North American Championship Belts: A Legacy in Wrestling History
The North American Championship has been a prestigious title across multiple wrestling promotions, including WWE (NXT), the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), and Mid-South Wrestling. Throughout history, the North American Championship belts have symbolized dominance, athleticism, and the next step toward world championship success.
WWE NXT North American Championship
Introduction of the NXT North American Championship
WWE reintroduced the North American Championship as an exclusive title for NXT in 2018. The championship was announced by then NXT General Manager William Regal, with the first champion being crowned in a six-man ladder match at NXT TakeOver: New Orleans.
First NXT North American Champion
- Adam Cole won the inaugural NXT North American Championship by defeating EC3, Ricochet, Lars Sullivan, Velveteen Dream, and Killian Dain in a high-flying and brutal ladder match.
- This match set the standard for the championship, making it one of the most exciting mid-card titles in WWE NXT history.
Notable NXT North American Champions
Johnny Gargano
Johnny Gargano became the first three-time NXT North American Champion and helped elevate the title with his technical wrestling and storytelling ability.
Keith Lee
Keith Lee became the first superstar to hold both the NXT North American Championship and the NXT Championship simultaneously, defeating Adam Cole at NXT Great American Bash 2020.
Carmelo Hayes
Carmelo Hayes brought new prestige to the title with his reigns, declaring that the NXT North American Championship was the "A-Championship" of the brand.
Wes Lee
Wes Lee holds the record for the longest NXT North American Championship reign at 269 days, proving himself as one of the most resilient champions in WWE NXT history.
NXT North American Championship Belt Design
The NXT North American Championship belt has a distinct look:
- A large gold plate with a red background, symbolizing prestige and history.
- The North American continent engraved on the center plate, making it stand out from other WWE championships.
- Side plates customizable for each champion, following WWE’s modern championship belt tradition.
NWA North American Heavyweight Championship
Before WWE introduced its version, the North American Championship had a long history in the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). The NWA North American Heavyweight Championship was introduced in 1994 and became a major title in NWA promotions.
Notable NWA North American Champions
- Greg Valentine – A former WWE Intercontinental Champion, Valentine brought credibility to the NWA version of the championship.
- Barry Windham – A former Four Horsemen member, Windham carried the NWA North American Championship during the late 1990s, showcasing classic wrestling.
- Shatter (Jax Dane) – One of the most dominant champions in the later years of the NWA version of the title.
Mid-South North American Heavyweight Championship
The Mid-South North American Championship was the top championship in Mid-South Wrestling (MSW), a promotion that later became Universal Wrestling Federation (UWF) before merging with Jim Crockett Promotions (NWA/WCW).
Notable Mid-South North American Champions
- Ted DiBiase – Before becoming the "Million Dollar Man" in WWE, DiBiase was a top star in Mid-South and a multiple-time North American Champion.
- Hacksaw Jim Duggan – A fan favorite and powerhouse wrestler, Duggan held the North American Championship before his WWE run.
- Junkyard Dog – One of the most popular African American wrestlers in history, JYD’s reign as North American Champion helped Mid-South Wrestling grow.
Legacy of the North American Championship
- The NXT North American Championship remains a top-tier title for future WWE superstars, with past champions moving on to become main roster stars.
- The NWA and Mid-South versions of the championship laid the foundation for regional dominance in pro wrestling, helping develop future legends.
- Across all promotions, the North American Championship belts have symbolized excellence, high work rate, and a stepping stone to world championship success.
Conclusion
The North American Championship belts have played a crucial role in the evolution of professional wrestling. From WWE NXT to the NWA and Mid-South Wrestling, these titles have helped define the careers of some of the best wrestlers in history. Today, the NXT North American Championship continues to be one of WWE’s most exciting titles, honoring the legacy of the championship’s long and prestigious history.