman Reigns’ victory at WrestleMania 38 in April 2022 to become the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, both the standard versions of the Universal Championship and the WWE Championship belts were utilized together to represent the undisputed title, while maintaining their individual lineages.
However, on the June 2, 2023, episode of SmackDown, in celebration of Reigns reaching 1,000 days as Universal Champion, he was presented with a special custom belt. This custom belt features the “Network Logo” design on a black strap, with the WWE logo encrusted with black diamonds. The plate includes a gold background behind the logo and the inscription “Undisputed Champion” at the bottom. Additionally, the belt incorporates custom side plates. Reigns now exclusively uses his custom belt, while his manager Paul Heyman continues to carry the standard Universal and WWE Championship belts.
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