Television Championship Belts: History, Legacy, and Impact in Pro Wrestling
The Television Championship has been one of the most prestigious mid-card titles in professional wrestling, providing consistent exposure to rising stars. Various promotions, including WCW, NWA, ECW, and AEW, have introduced their own versions of the TV Championship, making it a crucial part of wrestling history. Unlike world championships defended mainly on pay-per-view events, the Television Championship belts were designed for weekly television defenses, ensuring that champions stayed active and showcased their skills regularly. This title played a major role in shaping the careers of some of the greatest wrestlers in history.
NWA/WCW World Television Championship
The NWA World Television Championship was first introduced in 1974 under Jim Crockett Promotions (JCP), later transitioning to World Championship Wrestling (WCW). It was created as a workhorse title, defended weekly on wrestling programs to highlight talented mid-card wrestlers before they moved on to world championship status.
Notable NWA/WCW Television Champions
Arn Anderson – Known as the "Enforcer" of the Four Horsemen, Anderson became synonymous with the WCW TV Championship, holding multiple reigns and elevating the belt's status.
Tully Blanchard – Another Four Horsemen member, Blanchard's reign solidified the championship as a serious and highly contested title.
Sting – Before winning the WCW World Heavyweight Championship, Sting’s run as TV Champion helped establish him as one of WCW’s biggest stars.
Booker T – As a multiple-time WCW Television Champion, Booker T used this title as a stepping stone toward becoming a five-time WCW World Champion.
William Regal (Steven Regal) – Known for his technical wrestling skills, Regal brought credibility and international prestige to the title during his reigns.
The WCW TV Championship was officially retired in 2000 when WCW discontinued the title as part of its restructuring before being purchased by WWE in 2001.
ECW World Television Championship
The ECW World Television Championship was introduced in 1992 under Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) and quickly became one of the most exciting and sought-after titles in the company. Unlike other TV titles, ECW’s version was often contested in hardcore matches, making it unique.
Notable ECW Television Champions
Rob Van Dam – The most dominant ECW TV Champion, RVD held the title for an incredible 700 days, the longest reign in the championship’s history. His matches against Jerry Lynn, Sabu, and Bam Bam Bigelow defined ECW’s high-risk, high-energy style.
Taz – Before becoming ECW World Champion, Taz’s dominance as TV Champion helped establish his reputation as one of the toughest wrestlers in ECW history.
Shane Douglas – A key figure in ECW, Douglas helped elevate the Television Championship by treating it as a serious title.
Bam Bam Bigelow – As a major powerhouse, Bigelow’s reign added legitimacy to the title, showing that even heavyweights could hold it.
The ECW TV Championship was retired in 2001 when WWE acquired ECW.
AEW TNT Championship – A Modern Television Title
In 2020, AEW introduced the TNT Championship, which serves as a modern equivalent to the classic TV titles. Defended almost weekly, the AEW TNT Championship follows the tradition of Television Championships by focusing on in-ring excellence.
Notable AEW TNT Champions
Cody Rhodes – The first-ever TNT Champion, Cody helped establish the title’s prestige by issuing open challenges to any competitor willing to step up.
Darby Allin – One of AEW’s rising stars, Darby’s reign as TNT Champion showcased his daredevil style and ability to defend the title against top talent.
Samoa Joe – A veteran who held both the ROH TV Championship and TNT Championship, Samoa Joe’s reigns proved that Television Championships are still relevant in modern wrestling.
Legacy of the Television Championship Belts
The Television Championship belts played a critical role in wrestling history by providing consistent exposure to rising talent. Unlike world championships, which were often defended on special occasions, TV titles required frequent defenses, making them a true test of endurance and skill. Promotions like WCW, ECW, NWA, and AEW used the TV Championship to showcase high-quality matches and help elevate future world champions. Even though WWE does not currently have a Television Championship, the influence of these belts can be seen in the Intercontinental and United States Championships, which serve similar purposes.
The legacy of the Television Championship continues today through AEW’s TNT Championship and ROH’s World Television Championship, proving that even in the modern era of wrestling, a title built for TV remains an important part of the sport.