Latest news with #UniversalChampionship
India.com
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Happy Birthday, Roman Reigns: A Legendary Career In 10 Iconic Records
photoDetails english 2905993 Updated:May 25, 2025, 01:36 PM IST Longest Single Universal Championship Reign 1 / 10 Reigns held the WWE Universal Championship for an unprecedented 1,316 days, making it the longest single reign in the title's history and the fourth-longest world title reign in WWE history. First Undisputed WWE Universal Champion 2 / 10 At WrestleMania 38, Reigns defeated Brock Lesnar to unify the WWE Championship and Universal Championship, becoming the first Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. Record for Most Consecutive Days as World Champion in the WrestleMania Era 3 / 10 With a reign surpassing 1,042 days, Reigns set the record for the most consecutive days as a world champion in the WrestleMania era, surpassing Hulk Hogan's previous record. Royal Rumble Record for Most Eliminations in a Single Match 4 / 10 In the 2014 Royal Rumble, Reigns eliminated 12 competitors, setting a new record for the most eliminations in a single Royal Rumble match at that time. Nine WrestleMania Victories 5 / 10 Reigns has competed in 12 WrestleMania matches, securing nine victories, including main event wins against top stars like Brock Lesnar, The Undertaker, and Cody Rhodes. Grand Slam and Triple Crown Champion 6 / 10 Reigns has achieved both the Grand Slam and Triple Crown in WWE, having held the WWE Championship, Universal Championship, Intercontinental Championship, United States Championship, and Tag Team Championship. Multiple "Wrestler of the Year" Awards 7 / 10 Reigns has been recognized as "Wrestler of the Year" by various publications, including Pro Wrestling Illustrated in 2022 and Sports Illustrated in 2021, acknowledging his exceptional performances and influence in the industry. Inspirational Return from Leukemia 8 / 10 In 2018, Reigns announced a hiatus to battle leukemia. His triumphant return in 2019 was honored with the ESPY Award for Best WWE Moment, symbolizing his resilience and inspiring fans worldwide. Leader of The Bloodline Faction 9 / 10 As the head of The Bloodline, Reigns led one of WWE's most dominant factions, elevating the careers of his cousins The Usos and Solo Sikoa, and delivering compelling storylines that captivated audiences. Elevating WWE's Storytelling and Viewership 10 / 10 Reigns' transformation into the "Tribal Chief" and his compelling narratives have been credited with boosting WWE's storytelling quality and viewership, contributing to some of the company's most successful periods.
India.com
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Randy Ortan to CM Punk: 7 full-time WWE superstars with MOST World titles
From legends such as Randy Orton to fan-favourites such as CM Punk, these year-round WWE performers have made their mark in history by accumulating the most World Championship reigns. Take a look at the top seven title collectors still active today. Randy Orton, WWE legend for over two decades and "The Viper," is the highest world championship reign holder in active male wrestlers with fourteen titles. His career that has lasted over two decades is a testament to his longevity and persistence in WWE's high-stakes title bouts. Roman Reigns's leadership position in WWE is confirmed by his six world championships, as evidence of his repeated success. His record-shattering long Universal Championship reign, more than 1300 days, is evidence of his dominance. Reigns's enduring success stems from a combination of strong stage presence, in-ring ability, and effective story-telling ability. Seth Rollins' repeated success has cemented his place as one of the best WWE performers. A five-time world champion, with both the WWE and Universal titles, he has just added the first-ever World Heavyweight Championship to his list. His versatility and hard work have earned him a fan favorite status and a constant contender for titles. CM Punk's 2023 return to WWE, after a decade away, was a major comeback for the performer. A five-time world champion with prior reigns as both WWE Champion and World Heavyweight Champion, Punk's return has rekindled familiar feuds and brought fresh energy to the championship landscape. Sheamus is one of the top WWE wrestlers and has won four world championships, highlighting his forceful style and persistent presence in title hunt. His career, defined by his aggressive style and multiple championships achieved (such as the WWE Championship and World Heavyweight Championship), has persisted even when he was challenged by injuries. He is still an important contender. Drew McIntyre's career is the best example of an incredible return story in WWE. His three world championship holds, including two during the COVID-19 pandemic, have made him one of the top wrestlers and a fan favorite. Rey Mysterio, one of the best wrestlers to date, has never failed to surpass expectations in his career. This three-time world title holder's inspirational underdog story and energetic wrestling style have gained him international popularity across the globe. He remains a prized and busy WWE wrestler, consistently giving great performances at top shows.
India.com
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
WWEs Reigning Elite: 9 Signed Superstars With The Most World Titles
photoDetails english 2902522 Updated:May 18, 2025, 12:45 PM IST Currently Signed WWE Male Superstars with the Most World Title Reigns 1 / 10 The landscape of WWE has always been defined by its top champions, superstars who have carried the company on their shoulders. As of 2025, several elite male wrestlers have racked up multiple world title reigns on the main roster. This presentation highlights the most decorated active superstars in WWE today based on their number of world championship victories. Randy Orton – 14x World Champion 2 / 10 Randy Orton stands tall as the most decorated world champion among currently signed full-time male WWE superstars, with an incredible 14 reigns. Known as "The Viper," Orton has held both the WWE and World Heavyweight Championships multiple times. His longevity, adaptability, and main-event presence have made him a fixture in WWE's championship scene for over two decades. Roman Reigns – 6x World Champion 3 / 10 Roman Reigns has been the face of WWE in the modern era, and his six world championship reigns reflect his dominance. His historic Universal Championship reign lasted over 1,300 days, marking one of the most dominant title runs in WWE history. Reigns continues to be a major force, blending charisma, in-ring ability, and storytelling prowess. Seth Rollins – 5x World Champion 4 / 10 Seth 'Freakin' Rollins has proven himself as one of WWE's most reliable and consistent main-event talents. A 5-time world champion, Rollins has captured both the WWE and Universal Championships and recently became the inaugural World Heavyweight Champion in 2023. His versatility and work rate make him a fan favorite and a staple in championship conversations. CM Punk – 5x World Champion 5 / 10 After a decade-long hiatus, CM Punk's shocking return to WWE in 2023 reestablished him as a top-tier performer. Punk is a 5-time world champion, having held the WWE Championship and World Heavyweight Championship during his initial run. His comeback has reignited rivalries and brought fresh energy to the title scene. Sheamus – 4x World Champion 6 / 10 One of WWE's most underrated powerhouses, Sheamus has had four world title reigns. Known for his hard-hitting style and brawling approach, Sheamus has held both the WWE Championship and World Heavyweight Championship. Despite injuries and setbacks, the Celtic Warrior remains a legitimate threat in the title picture. Drew McIntyre – 3x World Champion 7 / 10 Drew McIntyre's journey from early struggles to becoming a main-event star is one of WWE's greatest redemption stories. With three world title reigns, including two WWE Championships during the pandemic era, McIntyre has solidified his status as a top contender and a fan-favorite powerhouse. Rey Mysterio – 3x World Champion 8 / 10 A legend in his own right, Rey Mysterio has defied the odds throughout his career. A 3-time world champion, Mysterio's underdog story and high-flying style have endeared him to fans globally. Even today, he remains an active and beloved member of the WWE roster, still capable of big-match performances. Honorable Mentions 9 / 10 While John Cena (17x) and Alberto Del Rio (4x) appear in the visual, they are either part-time or no longer signed to WWE. Cena is regarded as one of the greatest of all time but makes limited appearances, while Del Rio is not currently affiliated with WWE. Conclusion 10 / 10 The current WWE roster features a mix of seasoned legends and dynamic in-ring performers, many of whom have left an indelible mark through multiple world title reigns. These champions represent the legacy, present, and future of WWE. As new stars rise and veterans continue to chase glory, the title scene remains as compelling as ever.
Newsweek
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
WWE Superstar Braun Strowman Was Released For Two Major Reasons: Report
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Additional details have surfaced concerning the recent WWE release of former Universal Champion Braun Strowman, shedding more light on the company's decision. In the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that Strowman's departure on May 2, 2025, was influenced by more than just general budget considerations. Meltzer stated that specific circumstances were pivotal for Strowman, who was among several talents released by WWE in early May. The report points to a combination of his substantial contract and ongoing concerns about his physical condition following significant injuries. There were other reasons in play as well as Meltzer pointed out that Strowman's release was said to be a combination of his high salary and injuries. The newsletter elaborated on how injuries reportedly impacted his in-ring performance. It pointed out how he had not been moving well in the ring since coming back from a major hamstring injury, and one person there noted that he was hurt worse than people realized. Strowman first signed with WWE in 2013, debuting on the main roster in August 2015. He was introduced as "The Black Sheep," a monstrous new member of The Wyatt Family. Braun Strowman looks at his old black sheep mask Braun Strowman looks at his old black sheep mask WWE After the 2016 WWE Draft, Strowman was separated from The Wyatt Family and began a dominant run as a singles competitor on Raw. Dubbed "The Monster Among Men," he quickly became known for his incredible feats of strength and a destructive path through the roster. His early singles career featured memorable, hard-hitting feuds with top stars like Roman Reigns, Kane, and The Big Show. These rivalries often included spectacular moments, such as Strowman flipping an ambulance with Reigns inside. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Strowman achieved significant championship success, including an Intercontinental Championship reign and two reigns as Raw Tag Team Champion. One of his tag title wins was a unique WrestleMania 34 moment where he picked a young fan, Nicholas, as his partner. His crowning achievement came at WrestleMania 36, where he defeated Goldberg to capture the Universal Championship. Despite this success, Strowman was first released by WWE in June 2021 amidst company budget cuts. He made a highly anticipated return to WWE in September 2022. However, his second stint with the company was unfortunately marked by significant injuries, including requiring neck fusion surgery in mid-2023 and the aforementioned major hamstring injury. There are many landing spots for the former WWE star whether that be NJPW, AEW, or TNA Wrestling. It's possible he does a bunch of independent dates. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
WWE's heel problem is real and it's everywhere
Does it matter that WWE fans keep cheering the heels? TNA supremo Scott D'Amore made a persuasive case in his Uncrowned column this past week that we shouldn't get hung up on it. But is the guy who brought us the brilliance of the X Division really correct on this one? I agree with Scott that fans cheering on nWO-style rebels is no bad thing. But when WWE has staked much of its product on the much-vaunted John Cena heel turn — and then to have the fans cheering the guy who wants to 'ruin wrestling' anyway? It's hard to look at that situation and see a win here. Advertisement We all knew the Cena heel turn was going to be risky. In honesty, executing the dramatic rug pull at Elimination Chamber was the easy part. What was always going to be difficult was taking the adrenaline of that moment and turning it into something substantive after that. With Cena booked for much of the European tour, that's what I figured we'd get: An explanation as to why WWE's longest-running babyface had decided to embrace the dark side. Instead, we got some slightly meandering, navel-gazing promos which left us with more questions than answers. Sure, there were the occasional memorable moments when Cena criticized the fans — not least when he made that poor child go viral — or when he finally went face-to-face with Cody Rhodes. But it never made a coherent case for why the former golden boy was now suddenly the bully. It was always going to be a tall order: Reinventing the guy who spent more two decades being not just a babyface, but also a genuine philanthropist, and — in kayfabe — an occasional stand-in for the American military to boot. That's not the sort of image you can change overnight, even with one of the best promo guys in wrestling history. Advertisement Remember, it isn't like WWE had to play this card either. But they did — and they ended up with their biggest crowd of the year cheering on John Cena to win the Universal Championship. In other words, not exactly the mark of a successful heel turn. In the age of smart fans, internet promos and wrestling promotions having full-scale writers' rooms, it's easy to over-complicate things. But fundamentally, the role of a big-match heel is as simple as it ever was: It's the guy who you don't want to win the match. Think back to some of the angles we saw during the record-breaking Roman Reigns title run. Sure, most people respected 'The Tribal Chief' as a talent and performer — not to mention a cancer survivor. But that didn't mean we were rooting for him to beat the good guys. When he got one over on Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 39, the majority of the wrestling world felt a gut punch — like we were meant to. The reason we don't feel the same about Cena is that we haven't been given any reason to do so. It's been too much mic work, and too little action and storytelling. Seth Rollins is getting a similar reception to Cena despite his dastardly deeds. () (Ethan Miller via Getty Images) The Cena situation isn't the only misfire we've seen on the heel front. Scott mentioned the "WWE Raw" crowd serenading Seth Rollins right after the beatdown on Sami Zayn. But we also had the WrestleMania audience giving a standing ovation to Dominik Mysterio — the same guy they used to jeer out of the arena. Advertisement Maybe "Dirty Dom" has done his time as the designated bad guy. But who is going to replace him? The New Day have massively lost steam since their own shocking heel turn last year. The once cocky Carmelo Hayes is doing comedy Snickers advertisements. And Gunther is at war with the most divisive guy on the commentary desk. Confusion reigns on the women's side too. Becky Lynch gets the biggest pop of WrestleMania 41 and then the next night turns out on her tag-team partner. Charlotte Flair never really hit her stride going into WrestleMania. Two weeks ago WWE even tried to position Chelsea Green — one of the most popular women on the roster — as the bad guy during her feud with Zelina Vega. Honestly, just where are the real heels?! Who knows, perhaps that will change once we get to Saturday's WWE Backlash PLE. Having Cena defeat Orton to finish their 20-year feud is the sort of opportunity you hope that WWE won't fluff — even after the massive anticlimax they served us in Las Vegas last month. But let's see. Scott, I think you're one of the greats — and I'm well aware that you've probably forgotten more about wrestling that I'll ever know. But I'm going to stick with my gut instinct on this one: WWE really needs to get us booing the bad guys again.
