Every Wrestler that Held the WWE Championship (2014-2023)
The WWE Championship is one of the most prestigious titles in professional wrestling, with a long history. Between 2014 and 2023, some of the biggest names in the wrestling world held the modern WWE Championship, known for its sleek black design. Before its unification with the Universal Championship, these wrestlers shaped the title’s legacy and left an indelible mark on WWE history.
In this article, we’ll explore each wrestler who held the WWE Championship during this era. We’ll dive into their accomplishments, defining moments, and what made their reigns so special.
1. Brock Lesnar
Brock Lesnar has arguably had the strongest reign as WWE Champion in the modern era. Lesnar’s unparalleled strength, combined with his legitimacy as a former UFC Champion, makes him one of the most feared superstars in WWE. He captured the WWE Championship in 2014 after defeating John Cena at SummerSlam, delivering one of the most one-sided performances in history.
Lesnar’s reigns are dominating. He can take down anyone in the ring with his sheer power, as evidenced by his infamous Suplex City performance. His finishing move, the F5, and his relentless German suplexes have made him a destructive force. Lesnar’s sporadic appearances only added to his aura, making his title defences feel like must-watch events.
Lesnar’s Memorable Feuds
During his WWE Championship reign, Brock Lesnar engaged in high-profile feuds with Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and AJ Styles. His match against Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 34 was one of the highlights, with Lesnar retaining the championship in a gruelling contest. Another defining moment was his match against AJ Styles at Survivor Series. The clash of styles showcased Lesnar’s versatility as a performer.
2. Seth Rollins
Seth Rollins first WWE Championship reign came at WrestleMania 31. He cashed in his Money in the Bank contract during the main event between Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns. This historic moment made Rollins the first to cash in during a WrestleMania main event. It instantly propelled him to WWE top. Known as “The Architect, Rollins reign as WWE Champion was filled with cunning, skill, and drama.
Rollins in-ring work blends high-flying maneuvers, technical prowess, and creative offence. His agility and versatility allow him to have standout matches with opponents of all styles, from powerhouses like Brock Lesnar to high-flyers like AJ Styles.
Rollins’ Rise to Stardom
As a key member of The Shield, Seth Rollins was already on the fast track to stardom. However, he decided to betray his Shield brothers and align with The Authority, which cemented his position as a top heel in WWE. His rivalry with Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns, and John Cena defined his first WWE Championship reign as he battled for supremacy in the WWE landscape. Rollins ability to blend athleticism and cunning tactics makes him a must-watch champion.
3. Roman Reigns
Roman Reigns has become one of WWE most dominant and enduring WWE Champions. Starting his championship journey in 2015, Roman Reigns reigns are defined by resilience, charisma, and sheer willpower. After years of mixed crowd reactions, Reigns embraced his role as a dominant heel and “Tribal Chief” in 2020, cementing himself as WWE’s biggest star.
Reigns is known for his signature Superman Punch and Arrow moves that have finished off the biggest names in wrestling. His evolution from The Shield’s powerhouse to WWE’s top dog has been one of the most significant stories in modern wrestling.
Roman Reigns’ Biggest Feuds
Roman title runs have been filled with high-stakes matches against top stars, including Brock Lesnar, Seth Rollins, and AJ Styles. His rivalry with Brock Lesnar is one of WWE’s most storied, with their clashes at WrestleMania and SummerSlam becoming instant classics. Another key rivalry during Reigns’ reign was his feud with Braun Strowman, which saw the two engage in hard-hitting, brutal matches.
4. Sheamus
Sheamus won the WWE Championship for the third time in 2015 after cashing in on his Money in the Bank contract at Survivor Series, defeating Roman Reigns. The “Celtic Warrior” brought his brawling, hard-hitting style to the title picture, making his reign memorable.
Known for his powerful offences, including the Brogue Kick and White Noise, Sheamus is one of WWE’s toughest competitors. His ability to thrive in both singles and tag team competitions makes him versatile.
Sheamus’ Championship Journey
Sheamus reign as WWE Champion in 2015 was brief but impactful. After winning the title by cashing in on Roman Reigns, he quickly found himself at odds with Reigns again, leading to intense matches between the two. Despite losing the title to Reigns after a short reign, Sheamus continued to be a prominent force in WWE. He formed The Bar with Cesaro and succeeded as tag team champion.
5. Triple H
Triple H reign as WWE Champion in 2016 was unexpected but electrifying. After Roman Reigns was forced to vacate the championship due to injury, Triple H entered the Royal Rumble at number 30, won the match, and captured the WWE Championship. As the leader of The Authority, Triple H used his power and influence to keep the title for several months.
Known for his cerebral approach and methodical in-ring style, Triple H is one of WWE’s greatest champions. His signature moves, including his pedigree, have defeated some of the biggest names in wrestling history.
Triple H’s Authority Figure Run
Triple H WWE Championship reign in 2016 was intertwined with his role as the on-screen authority figure alongside his wife, Stephanie McMahon. His rivalry with Roman Reigns reached a boiling point at WrestleMania 32, where Reigns defeated Triple H to win back the WWE Championship. This reign served as a reminder of Triple H ability to still compete at the highest level, even after transitioning to a behind-the-scenes role.
6. Dean Ambrose
Dean Ambrose, also known as Jon Moxley in AEW, captured the WWE Championship in 2016 after cashing in his Money in the Bank contract on Seth Rollins. This was at the Money in the Bank event. Ambrose’s unhinged, unpredictable persona made him a fan favourite, and his championship reign reflected his chaotic energy.
Ambrose in-ring style mixes brawling, technical wrestling, and high-risk moves. His Lunatic Fringe persona captivated fans, making him one of WWE most beloved champions during his reign.
Ambrose Championship Rivalries
Dean Ambrose’s reign as WWE Champion was defined by his rivalry with Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns. All three former Shield members battled for supremacy in WWE. His matches against AJ Styles also stood out, with Ambrose dropping the title to Styles later in 2016. Ambrose’s reign solidified his status as a top-tier WWE performer.
7. AJ Styles
AJ Styles arrival in WWE in 2016 was a monumental moment for professional wrestling. After spending years as the face of TNA Wrestling and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Styles quickly made an impact in WWE. He won the WWE Championship just months after his debut. There were incredible performances in the ring and memorable rivalries during his reigns.
Styles’ nickname, ” The Phenomenal One ” is fitting, as his high-flying, technical style has earned him the reputation of being one of the most outstanding wrestlers in the world. His finishing move, the Styles Clash, has become iconic.
Styles’ Rivals as WWE Champion
As WWE Champion, AJ Styles engaged in rivalries with some of the WWE biggest names, including John Cena, Dean Ambrose, and Shinsuke Nakamura. His match against John Cena at the Royal Rumble in 2017 is considered one of the greatest matches in WWE history. Both men delivered a five-star classic. Styles’ ability to steal matches from any opponent made his reign as WWE Champion unforgettable.
8. Bray Wyatt
Bray Wyatt WWE Championship reign in 2017 was a significant moment for his unique character. Known for his dark, cult-like persona, Wyatt was one of WWE’s most captivating superstars. When he won the WWE Championship at the Elimination Chamber event, it felt like a well-deserved moment of validation for his hard work and compelling storytelling.
Wyatt unorthodox style of wrestling and psychological warfare made him a unique WWE champion. His finishing move, Sister Abigail, added a sinister flair to his matches, and his eerie promos solidified him as one of WWE’s top villains.
Bray Wyatt’s Championship Storyline
As WWE Champion, Bray Wyatt immediately faced a heated rivalry with Randy Orton. Orton was a member of Wyatt’s cult-like faction, The Wyatt Family, at the time. Their story culminated at WrestleMania 33, where Orton defeated Wyatt to win the championship. Although Wyatt’s reign was brief, his title win marked the peak of his influence in WWE.
9. John Cena
John Cena WWE Championship reign in 2017 was historic, as it tied him with Ric Flair for the most world title wins at 16. Cena victory over AJ Styles at the 2017 Royal Rumble was a monumental moment in his legendary career. It showcased that even after more than a decade at the top, Cena was still dominant.
Cena in-ring style, characterized by his strength, resilience, and never-give-up attitude, has earned him a loyal fanbase. His signature moves, like the Attitude Adjustment and STF submission hold, have been instrumental in his success as a 16-time world champion.
Cena Milestone Moment
John Cena WWE Championship win in 2017 wasn’t just about capturing the title; it was about solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest WWE superstars of all time. His match against AJ Styles at the Royal Rumble was widely praised for its intensity and storytelling. Cena ultimately won his 16th world title. His reign was short-lived, but it further cemented his place in WWE history.
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10. Randy Orton
Randy Orton is one of WWE’s most decorated superstars, and his WWE Championship reigns reflect his longevity and versatility in the business. In 2017, Orton won his ninth WWE Championship after defeating Bray Wyatt at WrestleMania 33. Known as “The Viper,” Orton’s cold, calculating persona makes him one of the most dangerous competitors in WWE history.
Orton’s finishing move, the RKO, has become one of the most iconic moves in wrestling. It is capable of being executed out of nowhere and finishing off opponents in an instant. His methodical approach to the ring has made him a dominant champion.
Orton Rivals as Champion
Orton intense rivalry with Bray Wyatt defined Orton’s WWE Championship reign in 2017. After their match at WrestleMania 33, the two continued to battle in various stipulation matches, including the infamous House of Horrors match. Orton’s ability to adapt to different styles of opponents made him a formidable champion. His feud with Wyatt remains one of his most memorable.
11. Jinder Mahal
Jinder Mahal’s WWE Championship reign in 2017 was one of the most surprising title runs in modern WWE history. After years of being a mid-card talent, Mahal shocked the world when he defeated Randy Orton at Backlash to become the WWE Champion. His victory marked the first time an Indian-born wrestler held the prestigious title, a historic moment for WWE.
Mahal’s reign as WWE Champion was characterized by his alignment with The Singh Brothers, who often interfered in his matches to help him retain the title. His in-ring style, combined with his villainous persona, made him a despised heel during his champion days.
Jinder Mahal’s Historic Reign
Jinder Mahal’s WWE Championship reign lasted for 170 days, during which he defended the title against top stars like Randy Orton and Shinsuke Nakamura. Despite criticism from some fans, Mahal’s reign brought international exposure to WWE, particularly in India, where he became a national hero. His time as champion proved that WWE could take risks with underutilized talent and create new stars.
12. Daniel Bryan
Daniel Bryan’s WWE Championship reign in 2018 was the culmination of one of the greatest comeback stories in wrestling history. After retiring due to medical issues, Bryan returned to in-ring competition in 2018. Later that year, he shocked the world by turning heel and defeating AJ Styles to win the WWE Championship.
Bryan’s new persona as an eco-friendly villain added a fresh twist to his character. He introduced a Custom WWE Championship belt made from sustainable materials. This symbolized his commitment to the environment while mocking the fans who once cheered him on.
Bryan’s Eco-Friendly Champion Era
As WWE Champion, Daniel Bryan became “The Planet’s Champion,” positioning himself as a morally superior character who looked down on the WWE Universe for their consumerism and environmental impact. His feud with AJ Styles continued into early 2019, with Bryan successfully defending the title at the Royal Rumble. Bryan’s championship reign was one of the most unique and compelling in recent WWE history, showcasing his versatility as a performer.
13. Kofi Kingston
Kofi Kingston’s WWE Championship win at WrestleMania 35 in 2019 was one of the most emotional moments in WWE history. After spending over a decade in WWE and being primarily seen as a mid-card talent, Kingston’s “KofiMania” storyline captured fans’ hearts, culminating in his victory over Daniel Bryan for the WWE Championship.
Kingston’s high-flying, acrobatic style of wrestling made him one of WWE’s most exciting performers. As part of The New Day, Kingston’s charisma and positivity endeared him to the WWE Universe, making his championship win feel like a well-deserved payoff.
KofiMania’s Impact
Kofi Kingston’s WWE Championship reign lasted for six months, during which he defended the title against top stars like Randy Orton, Samoa Joe, and Dolph Ziggler. His reign was a testament to perseverance and dedication, showing that even after years of being overlooked, a superstar can rise to the top. Kingston’s victory at WrestleMania remains one of the best moments in WWE history.
14. Bobby Lashley
Bobby Lashley’s WWE Championship reign in 2021 was the culmination of years of effort, work and dedication. After returning to WWE in 2018, Lashley quickly rose to prominence, capturing the WWE Championship from The Miz in 2021. Known for his immense strength and MMA background, Lashley has become one of the most dominant champions in recent memory.
Lashley’s reign was marked by his partnership with MVP, who acted as his manager and mouthpiece, elevating his character. Lashley’s brutal in-ring style and dominance over his opponents made him a feared champion.
Lashley’s Championdom
As WWE Champion, Bobby Lashley defended his title against top stars like Drew McIntyre, Braun Strowman, and Kofi Kingston. His match against McIntyre at WrestleMania 37 was a highlight of his reign, with Lashley retaining the title in a hard-fought battle. Lashley’s championship reign solidified him as one of WWE’s top stars and a legitimate powerhouse in the ring.
15. Big E
Big E WWE Championship win in 2021 was a crowning achievement for a superstar who had long been a fan favourite. After years of success as part of The New Day, Mr. E broke out as a solo competitor. He captured the WWE Championship by cashing in his Money in the Bank contract on Bobby Lashley.
Known for his explosive power and infectious charisma, Big E championship reign celebrated his journey from tag team specialist to world champion. His positive energy and connection with the WWE Universe made him one of the most beloved champions in recent memory.
Big E Road to the WWE Championship
Big E championship reign saw him defend the title against top stars like Bobby Lashley, Seth Rollins, and Kevin Owens. His reign was a testament to his commitment to work and dedication. He proved that he could succeed as a singles star at the highest level. Big E’s time as WWE Champion was a feel-good story, and his positive influence on fans and fellow wrestlers alike made him a true champion of the people.
16. Drew McIntyre
Drew McIntyre’s WWE Championship reign in 2020 was one of the most significant in recent history, occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic. McIntyre won the WWE Championship against Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 36. This was a victory that cemented him as WWE’s top star during a difficult time for the company.
McIntyre’s journey to the WWE Championship was filled with ups and downs. After being released from WWE in 2014, he worked his way back to the company and transformed himself into a legitimate main-event talent. His reign as WWE Champion was a testament to his perseverance and dedication.
McIntyre’s reign in the Pandemic Era
As WWE Champion, Drew McIntyre defended the title against top stars like Randy Orton, Seth Rollins, and Bobby Lashley. His reign was defined by his resilience and ability to carry WWE through the pandemic challenges. McIntyre’s victory over Lesnar at WrestleMania was one of the most significant moments of his career. His reign as champion helped solidify his place as a top WWE star.
17. The Miz (Final Unique Holder)
The Miz WWE Championship reign in 2021 was short but impactful. He cashed in on his Money in the Bank contract to defeat Drew McIntyre and win the title. Known for his brash, arrogant persona, The Miz previously held the WWE Championship in 2011. His second reign showcased his ability to capitalize on opportunities.
As WWE Champion, The Miz played the role of a cunning, opportunistic heel, using every trick in the book to retain his title. However, his reign was short-lived, as he lost the championship to Bobby Lashley just eight days later.
The Miz Opportunistic Championship Victory
The Miz WWE Championship win in 2021 was a classic example of his cunning nature. He cashed in his Money in the Bank contract on a weakened Drew McIntyre after the Elimination Chamber match. Although his reign was brief, The Miz’s ability to capitalize on opportunities and his charisma as a villain made his second WWE Championship victory memorable.
Who Was Your Favorite WWE Champion?
From Brock Lesnar’s dominance reigns to Kofi Kingston’s emotional KofiMania, the WWE Championship has been held by a variety of extraordinary superstars from 2014 to 2023. Each champion brought something unique to the title, shaping its legacy with their in-ring performance, character work, and memorable moments during their reigns.
Whether you admired Roman Reigns’ extended dominance, AJ Styles’ technical brilliance, or Daniel Bryan’s eco-friendly villain run, every champion left a lasting impression. These superstars embodied the spirit of the WWE Championship, making the title one of the most prestigious prizes in sports entertainment.
So, who was your favourite WWE Champion of this era? Did you prefer the hard-hitting brawlers, the charismatic heroes, or the cunning villains? Let us know which reign stood out to you, and relive the unforgettable moments these champions gave us during the modern WWE era. 👀
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