Universal Championship vs. WWE Championship

Attribute	Universal Championship	WWE Championship
Current Champion	Roman Reigns	Big E
Brand	SmackDown	Raw
Debut	2016	1963
Design	Black strap with red side plates	Black strap with gold center plate
Number of Reigns	6	50+

History

The Universal Championship was introduced by WWE in 2016 as a counterpart to the WWE Championship. It was created to be the top championship on the Raw brand, while the WWE Championship remained the top title on the SmackDown brand. The first Universal Champion was crowned in a match between Seth Rollins and Finn Balor at SummerSlam 2016. Since then, the Universal Championship has been held by top stars such as Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, and Kevin Owens.

The WWE Championship, on the other hand, has a much longer history, dating back to 1963. It was originally known as the WWWF World Heavyweight Championship and has been held by legendary wrestlers such as Bruno Sammartino, Hulk Hogan, and Stone Cold Steve Austin. The WWE Championship has been the top title in WWE for decades and is considered one of the most prestigious championships in professional wrestling.

Design

The Universal Championship features a red strap with a large WWE logo in the center. The title also has a unique design with a globe on one side and a lion on the other. The championship has a modern and sleek look that sets it apart from other titles in WWE. The Universal Championship has received mixed reactions from fans, with some praising its unique design and others criticizing it for not being as prestigious as the WWE Championship.

On the other hand, the WWE Championship has a more traditional design with a black strap and a large gold plate in the center. The title also features intricate designs and details, such as the WWE logo and the name of the champion. The WWE Championship has a classic and timeless look that has remained relatively unchanged over the years. Many fans consider the WWE Championship to be the most iconic title in professional wrestling.

Prestige

The Universal Championship has struggled to establish itself as a prestigious title since its introduction. The title has been criticized for its frequent changes and part-time champions, such as Brock Lesnar. Some fans feel that the Universal Championship lacks the history and prestige of the WWE Championship, making it less valuable in the eyes of the audience. However, recent champions like Roman Reigns have helped elevate the status of the Universal Championship.

On the other hand, the WWE Championship has a long and storied history that adds to its prestige. The title has been held by some of the greatest wrestlers of all time and has headlined countless pay-per-view events. The WWE Championship is often seen as the ultimate goal for wrestlers in WWE and is a symbol of excellence and achievement in the industry. Holding the WWE Championship is a significant milestone in a wrestler's career.

Championship Reigns

Since its inception, the Universal Championship has seen a number of short reigns and frequent title changes. Part-time champions like Brock Lesnar have contributed to the instability of the title, leading to criticism from fans and wrestlers alike. However, recent champions like Roman Reigns have brought stability and credibility to the Universal Championship, with lengthy and dominant reigns that have elevated the title.

On the other hand, the WWE Championship has had a more consistent history of long and memorable reigns. Champions like Bruno Sammartino, Bob Backlund, and John Cena have held the title for extended periods of time, solidifying their legacies as top stars in WWE. The WWE Championship has a reputation for creating legendary champions who are able to carry the company and represent the title with honor and prestige.