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List of WWE United States Champions facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

The WWE United States Championship is a professional wrestling championship contested in the American promotion WWE on the Raw brand.

Title history

Names

Name Years
NWA United States Heavyweight Championship (Mid-Atlantic version) January 1, 1975 – January 27, 1981
NWA United States Heavyweight Championship (Undisputed version) January 27, 1981 – 1991
WCW United States (Heavyweight) Championship 1991 – 2001
WWE United States Championship 2003 – present

Reigns

As of May 1, 2024.

Key
No. Overall reign number
Reign Reign number for the specific champion
Days Number of days held
Days
recog.		 Number of days held recognized by the promotion
† Championship change is unrecognized by the promotion
<1 Reign lasted less than a day
+ Current reign is changing daily
No. Champion Championship change Reign statistics Notes Ref.
Date Event Location Reign Days Days recog.
National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) / Jim Crockett Promotions
1 Harley Race January 1, 1975 House show Tallahassee, FL 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&0183.&&&&&0183 &&&&&&&&&&&&0183.&&&&&0183 Defeated Johnny Weaver in a tournament final to become the inaugural NWA United States Heavyweight Champion for Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling.
2 Johnny Valentine July 3, 1975 House show Greensboro, NC 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&093.&&&&&093 &&&&&&&&&&&&&093.&&&&&093
— Vacated October 4, 1975 — — — — — Vacated when Johnny Valentine suffered a career-ending injury in a plane crash.
3 Terry Funk November 9, 1975 House show Greensboro, NC 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&018.&&&&&018 &&&&&&&&&&&&&019.&&&&&019 Defeated Paul Jones in a tournament final for the vacant title.
4 Paul Jones November 27, 1975 House show Greensboro, NC 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&0107.&&&&&0107 &&&&&&&&&&&&0107.&&&&&0107
5 Blackjack Mulligan March 13, 1976 House show Greensboro, NC 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&0217.&&&&&0217 &&&&&&&&&&&&0218.&&&&&0218
6 Paul Jones October 16, 1976 House show Greensboro, NC 2 &&&&&&&&&&&&&043.&&&&&043 &&&&&&&&&&&&&043.&&&&&043 WWE recognizes Jones' reign as ending on November 28, 1976.
† Blackjack Mulligan November 28, 1976 House show Charlotte, NC 2 &&&&&&&&&&&&&011.&&&&&011 —
† Paul Jones December 9, 1976 House show Winston-Salem, NC 3 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&06.&&&&&06 —
7 Blackjack Mulligan December 15, 1976 House show Raleigh, NC 2(3) &&&&&&&&&&&&0204.&&&&&0204 &&&&&&&&&&&&0204.&&&&&0204
8 Bobo Brazil July 7, 1977 House show Norfolk, VA 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&022.&&&&&022 &&&&&&&&&&&&&022.&&&&&022
9 Ric Flair July 29, 1977 House show Richmond, VA 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&084.&&&&&084 &&&&&&&&&&&&&084.&&&&&084
10 Ricky Steamboat October 21, 1977 House show Charleston, SC 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&072.&&&&&072 &&&&&&&&&&&&&073.&&&&&073
11 Blackjack Mulligan January 1, 1978 House show Greensboro, NC 3(4) &&&&&&&&&&&&&077.&&&&&077 &&&&&&&&&&&&&078.&&&&&078
12 Mr. Wrestling March 19, 1978 House show Greensboro, NC 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&021.&&&&&021 &&&&&&&&&&&&&022.&&&&&022
13 Ric Flair April 9, 1978 House show Charlotte, NC 2 &&&&&&&&&&&&0253.&&&&&0253 &&&&&&&&&&&&0252.&&&&&0252 WWE recognizes Flair's reign as ending on December 17, 1978
14 Ricky Steamboat December 18, 1978 House show Greensboro, NC 2 &&&&&&&&&&&&0104.&&&&&0104 &&&&&&&&&&&&0105.&&&&&0105
15 Ric Flair April 1, 1979 House show Greensboro, NC 3 &&&&&&&&&&&&0133.&&&&&0133 &&&&&&&&&&&&0134.&&&&&0134
— Vacated August 12, 1979 — — — — — Vacated when Ric Flair won the NWA World Tag Team Championship four days prior.
16 Jimmy Snuka September 1, 1979 House show Charlotte, NC 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&0231.&&&&&0231 &&&&&&&&&&&&0233.&&&&&0233 Defeated Ricky Steamboat in a tournament final for the vacant title.
WWE recognizes Snuka's reign as ending on April 20, 1980.
17 Ric Flair April 19, 1980 House show Greensboro, NC 4 &&&&&&&&&&&&&098.&&&&&098 &&&&&&&&&&&&&098.&&&&&098 WWE recognizes Flair's reign as beginning on April 20, 1980 and ending on July 26, 1980, although in reality, he won the title on April 19, 1980.
† Greg Valentine July 26, 1980 House show Charlotte, NC 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&0121.&&&&&0121 —
† Ric Flair November 24, 1980 House show Greenville, SC 5 &&&&&&&&&&&&&064.&&&&&064 — Although this reign is not recognized, a WWE.com article recognized Flair as a six-time champion.
18 Roddy Piper January 27, 1981 House show Raleigh, NC 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&0193.&&&&&0193 &&&&&&&&&&&&0194.&&&&&0194 The title became the undisputed NWA United States Heavyweight Championship in January 1981 after the NWA San Francisco office, the last other promotion to recognize its own United States Heavyweight Champion, closed.
19 Wahoo McDaniel August 8, 1981 House show Greensboro, NC 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&031.&&&&&031 &&&&&&&&&&&&&032.&&&&&032
— Vacated September 8, 1981 — — — — — Vacated when Wahoo McDaniel was injured by Abdullah the Butcher.
20 Sgt. Slaughter October 4, 1981 House show Charlotte, NC 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&0229.&&&&&0229 &&&&&&&&&&&&0229.&&&&&0229 Defeated Ricky Steamboat in a tournament final for the vacant title.
21 Wahoo McDaniel May 21, 1982 House show Richmond, VA 2 &&&&&&&&&&&&&017.&&&&&017 &&&&&&&&&&&&&018.&&&&&018
22 Sgt. Slaughter June 7, 1982 House show Greenville, SC 2 &&&&&&&&&&&&&076.&&&&&076 &&&&&&&&&&&&&076.&&&&&076 Awarded the title due to Wahoo McDaniel being injured by Don Muraco and Roddy Piper before the match.
23 Wahoo McDaniel August 22, 1982 House show Charlotte, NC 3 &&&&&&&&&&&&&074.&&&&&074 &&&&&&&&&&&&&075.&&&&&075
24 Greg Valentine November 4, 1982 House show Norfolk, VA 1(2) &&&&&&&&&&&&0163.&&&&&0163 &&&&&&&&&&&&0163.&&&&&0163
25 Roddy Piper April 16, 1983 House show Greensboro, NC 2 &&&&&&&&&&&&&014.&&&&&014 &&&&&&&&&&&&&015.&&&&&015
26 Greg Valentine April 30, 1983 House show Greensboro, NC 2(3) &&&&&&&&&&&&0228.&&&&&0228 &&&&&&&&&&&&0229.&&&&&0229 Valentine won when Roddy Piper suffered a large cut over his left ear and the referee stopped the match.
27 Dick Slater December 14, 1983 House show Shelby, NC 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&0129.&&&&&0129 &&&&&&&&&&&&0129.&&&&&0129
28 Ricky Steamboat April 21, 1984 House show Greensboro, NC 3 &&&&&&&&&&&&&064.&&&&&064 &&&&&&&&&&&&&064.&&&&&064
29 Wahoo McDaniel June 24, 1984 House show Greensboro, NC 4 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&07.&&&&&07 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&07.&&&&&07
— Vacated July 1, 1984 — — — — — Wahoo McDaniel was stripped of the title due to Tully Blanchard interfering in McDaniel's title defense.
30 Wahoo McDaniel October 7, 1984 House show Charlotte, NC 5 &&&&&&&&&&&&0167.&&&&&0167 &&&&&&&&&&&&0168.&&&&&0168 Defeated Manny Fernandez in a tournament final for the vacant title.
31 Magnum T.A. March 23, 1985 NWA Worldwide Wrestling Charlotte, NC 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&0120.&&&&&0120 &&&&&&&&&&&&0120.&&&&&0120
32 Tully Blanchard July 21, 1985 House show Charlotte, NC 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&0130.&&&&&0130 &&&&&&&&&&&&0130.&&&&&0130
33 Magnum T.A. November 28, 1985 Starrcade Greensboro, NC 2 &&&&&&&&&&&&0182.&&&&&0182 &&&&&&&&&&&&0154.&&&&&0154 This was an "I Quit" steel cage match.
WWE recognizes Magnum T.A. as being stripped of the title on May 1, 1986.
— Vacated May 29, 1986 — — — — — Magnum T.A. was stripped of the title for attacking NWA president Bob Geigel.
34 Nikita Koloff August 17, 1986 House show Charlotte, NC 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&0328.&&&&&0328 &&&&&&&&&&&&0328.&&&&&0328 Defeated Magnum T.A. in a best of seven series for the vacant title, though WWE officially says it was a tournament final.
Koloff defeated Wahoo McDaniel on September 28, 1986 to unify the NWA National Heavyweight Championship into the U.S. title.
35 Lex Luger July 11, 1987 Great American Bash Greensboro, NC 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&0138.&&&&&0138 &&&&&&&&&&&&0138.&&&&&0138 This was a steel cage match.
36 Dusty Rhodes November 26, 1987 Starrcade Chicago, IL 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&0141.&&&&&0141 &&&&&&&&&&&&0141.&&&&&0141 This was a steel cage match.
— Vacated April 15, 1988 — — — — — Dusty Rhodes was stripped of the title for attacking NWA President Jim Crockett.
37 Barry Windham May 13, 1988 House show Houston, TX 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&0283.&&&&&0283 &&&&&&&&&&&&0283.&&&&&0283 Defeated Nikita Koloff in a tournament final for the vacant title.
World Championship Wrestling (WCW)
38 Lex Luger February 20, 1989 Chi-Town Rumble Chicago, IL 2 &&&&&&&&&&&&&076.&&&&&076 &&&&&&&&&&&&&076.&&&&&076
39 Michael Hayes May 7, 1989 WrestleWar Nashville, TN 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&015.&&&&&015 &&&&&&&&&&&&&015.&&&&&015
40 Lex Luger May 22, 1989 House show Bluefield, WV 3 &&&&&&&&&&&&0523.&&&&&0523 &&&&&&&&&&&&0523.&&&&&0523
41 Stan Hansen October 27, 1990 Halloween Havoc Chicago, IL 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&050.&&&&&050 &&&&&&&&&&&&&050.&&&&&050
42 Lex Luger December 16, 1990 Starrcade St. Louis, MO 4 &&&&&&&&&&&&0210.&&&&&0210 &&&&&&&&&&&&0210.&&&&&0210 This was a Texas Bullrope match.
During Luger's reign in 1991, World Championship Wrestling (WCW) split from the NWA and the title was renamed as the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship.
— Vacated July 14, 1991 The Great American Bash Baltimore, MD — — — Vacated when Lex Luger won the WCW World Heavyweight Championship.
43 Sting August 25, 1991 House show Atlanta, GA 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&086.&&&&&086 &&&&&&&&&&&&&086.&&&&&086 Defeated Steve Austin in a tournament final for the vacant title.
44 Rick Rude November 19, 1991 Clash of the Champions XVII Savannah, GA 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&0378.&&&&&0378 &&&&&&&&&&&&0378.&&&&&0378
— Vacated December 1, 1992 — — — — — Vacated due to Rick Rude suffering an injury.
45 Dustin Rhodes January 11, 1993 Saturday Night Atlanta, GA 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&0110.&&&&&0110 &&&&&&&&&&&&0110.&&&&&0110 Defeated Ricky Steamboat in a match that was originally made to determine the No. 1 contender, but upon Rick Rude's vacation of the title, it was instead made to decide the new champion.
Aired on tape delay on January 16, 1993.
— Vacated May 1, 1993 WorldWide — — — — Vacated following a title defense against Rick Rude that ended in a double pinfall.
Aired on tape delay on May 15, 1993.
46 Dustin Rhodes August 30, 1993 Saturday Night Atlanta, GA 2 &&&&&&&&&&&&0119.&&&&&0119 &&&&&&&&&&&&0119.&&&&&0119 Defeated Rick Rude in a rematch for the vacant title.
Aired on tape delay on September 11, 1993.
47 Steve Austin December 27, 1993 Starrcade '93: 10th Anniversary Charlotte, NC 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&0240.&&&&&0240 &&&&&&&&&&&&0240.&&&&&0240 This was a two out of three falls match.
48 Ricky Steamboat August 24, 1994 Clash of the Champions XXVIII Cedar Rapids, IA 4 &&&&&&&&&&&&&025.&&&&&025 &&&&&&&&&&&&&025.&&&&&025
49 Steve Austin September 18, 1994 Fall Brawl 1994: War Games Roanoke, VA 2 <1 <1 Awarded the title due to Ricky Steamboat being injured.
50 Jim Duggan September 18, 1994 Fall Brawl 1994: War Games Roanoke, VA 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&0100.&&&&&0100 &&&&&&&&&&&&0100.&&&&&0100
51 Big Van Vader December 27, 1994 Starrcade Nashville, TN 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&088.&&&&&088 &&&&&&&&&&&&&088.&&&&&088
— Vacated March 25, 1995 Saturday Night Atlanta, GA — — — Vader was stripped of the title by WCW commissioner Nick Bockwinkel for hospitalizing Dave Sullivan one week prior.
52 Sting June 18, 1995 The Great American Bash Dayton, OH 2 &&&&&&&&&&&&0148.&&&&&0148 &&&&&&&&&&&&0148.&&&&&0148 Defeated Meng in a tournament final for the vacant title.
53 Kensuke Sasaki November 13, 1995 WCW World in Japan Tokyo, Japan 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&044.&&&&&044 &&&&&&&&&&&&&044.&&&&&044 Won the title at a New Japan Pro-Wrestling event.
54 One Man Gang December 27, 1995 Starrcade: World Cup of Wrestling Nashville, TN 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&033.&&&&&033 &&&&&&&&&&&&&033.&&&&&033 Won in a post-PPV dark match. Although the match was restarted and Kensuke Sasaki subsequently retained the title, it was never acknowledged by WCW, nor is it acknowledged by WWE.
55 Konnan January 29, 1996 Main Event Canton, OH 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&0160.&&&&&0160 &&&&&&&&&&&&0160.&&&&&0160
56 Ric Flair July 7, 1996 Bash at the Beach Daytona Beach, FL 5(6) &&&&&&&&&&&&0141.&&&&&0141 &&&&&&&&&&&&0141.&&&&&0141
— Vacated November 25, 1996 — — — — — Vacated due to Ric Flair suffering a shoulder injury.
57 Eddie Guerrero December 29, 1996 Starrcade Nashville, TN 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&077.&&&&&077 &&&&&&&&&&&&&077.&&&&&077 Defeated Diamond Dallas Page in a tournament final for the vacant title.
58 Dean Malenko March 16, 1997 Uncensored North Charleston, SC 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&085.&&&&&085 &&&&&&&&&&&&&085.&&&&&085
59 Jeff Jarrett June 9, 1997 Nitro Boston, MA 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&073.&&&&&073 &&&&&&&&&&&&&073.&&&&&073
60 Steve McMichael August 21, 1997 Clash of the Champions XXXV Nashville, TN 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&025.&&&&&025 &&&&&&&&&&&&&025.&&&&&025
61 Curt Hennig September 15, 1997 Nitro Charlotte, NC 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&0104.&&&&&0104 &&&&&&&&&&&&0104.&&&&&0104
62 Diamond Dallas Page December 28, 1997 Starrcade Washington, D.C. 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&0112.&&&&&0112 &&&&&&&&&&&&0112.&&&&&0112
63 Raven April 19, 1998 Spring Stampede Denver, CO 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&01.&&&&&01 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&01.&&&&&01 This was a "Raven's Rules" match.
64 Goldberg April 20, 1998 Nitro Colorado Springs, CO 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&077.&&&&&077 91 This was a "Raven's Rules" match.
WWE.com mistakenly lists Goldberg's reign as lasting 91 days, ending on July 20, 1998.
— Vacated July 6, 1998 Nitro Atlanta, GA — — — Vacated when Goldberg won the WCW World Heavyweight Championship.
65 Bret Hart July 20, 1998 Nitro Salt Lake City, UT 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&021.&&&&&021 &&&&&&&&&&&&&021.&&&&&021 Defeated Diamond Dallas Page for the vacant title.
66 Lex Luger August 10, 1998 Nitro Rapid City, SD 5 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&03.&&&&&03 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&03.&&&&&03
67 Bret Hart August 13, 1998 Thunder Fargo, ND 2 &&&&&&&&&&&&&074.&&&&&074 &&&&&&&&&&&&&074.&&&&&074
68 Diamond Dallas Page October 26, 1998 Nitro Phoenix, AZ 2 &&&&&&&&&&&&&035.&&&&&035 &&&&&&&&&&&&&035.&&&&&035
69 Bret Hart November 30, 1998 Nitro Chattanooga, TN 3 &&&&&&&&&&&&&070.&&&&&070 &&&&&&&&&&&&&070.&&&&&070 This was a no disqualification match.
70 Roddy Piper February 8, 1999 Nitro Buffalo, NY 3 &&&&&&&&&&&&&013.&&&&&013 &&&&&&&&&&&&&013.&&&&&013
71 Scott Hall February 21, 1999 SuperBrawl IX Oakland, CA 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&025.&&&&&025 &&&&&&&&&&&&&025.&&&&&025
— Vacated March 18, 1999 Thunder Lexington, KY — — — Scott Hall was stripped of the title by WCW President Ric Flair.
72 Scott Steiner April 11, 1999 Spring Stampede Tacoma, WA 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&085.&&&&&085 &&&&&&&&&&&&&085.&&&&&085 Defeated Booker T in a tournament final for the vacant title.
— Vacated July 5, 1999 Nitro Atlanta, GA — — — Scott Steiner was stripped of the title by WCW President Ric Flair.
73 David Flair July 5, 1999 Nitro Atlanta, GA 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&035.&&&&&035 &&&&&&&&&&&&&035.&&&&&035 Awarded the title by his father and WCW President Ric Flair.
74 Chris Benoit August 9, 1999 Nitro Boise, ID 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&034.&&&&&034 &&&&&&&&&&&&&034.&&&&&034
75 Sid Vicious September 12, 1999 Fall Brawl Winston-Salem, NC 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&042.&&&&&042 &&&&&&&&&&&&&042.&&&&&042
76 Goldberg October 24, 1999 Halloween Havoc Paradise, NV 2 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&01.&&&&&01 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&01.&&&&&01 Won the title when Sid Vicious suffered excessive bleeding and the referee stopped the match.
77 Bret Hart October 25, 1999 Nitro Phoenix, AZ 4 &&&&&&&&&&&&&014.&&&&&014 &&&&&&&&&&&&&014.&&&&&014
78 Scott Hall November 8, 1999 Nitro Indianapolis, IN 2 &&&&&&&&&&&&&041.&&&&&041 &&&&&&&&&&&&&041.&&&&&041 This was a four-way ladder match, also involving Sid Vicious and Goldberg.
79 Chris Benoit December 19, 1999 Starrcade Washington, D.C. 2 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&01.&&&&&01 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&01.&&&&&01 Awarded the title when Scott Hall suffered a knee injury during the match.
80 Jeff Jarrett December 20, 1999 Nitro Baltimore, MD 2 &&&&&&&&&&&&&027.&&&&&027 &&&&&&&&&&&&&027.&&&&&027 This was a ladder match.
— Vacated January 16, 2000 Souled Out Cincinnati, OH — — — Vacated due to Jeff Jarrett suffering an injury.
81 Jeff Jarrett January 17, 2000 Nitro Columbus, OH 3 &&&&&&&&&&&&&084.&&&&&084 &&&&&&&&&&&&&084.&&&&&084 Awarded by WCW Commissioner Kevin Nash.
— Vacated April 10, 2000 Nitro Denver, CO — — — All WCW titles were declared vacant by Vince Russo and Eric Bischoff after WCW was rebooted.
82 Scott Steiner April 16, 2000 Spring Stampede Chicago, IL 2 &&&&&&&&&&&&&084.&&&&&084 &&&&&&&&&&&&&084.&&&&&084 Defeated Sting in a tournament final for the vacant title.
— Vacated July 9, 2000 Bash at the Beach Daytona Beach, FL — — — Scott Steiner was stripped of the title when he used the banned Steiner Recliner submission hold on Mike Awesome.
83 Lance Storm July 18, 2000 Nitro Auburn Hills, MI 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&066.&&&&&066 &&&&&&&&&&&&&066.&&&&&066 Defeated Mike Awesome in a tournament final for the vacant title. Storm unofficially renamed the title the WCW Canadian Heavyweight Championship.
84 Terry Funk September 22, 2000 House show Amarillo, TX 2 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&01.&&&&&01 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&01.&&&&&01 Title change was not recognized by WCW, but is recognized by WWE.
85 Lance Storm September 23, 2000 House show Lubbock, TX 2 &&&&&&&&&&&&&036.&&&&&036 &&&&&&&&&&&&&036.&&&&&036 Title change was not recognized by WCW, but is recognized by WWE.
86 Gen. Rection October 29, 2000 Halloween Havoc Paradise, NV 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&012.&&&&&012 &&&&&&&&&&&&&015.&&&&&015 Defeated Lance Storm and Jim Duggan in a handicap match.
87 Lance Storm November 10, 2000 Nitro London, England 3 &&&&&&&&&&&&&016.&&&&&016 &&&&&&&&&&&&&013.&&&&&013
88 Gen. Rection November 26, 2000 Mayhem Milwaukee, WI 2 &&&&&&&&&&&&&049.&&&&&049 &&&&&&&&&&&&&049.&&&&&049
89 Shane Douglas January 14, 2001 Sin Indianapolis, IN 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&022.&&&&&022 &&&&&&&&&&&&&022.&&&&&022 This was a First Blood Chain match.
90 Rick Steiner February 5, 2001 Nitro Tupelo, MS 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&041.&&&&&041 &&&&&&&&&&&&&041.&&&&&041
91 Booker T March 18, 2001 Greed Jacksonville, FL 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&0128.&&&&&0128 &&&&&&&&&&&&0128.&&&&&0128 Title and other selected assets of WCW were purchased by the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). Title was subsequently referred to as the WCW United States Championship and was defended on WWF programming.
World Wrestling Federation (WWF) / World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)
92 Chris Kanyon July 24, 2001 SmackDown! Pittsburgh, PA 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&048.&&&&&048 &&&&&&&&&&&&&046.&&&&&046 Given the title by Booker T as he was also the WCW Champion.
WWE recognizes Kanyon's reign as beginning on July 26, 2001, when the episode aired on tape delay.
93 Tajiri September 10, 2001 Raw San Antonio, TX 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&013.&&&&&013 &&&&&&&&&&&&&013.&&&&&013
94 Rhyno September 23, 2001 Unforgiven Pittsburgh, PA 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&029.&&&&&029 &&&&&&&&&&&&&029.&&&&&029
95 Kurt Angle October 22, 2001 Raw Kansas City, MO 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&021.&&&&&021 &&&&&&&&&&&&&021.&&&&&021
96 Edge November 12, 2001 Raw Boston, MA 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&06.&&&&&06 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&06.&&&&&06
— Unified November 18, 2001 Survivor Series Greensboro, NC — — — Edge defeated WWF Intercontinental Champion Test in a title unification match. Edge became the Intercontinental Champion while the United States title was deactivated. In May 2002, the WWF became the WWE.
97 Eddie Guerrero July 27, 2003 Vengeance Denver, CO 2 &&&&&&&&&&&&&084.&&&&&084 &&&&&&&&&&&&&084.&&&&&084 Title was reactivated as the WWE United States Championship as an exclusive title of the SmackDown brand. Guerrero defeated Chris Benoit in a tournament final for the revived title.
98 Big Show October 19, 2003 No Mercy Baltimore, MD 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&0147.&&&&&0147 &&&&&&&&&&&&0147.&&&&&0147
99 John Cena March 14, 2004 WrestleMania XX New York, NY 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&0114.&&&&&0114 &&&&&&&&&&&&0114.&&&&&0114 WWE mistakenly lists Cena's reign as lasting 137 days, ending on July 29, 2004. The match description for Booker T's title win states that Cena was stripped of the title "a few weeks prior" to the July 29, 2004 tape delay episode of SmackDown!
— Vacated July 6, 2004 SmackDown! Winnipeg, MB — — — John Cena was stripped of the title after attacking SmackDown! General Manager Kurt Angle.
Aired on tape delay on July 8, 2004.
100 Booker T July 27, 2004 SmackDown! Cincinnati, OH 2 &&&&&&&&&&&&&068.&&&&&068 &&&&&&&&&&&&&066.&&&&&066 This was an eight-way elimination match, also involving John Cena, René Duprée, Kenzo Suzuki, Rob Van Dam, Billy Gunn, Charlie Haas, and Luther Reigns.
WWE recognizes Booker T's reign as beginning on July 29, 2004, when the episode aired on tape delay.
101 John Cena October 3, 2004 No Mercy East Rutherford, NJ 2 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&02.&&&&&02 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&04.&&&&&04 This was the fifth match of a Best of Five series.
WWE recognizes Cena's reign as ending on October 7, 2004, when the following episode aired on tape delay.
102 Carlito Caribbean Cool October 5, 2004 SmackDown! Boston, MA 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&042.&&&&&042 &&&&&&&&&&&&&042.&&&&&042 WWE recognizes Carlito's reign as beginning on October 7, 2004 and ending on November 18, 2004, both episodes of which aired on tape delay.
103 John Cena November 16, 2004 SmackDown! Dayton, OH 3 &&&&&&&&&&&&0105.&&&&&0105 &&&&&&&&&&&&0105.&&&&&0105 WWE recognizes Cena's reign as beginning on November 18, 2004 and ending on March 3, 2005, both episodes of which aired on tape delay.
104 Orlando Jordan March 1, 2005 SmackDown! Albany, NY 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&0173.&&&&&0173 &&&&&&&&&&&&0171.&&&&&0171 WWE recognizes Jordan's reign as beginning on March 3, 2005, when the episode aired on tape delay.
105 Chris Benoit August 21, 2005 SummerSlam Washington, D.C. 3 &&&&&&&&&&&&&058.&&&&&058 &&&&&&&&&&&&&061.&&&&&061 WWE recognizes Benoit's reign as ending on October 21, 2005, when the following episode aired on tape delay.
106 Booker T October 18, 2005 SmackDown! Reno, NV 3 &&&&&&&&&&&&&035.&&&&&035 &&&&&&&&&&&&&035.&&&&&035 WWE recognizes Booker T's reign as beginning on October 21, 2005 and ending on November 25, 2005, both episodes of which aired on tape delay.
— Vacated November 22, 2005 SmackDown! Sheffield, England — — — Vacated when Booker T's title defense against Chris Benoit ended in a double pinfall.
Aired on tape delay on November 25, 2005.
107 Booker T January 10, 2006 SmackDown! Philadelphia, PA 4 &&&&&&&&&&&&&040.&&&&&040 &&&&&&&&&&&&&037.&&&&&037 Booker T faced Chris Benoit in a Best of Seven series, winning the first three matches; Randy Orton substituted for Booker T after that due to injury, losing the next three matches, but winning the final for the vacant title.
WWE recognizes Booker T's reign as beginning on January 13, 2006, when the episode aired on tape delay.
108 Chris Benoit February 19, 2006 No Way Out Baltimore, MD 4 &&&&&&&&&&&&&042.&&&&&042 &&&&&&&&&&&&&042.&&&&&042
109 John Bradshaw Layfield April 2, 2006 WrestleMania 22 Rosemont, IL 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&051.&&&&&051 &&&&&&&&&&&&&054.&&&&&054 WWE recognizes JBL's reign as ending on May 26, 2006, when the following episode aired on tape delay.
110 Bobby Lashley May 23, 2006 SmackDown! Bakersfield, CA 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&049.&&&&&049 &&&&&&&&&&&&&049.&&&&&049 WWE recognizes Lashley's reign as beginning on May 26, 2006 and ending on July 14, 2006, both episodes of which aired on tape delay.
111 Finlay July 11, 2006 SmackDown! Minneapolis, MN 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&049.&&&&&049 &&&&&&&&&&&&&049.&&&&&049 WWE recognizes Finlay's reign as beginning on July 14, 2006 and ending on September 1, 2006, both episodes of which aired on tape delay.
112 Mr. Kennedy August 29, 2006 SmackDown! Reading, PA 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&042.&&&&&042 &&&&&&&&&&&&&042.&&&&&042 This was a triple threat match, also involving Bobby Lashley.
WWE recognizes Kennedy's reign as beginning on September 1, 2006 and ending on October 13, 2006, both episodes of which aired on tape delay.
113 Chris Benoit October 10, 2006 SmackDown! Jacksonville, FL 5 &&&&&&&&&&&&0222.&&&&&0222 &&&&&&&&&&&&0219.&&&&&0219 WWE recognizes Benoit's reign as beginning on October 13, 2006, when the episode aired on tape delay.
114 Montel Vontavious Porter May 20, 2007 Judgment Day St. Louis, MO 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&0343.&&&&&0343 &&&&&&&&&&&&0343.&&&&&0343 This was a two out of three falls match.
115 Matt Hardy April 27, 2008 Backlash Baltimore, MD 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&084.&&&&&084 &&&&&&&&&&&&&084.&&&&&084 The title became exclusive to the ECW brand following the 2008 WWE draft.
116 Shelton Benjamin July 20, 2008 The Great American Bash Uniondale, NY 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&0243.&&&&&0243 &&&&&&&&&&&&0243.&&&&&0243 The title was returned to SmackDown due to Benjamin's status as a SmackDown wrestler.
117 Montel Vontavious Porter March 20, 2009 SmackDown Corpus Christi, TX 2 &&&&&&&&&&&&&073.&&&&&073 &&&&&&&&&&&&&073.&&&&&073 The title became exclusive to the Raw brand following the 2009 WWE draft.
118 Kofi Kingston June 1, 2009 Raw Birmingham, AL 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&0126.&&&&&0126 &&&&&&&&&&&&0126.&&&&&0126
119 The Miz October 5, 2009 Raw Wilkes-Barre, PA 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&0224.&&&&&0224 &&&&&&&&&&&&0224.&&&&&0224
120 Bret Hart May 17, 2010 Raw Toronto, ON 5 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&07.&&&&&07 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&07.&&&&&07 This was a no disqualification, no countout match.
— Vacated May 24, 2010 Raw Toledo, OH — — — Vacated when Bret Hart became the Raw General Manager.
121 R-Truth May 24, 2010 Raw Toledo, OH 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&021.&&&&&021 &&&&&&&&&&&&&020.&&&&&020 Defeated The Miz to win the vacant title.
122 The Miz June 14, 2010 Raw Charlotte, NC 2 &&&&&&&&&&&&&097.&&&&&097 &&&&&&&&&&&&&097.&&&&&097 This was a fatal four-way match, also involving John Morrison and Zack Ryder.
123 Daniel Bryan September 19, 2010 Night of Champions Rosemont, IL 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&0176.&&&&&0176 &&&&&&&&&&&&0177.&&&&&0177
124 Sheamus March 14, 2011 Raw St. Louis, MO 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&048.&&&&&048 &&&&&&&&&&&&&048.&&&&&048 If Sheamus lost, he would have quit the WWE.
Title became exclusive to the SmackDown brand following the 2011 WWE draft.
125 Kofi Kingston May 1, 2011 Extreme Rules Tampa, FL 2 &&&&&&&&&&&&&049.&&&&&049 &&&&&&&&&&&&&049.&&&&&049 This was a tables match. The title became exclusive to Raw due to Kingston's status as a Raw wrestler.
126 Dolph Ziggler June 19, 2011 Capitol Punishment Washington, D.C. 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&0182.&&&&&0182 &&&&&&&&&&&&0182.&&&&&0182 On August 29, 2011, the brand extension ended, allowing the United States Champion to appear on both Raw and SmackDown.
127 Zack Ryder December 18, 2011 N/A Baltimore, MD 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&029.&&&&&029 &&&&&&&&&&&&&029.&&&&&029
128 Jack Swagger January 16, 2012 Raw Anaheim, CA 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&049.&&&&&049 &&&&&&&&&&&&&050.&&&&&050
129 Santino Marella March 5, 2012 Raw Boston, MA 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&0167.&&&&&0167 &&&&&&&&&&&&0167.&&&&&0167
130 Antonio Cesaro August 19, 2012 SummerSlam Los Angeles, CA 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&0239.&&&&&0239 &&&&&&&&&&&&0240.&&&&&0240 Match aired live on YouTube and WWE.com as part of the SummerSlam pre-show.
131 Kofi Kingston April 15, 2013 Raw Greenville, SC 3 &&&&&&&&&&&&&034.&&&&&034 &&&&&&&&&&&&&034.&&&&&034
132 Dean Ambrose May 19, 2013 Extreme Rules St. Louis, MO 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&0351.&&&&&0351 &&&&&&&&&&&&0351.&&&&&0351
133 Sheamus May 5, 2014 Raw Albany, NY 2 &&&&&&&&&&&&0182.&&&&&0182 &&&&&&&&&&&&0183.&&&&&0183 This was a 20-man battle royal. Sheamus lastly eliminated Dean Ambrose to win the match and the title.
134 Rusev November 3, 2014 Raw Backstage Pass Buffalo, NY 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&0146.&&&&&0146 &&&&&&&&&&&&0145.&&&&&0145
135 John Cena March 29, 2015 WrestleMania 31 Santa Clara, CA 4 &&&&&&&&&&&&0147.&&&&&0147 &&&&&&&&&&&&0147.&&&&&0147
136 Seth Rollins August 23, 2015 SummerSlam Brooklyn, NY 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&028.&&&&&028 &&&&&&&&&&&&&029.&&&&&029 This was a winner takes all match, in which Rollins defended the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
137 John Cena September 20, 2015 Night of Champions Houston, TX 5 &&&&&&&&&&&&&035.&&&&&035 &&&&&&&&&&&&&035.&&&&&035
138 Alberto Del Rio October 25, 2015 Hell in a Cell Los Angeles, CA 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&078.&&&&&078 &&&&&&&&&&&&&079.&&&&&079
139 Kalisto January 11, 2016 Raw New Orleans, LA 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&01.&&&&&01 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&03.&&&&&03 WWE recognizes Kalisto's reign as ending on January 14, 2016, when the following episode aired on tape delay.
140 Alberto Del Rio January 12, 2016 SmackDown Lafayette, LA 2 &&&&&&&&&&&&&012.&&&&&012 &&&&&&&&&&&&&010.&&&&&010 WWE recognizes Del Rio's reign as beginning on January 14, 2016, when the episode aired on tape delay.
141 Kalisto January 24, 2016 Royal Rumble Orlando, FL 2 &&&&&&&&&&&&0119.&&&&&0119 &&&&&&&&&&&&0119.&&&&&0119
142 Rusev May 22, 2016 Extreme Rules Newark, NJ 2 &&&&&&&&&&&&0126.&&&&&0126 &&&&&&&&&&&&0126.&&&&&0126 The brand extension returned and the title became exclusive to the Raw brand following the 2016 WWE draft.
143 Roman Reigns September 25, 2016 Clash of Champions Indianapolis, IN 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&0106.&&&&&0106 &&&&&&&&&&&&0107.&&&&&0107
144 Chris Jericho January 9, 2017 Raw New Orleans, LA 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&083.&&&&&083 &&&&&&&&&&&&&083.&&&&&083 This was a 2-on-1 handicap match, also involving Kevin Owens, who teamed with Jericho. Jericho pinned Roman Reigns to win the title.
145 Kevin Owens April 2, 2017 WrestleMania 33 Orlando, FL 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&028.&&&&&028 &&&&&&&&&&&&&028.&&&&&028 The title became exclusive to the SmackDown brand following the 2017 WWE Superstar Shake-up.
146 Chris Jericho April 30, 2017 Payback San Jose, CA 2 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&02.&&&&&02 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&02.&&&&&02 Since Jericho won, he was transferred to the SmackDown brand.
147 Kevin Owens May 2, 2017 SmackDown Fresno, CA 2 &&&&&&&&&&&&&066.&&&&&066 &&&&&&&&&&&&&066.&&&&&066
148 AJ Styles July 7, 2017 House show New York, NY 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&016.&&&&&016 &&&&&&&&&&&&&016.&&&&&016
149 Kevin Owens July 23, 2017 Battleground Philadelphia, PA 3 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&02.&&&&&02 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&02.&&&&&02
150 AJ Styles July 25, 2017 SmackDown Richmond, VA 2 &&&&&&&&&&&&&075.&&&&&075 &&&&&&&&&&&&&075.&&&&&075 This was a triple threat match also involving Chris Jericho.
151 Baron Corbin October 8, 2017 Hell in a Cell Detroit, MI 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&070.&&&&&070 &&&&&&&&&&&&&070.&&&&&070 This was a triple threat match also involving Tye Dillinger.
152 Dolph Ziggler December 17, 2017 Clash of Champions Boston, MA 2 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&09.&&&&&09 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&09.&&&&&09 This was a triple threat match also involving Bobby Roode.
— Vacated December 26, 2017 SmackDown Rosemont, IL — — — SmackDown General Manager Daniel Bryan ruled that Dolph Ziggler vacated the title after he left it in the ring on the December 19 episode of SmackDown.
153 Bobby Roode January 16, 2018 SmackDown Laredo, TX 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&054.&&&&&054 &&&&&&&&&&&&&054.&&&&&054 Defeated Jinder Mahal in a tournament final to win the vacant title.
154 Randy Orton March 11, 2018 Fastlane Columbus, OH 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&028.&&&&&028 &&&&&&&&&&&&&028.&&&&&028
155 Jinder Mahal April 8, 2018 WrestleMania 34 New Orleans, LA 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&08.&&&&&08 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&08.&&&&&08 This was a fatal four-way match, also involving Bobby Roode and Rusev.
The title became exclusive to the Raw brand following the first night of the 2018 WWE Superstar Shake-up.
156 Jeff Hardy April 16, 2018 Raw Hartford, CT 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&090.&&&&&090 &&&&&&&&&&&&&090.&&&&&090 Title transferred back to the SmackDown brand on the second night of the 2018 WWE Superstar Shake-up.
157 Shinsuke Nakamura July 15, 2018 Extreme Rules Pittsburgh, PA 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&0156.&&&&&0156 &&&&&&&&&&&&0163.&&&&&0163 WWE recognizes Nakamura's reign as ending on December 25, 2018, when the following episode aired on tape delay.
158 Rusev December 18, 2018 SmackDown Fresno, CA 3 &&&&&&&&&&&&&040.&&&&&040 &&&&&&&&&&&&&032.&&&&&032 WWE recognizes Rusev's reign as beginning on December 25, 2018, when the episode aired on tape delay.
159 Shinsuke Nakamura January 27, 2019 Royal Rumble Phoenix, AZ 2 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&02.&&&&&02 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&02.&&&&&02 Match aired live on YouTube and WWE Network as part of the Royal Rumble pre-show.
160 R-Truth January 29, 2019 SmackDown Phoenix, AZ 2 &&&&&&&&&&&&0-86.1000000-85 &&&&&&&&&&&&0-86.1000000-85
161 Samoa Joe March 5, 2019 SmackDown Wilkes-Barre, PA 1 &&&&&&&&&&&&&014.&&&&&014 &&&&&&&&&&&&&014.&&&&&014 This was a fatal four-way match also involving Andrade and Rey Mysterio.
The title became exclusive to the Raw brand following the 2019 WWE Superstar Shake-up.
162 Rey Mysterio May 19, 2019 Money in the Bank Hartford, CT 1 &&&&&&&&&&&01809.&&&&&01,809+ &&&&&&&&&&&01809.&&&&&01,809+

Combined reigns

Inaugural champion Harley Race
Record six-time champion Ric Flair
Lex Luger is the longest reigning champion in history, with a record of 523 consecutive days
Dean Ambrose is the longest reigning champion under the WWE banner, with a record of 351 consecutive days

As of May 1, 2024.

† Indicates the current champion
Rank Wrestler No. of
reigns		 Combined days Combined days
recognized by WWE
1 Luger, LexLex Luger 5 950 950
2 Flair, RicRic Flair 6(5) 773 709
3 Valentine, GregGreg Valentine 2(3) 512 392
4 Mulligan, BlackjackBlackjack Mulligan 3(4) 509 500
5 Porter, Montel VontaviousMontel Vontavious Porter 2 416 416
6 Cena, JohnJohn Cena 5 403 405
7 Rude, RickRick Rude 1 378
8 Benoit, ChrisChris Benoit 5 357
9 Ambrose, DeanDean Ambrose 1 351
10 Koloff, NikitaNikita Koloff 1 328
11 The Miz 2 321
12 Rusev 3 312 303
13 Sgt. Slaughter 2 305
14 Magnum T.A. 2 302 274
15 McDaniel, WahooWahoo McDaniel 5 296 300
16 Windham, BarryBarry Windham 1 283
17 Booker T 4 271 266
18 Steamboat, RickyRicky Steamboat 4 265 267
19 Austin, SteveSteve Austin 2 240
Benjamin, SheltonShelton Benjamin 1 243 243
21 Cesaro, AntonioAntonio Cesaro 1 239 240
22 Sting 2 234
23 Snuka, JimmyJimmy Snuka 1 231 233
24 Sheamus 2 230 231
25 Rhodes, DustinDustin Rhodes 2 229
26 Piper, RoddyRoddy Piper 3 220 222
27 Kingston, KofiKofi Kingston 3 209
28 Ziggler, DolphDolph Ziggler 2 191
29 Hart, BretBret Hart 5 186 186
30 Jarrett, JeffJeff Jarrett 3 184
31 Race, HarleyHarley Race 1 183 183
32 Bryan, DanielDaniel Bryan 1 176 177
33 Jordan, OrlandoOrlando Jordan 1 173 171
34 Steiner, ScottScott Steiner 2 169
35 Marella, SantinoSantino Marella 1 167
36 Guerrero, EddieEddie Guerrero 2 161
37 Konnan 1 160
38 Nakamura, ShinsukeShinsuke Nakamura 2 158 165
39 Jones, PaulPaul Jones 2(3) 156 150
40 Page, Diamond DallasDiamond Dallas Page 2 147
Big Show 1 147
42 Rhodes, DustyDusty Rhodes 1 141
43 Blanchard, TullyTully Blanchard 1 130
44 Slater, DickDick Slater 1 129
45 Kalisto 2 120 122
46 Storm, LanceLance Storm 3 118 115
47 Reigns, RomanRoman Reigns 1 106 107
48 Hennig, CurtCurt Hennig 1 104
49 Duggan, JimJim Duggan 1 100
50 Owens, KevinKevin Owens 3 96 96
51 Valentine, JohnnyJohnny Valentine 1 93
52 AJ Styles 2 91 91
53 Del Rio, AlbertoAlberto Del Rio 2 90 89
Jeff Hardy 1 90
55 Vader, Big VanBig Van Vader 1 88
56 Jericho, ChrisChris Jericho 2 85 85
Malenko, DeanDean Malenko 1 85
58 Hardy, MattMatt Hardy 1 84
59 Goldberg 2 78 92
60 Samoa Joe 1 75
61 Corbin, BaronBaron Corbin 1 70
62 Hall, ScottScott Hall 2 66
63 Gen. Rection 2 61 64
64 R-Truth 2 56 55
65 Roode, BobbyBobby Roode 1 54
66 Layfield, John BradshawJohn Bradshaw Layfield 1 51 54
67 Hansen, StanStan Hansen 1 50
68 Lashley, BobbyBobby Lashley 1 49
Finlay 1 49
Swagger, JackJack Swagger 1 49 50
71 Chris Kanyon 1 48 46
72 Sasaki, KensukeKensuke Sasaki 1 44
73 Carlito Caribbean Cool 1 42
Kennedy, Mr.Mr. Kennedy 1 42
Sid Vicious 1 42
76 Steiner, RickRick Steiner 1 41
77 Flair, DavidDavid Flair 1 35
78 One Man Gang 1 33
79 Rhyno 1 29
Ryder, ZackZack Ryder 1 29
81 Orton, RandyRandy Orton 1 28
Rollins, SethSeth Rollins 1 28 29
83 McMichael, SteveSteve McMichael 1 25
84 Bobo Brazil 1 22
Douglas, ShaneShane Douglas 1 22
86 Angle, KurtKurt Angle 1 21
Wrestling, Mr.Mr. Wrestling 1 21 22
88 Funk, TerryTerry Funk 2 19 20
89 Hayes, MichaelMichael Hayes 1 15
90 Tajiri 1 13
91 Jinder Mahal 1 8
92 Edge 1 6
93 Rey Mysterio † 1 &&&&&&&&&&&01809.&&&&&01,809+
94 Raven 1 1


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