WWE World Heavyweight Championship 2026
Reintroduced in 2023 after nearly two decades, the World Heavyweight Championship has rapidly become the most contested prize on Raw — its short history already packed with iconic reigns and unforgettable moments.
Title History Overview
Seth Rollins — Inaugural Champion
Rollins captured the newly reintroduced title at Night of Champions 2023, defeating AJ Styles in a five-star match in Jeddah. His near year-long reign re-established the belt's prestige from day one.
Damian Priest — SummerSlam Cash-In
Priest cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase on Rollins at WrestleMania 40, winning the title in the aftermath of the main event. A long-awaited reign for a fan favourite.
Gunther — King of the Ring to WHC
Following his King of the Ring 2024 coronation, Gunther ascended to capture the World Heavyweight Championship, adding a world title to his legendary IC title reign and cementing his legacy.
2026 Contender Picture
Sami Zayn
The beloved Canadian has been a perennial WHC contender, using his fan connection and underdog storytelling to build into credible title challenges on Raw.
Drew McIntyre
After multiple heartbreaking near-misses at the world title, McIntyre remains one of Raw's most dangerous challengers with a chip on his shoulder the size of Scotland.
Bron Breakker
The Intercontinental Champion's explosive speed and power have made him one of the most anticipated future WHC contenders as he continues his rapid rise.
Video Highlights
FULL MATCH: Becky Lynch vs. Liv Morgan | Women’s World Title Match: King & Queen of the Ring 2024
Most dangerous Superstars right now: WWE Top 10, June 21, 2026
El Ojo lay waste to El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr, Mini Vikingo and Galeno: AAA Lucha Libre highlights
Rey Fenix vs. Laredo Kid vs. Lince Dorado | Title Match: Lucha Libre AAA highlights, June 20, 2026
Rey Mysterio announces historic NXT Women’s Title Match in Mexico: Lucha Libre AAA highlights
Perros del Mal ATTACK El Grande Americano: Lucha Libre AAA highlights, June 20, 2026
Don't worry Truth, it's never you
Oh it was just good fun...
Top 10 Friday Night SmackDown moments: WWE Top 10, June 19, 2026
That did not go how Gunther had planned
This match has been PHYSICAL 😱 #SmackDown
Jey Uso just punched his ticket to the King of the Ring Finals! 👑 #SmackDown
Eyes on the prize 👑👀 #SmackDown
Jey Uso beats Je’Von Evans to advance to King of the Ring final: SmackDown highlights, June 19, 2026
Jey Uso threatens Cody Rhodes in tense backstage encounter: SmackDown highlights, June 19, 2026
OH NO! 😱 A BRUTAL attack on Charlotte Flair! #SmackDown
“I don’t have a choice!” So much PASSION from Charlotte Flair! #SmackDown
Liv Morgan punched her ticket to the Queen of the Ring Finals! 👑 #SmackDown
Latest News
AEW Star & CMLL World Heavyweight Champ Claudio Castagnoli Officially Signs With CMLL
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AEW Star & CMLL World Heavyweight Champ Claudio Castagnoli Officially Signs With CMLL
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AEW Star & CMLL World Heavyweight Champ Claudio Castagnoli Officially Signs With CMLL
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Hechicero Defeats Claudio Castagnoli By Submission To Win CMLL World Heavyweight Championship At Homenaje A Dos Leyendas
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CMLL World Heavyweight Champion Hechicero Pitches Title Match Against AEW’s MJF
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AEW’s Hechicero Lays Out Plans For CMLL World Heavyweight Championship
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Hechicero to defend CMLL World Heavyweight title at MLP Multiverse
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WWE WHC CM Punk Discusses Importance Of Main Eventing WrestleMania
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AEW Dynasty Results: MJF Keeps World Heavyweight Title In Headliner
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CM Punk & Roman Reigns Exchange Final Words Before WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match At WrestleMania 42
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Breaking Down The Belts: CM Punk's WWE World Heavyweight Championship
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Seth Rollins Addresses Challenging Winner Of CM Punk Vs. Roman Reigns For WWE World Heavyweight Championship, ‘It Depends On How I Perform On Saturday’
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Darby Allin’s First AEW World Heavyweight Championship Title Defense Set
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Randy Orton Brutally Attacks Cody Rhodes After World Heavyweight Championship Match At WrestleMania 42
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WrestleMania: Roman Reigns Wins WWE World Heavyweight Championship
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WWE WrestleMania 42 Results: Roman Reigns Wins World Heavyweight Title
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Roman Reigns Wins WWE World Heavyweight Championship From CM Punk At WrestleMania 42
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Roman Reigns Defeats CM Punk At WWE WrestleMania 42, Claims World Heavyweight Title
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Roman Reigns Beats CM Punk To Win WWE World Heavyweight Championship At WrestleMania 42
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WWE’s Bronson Reed Calls For ‘Rubber Match’ Against New World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns
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Why the WHC Matters
The World Heavyweight Championship was first introduced in 2002 as a distinct title for the Raw brand following the Brand Extension, creating two separate world champions for the first time. After years of unification and brand reshuffling, WWE retired the title in 2013 — only to bring it back in 2023 with much fanfare.
In 2026, the WHC sits at the very top of the Raw brand, defended at every premium live event and carrying the prestige of a lineage that includes Triple H, Chris Jericho, Batista, Edge, John Cena, Randy Orton and Seth Rollins among its historical champions.