:WWE Universal Championship

File:Balor WM34.jpg]]

In mid-2016, the professional wrestling promotion WWE reintroduced the brand extension in which the promotion split its main roster between the Raw and SmackDown brands, where wrestlers would exclusively perform on each brands' respective weekly television program (the original brand split ended in August 2011).{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/tv/news/wwe-smackdown-live-usa-1201782569/|title=WWE's 'Smackdown' Will Move To Live Broadcast On USA (Exclusive)|last=Steinberg|first=Brian|date=May 25, 2016|website=Variety|access-date=May 25, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160526113045/https://variety.com/2016/tv/news/wwe-smackdown-live-usa-1201782569/|archive-date=May 26, 2016}}{{cite web|title=WWE's destiny to be determined during SmackDown's Live premiere|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/article/live-draft-smackdown-premiere|work=WWE|date=June 20, 2016|access-date=June 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160621124817/https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/article/live-draft-smackdown-premiere|author=WWE.com Staff|archive-date=June 21, 2016|url-status=live}} On July 19, 2016, to coincide with SmackDown shifting to a live broadcast format, the 2016 WWE Draft took place. During the draft, Dean Ambrose, who held the promotion's original world championship, the WWE Championship, was drafted to SmackDown.{{cite web|title=2016 WWE Draft results: WWE officially ushers in New Era|url=https://www.wwe.com/2016-wwe-draft-results|author=WWE.com Staff|work=WWE|date=July 19, 2016|access-date=July 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160720044640/https://www.wwe.com/2016-wwe-draft-results|archive-date=July 20, 2016|url-status=live}} At Battleground on July 24, Ambrose retained the title in a triple threat match against Raw draftees Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns,{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=7/24 WWE Battleground Results – Caldwell's Complete Report|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/07/24/jcbattlegroundppvreport/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=July 24, 2016|access-date=July 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160727004908/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/07/24/jcbattlegroundppvreport/|archive-date=July 27, 2016|url-status=live}} thus leaving Raw without a world title.{{cite web|last=Melok|first=Bobby|title=WWE Champion Dean Ambrose def. Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins (Triple Threat Match)|date=July 24, 2016|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwebattleground/2016/dean-ambrose-seth-rollins-roman-reigns-triple-threat-results|work=WWE|access-date=July 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160728021126/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwebattleground/2016/dean-ambrose-seth-rollins-roman-reigns-triple-threat-results|archive-date=July 28, 2016|url-status=live}} On the following episode of Raw, the brand's Commissioner Stephanie McMahon and General Manager Mick Foley established the WWE Universal Championship to serve as the brand's top championship. The title was named in honor of the WWE Universe, the name the promotion uses to refer to its fan base.{{cite web|last=Tedesco|first=Mike|title=WWE Raw Results – 7/25/16 (Live from Pittsburgh, fallout from Battleground, new era of Raw begins)|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-raw-results/64911-wwe-raw-results-72516-live-pittsburgh-fallout-battleground-new-era-raw-begins/|work=WrestleView|date=July 25, 2016|access-date=July 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160728225008/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/64911-wwe-raw-results-72516-live-pittsburgh-fallout-battleground-new-era-raw-begins/|archive-date=July 28, 2016|url-status=live}}

The inaugural champion was crowned at SummerSlam on August 21 in a pinfall and submission-only singles match. Rollins was automatically set for that match as he was Raw's number one draft pick and was not pinned in the WWE Championship match at Battleground. His opponent was determined by two fatal four-way matches on Raw, with the winners wrestling each other in a singles match. Finn Bálor won the first fatal four-way by defeating Cesaro, Kevin Owens, and Rusev, while Reigns won the second by defeating Chris Jericho, Sami Zayn, and Sheamus. Bálor then defeated Reigns and was added to the title match.{{cite web|last=Clapp|date=July 25, 2016|first=John|title=Finn Bálor vs. Seth Rollins to crown the first WWE Universal Champion|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2016/finn-balor-seth-rollins-universal-championship|work=WWE|access-date=July 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160729181402/https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2016/finn-balor-seth-rollins-universal-championship|archive-date=July 29, 2016|url-status=live}} At SummerSlam, Bálor, wrestling under his "Demon" persona, defeated Rollins to become the inaugural champion. Bálor was the first WWE wrestler to win a world title in his pay-per-view debut as well as winning his first world title in less than a month of his debut on WWE's main roster.{{cite web|last=Laboon|first=Jeff|title=Finn Bálor def. Seth Rollins|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2016/wwe-universal-championship-finn-balor-seth-rollins-result|work=WWE|date=August 21, 2016|access-date=August 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160823124832/https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2016/wwe-universal-championship-finn-balor-seth-rollins-result|archive-date=August 23, 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite episode|title=SummerSlam (2016) (Finn Bálor vs. Seth Rollins for the Universal Championship)|series=SummerSlam|network=WWE Network|date=August 21, 2016|minutes=200|quote=Finn Bálor becomes the first Superstar to ever win a world title in his debut match on a pay-per-view.}} During the championship match, however, Bálor suffered a legitimate shoulder injury and was forced to vacate the title the following day.{{cite web|title=UPDATE: Finn Bálor relinquishes WWE Universal Championship due to injury, undergoes successful surgery|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2016-08-22/article/wwe-universal-champion-finn-balor-injured-at-summerslam|work=WWE|date=August 24, 2016|access-date=August 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160823125655/https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2016-08-22/article/wwe-universal-champion-finn-balor-injured-at-summerslam|archive-date=August 23, 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/08/22/aug22rawresultsfinal/|title= 8/22 WWE Raw Results – Caldwell's Complete Live TV Report|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=August 22, 2016|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=August 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160823125702/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/08/22/aug22rawresultsfinal/|archive-date=August 23, 2016|url-status=live}}

At Crown Jewel on October 31, 2019, SmackDown wrestler "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt won the Universal title by defeating Seth Rollins in a Falls Count Anywhere match that could not be stopped for any reason, thus transferring the Universal Championship to SmackDown.{{cite web|last=Benigno|first=Anthony|title="The Fiend" Bray Wyatt def. Seth Rollins to become the new Universal Champion (Falls Count Anywhere Match)|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-crown-jewel/2019/seth-rollins-vs-the-fiend-bray-wyatt-results|work=WWE|date=October 31, 2019|access-date=October 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191101003745/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-crown-jewel/2019/seth-rollins-vs-the-fiend-bray-wyatt-results|archive-date=November 1, 2019|url-status=live}} The WWE Championship was subsequently transferred to Raw after reigning champion Brock Lesnar quit SmackDown the following day, taking the title to Raw.{{cite web|date=November 1, 2019|first=Brent|last=Brookhouse|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-smackdown-results-recap-grades-shocking-nxt-invasion-brock-lesnar-quits-and-moves-to-raw/|title=WWE SmackDown results, recap, grades: Shocking NXT invasion, Brock Lesnar quits and moves to Raw|work=CBSSports|access-date=March 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191102152426/https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-smackdown-results-recap-grades-shocking-nxt-invasion-brock-lesnar-quits-and-moves-to-raw/|archive-date=November 2, 2019|url-status=live}}

At WrestleMania 38 Night 2 on April 3, 2022, reigning Universal Champion Roman Reigns defeated Raw's WWE Champion Brock Lesnar in a Winner Takes All match to claim both championships and become recognized as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. WWE had billed the match as a championship unification match; however, both titles remained independently active with Reigns being a double champion, defending both titles together across both brands as the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=4/3 WWE WrestleMania 38 Results: Keller's detailed match report with analysis including Lesnar vs. Reigns, Edge vs. Styles, Knoxville vs. Sami, McAfee vs. Theory|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2022/04/03/4-3-wwe-wrestlemania-38-results-kellers-detailed-match-report-with-analysis-including-lesnar-vs-reigns-edge-vs-styles-knoxville-vs-sami-mcafee-vs-theory/|date=April 3, 2022|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=April 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404051833/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2022/04/03/4-3-wwe-wrestlemania-38-results-kellers-detailed-match-report-with-analysis-including-lesnar-vs-reigns-edge-vs-styles-knoxville-vs-sami-mcafee-vs-theory/|archive-date=April 4, 2022|url-status=live}} On the April 24, 2023, episode of Raw, WWE Chief Content Officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque announced that regardless of what brand Reigns was drafted to in the 2023 WWE Draft, he and his undisputed championship would become exclusive to that brand. Triple H subsequently unveiled a new World Heavyweight Championship for the opposing brand, which was won by Seth "Freakin" Rollins at Night of Champions.{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Andrew |date=April 25, 2023 |title=Paul Levesque unveils new World Heavyweight Title, champion to be crowned at WWE Night of Champions |url=https://www.postwrestling.com/2023/04/24/paul-levesque-unveils-new-world-heavyweight-title-champion-to-be-crowned-at-wwe-night-of-champions/ |access-date=April 25, 2023 |website=POST Wrestling |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425011754/https://www.postwrestling.com/2023/04/24/paul-levesque-unveils-new-world-heavyweight-title-champion-to-be-crowned-at-wwe-night-of-champions/|archive-date=April 25, 2023|url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Keller |first=Wade |date=April 24, 2023 |title=4/24 WWE Raw results: Keller's report on Triple H announcement, Bad Bunny appearing in person, Rey vs. Priest |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/04/24/4-24-wwe-monday-night-raw-results-kellers-report-on-bad-bunny-appearing-in-person-rey-vs-priest-last-pre-wwe-draft-episode/ |access-date=April 24, 2023 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425110018/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/04/24/4-24-wwe-monday-night-raw-results-kellers-report-on-bad-bunny-appearing-in-person-rey-vs-priest-last-pre-wwe-draft-episode/|archive-date=April 25, 2023|url-status=live}} As Reigns was drafted to SmackDown, the World Heavyweight Championship became exclusive to Raw.{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/results/wwe-smackdown-live-results-wwe-draft-begins|title=WWE SmackDown live results: The WWE Draft begins|date=April 28, 2023|last=Bath|first=Dave|work=Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online|access-date=April 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503011343/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/results/wwe-smackdown-live-results-wwe-draft-begins|archive-date=May 3, 2023|url-status=live}}

On the June 2, 2023, episode of SmackDown, Triple H presented Reigns with a new singular championship belt to represent the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/wwe-unveils-new-undisputed-wwe-universal-championship-belt|title=WWE unveils new Undisputed WWE Universal Championship belt|date=June 2, 2023|last=Rose|first=Bryan|work=Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online|access-date=June 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604002632/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/wwe-unveils-new-undisputed-wwe-universal-championship-belt|archive-date=June 4, 2023|url-status=live}} Amidst confusion of the lineages, Fightful reported that WWE confirmed to them that the two championships were still in fact separate lineages despite there being only one belt and that the plan was that the Universal Championship would be retired after Reigns lost the title.{{cite web|url=https://www.patreon.com/posts/more-on-wwe-84385045|title=More on WWE streamlining titles, future plans|date=June 11, 2023|work=Fightful|access-date=June 11, 2023|url-access=subscription}} However, after Cody Rhodes won the title at WrestleMania XL in April 2024, he was also recognized as both the WWE Champion and Universal Champion, although the title began to be referred to as the Undisputed WWE Championship. This would continue until Rhodes lost the title to John Cena at WrestleMania 41 in April 2025. Upon Rhodes's loss, the Universal Championship's title history was amended to officially retire the championship. Rhodes was also removed as a former title holder with Reigns instead recognized as the final champion with his reign ending at WrestleMania XL.{{cite web|url=https://www.sescoops.com/news/wwe/wwe-retires-universal-championship/|title=WWE Quietly Retires World Title After WrestleMania 41|date=April 22, 2025|last=Bajpai|first=Anutosh|work=SEScoops|access-date=April 22, 2025}}

The following is a list of dates indicating the transitions of the WWE Universal Championship between the Raw and SmackDown brands.

File:Roman Reigns Universal Champion.jpg in his first reign with the original Raw version of the championship belt used from 2016 to 2019]]

The Universal Championship belt was based on the "Network Logo" design of the WWE Championship belt introduced in 2014, with a few notable differences. Like the WWE Championship belt, the center plate was a large cut out of the WWE logo with diamonds sitting inside an irregular heptagonal plate, with the words "Universal Champion" in small capital letters sitting underneath the logo. There were gold divider bars that separated the center plate from two side plates. Each side plate featured the same default removable center section as the WWE Championship (the WWE logo over a red globe), which could be customized with the champion's logo.{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2016/gallery/wwe-universal-championship-photos#fid-40044827|title=An up-close look at the all-new WWE Universal Championship: photos|work=WWE|date=August 21, 2016|access-date=August 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160825073420/https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2016/gallery/wwe-universal-championship-photos|archive-date=August 25, 2016}} The most prominent difference was the belt's leather strap, the color of which indicated the brand it was exclusive to. When the belt was first unveiled at SummerSlam 2016, the strap was red to symbolize its exclusivity to the Raw brand and the underline of the WWE logo on the center plate was black to make it visible (essentially the reverse of the WWE Championship belt). After the title became exclusive to SmackDown in late 2019, Bray Wyatt introduced a blue strap variation and the underline of the WWE logo was changed from black to red.{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=11/15 WWE Smackdown Results: Keller's report on New Day defending against The Revival, Survivor Series qualification match, Miz TV with Daniel Bryan|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2019/11/15/11-15-wwe-smackdown-results-kellers-report-on-new-day-defending-against-the-revival-survivor-series-qualification-match-miz-tv-with-daniel-bryan/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=November 15, 2019|access-date=November 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191116033551/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2019/11/15/11-15-wwe-smackdown-results-kellers-report-on-new-day-defending-against-the-revival-survivor-series-qualification-match-miz-tv-with-daniel-bryan/|archive-date=November 16, 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/gallery/new-look-universal-title-the-fiend-bray-wyatt#fid-40400419|title=Universal Title turns blue with "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt's reign: photos|work=WWE|access-date=November 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117074850/https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/gallery/new-look-universal-title-the-fiend-bray-wyatt|archive-date=November 17, 2019|url-status=live}}

File:Bray_Wyatt_2019.png, shown here as "The Fiend", whose custom version of the Universal Championship belt was based on his mask]]

In addition to the SmackDown version of the belt, Bray Wyatt also introduced a custom version of the championship for his "Fiend" character on the November 29 episode of SmackDown.{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2019/11/29/11-29-wwe-smackdown-report-kellers-report-on-bray-wyatt-introducing-a-new-firefly-funhouse-character-survivor-series-fallout/|title=11/29 WWE SmackDown Report: Keller's report on Bray Wyatt introducing a new Firefly Funhouse character, Survivor Series fallout|date=November 29, 2019|last=Keller|first=Wade|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=November 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922180311/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2019/11/29/11-29-wwe-smackdown-report-kellers-report-on-bray-wyatt-introducing-a-new-firefly-funhouse-character-survivor-series-fallout/|archive-date=September 22, 2020|url-status=live}} The custom belt featured The Fiend's face in the place of the center plate. The character's phrases "Hurt" and "Heal" were written in red on black leather strips in the place of side plates while the strap of the belt itself was red and black worn leather with red stitching holding it together. The character's phrase "Let Me In" was also included. Wyatt used both the standard and custom versions of the championship during his first reign (2019–2020); his cheery Firefly Fun House character held the standard blue belt, while his sinister Fiend character held the custom belt.{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/article/bray-wyatt-reveals-new-look-universal-title|title=Bray Wyatt unveils a dark and twisted Universal Title|date=November 29, 2019|work=WWE|access-date=November 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191130054959/https://www.wwe.com/article/bray-wyatt-reveals-new-look-universal-title|archive-date=November 30, 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/gallery/bray-wyatt-unveils-haunting-new-title#fid-40403879|title="The Fiend" Bray Wyatt's dark and twisted Universal Title: photos|date=November 29, 2019|work=WWE|access-date=November 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191222183916/https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/gallery/bray-wyatt-unveils-haunting-new-title|archive-date=December 22, 2019|url-status=live}}

File:Roman Reigns Paul Heyman Summerslam 2023 (cropped-Roman Reigns).jpg as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, which represented both the Universal and WWE Championships. He became undisputed champion during his second Universal Championship reign, which was the longest reign for the title at 1,316 days and the fourth longest world championship reign in WWE history.]]

After Roman Reigns became the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion at WrestleMania 38 in April 2022, both the Universal Championship and WWE Championship belts were used in tandem to represent the undisputed title, although both titles retained their individual lineages. On the June 2, 2023, episode of SmackDown, in celebration of Reigns reaching 1,000 days as Universal Champion, he was presented with a new single title belt to represent the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. It featured the same "Network Logo" design on a black strap, but the WWE logo was encrusted with black gems, it has a textured gold background behind the logo which is part of the metal plate instead of the underlying leather, and the text at the bottom of the plate said "Undisputed Champion"; the side plates remained the same. Despite this, his manager Paul Heyman had continued to carry around the previous Universal and WWE Championship belts until the end of July.{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/07/29/wwe-smackdown-tv-results-7-28-mcdonalds-alt-perspective-report-on-roman-reigns-and-jey-uso-face-to-face-mysterio-vs-escobar-u-s-title-invitational-final-anderson-vs-kross/|title=WWE SmackDown TV Results (7/28): McDonald's "alt perspective" report on Roman Reigns and Jey Uso face to face, Mysterio vs. Escobar U.S. Title Invitational Final, Anderson vs. Kross|date=July 29, 2023|last=McDonald|first=Alex|work=PWTorch|access-date=September 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730044327/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/07/29/wwe-smackdown-tv-results-7-28-mcdonalds-alt-perspective-report-on-roman-reigns-and-jey-uso-face-to-face-mysterio-vs-escobar-u-s-title-invitational-final-anderson-vs-kross/|archive-date=July 30, 2023|url-status=live}} On WWE's website, pictures of the previous title belts were still used for the individual title histories of each championship until April 2024 when the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship belt replaced the image for the WWE Championship; the Universal Championship title history remained a picture of the previous blue belt. After the retirement of the Universal Championship, the Undisputed belt would continue to be used for the WWE Championship, which also continued to be referred to as the Undisputed WWE Championship.

The original red Universal Championship design was heavily criticized.{{cite web|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2016/10/ranking-every-current-wwe-title-belt-from-best-to.html|title=Ranking Every Current WWE Title Belt, From Best to Worst|last=Vorel|first=Jim|date=October 10, 2016|website=Paste|access-date=February 14, 2017|quote=The most recent WWE world title, exclusive to Raw, has had a lot of shit thrown at it.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214003931/https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2016/10/ranking-every-current-wwe-title-belt-from-best-to.html|archive-date=February 14, 2017|url-status=live}} Jason Powell of Pro Wrestling Dot Net referred to it as "a title belt that no one likes".{{cite web|archive-date=August 23, 2016|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2016/08/22/822-powells-wwe-raw-live-tv-review-finn-balor-injury-and-the-wwe-universal-championship-summerslam-fallout/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160823041531/https://prowrestling.net/site/2016/08/22/822-powells-wwe-raw-live-tv-review-finn-balor-injury-and-the-wwe-universal-championship-summerslam-fallout/|title=8/22 Powell's WWE Raw Live TV Review: Finn Balor injury and the WWE Universal Championship, SummerSlam fallout|last=Powell|first=Jason|date=August 22, 2016|url-status=live|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=August 23, 2016}} Adam Silverstein of CBS Sports described it as "ugly"{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160823125639/https://www.cbssports.com/general/news/wwe-summerslam-2016-results-live-blog-matches-highlights-updates/|archive-date=August 23, 2016|url-status=live|url=https://www.cbssports.com/general/news/wwe-summerslam-2016-results-live-blog-matches-highlights-updates/|title=WWE SummerSlam 2016 results: Brock Lesnar gets savage, Finn Balor wins title|last=Silverstein|first=Adam|date=August 21, 2016|work=CBSSports|access-date=August 21, 2016}} while the live SummerSlam audience in Brooklyn, New York gave derisive chants, including "This belt sucks",{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/wwe-summerslam-live-results-brock-lesnar-vs-randy-orton-218311|title=WWE SummerSlam live results: Brock Lesnar vs. Randy Orton|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|date=August 21, 2016|website=Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online|access-date=August 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822045012/https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/wwe-summerslam-live-results-brock-lesnar-vs-randy-orton-218311|archive-date=August 22, 2016}} an assessment with which New England Sports Network reporters agreed.{{cite web|url=https://nesn.com/2016/08/wwe-summerslam-2016-live-results-highlights-from-every-match-in-brooklyn/|title=WWE SummerSlam 2016 Live: Finn Balor, Brock Lesnar Highlight Event in Brooklyn|date=August 22, 2016}} That site's Ricky Doyle wrote that the crowd response turned what should have been a "landmark moment for the company" into an "awkward experience". Mike Johnson of Pro Wrestling Insider felt the title looked like a "xerox" of the WWE Championship and did not blame the audience for reacting negatively.{{cite web|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=104220&p=2|title=What happened after SummerSlam went off the air and more|last=Johnson|first=Mike|date=August 21, 2016|website=PWInsider|access-date=February 14, 2017}} The design was also unpopular with online wrestling fans.

WWE employees responded in the aftermath of the title's debut. Seth Rollins chastised the SummerSlam crowd's reaction, writing on Twitter: "More important than a title's appearance is what it represents for the men fighting over it. You really let me down tonight, Brooklyn".{{cite web|url=https://nesn.com/2016/08/seth-rollins-rips-brooklyn-barclays-center-crowd-after-wwe-summerslam/|title=Seth Rollins Rips Barclays Center Crowd After WWE SummerSlam Reaction|last=Doyle|first=Ricky|date=August 22, 2016|publisher=New England Sports Network|access-date=August 23, 2016}} While acknowledging that he himself might have chosen a different belt design, Mick Foley echoed Rollins's response in a lengthy Facebook post. He recalled being presented with the WWF Hardcore Championship, a title belt made of broken metal pieces held together by duct tape, which challengers "made ... mean something by busting [their] asses".{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com/wwe/story/mick-foley-rips-wwe-fans-for-their-reaction-at-summerslam-082216|title=Mick Foley laces WWE fans for their reaction at SummerSlam|last=Werner|first=Barry|date=August 22, 2016|work=Fox Sports|access-date=August 23, 2016}} In a kayfabe promo on the following episode of Raw, the then-villainous Rollins called the championship belt "beautiful".

Later in 2016, Jim Vorel of Paste ranked the title as the worst of the nine then contested in WWE, noting its "obnoxious" design. On the other hand, Nick Schwartz of Fox Sports wrote: "It's really not as bad as fans made it seem at SummerSlam. It's fine".{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com/wwe/gallery/wwe-championship-belt-ranking-best-121516|title=The best and worst looking WWE Championship belts|first=Nick|last=Schwartz|work=Fox Sports|date=December 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170406040830/https://www.foxsports.com/wwe/gallery/wwe-championship-belt-ranking-best-121516|archive-date=April 6, 2017}}

Over the title's near eight-year history, there were officially 14 reigns between 8 champions and two vacancies. Finn Bálor was the inaugural champion. Brock Lesnar had the most reigns at three. Roman Reigns's second reign was the longest singular reign at 1,316 days, while Bálor had the shortest reign at 1 day (less than a day as recognized by WWE) as he was forced to vacate the title due to suffering a legitimate injury in winning it. Reigns also held the title for the longest combined days at 1,380 days (1,379 days as recognized by WWE). Kevin Owens was the youngest champion when he won it at {{age in years and days|1984|05|07|2016|08|29}} old, while Goldberg was the oldest when he won the title for a second time at 53. The final recognized champion was Reigns.

{{Professional wrestling title history top|active=no|dayless=yes|days2=yes|unrecognized=yes}}

{{PWtitlereign

|sort number = 0.5

|type = promotion

|name = WWE: Raw

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 1

|champion = {{sortname|Finn|Bálor}}

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|August 21, 2016}}

|days = {{age in days nts|August 21, 2016|August 22, 2016}}

|days2 = <1

|location = Brooklyn, NY

|event = SummerSlam

|notes = The title was established for Raw after the WWE Championship became exclusive to SmackDown following the 2016 WWE Draft. Bálor defeated Seth Rollins in a pinfall and submission-only match to become the inaugural champion.

|ref = {{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=8/21 WWE Summerslam Results – Caldwell's Complete Live Report|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/08/21/summerslam2016resultsfinal/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=August 21, 2016|access-date=August 21, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160823124530/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/08/21/summerslam2016resultsfinal/|archive-date=August 23, 2016}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|sort number = 1.5

|type = vacated

|date = {{dts|August 22, 2016}}

|location = Brooklyn, NY

|event = Raw

|days2 = yes

|notes = Vacated due to Finn Bálor suffering a legit shoulder injury during his match at SummerSlam.

|ref =

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 2

|champion = {{sortname|Kevin|Owens}}

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|August 29, 2016}}

|days = {{age in days nts|August 29, 2016|March 5, 2017}}

|days2 = yes

|location = Houston, TX

|event = Raw

|notes = This was a fatal four-way elimination match for the vacant title also involving Big Cass, Roman Reigns, and Seth Rollins, who Owens last eliminated to win.

|ref = {{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|date=August 29, 2016|title=Keller's WWE Raw Review 8/29: Ongoing coverage of fatal four way for the WWE Universal Title|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/08/29/kellers-wwe-raw-review-829-ongoing-coverage-fatal-four-way-wwe-universal-title-match-kevin-owens-seth-rollins-roman-reigns-big-cass/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=August 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160901173718/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/08/29/kellers-wwe-raw-review-829-ongoing-coverage-fatal-four-way-wwe-universal-title-match-kevin-owens-seth-rollins-roman-reigns-big-cass/|archive-date=September 1, 2016|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 3

|champion = {{sortname||Goldberg|Bill Goldberg}}

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|March 5, 2017}}

|days = {{age in days nts|March 5, 2017|April 2, 2017}}

|days2 = {{age in days nts|March 5, 2017|April 1, 2017}}

|location = Milwaukee, WI

|event = Fastlane

|ref = {{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=3/5 Powell's WWE Fastlane Live Review: Kevin Owens vs. Goldberg for the WWE Championship, Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman, Bayley vs. Charlotte for the Raw Women's Championship, Samoa Joe vs. Sami Zayn|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2017/03/05/35-powells-wwe-fastlane-live-review-kevin-owens-vs-goldberg-wwe-championship-roman-reigns-vs-braun-strowman-bayley-vs-charlotte-raw-womens-championship-samoa-joe-vs-sam/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=March 5, 2017|access-date=March 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170306134740/https://prowrestling.net/site/2017/03/05/35-powells-wwe-fastlane-live-review-kevin-owens-vs-goldberg-wwe-championship-roman-reigns-vs-braun-strowman-bayley-vs-charlotte-raw-womens-championship-samoa-joe-vs-sam/|archive-date=March 6, 2017|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 4

|champion = {{sortname|Brock|Lesnar}}

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|April 2, 2017}}

|days = {{age in days nts|April 2, 2017|August 19, 2018}}

|days2 = {{age in days nts|April 3, 2017|August 19, 2018}}

|location = Orlando, FL

|event = WrestleMania 33

|ref = {{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=Powell's WrestleMania 33 live review: Undertaker vs. Roman Reigns, Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar for the WWE Universal Championship, AJ Styles vs. Shane McMahon, Seth Rollins vs. Triple H in an unsanctioned match|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2017/04/02/powells-wrestlemania-33-live-review-undertaker-vs-roman-reigns-goldberg-vs-brock-lesnar-wwe-universal-championship-aj-styles-vs-shane-mcmahon-seth-rollins-vs-triple-h/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=April 2, 2017|access-date=April 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170403113529/https://prowrestling.net/site/2017/04/02/powells-wrestlemania-33-live-review-undertaker-vs-roman-reigns-goldberg-vs-brock-lesnar-wwe-universal-championship-aj-styles-vs-shane-mcmahon-seth-rollins-vs-triple-h/|archive-date=April 3, 2017|url-status=live}}

}}

{{PWtitlereign

|number = 5

|champion = {{sortname|Roman|Reigns}}

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|August 19, 2018}}

|days = {{age in days nts|August 19, 2018|October 22, 2018}}

|days2 = {{age in days nts|August 19, 2018|October 21, 2018}}

|location = Brooklyn, NY

|event = SummerSlam

|ref = {{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=Powell's WWE SummerSlam 2018 live review: Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns for the WWE Universal Championship, AJ Styles vs. Samoa Joe for the WWE Championship, Alexa Bliss vs. Ronda Rousey for the Raw Women's Championship, Daniel Bryan vs. The Miz|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/08/19/powells-wwe-summerslam-2018-live-review-brock-lesnar-vs-roman-reigns-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-aj-styles-vs-samoa-joe-for-the-wwe-championship-alexa-bliss-vs-ronda-rousey-for-the-raw/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=August 19, 2018|access-date=August 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180820074606/https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/08/19/powells-wwe-summerslam-2018-live-review-brock-lesnar-vs-roman-reigns-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-aj-styles-vs-samoa-joe-for-the-wwe-championship-alexa-bliss-vs-ronda-rousey-for-the-raw/|archive-date=August 20, 2018|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|sort number = 1.5

|type = vacated

|date = {{dts|October 22, 2018}}

|location = Providence, RI

|event = Raw

|days2 = yes

|notes = Vacated after Roman Reigns announced that he had been legitimately diagnosed with a recurrence leukemia.

|ref = {{cite web|last=Benigno|first=Anthony|title=Roman Reigns relinquished the Universal Championship after revealing his battle with leukemia|date=October 22, 2018|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2018-10-22/article/roman-reigns-relinquished-universal-championship-leukemia-battle|work=WWE|access-date=October 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181023030455/https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2018-10-22/article/roman-reigns-relinquished-universal-championship-leukemia-battle|archive-date=October 23, 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=10/22 WWE Raw Results: Keller's report on Reigns cancer announcement, final Evolution hype, Ronda Rousey-Nikki Bella contract signing, HBK and Triple H hype DX reunion, Braun-Drew fallout, Tag Title match|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2018/10/22/10-22-wwe-raw-results-final-evolution-hype-ronda-rousey-nikki-bella-contract-signing-hbk-and-triple-h-hype-dx-reunion-braun-drew-fallout-tag-title-match/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=October 22, 2018|access-date=October 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213174909/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2018/10/22/10-22-wwe-raw-results-final-evolution-hype-ronda-rousey-nikki-bella-contract-signing-hbk-and-triple-h-hype-dx-reunion-braun-drew-fallout-tag-title-match/|archive-date=February 13, 2019|url-status=live}}

}}

{{PWtitlereign

|number = 6

|champion = {{sortname|Brock|Lesnar}}

|reign = 2

|date = {{dts|November 2, 2018}}

|days = {{age in days nts|November 2, 2018|April 7, 2019}}

|days2 = yes

|location = Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

|event = Crown Jewel

|notes = Originally scheduled as a triple threat match in which Roman Reigns was to defend the title against Lesnar and Braun Strowman.{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=9/17 WWE Raw Results: Keller's report with the Hell in a Cell follow-up including controversial finish with Brock Lesnar in the main event|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2018/09/17/9-17-wwe-raw-results-kellers-report-with-the-hell-in-a-cell-follow-up-including-controversial-finish-with-brock-lesnar-in-the-main-event/|date=September 17, 2018|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=September 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920084040/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2018/09/17/9-17-wwe-raw-results-kellers-report-with-the-hell-in-a-cell-follow-up-including-controversial-finish-with-brock-lesnar-in-the-main-event/|archive-date=September 20, 2018|url-status=live}} After Reigns relinquished the championship, the match became a singles match between Lesnar and Strowman for the vacant title.

|ref = {{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=Powell's WWE Crown Jewel live review: Brock Lesnar vs. Braun Strowman for the vacant WWE Universal Championship, AJ Styles vs. Samoa Joe for the WWE Championship, Undertaker and Kane vs. DX, World Cup tournament|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/11/02/powells-wwe-crown-jewel-live-review-brock-lesnar-vs-braun-strowman-for-the-vacant-wwe-universal-championship-aj-styles-vs-samoa-joe-for-the-wwe-championship-undertaker-and-kane-vs-dx-wor/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=November 2, 2018|date=November 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181102200930/https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/11/02/powells-wwe-crown-jewel-live-review-brock-lesnar-vs-braun-strowman-for-the-vacant-wwe-universal-championship-aj-styles-vs-samoa-joe-for-the-wwe-championship-undertaker-and-kane-vs-dx-wor/|archive-date=November 2, 2018|url-status=live}}

}}

{{PWtitlereign

|number = 7

|champion = {{sortname|Seth|Rollins}}

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|April 7, 2019}}

|days = {{age in days nts|April 7, 2019|July 14, 2019}}

|days2 = yes

|location = East Rutherford, NJ

|event = WrestleMania 35

|ref = {{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WrestleMania 35 results: Powell's live review of Ronda Rousey vs. Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair for the Raw and Smackdown Women's Titles, Daniel Bryan vs. Kofi Kingston for the WWE Championship, Brock Lesnar vs. Seth Rollins for the WWE Universal Championship, Batista vs. Triple H, AJ Styles vs. Randy Orton|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/04/07/wrestlemania-35-results-powells-live-review-of-ronda-rousey-vs-becky-lynch-vs-charlotte-flair-for-the-raw-and-smackdown-womens-titles-daniel-bryan-vs-kofi-kingston-for-the-wwe-championship-b/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=April 7, 2019|access-date=April 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626182534/https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/04/07/wrestlemania-35-results-powells-live-review-of-ronda-rousey-vs-becky-lynch-vs-charlotte-flair-for-the-raw-and-smackdown-womens-titles-daniel-bryan-vs-kofi-kingston-for-the-wwe-championship-b/|archive-date=June 26, 2019|url-status=live}}

}}

{{PWtitlereign

|number = 8

|champion = {{sortname|Brock|Lesnar}}

|reign = 3

|date = {{dts|July 14, 2019}}

|days = {{age in days nts|July 14, 2019|August 11, 2019}}

|days2 = {{age in days nts|July 15, 2019|August 11, 2019}}

|location = Philadelphia, PA

|event = Extreme Rules

|notes = This was Lesnar's Money in the Bank cash-in match.

|ref = {{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Extreme Rules results: Powell's live review of Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch vs. Baron Corbin and Lacey Evans in an Extreme Rules match for the WWE Universal Championship and the Raw Women's Championship, Kofi Kingston vs. Samoa Joe for the WWE Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/07/14/wwe-extreme-rules-results-powells-live-review-of-seth-rollins-and-becky-lynch-vs-baron-corbin-and-lacey-evans-in-an-extreme-rules-match-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-and-the-raw-womens-cham/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=July 14, 2019|access-date=July 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715030554/https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/07/14/wwe-extreme-rules-results-powells-live-review-of-seth-rollins-and-becky-lynch-vs-baron-corbin-and-lacey-evans-in-an-extreme-rules-match-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-and-the-raw-womens-cham/|archive-date=July 15, 2019|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 9

|champion = {{sortname|Seth|Rollins}}

|reign = 2

|date = {{dts|August 11, 2019}}

|days = {{age in days nts|August 11, 2019|October 31, 2019}}

|days2 = {{age in days nts|August 12, 2019|October 31, 2019}}

|location = Toronto, ON, Canada

|event = SummerSlam

|ref = {{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE SummerSlam results: Powell's live review of Brock Lesnar vs. Seth Rollins for the WWE Universal Championship, Kofi Kingston vs. Samoa Randy Orton for the WWE Championship, Kevin Owens vs. Shane McMahon, Trish Stratus vs. Charlotte Flair, "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt vs. Finn Balor|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/08/11/wwe-summerslam-results-powells-live-review-of-brock-lesnar-vs-seth-rollins-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-kofi-kingston-vs-samoa-randy-orton-for-the-wwe-championship-kevin-owens-vs-shane-m/|date=August 11, 2019|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=August 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191129064237/https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/08/11/wwe-summerslam-results-powells-live-review-of-brock-lesnar-vs-seth-rollins-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-kofi-kingston-vs-samoa-randy-orton-for-the-wwe-championship-kevin-owens-vs-shane-m/|archive-date=November 29, 2019|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 10

|champion = {{sortname|"The Fiend" Bray|Wyatt|Bray Wyatt}}

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|October 31, 2019}}

|days = {{age in days nts|October 31, 2019|February 27, 2020}}

|days2 = {{age in days nts|October 31, 2019|February 26, 2020}}

|location = Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

|event = Crown Jewel

|notes = This was a Falls Count Anywhere match that could not be stopped for any reason.
The title became exclusive to the SmackDown brand due to Wyatt's status as a SmackDown wrestler.

|ref = {{cite web|date=October 31, 2019|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Crown Jewel results: Powell's live review of Brock Lesnar vs. Cain Velasquez for the WWE Championship, Seth Rollins vs. Bray Wyatt in a Falls Count Anywhere match for the WWE Universal Championship, Braun Strowman vs. Tyson Fury, Lacey Evans vs. Natalya|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/10/31/wwe-crown-jewel-results-powells-live-review-of-brock-lesnar-vs-cain-velasquez-for-the-wwe-championship-seth-rollins-vs-bray-wyatt-in-a-falls-count-anywhere-match-for-the-wwe-universal-championsh/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=October 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326204948/https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/10/31/wwe-crown-jewel-results-powells-live-review-of-brock-lesnar-vs-cain-velasquez-for-the-wwe-championship-seth-rollins-vs-bray-wyatt-in-a-falls-count-anywhere-match-for-the-wwe-universal-championsh/|archive-date=March 26, 2020|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|sort number = 0.5

|type = promotion

|name = WWE: SmackDown

}}

{{PWtitlereign

|number = 11

|champion = {{sortname||Goldberg|Bill Goldberg}}

|reign = 2

|date = {{dts|February 27, 2020}}

|days = {{age in days nts|February 27, 2020|March 25, 2020}}–{{age in days nts|February 27, 2020|March 26, 2020}}

|days2 = {{age in days nts|February 27, 2020|April 4, 2020}}

|location = Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

|event = Super ShowDown

|notes = WWE recognizes this reign as ending on April 4, 2020, when the following match aired on tape delay.

|ref = {{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Super ShowDown results: Powell's live review of "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt vs. Goldberg for the WWE Universal Championship, Brock Lesnar vs. Ricochet for the WWE Championship, Big E and Kofi Kingston vs. The Miz and John Morrison for the Smackdown Tag Titles|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/02/27/wwe-super-showdown-results-powells-live-review-of-the-fiend-bray-wyatt-vs-goldberg-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-brock-lesnar-vs-ricochet-for-the-wwe-championship-big-e-and-kofi-kingst/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=February 27, 2020|access-date=February 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229152833/https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/02/27/wwe-super-showdown-results-powells-live-review-of-the-fiend-bray-wyatt-vs-goldberg-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-brock-lesnar-vs-ricochet-for-the-wwe-championship-big-e-and-kofi-kingst/|archive-date=February 29, 2020|url-status=live}}

}}

{{PWtitlereign

|number = 12

|champion = {{sortname|Braun|Strowman}}

|reign = 1

|date = March 25–26, 2020

|days = {{age in days nts|March 26, 2020|August 23, 2020}}–{{age in days nts|March 25, 2020|August 23, 2020}}

|days2 = {{age in days nts|April 4, 2020|August 23, 2020}}

|location = Orlando, FL

|event = WrestleMania 36
{{small|Part 1}}

|notes = WrestleMania was taped on March 25 and 26, but it is currently unknown which day this match was taped. WWE recognizes this reign as beginning on April 4, 2020, when the match aired on tape delay.{{cite news|title=WWE grabará Wrestlemania 36|url=https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/88388-wwe-grabara-todo-wrestlemania-36-|access-date=December 10, 2020|work=Solowrestling|date=March 21, 2020 |language=es|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323172429/https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/88388-wwe-grabara-todo-wrestlemania-36-|archive-date=March 23, 2020|url-status=live}}

|ref = {{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WrestleMania 36 results: Powell's live review of night one featuring Goldberg vs. Braun Strowman for the WWE Universal Championship, Undertaker vs. AJ Styles in a Boneyard match, Becky Lynch vs. Shayna Baszler for the Raw Women's Championship, Seth Rollins vs. Kevin Owens|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/04/04/wrestlemania-36-results-powells-live-review-of-night-one-featuring-goldberg-vs-braun-strowman-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-undertaker-vs-aj-styles-in-a-boneyard-match-becky-lynch-vs-shay/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=April 4, 2020|access-date=April 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406131545/https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/04/04/wrestlemania-36-results-powells-live-review-of-night-one-featuring-goldberg-vs-braun-strowman-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-undertaker-vs-aj-styles-in-a-boneyard-match-becky-lynch-vs-shay/|archive-date=April 6, 2020|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 13

|champion = {{sortname|"The Fiend" Bray|Wyatt|Bray Wyatt}}

|reign = 2

|date = {{dts|August 23, 2020}}

|days = {{age in days nts|August 23, 2020|August 30, 2020}}

|days2 = {{age in days nts|August 24, 2020|August 30, 2020}}

|location = Orlando, FL

|event = SummerSlam

|notes = This was a Falls Count Anywhere match.

|ref = {{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE SummerSlam results: Powell's review of Drew McIntyre vs. Randy Orton for the WWE Championship, Braun Strowman vs. The Fiend for the WWE Universal Championship, Mandy Rose vs. Sonya Deville in a No DQ, loser leaves WWE match, Asuka challenges for two titles|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/08/23/wwe-summerslam-results-powells-review-of-drew-mcintyre-vs-randy-orton-for-the-wwe-championship-braun-strowman-vs-the-fiend-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-mandy-rose-vs-sonya-deville-in-a-n/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=August 23, 2020|access-date=August 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913143256/https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/08/23/wwe-summerslam-results-powells-review-of-drew-mcintyre-vs-randy-orton-for-the-wwe-championship-braun-strowman-vs-the-fiend-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-mandy-rose-vs-sonya-deville-in-a-n/|archive-date=September 13, 2020|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 14

|champion = {{sortname|Roman|Reigns}}

|reign = 2

|date = {{dts|August 30, 2020}}

|days = {{age in days nts|August 30, 2020|April 7, 2024}}

|days2 = yes

|location = Orlando, FL

|event = Payback

|notes = This was a No Holds Barred triple threat match also involving Braun Strowman, who Reigns pinned.
At WrestleMania 38 on April 3, 2022, Reigns defeated Raw's WWE Champion Brock Lesnar in a Winner Takes All match. Despite the match being billed as a unification match, both titles remained independently active and were collectively referred to as the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
In April 2023, after Reigns was drafted to SmackDown in the 2023 WWE Draft, a new World Heavyweight Championship was established for Raw as the counterpart to Reigns' Undisputed title.

|ref = {{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Payback results: Powell's review of The Fiend vs. Bray Wyatt vs. Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman in a Triple Threat for the WWE Universal Championship, Keith Lee vs. Randy Orton, Sasha Banks and Bayley vs. Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax for the WWE Women's Tag Titles, Matt Riddle vs. King Corbin|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/08/30/wwe-payback-results-powells-review-of-the-fiend-vs-bray-wyatt-vs-roman-reigns-vs-braun-strowman-in-a-triple-threat-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-keith-lee-vs-randy-orton-sasha-banks-and/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=August 30, 2020|access-date=August 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831090708/https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/08/30/wwe-payback-results-powells-review-of-the-fiend-vs-bray-wyatt-vs-roman-reigns-vs-braun-strowman-in-a-triple-threat-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-keith-lee-vs-randy-orton-sasha-banks-and/|archive-date=August 31, 2020|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|sort number = 15

|type = unrecognized

|champion = {{sortname|Cody|Rhodes}}

|reign = —

|date = {{dts|April 7, 2024}}

|days = {{age in days nts|April 7, 2024|April 20, 2025}}

|days2 = yes

|location = Philadelphia, PA

|rowspan=2|event = WrestleMania XL
{{small|Night 2}}

|notes = This was a Bloodline Rules match in which Reigns also defended the WWE Championship. Rhodes won the title as a member of the Raw brand and was subsequently transferred to SmackDown.
The undisputed title's name was also truncated to Undisputed WWE Championship. The official title history had originally recognized Rhodes as champion up until Rhodes lost the title at WrestleMania 41 the following year.

|ref = {{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WrestleMania XL results: Powell's live review of night two with Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes for the WWE Universal Championship with Bloodline Rules, Seth Rollins vs. Drew McIntyre for the World Heavyweight Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/04/07/wrestlemania-xl-results-powells-live-review-of-night-two-with-roman-reigns-vs-cody-rhodes-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-with-bloodline-rules-seth-rollins-vs-drew-mcintyre-for-the-world-heav/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=April 7, 2024|access-date=April 7, 2024}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|sort number = 15.5

|type = deactivated

|date = April 7, 2024

|days2 = yes

|location = Philadelphia, PA

|event = WrestleMania XL
{{small|Night 2}}

|notes = Decommissioned in favor of continuing the WWE Championship lineage. Following Roman Reigns's loss, the official title history had originally recognized Cody Rhodes as champion up until Rhodes lost the title at WrestleMania 41 the following year.{{cite web | title=Universal Championship | website=WWE | date=2018-10-22 | url=https://www.wwe.com/titlehistory/universal-championship | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250406234204/https://www.wwe.com/titlehistory/universal-championship | archive-date=2025-04-06 | url-status=live | ref={{sfnref|WWE|2018}} | access-date=2025-05-07}} Upon his loss, the official title history was amended, removing Rhodes and instead recognizing Reigns as the final champion with the title retired the night he lost it at WrestleMania XL.

|ref = }}

{{BundleEnd}}

File:Brock_Lesnar_Universal_Champion.jpg, shown here in his first reign with the original Raw version of the championship belt]]

• List of former championships in WWE
• World championships in WWE

{{notelist}}

{{reflist}}

{{Commons}}

• {{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/universal-championship|title=Official Universal Championship Title History}}
• {{cite web|url=https://www.wrestling-titles.com/wwe/wwe-univ.html|title=Wrestling-Titles.com: WWE Universal Championship}}

{{WWE Universal Championship}}

{{WWE Championships}}

Category:World heavyweight wrestling championships

Category:WWE championships