Introduction

For wrestling fans, championship belts are more than just accessories—they symbolize glory, legacy, and the ultimate prize in WWE. Two of the most talked-about titles in recent years were the Universal Championship and the WWE Championship. Both belts had unique histories, designs, and prestige, but how did they compare?

In this blog, we’ll break down the differences between the Universal belt and the WWE belt, from their origins to their retirement. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to wrestling, this guide will help you understand what made each title special—and why collectors still seek replicas today.

History & Origins

WWE Championship (1963–Present)

The WWE Championship is the oldest active world title in WWE, dating back to 1963. Originally called the WWWF World Heavyweight Championship, it became WWE’s top prize, held by legends like Hulk Hogan, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and John Cena 11.

Unlike the Universal title, the WWE Championship has never been retired, though it has undergone name changes and unifications over the years.

Universal Championship (2016–2024)

The Universal Championship was introduced in 2016 after WWE’s brand split left Raw without a world title. Named after the WWE Universe, it was created as Raw’s counterpart to SmackDown’s WWE Championship 3.

The first champion was Finn Bálor, but the belt gained its biggest legacy under Roman Reigns, who held it for a record 1,316 days before it was retired in 2024 3.

Design & Appearance

WWE Championship Belt

  • Classic look: The WWE Championship has had many designs, but the most famous include:

    • Winged Eagle (1988–1998) – A fan-favorite, elegant design.

    • Attitude Era belt (1998–2002) – Bold, with a large WWE logo.

    • Current Undisputed WWE Championship (2024–present) – A unified version of the WWE and Universal titles 1113.

Universal Championship Belt

  • Brand-based colors:

    • Red strap (2016–2019): Represented Raw.

    • Blue strap (2019–2022): Changed when the title moved to SmackDown.

    • "The Fiend" custom belt (2019): A horror-themed design for Bray Wyatt 3.

  • Undisputed era (2022–2024): Merged with the WWE Championship under Roman Reigns, leading to a single gold-and-blue belt 3.

Prestige & Legacy

WWE Championship

  • The most prestigious title in WWE history, held by icons like Bruno Sammartino (longest reign: 2,803 days), The Rock, and John Cena (most reigns: 14) 11.

  • Main-evented WrestleMania more than any other belt.

Universal Championship

  • Shorter but dominant legacy:

    • Finn Bálor was the first champ but had to vacate it due to injury.

    • Brock Lesnar had the most reigns (3).

    • Roman Reigns made it legendary with his historic "Tribal Chief" run 3.

  • Less history but still important: While newer, it headlined major events like SummerSlam and WrestleMania.

Which Belt Was Better?

This depends on what fans value:

  • Traditionalists prefer the WWE Championship for its long history.

  • Modern fans may favor the Universal Championship due to its role in WWE’s recent era.

  • Collectors love both—scarce versions like The Fiend’s custom belt or the Winged Eagle.

Conclusion

Both the Universal belt and WWE belt had unique roles in WWE history. The WWE Championship remains the company’s most prestigious title, while the Universal Championship carved its own legacy in less than a decade.