Posted on by bdamage1
Rob Faint
In the long history of pro wrestling there have been several recognized world heavyweight championships. The WWE, AEW, NWA, WCW and AWA are a few examples. But did you know there were other organizations/alliances/federations who claimed to have a world champion? Here are 5 “Other” World Titles.
1) WCW International title-This title has such a convoluted history. Born out of the dissolution of the NWA/WCW relationship. The “Big Gold Belt” was held by Rick Rude, Sting, Ric Flair, and Hiroshi Hase before it was retired after a unification match between Sting (WCW champ) and Flair.
2) ICW World Heavyweight Champion-(International Championship Wrestling) -This title, based out of Kentucky, was worn by men such as Randy Savage and Lanny Poffo. The ICW was considered an outlaw promotion and its titles not defended outside its home state.
3) WWA World Heavyweight Champion-(World Wrestling Association)-Based out of Indianapolis this title boasts titleholders like Dick the Bruiser, Ivan Koloff, Baron Von Raschke, Ernie Ladd and Harley Race. Shared talent with the AWA in the 70’s and was responsible for Bobby “the Brain” Heenan. Fell to the WWF expansion in 1989.
4) CWA World Heavyweight Champion-(Continental Wrestling Association)-This Memphis based promotion’s world title only lasted 2 years, but wrestlers such as Billy Robinson, “Superstar” Billy Graham, and Jerry Lawler have held the gold. (A candidate for the ugly belt title list) Loosely affiliated with the AWA.
5) WWC World Heavyweight Champion (World Wrestling Council)-Owned by Carlos Colon with its home base in Puerto Rico, this “Universal” title has been held by Greg Valentine, Ron Garvin, Abdullah the Butcher, and Colon (26 title reigns!) Only one title change outside of PR. Still active today.