MLW Championship Belts: The Titles Defining Major League Wrestling

Major League Wrestling (MLW) has become a prominent force in professional wrestling, featuring world-class competitors, unique fighting styles, and prestigious championship belts. MLW’s titles represent the best in heavyweight, middleweight, tag team, and national competition, with champions defending their gold against top talent from around the world. This SEO-optimized article explores the MLW Championship Belts, their history, design, and legendary champions.

MLW World Heavyweight Championship

History & First Champion (2002)

The MLW World Heavyweight Championship was introduced in 2002, with Shane Douglas becoming the first champion. After MLW went on hiatus in 2004, the title was reactivated in 2018, with Low Ki as the first champion of MLW’s modern era.

Belt Design

The MLW World Heavyweight Championship features a large gold-plated design, showcasing MLW’s signature logo. The belt represents the top prize in MLW, making it the most prestigious title in the company.

Notable Champions

• Jacob Fatu (819-day reign, longest in history) – A dominant force in MLW, redefining modern wrestling.
• Satoshi Kojima (2003–2004) – Helped elevate MLW’s early years.
• Alex Hammerstone (2021–2023) – One of the most dominant modern MLW champions.

MLW National Openweight Championship

History & First Champion (2019)

Introduced in 2019, the MLW National Openweight Championship serves as a secondary championship, allowing wrestlers from different weight classes to compete for the title. Alexander Hammerstone was the inaugural champion.

Belt Design

The MLW National Openweight Championship features a sleek gold and silver design, with the MLW logo and “Openweight” prominently displayed.

Notable Champions

• Alexander Hammerstone (First & longest reigning champion, 865 days) – Established the title’s prestige.
• Davey Richards (2022) – A technical wrestling expert who held the belt with honor.

MLW World Tag Team Championship

History & First Champions (2003)

The MLW World Tag Team Championship was introduced in 2003, with The Extreme Horsemen (Steve Corino & CW Anderson) as the first champions. The belts were reintroduced in 2018, showcasing some of the best tag team wrestling in MLW.

Belt Design

The MLW Tag Team Titles have a modern, gold-plated look with two wrestlers grappling in the center, emphasizing teamwork and excellence.

Notable Champions

• Los Parks (2021) – Brought a lucha libre influence to MLW’s tag division.
• The Von Erichs (2019–2021) – A historic wrestling family that dominated MLW’s tag scene.
• Hustle & Power (EJ Nduka & Calvin Tankman, 2022–2023) – Showcased power wrestling in the tag division.

MLW World Middleweight Championship

History & First Champion (2018)

MLW introduced the World Middleweight Championship in 2018, focusing on high-flying, technical, and agile wrestlers in the 205-pound and under division. Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF) was crowned the first champion.

Belt Design

The MLW Middleweight Championship features a sleek, gold-plated center plate with intricate detailing, symbolizing speed and skill.

Notable Champions

• Tajiri (2021–2022) – A veteran wrestler who added prestige to the belt.
• Myron Reed (3-time champion, record holder) – Defined the middleweight division in MLW.
• Dragon Lee (2019–2020) – Brought international recognition to MLW’s middleweight scene.

MLW Women’s World Featherweight Championship

History & First Champion (2022)

The MLW Women’s World Featherweight Championship was introduced in 2022, marking MLW’s official expansion into women’s wrestling. Taya Valkyrie was the inaugural champion.

Belt Design

The Women’s Featherweight Title features a sleek gold design, representing MLW’s commitment to its women’s division.

Notable Champions

• Taya Valkyrie (First champion, 2022) – Set the foundation for MLW’s women’s wrestling.
• Delmi Exo (2023) – Helped define the modern MLW women’s division.

MLW Opera Cup Championship

History & Revival (2019)

The MLW Opera Cup is a historic wrestling tournament dating back to the early 1900s, with legends like Stu Hart competing. MLW revived the Opera Cup Championship in 2019, making it a prestigious annual tournament.

Notable Winners

• Davey Boy Smith Jr. (2019 winner) – Revitalized the Opera Cup in MLW.
• Tom Lawlor (2020 winner) – A key figure in MLW’s modern era.
• Davey Richards (2021 winner) – A veteran known for his technical wrestling.

Conclusion: The Prestige of MLW Championship Belts

MLW Championship Belts symbolize prestige, competition, and excellence in professional wrestling. From the MLW World Heavyweight Championship to the Middleweight and Tag Team Titles, MLW continues to honor wrestling traditions while evolving its championships for a new generation. As MLW grows, its championship history will continue to shape the future of major league wrestling