The WWE Universal Champion Tier List is a popular topic among wrestling enthusiasts. The tier list ranks all the Universal Champions in WWE based on their performance, length of their reign, and achievements.
The Universal Championship was introduced in 2016 and has since been held by several WWE Superstars. The Tier List provides a comprehensive ranking of all the Universal Champions, from the first champion Finn Balor to the current champion Roman Reigns.
Concept of WWE Universal Champion Tier List
The WWE Universal Champion Tier List is a ranking system that categorizes all Universal Champions in WWE history based on their accomplishments, in-ring skills, popularity, and overall impact on the company. The Tier List provides a comprehensive overview of the most successful and influential wrestlers who have held the Universal Championship, which is one of the most prestigious titles in WWE.
The Tier List is created by wrestling journalists, fans, and experts who evaluate each Universal Champion based on various criteria, including their championship reigns, match quality, rivalries, and character development. The rankings are subjective and can vary depending on the evaluator’s preferences and biases. However, the Tier List provides a useful reference point for fans who want to know who the best Universal Champions are and how they compare to each other.
The Tier List is often updated to reflect the latest developments in WWE, such as new champions, retirements, and major storyline changes. Fans can use the Tier List to debate and discuss who the best Universal Champions are and how they rank compared to other WWE legends and Hall of Famers.
Overall, the WWE Universal Champion Tier List is a valuable tool for wrestling fans who want to learn more about the history and legacy of the Universal Championship and the wrestlers who have held it. By providing a comprehensive ranking system, the Tier List helps fans appreciate the achievements and contributions of the greatest Universal Champions in WWE history.
Historical Overview
The inception of the Championship
The WWE Universal Championship was introduced in 2016, following the brand split of the main roster into two distinct brands, SmackDown and RAW. The goal was to create a high-tier title for Monday Night RAW. Dean Ambrose was the reigning WWE Champion at the time, and during the WWE draft that took place that year, he was sent to SmackDown, otherwise known as the Blue Show.
The inaugural champion of the WWE Universal Championship was Finn Bálor, who won the title in a match against Seth Rollins at SummerSlam 2016. Unfortunately, Bálor was forced to relinquish the title the following night due to an injury he sustained during the match.
Notable Champions
Since its inception, the WWE Universal Championship has been held by some of the biggest names in professional wrestling. Some of the most notable champions include:
- Brock Lesnar: Lesnar won the title for the first time at WrestleMania 33 in a match against Goldberg. He went on to hold the title for a total of three reigns, with his longest reign lasting 504 days.
- Roman Reigns: Reigns won the title for the first time at SummerSlam 2018 in a match against Brock Lesnar. He has since become one of the most dominant champions in WWE history, holding the title for a total of four reigns.
- Kevin Owens: Owens won the title in a match against Seth Rollins on an episode of RAW in 2016. He held the title for 188 days, making him one of the longest-reigning champions in the history of the championship.
Other notable champions include Goldberg, Seth Rollins, and Bray Wyatt.
Overall, the WWE Universal Championship has been held by some of the world’s most talented and accomplished wrestlers. With its rich history and legacy, the championship remains one of the most prestigious titles in professional wrestling today.
S Tier Champions
The S Tier of the WWE Universal Champion Tier List is reserved for the best of the best. These are the wrestlers who have dominated the competition and have cemented their legacy as some of the greatest champions in WWE history.
Roman Reigns
Roman Reigns is a two-time Universal Champion and one of the most dominant forces in WWE history. He first won the title at SummerSlam 2018, defeating Brock Lesnar in a highly anticipated match. Reigns went on to hold the title for 64 days before, unfortunately, having to vacate the title due to leukemia.
Roman Reigns is currently on a dominant run as the Universal Champion and has been a force to be reckoned with, defeating numerous top stars in the process. With the help of his loyal associates, Paul Heyman and Solo Sikoa, Reigns has solidified his position as the top dog in WWE. His current reign has been marked by his ruthless aggression, cunning tactics, and unwavering confidence. Reigns has proven time and time again that he is the ultimate champion and will stop at nothing to maintain his hold on the Universal Championship.
One of the keys to Reigns’ success as Universal Champion was his ability to adapt to any situation. Whether he is facing a high-flyer like Finn Balor or a powerhouse like Goldberg, Reigns always has a game plan and the skills to execute it. He is also a master of mind games, using his charisma and natural athleticism to intimidate his opponents and keep them off balance.
Brock Lesnar
Brock Lesnar is a former UFC Heavyweight Champion and a multiple-time WWE Universal Champion. He is known for his incredible strength and athleticism, which have helped him dominate the competition throughout his career. Lesnar has a unique wrestling style that combines power and speed, which makes him a formidable opponent in the ring.
Lesnar has held the Universal Championship on three separate occasions and has defeated some of the biggest names in the industry, including John Cena, The Undertaker, and Goldberg. He is also known for his signature move, the F5, which has helped him secure many victories in the ring.
Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar are two of the greatest Universal champions in WWE history. Their dominance in the ring and their ability to defeat some of the biggest names in the industry have earned them a place in the S Tier of the WWE Universal Champion Tier List.
A Tier Champions
The A Tier Champions are the cream of the crop, the elite of the elite, and the most dominant WWE Universal Champions of all time. These wrestlers have proven themselves to be top-tier performers and have held the championship for extended periods.
Kevin Owens
Kevin Owens is one of the most talented wrestlers in the WWE today. He is known for his incredible athleticism, technical skill, and his ability to tell a story in the ring. Owens won the Universal Championship on August 29, 2016, by defeating Seth Rollins. He held the title for 188 days, during which he defended it against the likes of Roman Reigns, Chris Jericho, and Goldberg.
Owens’ reign as Universal Champion was marked by his brutal and uncompromising style. He was a dominant force in the ring, and his opponents often struggled to match his intensity. Owens’ signature move, the Pop-up Powerbomb, was feared by all who faced him.
Seth Rollins
Seth Rollins is one of the most decorated wrestlers in WWE history, and his reign as Universal Champion in 2019 was one of his most impressive accomplishments. He won the title by defeating Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam and held the championship for 152 days, successfully defending it against Braun Strowman and The Fiend.
What made Rollins such a great Universal Champion was his athleticism and versatility. He was equally comfortable as a high-flying babyface or a conniving heel and always put on a great show in the ring. He was also a master of mind games, using his intelligence and cunning wit to outsmart his opponents.
B Tier Champions
The B Tier of the WWE Universal Champion Tier List consists of wrestlers who are still formidable competitors but may not have the same level of dominance as those in the higher tiers. These wrestlers can still hold their own in the ring and put on entertaining matches but may lack the star power or consistent success to be considered top-tier champions.
“The Fiend” Bray Wyatt
One wrestler who falls into the B Tier is “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt. Wyatt burst onto the scene with his creepy and unsettling character, quickly becoming a fan favorite. He won the Universal Championship in 2019, but his reign was short-lived as he lost the title to Goldberg at Super ShowDown.
Wyatt’s unique character and in-ring abilities make him a compelling wrestler to watch, but his lack of sustained success keeps him from being considered a top-tier champion. Despite this, he remains a popular wrestler and a threat to any opponent he faces.
Overall, while “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt may not be a dominant champion, he is still a talented wrestler with a unique character that sets him apart from others in the WWE.
C Tier Champions
C Tier Champions are those who had a decent run with the WWE Universal Championship but were not quite able to make it to the top of the list. In this section, we will take a closer look at Braun Strowman, who falls into this category.
Braun Strowman
Braun Strowman is a former WWE Universal Champion who won the title at WrestleMania 36 by defeating Goldberg. He held the title for 2 months before losing it to Bray Wyatt in a swap match. Strowman’s reign as champion was not particularly memorable, as he did not have any significant feuds or matches during his time with the title.
Strowman’s reign as champion was also overshadowed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced WWE to hold events without fans in attendance. This deprived Strowman of the opportunity to perform in front of live audiences and build his character in the eyes of the fans.
Despite his shortcomings as champion, Strowman remains a popular wrestler among fans due to his impressive physique and dominant in-ring performances. He has also had successful runs in other championships, including the Intercontinental Championship and the Raw Tag Team Championship.
D Tier Champions
The WWE Universal Champion Tier List places the champions in different tiers based on their performance and abilities. The D Tier consists of champions who are below average and not as powerful as their counterparts. In this section, we will discuss the D Tier Champions, including Finn Balor and Goldberg.
Finn Balor
Finn Balor is the first-ever Universal Champion, but unfortunately, his reign was cut short due to an injury. He was able to defeat Seth Rollins in a highly anticipated match to become the inaugural champion. However, he was forced to relinquish the title the next day due to a shoulder injury. He later won the Intercontinental Championship but was never able to recapture the Universal Championship.
Goldberg
Goldberg’s Universal Championship reign was short-lived and underwhelming. He defeated Kevin Owens at Fastlane 2017 to become the champion but lost the title to Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 33. Goldberg’s reign was criticized for being a part-time champion who only appeared on a few occasions. His reign was also overshadowed by his loss to Lesnar at WrestleMania.
Factors Determining the Tier List
Championship Reigns
One of the most important factors in determining the WWE Universal Champions tier list is the number of championship reigns a wrestler has had. The more championship reigns a wrestler has, the more likely they are to be ranked higher on the tier list. This is because multiple championship reigns indicate that the wrestler was able to successfully defend their title against a variety of opponents and maintain their status as a top performer in the industry.
Impact on the Industry
Another key factor in determining the tier list of WWE Universal Champions is the impact that a wrestler has had on the industry as a whole. This includes factors such as their ability to draw in crowds, their influence on other wrestlers, and their contribution to the overall growth and evolution of professional wrestling. Wrestlers who have had a significant impact on the industry are more likely to be ranked higher on the tier list.
Popularity
Finally, a wrestler’s popularity is also important in determining their place on the tier list. This includes factors such as their fan base, merchandise sales, and overall media presence. Wrestlers who are more popular are more likely to be ranked higher on the tier list, as their popularity indicates that they have a larger impact on the industry and are more likely to draw in crowds and generate revenue.
Critiques and Controversies
While WWE Universal Champion Tier Lists can be a fun way for fans to rank their favorite wrestlers, they are not perfect. Here are some of the common critiques and controversies surrounding these lists:
- Subjectivity: Like any ranking system, WWE Universal Champion Tier Lists are subjective and can vary greatly depending on who is creating them. What one person considers a top-tier champion, another may see as a mid-tier or even low-tier champion. As a result, it’s important to take these lists with a grain of salt and understand that they are just one person’s opinion.
- Inconsistencies: Even among the same creator, WWE Universal Champion Tier Lists can be inconsistent. This is because different factors may be considered in each list, such as a wrestler’s in-ring ability, mic skills, popularity, or championship reigns. Additionally, some lists may be updated more frequently than others, which can lead to inconsistencies over time.
- Limited scope: While WWE Universal Champion Tier Lists may focus on a specific aspect of a wrestler’s career, such as their championship reigns, they may not take into account other important factors, such as their overall impact on the industry or their contributions to specific storylines or feuds. As a result, these lists may not provide a complete picture of a wrestler’s career or legacy.
WWE Universal Champion Tier List: Final Thoughts
The WWE Universal Champion Tier List is a useful tool to rank wrestlers based on their skills and accomplishments. The list takes into account various factors such as in-ring ability, mic skills, charisma, and championship reigns to determine the overall ranking of a wrestler.
It is important to note that the Tier List is subjective and may differ from person to person. However, it provides a general idea of where a wrestler stands in terms of their overall performance in the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is WWE fake?
WWE is a form of entertainment that combines athleticism, storytelling, and theatrics. While the matches are scripted and the outcomes predetermined, the physical demands on the wrestlers are real. They train extensively to perform their moves safely and effectively, and injuries are common.
How much do WWE wrestlers make?
WWE wrestlers’ salaries vary widely, depending on their experience, popularity, and contract terms. Entry-level wrestlers can make around $50,000 a year, while top stars like John Cena and Brock Lesnar can earn millions. In addition to their base pay, wrestlers receive bonuses for merchandise sales and other revenue streams.
What does WWE mean?
WWE stands for World Wrestling Entertainment. It is an American entertainment company that produces live events, television shows, and other content featuring professional wrestling.
Who is the longest WWE reigning champion?
The longest-reigning WWE champion of all time is Bruno Sammartino, who held the title for a total of 4,040 days across two reigns. His first reign lasted 2,803 days, while his second lasted 1,237 days.
How much does a WWE ref make?
WWE referees make a base salary of around $500 per match, with top referees earning up to $2,000 per match. They also receive bonuses for working pay-per-view events and other special shows.
How does WWE decide who wins?
The creative team at WWE decides the outcomes of matches and storylines. They work closely with the wrestlers to develop characters and storylines that will engage the audience and build interest in upcoming matches and events. The outcomes of matches are often based on a combination of factors, including audience reactions, wrestlers’ popularity, and long-term storylines.