Wrestling Belts: The Holy Grail of the Ring

Aurélie
Dec 4, 2024
3 min read

Ah, the championship belts! Those shiny pieces of metal that every wrestler dreams of wearing around their waist… or on their shoulder, because let’s face it, it looks cooler that way. But behind these flashy accessories lies a fascinating history.

So, buckle up (championship belts, of course) and let’s dive into a journey full of glamour and elbow drops!

Championship belts weren’t born in solid gold with diamonds embedded in them. Oh no! Originally, they looked more like upgraded belt straps, with a bit more leather and a touch of prestige. But in the 1900s, they became a symbol of power, prestige, and, for some, a good way to keep their pants up after a grueling match.

World Championships: Because a Local Belt is Just Too Mainstream

This picture belongs to Wick Belts (on youtube)

When WWE decided that being a neighborhood champion was nice but not flashy enough, they created the World Championship belt. Why "world"? Because even if the wrestler has never left America, it just sounds more impressive. Hulk Hogan, Bret Hart, The Rock… all of them have held this belt like it was the sporting equivalent of a royal crown. In fact, try taking it from a champion, and you'll understand that they defend this crown like a lion guarding a steak.

The Intercontinental Championship Belts: A Championship that Spans Continents (or not)

Ah, the Intercontinental Championship... Because being the world champion wasn't enough, WWE created a belt for the "globetrotters" of the ring. But let's be honest, how many times has this belt really left the United States? Nonetheless, it has led to epic battles and some dirty tricks, often in matches where the wrestler was trying to keep it without traveling too far.

The Hardcore Championship: When Rules Are Optional

In the 90s, a special belt was born: the Hardcore Championship. No rules, no limits… and apparently no budget either, since this belt looked more like a last-minute DIY project. Chair shots, shattered tables, and wrestlers emerging from trash cans—anything was allowed. And yet, this battered belt got the crowd buzzing like no other. It might not have been shiny, but it sure had character (and probably a few dents).

The Women's Championships: More Glamour, Same Amount of Fists

The women's championships have also evolved, going from symbolic trophies to true marks of domination in the ring. Back in the day, the belts were a bit smaller, just to say "it's a girl," but in recent years, women have proven that the size of the belt has nothing to do with the power of the punches thrown. Today, the belts in the Women's Division rival the prestige of the men's titles, and stars like Beth Phoenix, Trish Stratus, and Becky Lynch have had no trouble proving that.

Tag Team Championships: Because Two is Better

The Tag Team Championships allow you to share the glory as a duo. Well, that’s the theory. In practice, there’s always one team member doing all the work, while the other rushes in at the last second to strike a pose with the belt. These titles represent the ultimate symbol of teamwork... or at least, sharing the spotlight.

Today, championship belts have become priceless jewels (or almost). WWE has even created special editions for major events like WrestleMania, with even more diamonds, gold, and bling. Each belt tells a story, a rivalry, a moment when a wrestler surpassed their opponents... or at least distracted them long enough to steal the victory.

Some wrestlers, too cool to settle for an ordinary belt, decided to create their own version. Remember John Cena with his "spinning" belt, straight out of a 2000s rapper's dream, or The Fiend, who turned his belt into... a terrifying face. A bit narcissistic, you say? Maybe. But who could blame them? When you're a champion, you might as well treat yourself to a little customization.

Whether it's a world championship, intercontinental, hardcore, or tag team belt, every wrestler dreams of having that piece of leather and metal around their waist (or shoulder, for the more stylish).

It represents more than just a trophy: it's a recognition, a symbol of dominance, and a passport to becoming a legend.

So, the next time you see a champion proudly holding up their belt, remember: behind every belt is a story of sweat, pain (ouch), and a healthy dose of charisma.