Click Here For Some Stats Louisiana Wrestling Enterprises
Southern Junior Heavyweight Championship
(December 1938 - July 1948)
Won By: Date: Event: Location: Reign:
Joe Gunther Dec 8, 1938 Live Event New Orleans, USA 231 days
Gunther defeated Art O'Mahoney in the finals of a tournament that started in April of 1938.
Carlos Rodriguez Jul 27, 1939 Live Event New Orleans, USA 126 days
Freddie Knichel Nov 30, 1939 Live Event New Orleans, USA 123 days
Larry Tillman Dec 6, 1939 Live Event Tuscaloosa, USA 43 days
Art O'Mahoney Jan 18, 1940 Live Event New Orleans, USA 31 days
National Wrestling Alliance
Southern Junior Heavyweight Championship
(July 18, 1948 - July 1974)
Won By: Date: Event: Location: Reign:
Tommy Ward 1950 -- --
Recognized as champion on March 14 in Macon, GA, details of title win unknown. Last known defense on May 23 in Macon, GA.
-- 1950 -- CHAMPIONSHIP RECORDS UNCLEAR -- 1950 --
Karl Kowalski 1950 -- --
Recognized as champion on September 12 in Macon, GA . Details of title win unknown. Last defense on December 5.
-- 1950 -- CHAMPIONSHIP RECORDS UNCLEAR -- 1951 --
The Golden Terror 1951 -- --
Recognized as champion on February 27 in Macon, GA, details of title win unknown. Last defense on March 20 in Macon, GA.
-- 1951 -- CHAMPIONSHIP RECORDS UNCLEAR -- 1951 --
Tex Riley 1951 -- --
Recognized as champion on April 23 in Owensboro, KY, details of title win unknown. Ali Pasha defeated Riley on April 26 in Chattanooga, TN, change not recognized by N.W.A.
Henry Harrell Apr 16, 1952 Live Event Jackson, USA 100 days
Tex Riley defeats Harrell on June 13 in Knoxville, TN, change not recognized by N.W.A.
Herb Welch Jul 25, 1952 Live Event Knoxville, USA 34 days
Al Galento Aug 28, 1952 Live Event Chattanooga, USA 62 days
Tex Riley [2] Oct 29, 1952 Live Event Kingsport, USA
Red Roberts Jan 1953 Live Event Chattanooga, USA
Recognized as champion on January 15 in Chattanooga, TN, against Tex Riley, details of title win unknown.
Ray Piret Mar 30, 1954 Live Event Nashville, USA 328 days
Sonny Myers Feb 21, 1955 Live Event Birmingham, USA 154 days
Frank Jares Jul 25, 1955 Live Event Birmingham, USA 302 days
The Masked Bat May 22, 1956 Live Event Nashville, USA 7 days
Frank Jares [2] May 29, 1956 Live Event Nashville, USA 56 days
Jesse James Jul 24, 1956 Live Event Nashville, USA 14 days
Frank Jares [3] Aug 7, 1956 Live Event Nashville, USA 13 days
Herb Welch [2] Aug 20, 1956 Live Event Birmingham, USA 182 days
Tor Yamato Feb 18, 1957 Live Event Birmingham, USA 119 days
Cyclone Anaya Jun 17, 1957 Live Event Birmingham, USA 106 days
Tor Yamato [2] Oct 1, 1957 Live Event Nashville, USA 41 days
Ray Stevens Nov 11, 1957 Live Event Birmingham, USA 70 days
Tor Yamato [3] Jan 20, 1958 Live Event Birmingham, USA 78 days
Freddie Blassie Apr 8, 1958 Live Event Nashville, USA 54 days
Ray Stevens [2] May 12, 1958 Live Event Birmingham, USA 71 days
Corsica Jean Jul 22, 1958 Live Event Nashville, USA 71 days
Ray Stevens [3] Sep 22, 1958 Live Event Birmingham, USA 28 days
Chris Zaharias Oct 20, 1958 Live Event Birmingham, USA 42 days
Yvon Robert Oct 27, 1958 Live Event Birmingham, USA 77 days
Jesse James [2] Jan 12, 1959 Live Event Birmingham, USA 261 days
Jackie Fargo Sep 30, 1959 Live Event Mobile, USA 89 days
Mike Clancy Dec 28, 1959 Live Event Birmingham, USA 360 days
Bill Monroe Dec 22, 1960 Live Event Chattanooga, USA 5 days
Len Rossi Dec 27, 1960 Live Event Nashville, USA 200 days
Don Greene Jul 15, 1961 Live Event Chattanooga, USA 177 days
Len Rossi [2] Jan 8, 1962 Live Event Memphis, USA 31 days
Taro Sakuro Feb 8, 1962 Live Event Chattanooga, USA 119 days
Joe Lanza Jun 7, 1962 Live Event Chattanooga, USA
Hans Steiner 1962 Live Event Birmingham, USA
-- 1963 -- CHAMPIONSHIP RECORDS UNCLEAR -- May 1963 --
Frankie Cain May 1963 -- --
Recognized as champion on June 1 in Chattanooga, TN, details of title win unknown.
Eddie Graham Sep 1963 -- --
Recognized as champion on September 27 in Knoxville, TN, details of title win unknown.
Johnny Long Oct 1963 -- --
Recognized as champion on October 2 in Kingsport, TN, details of title win unknown.
Sam Steamboat Jan 22, 1964 Live Event Kingsport, USA 70 days
Mike Paidousis Apr 1, 1964 Live Event Kingsport, USA 7 days
Sam Steamboat [2] Apr 8, 1964 Live Event Kingsport, USA
Rocky Smith Sep 1964 -- --
Recognized as champion on September 15 in Blytheville, AR, details of title win unknown.
Alex Pérez Feb 8, 1965 Live Event Memphis, USA 42 days
Rocky Smith [2] Mar 22, 1965 Live Event Memphis, USA 269 days
** Held-Up ** Dec 16, 1965 Live Event Chattanooga, USA
Title held-up after a match between Smith and Hiro Matsuda.
Rocky Smith [3] Dec 23, 1965 Live Event Chattanooga, USA 26 days
Alex Pérez [2] Jan 18, 1966 Live Event Nashville, USA 78 days
Al Costello Apr 6, 1966 Live Event Nashville, USA 22 days
Karl Von Brauner Apr 28, 1966 Live Event Chattanooga, USA 90 days
Jackie Fargo [2] Jul 27, 1966 Live Event Nashville, USA
Recognized as champion on September 7 in Nashville, TN, details of title win unknown. Possible won in a match against Von Brauner on July 27 in Nashville, TN.
Eric Von Brauner [2] 1967 -- --
Recognized as champion on March 6 in Birmingham, AL, details of title win unknown.
Len Rossi [3] Mar 13, 1967 Live Event Birmingham, USA 159 days
The Great Yamaha Aug 19, 1967 Live Event Birmingham, USA 12 days
Len Rossi [4] Aug 31, 1967 Live Event Chattanooga, USA 130 days
Rocket Monroe Jan 8, 1968 Live Event Birmingham, USA 28 days
Blue Inferno #1 Feb 5, 1968 Live Event Birmingham, USA 7 days
Rocket Monroe [2] Feb 12, 1968 Live Event Birmingham, USA 7 days
Len Rossi [5] Feb 19, 1968 Live Event Birmingham, USA 161 days
Mighty Yankee #1 Jul 29, 1968 Live Event Birmingham, USA 0 days
Len Rossi [6] Jul 29, 1968 Live Event Birmingham, USA 135 days
Tojo Yamamoto Dec 11, 1968 Live Event Nashville, USA
Len Rossi [7] May 1969 -- --
Recognized as champion on May 12 in Birmingham, AL, details of title win unknown.
Mighty Yankee #1 [2] Jun 2, 1969 Live Event Birmingham, USA 7 days
Len Rossi [8] Jun 9, 1969 Live Event Birmingham, USA
-- Jun 29, 1970 -- CHAMPIONSHIP RECORDS UNCLEAR -- Jul 1970 --
Bobby Hart Jul 1970 -- --
Recognized as champion on July 29 in Nashville, TN, details of title win unknown. Last title defense was on August 8 in Huntsville, AL.
-- Aug 1970 -- CHAMPIONSHIP RECORDS UNCLEAR -- Aug 1970 --
Len Rossi [9] Aug 1970 -- --
Recognized as champion on August 7 in Huntsville, AL, details of title win unknown.
Sputnik Monroe Jul 1, 1971 Live Event Chattanooga, USA 31 days
-- Aug 1, 1971 -- CHAMPIONSHIP RECORDS UNCLEAR -- Aug 5, 1971 --
Len Rossi [10] Aug 5, 1971 Live Event Chattanooga, USA
On a few occassions, Don Greene was recognized as champion, no official title changes recorded between August 6, 1971 and May 27, 1973
-- May 27, 1973 -- CHAMPIONSHIP RECORDS UNCLEAR -- May 1973 --
Don Greene [2] May 1973 -- --
Recognized as champion on May 28 in Birmingham, AL, details of title win unknown.
Lorenzo Parente Jul 16, 1973 Live Event Birmingham, USA 140 days
Ronnie Garvin Dec 3, 1973 Live Event Birmingham, USA 49 days
Defeated Joey Rossi in the final of a tournament for the title. Details of title being vacated unknown.
Tommy Gilbert Jan 21, 1974 Live Event Birmingham, USA 56 days
Lou Thesz Mar 18, 1974 Live Event Memphis, USA 23 days
Tommy Gilbert [2] Apr 10, 1974 Live Event Nashville, USA
Jerry Lawler Apr 1974 -- --
Recognized as champion on April 22 in Memphis, TN, details of title win unknown.
Ricky Gibson Jun 3, 1974 Live Event Memphis, USA 7 days
Jerry Lawler [2] Jun 10, 1974 Live Event Memphis, USA
-- Jun 22, 1974 -- CHAMPIONSHIP RECORDS UNCLEAR -- Jun 1974 --
Jackie Fargo [3] Jun 1974 -- --
Recognized as champion on June 24 in Memphis, TN, details of title win unknown. Lawler is continued to be recognized as champion in other locations.
Jerry Lawler [3] Jul 8, 1974 Live Event Memphis, USA 12 days
Jackie Fargo [4] Jul 20, 1974 Live Event Chattanooga, USA 7 days
Jerry Lawler [4] Jul 27, 1974 Live Event Chattanooga, USA 88 days
National Wrestling Alliance - Mid-America
Southern Heavyweight Championship (Memphis)
(August 1974 - July 1977)
Won By: Date: Event: Location: Reign:
Robert Fuller Oct 23, 1974 Live Event Nashville, USA 7 days
Jerry Lawler [5] Oct 30, 1974 Live Event Nashville, USA
** Vacated ** Dec 1974 -- --
Lawler vacates the title in December of 1974, exact day and reason unknown.
Ron Fuller Dec 29, 1974 Live Event Memphis, USA 162 days
Fuller wins an 8-man tournament for the vacant title. Other participants included Jackie Fargo, Phil Hickerson, Ray Candy, Duke Myers, Tommy Gilbert, Al Greene, and Steve Kovac.
The Mongolian Stomper Jun 9, 1975 Live Event Memphis, USA 35 days
Jerry Lawler [6] Jul 14, 1975 Live Event Memphis, USA 7 days
The Mongolian Stomper [2] Jul 21, 1975 Live Event Memphis, USA 80 days
Bob Armstrong Oct 9, 1975 Live Event Chattanooga, USA 46 days
Armstong's last know defense was on November 24 in Memphis, TN
-- Nov 24, 1975 -- CHAMPIONSHIP RECORDS UNCLEAR -- Dec 15, 1975 --
Jerry Lawler [7] Dec 15, 1975 Live Event Memphis, USA
Defeated Fuller in the final of a tournament for the vacant title, reason for vacancy unknown. Other participants included Bob Rupp and Dick the Bruiser.
** Held-Up ** Jan 1976 -- --
The title is held-up after a match against Ricky Gibson, exact day and location of match unknown.
Jerry Lawler [8] Jan 19, 1976 Live Event Memphis, USA 34 days
Lawler defeated Gibson in a match for the held-up title.
Tommy Rich Feb 22, 1976 Live Event Memphis, USA
-- Mar 24, 1976 -- CHAMPIONSHIP RECORDS UNCLEAR -- 1976 --
Jerry Lawler [9] 1976 -- --
Recognized as champion on April 5 in Evansville, IN, possibly won in a match against Rich on March 24.
Jack Brisco Aug 9, 1976 Live Event Memphis, USA 7 days
Jerry Lawler [10] Aug 16, 1976 Live Event Memphis, USA 29 days
Tommy Rich [2] Sep 14, 1976 Live Event Memphis, USA 20 days
Jerry Lawler [11] Sep 23, 1976 Live Event Bowling Green, USA 39 days
Recognized as champion at a show on September 23 in Bowling Green, KT. Jackie Fargo recognized as defeating Lawler on October 4 for the title, however, Lawler is recognized as champion until November 1.
Rocky Johnson Nov 1, 1976 Live Event Memphis, USA 161 days
National Wrestling Alliance
Continental Wrestling Association
Southern Heavyweight Championship
(March 20, 1977 - December 7, 1987)
Won By: Date: Event: Location: Reign:
Jerry Lawler [12] Apr 11, 1977 Live Event Memphis, USA 17 days
Bob Armstrong [2] Apr 28, 1977 Live Event Knoxville, USA 3 days
Jerry Lawler [13] May 1, 1977 Live Event Memphis, USA 28 days
Paul Orndorff May 29, 1977 Live Event Memphis, USA 50 days
Jerry Lawler [14] Jul 18, 1977 Live Event Memphis, USA 7 days
Bill Dundee Jul 25, 1977 Live Event Memphis, USA 7 days
Jerry Lawler [15] Aug 1, 1977 Live Event Memphis, USA 9 days
Bill Dundee [2] Aug 10, 1977 Live Event Evansville, USA 7 days
Jerry Lawler [16] Aug 17, 1977 Live Event Evansville, USA 5 days
Bill Dundee [3] Aug 22, 1977 Live Event Evansville, USA 7 days
Jerry Lawler [17] Aug 29, 1977 Live Event Memphis, USA 15 days
** Vacated ** Sep 13, 1977 -- --
Lawler vacates the title after announcing his retirement.
Jimmy Valiant Sep 19, 1977 Live Event Memphis, USA 21 days
Defeats Mr. Wrestling in the final of a tournament for the vacant title.
Jerry Lawler [18] Oct 10, 1977 Live Event Memphis, USA 49 days
Jimmy Valiant [2] Nov 28, 1977 Live Event Memphis, USA 7 days
Jerry Lawler [19] Dec 5, 1977 Live Event Memphis, USA 208 days
American Wrestling Association
Southern Heavyweight Championship
(July 1978 - December 7, 1978)
Won By: Date: Event: Location: Reign:
Jos LeDuc Aug 7, 1978 Live Event Memphis, USA 7 days
Jerry Lawler [20] Aug 14, 1978 Live Event Memphis, USA 14 days
Jos LeDuc [2] Aug 28, 1978 Live Event Memphis, USA 7 days
Jerry Lawler [21] Sep 4, 1978 Live Event Memphis, USA
Don Fargo Nov 1978 -- --
Recognized as champion on November 6 in Memphis, details of title win unknown.
Tommy Gilbert [3] Nov 20, 1978 Live Event Memphis, USA 7 days
Don Fargo [2] Nov 27, 1978 Live Event Memphis, USA 7 days
Jerry Lawler [22] Dec 4, 1978 Live Event Memphis, USA 21 days
Austin Idol Dec 25, 1978 Live Event Memphis, USA 21 days
Ron Fuller [2] Jan 15, 1979 Live Event Memphis, USA 28 days
Toru Tanaka Feb 12, 1979 -- --
Tanaka wins the title via forfeit, reason unknown.
The Mongolian Stomper [3] Apr 1979 -- --
Recognized as champion on April 16 in Memphis, TN, details of title win unknown.
Robert Fuller [2] Jun 4, 1979 Live Event Memphis, USA
Ron Bass Jun 1979 -- --
Recognized on June 17 as champion in Louisville, KY, details of title win unknown
-- Jun 1979 -- CHAMPIONSHIP RECORDS UNCLEAR -- Aug 27, 1979 --
Bill Dundee [4] Aug 27, 1979 Live Event Memphis, USA 15 days
** Held-Up ** Sep 11, 1979 -- --
Title held-up after a match against Ron Bass.
Bill Dundee [5] Sep 17, 1979 Live Event Memphis, USA 7 days
Jerry Lawler [23] Sep 24, 1979 Live Event Memphis, USA 7 days
Bill Dundee [6] Oct 1, 1979 Live Event Memphis, USA 14 days
Jerry Lawler [24] Oct 15, 1979 Live Event Memphis, USA 80 days
Jimmy Valiant [3] Jan 3, 1980 Live Event Jackson, USA 95 days
Paul Ellering Apr 7, 1980 Live Event Memphis, USA 91 days
Bill Dundee [7] Jul 7, 1980 Live Event Memphis, USA 28 days
** Vacated ** Aug 4, 1980 -- --
Dundee vacates the title after winning the C.W.A. World Heavyweight Championship.
Bill Irwin Aug 11, 1980 Live Event Memphis, USA 7 days
Irwin defeated Jimmy Valiant in the final of a tournament for the vacant title. Other participants included Eddie Gilbert, Paul Ellering, Ken Lucas, Carl Fergie, Ricky Morton, and Sonny King
** Held-Up ** Aug 18, 1980 Live Event Memphis, USA
Title is held-up after a match against Jimmy Valiant.
Jimmy Valiant [4] Aug 25, 1980 Live Event Memphis, USA 7 days
Valiant defeats Irwin in a match for the held-up title.
Tommy Rich [3] Sep 1, 1980 Live Event Memphis, USA 8 days
Jimmy Valiant [5] Sep 9, 1980 Live Event Memphis, USA
Tommy Rich [4] Oct 1980 -- --
Recognized as champion on October 6 in Memphis, TN, details of title win unknown.
** Vacated ** Nov 1980 -- --
Vacates title in November of 1980, day and reason unknown.
Jimmy Valiant [6] Jan 17, 1981 Championship Wr… Memphis, USA 29 days
Valiant defeated Hector Guerrero in the finals of a tournament for the vacant title.
Jerry Lawler [25] Feb 15, 1981 Live Event Memphis, USA 127 days
Jimmy Hart Jun 22, 1981 Live Event Memphis, USA 5 days
Chick Donovan Jun 27, 1981 Live Event Memphis, USA
** Vacated ** Jul 1981 -- --
The title is vacated after it is decided that Chick Donovan's win over Jimmy Hart, in which he simplied layed down and allowed a pinned, was invalid.
Steve Keirn Jul 20, 1981 Live Event Memphis, USA 27 days
Defeated Bugsy McGraw in the final of a tournament for the vacant title. Other participants included Dream Machine, Masanobu Fuchi, Bill Dundee, Atushi Onita, Ron Bass, and Jerry Lawler.
The Dream Machine Aug 16, 1981 Live Event Jackson, USA 8 days
Jerry Lawler [26] Aug 24, 1981 Live Event Memphis, USA 14 days
The Dream Machine [2] Sep 7, 1981 Live Event Memphis, USA 7 days
Jimmy Valiant [7] Sep 14, 1981 Live Event Memphis, USA
The Dream Machine [3] Oct 1981 -- --
Dutch Mantel Oct 26, 1981 Live Event Memphis, USA 84 days
Jerry Lawler [27] Jan 18, 1982 Live Event Memphis, USA 27 days
Dutch Mantel [2] Feb 14, 1982 Live Event Memphis, USA 15 days
Jerry Lawler [28] Mar 1, 1982 Live Event Memphis, USA 21 days
Dutch Mantel [3] Mar 22, 1982 Live Event Memphis, USA 7 days
Jerry Lawler [29] Mar 29, 1982 Live Event Memphis, USA
Kendo Nagasaki May 1982 -- --
Jerry Lawler [30] May 24, 1982 Live Event Memphis, USA 14 days
Kamala Jun 7, 1982 Live Event Memphis, USA 63 days
Jerry Lawler [31] Aug 9, 1982 Live Event Memphis, USA 63 days
Nick Bockwinkel Oct 11, 1982 Live Event Memphis, USA 28 days
Jerry Lawler [32] Nov 8, 1982 Live Event Memphis, USA 7 days
Sabu The Wildman Nov 15, 1982 Live Event Memphis, USA 14 days
Lawler lost the title in a 2-on-1 handicap match against Sabu & Jimmy Hart. Although Hart pinned Lawler, Sabu is recognized as champion.
Terry Taylor Nov 29, 1982 Live Event Memphis, USA 62 days
Jacques Rougeau Jan 30, 1983 Live Event Memphis, USA 15 days
Terry Taylor [2] Feb 14, 1983 Live Event Memphis, USA 35 days
Bill Dundee [8] Mar 21, 1983 Live Event Memphis, USA 49 days
Dutch Mantel [4] May 9, 1983 Live Event Memphis, USA 5 days
Bill Dundee [9] May 14, 1983 Live Event Memphis, USA 23 days
Jerry Lawler [33] Jun 6, 1983 Live Event Memphis, USA 7 days
Man Mountain Link Jun 13, 1983 Live Event Memphis, USA 7 days
Jerry Lawler [34] Jun 20, 1983 Live Event Memphis, USA
** Vacated ** Sep 1983 -- --
Lawler vacates the title in early September after failing to defend the title within 30 days.
Jerry Lawler [35] Sep 5, 1983 Live Event Memphis, USA 7 days
Lawler defeats Bill Dundee in the final of a tournament for the vacant title.
Jesse Ventura Sep 12, 1983 Live Event Memphis, USA 21 days
Jerry Lawler [36] Oct 3, 1983 Live Event Memphis, USA 7 days
Jesse Ventura [2] Oct 10, 1983 Live Event Memphis, USA
-- Nov 7, 1983 -- CHAMPIONSHIP RECORDS UNCLEAR -- Nov 1983 --
Jerry Lawler [37] Nov 1983 -- --
Recognized as champion on November 21 in Memphis, TN.
Lord Humongous Apr 23, 1984 Live Event Memphis, USA 28 days
Jerry Lawler [38] May 21, 1984 Live Event Memphis, USA 21 days
Rick Rude Jun 11, 1984 Live Event Memphis, USA 35 days
Tommy Rich [5] Jul 16, 1984 Live Event Memphis, USA 14 days
King Kong Bundy Jul 30, 1984 Live Event Memphis, USA 105 days
Jerry Lawler [39] Nov 12, 1984 Live Event Memphis, USA 76 days
** Held-Up ** Jan 27, 1985 -- --
Title is held-up after a match against Eddie Gilbert.
Jerry Lawler [40] Feb 12, 1985 Live Event Memphis, USA 33 days
Defeated Gilbert in a match for the vacant title.
Randy Savage Mar 17, 1985 Live Event Memphis, USA 51 days
Jerry Oske May 7, 1985 Live Event Louisville, USA 6 days
Randy Savage [2] May 13, 1985 Live Event Memphis, USA 21 days
Jerry Lawler [41] Jun 3, 1985 Live Event Memphis, USA 21 days
Bota The Witch Doctor Jun 24, 1985 Live Event Memphis, USA 35 days
Jerry Lawler [42] Jul 29, 1985 Live Event Memphis, USA 18 days
Tarras Bulba Aug 16, 1985 Live Event Selmer, USA 21 days
Jerry Lawler [43] Sep 6, 1985 Live Event Martin, USA 43 days
Bill Dundee [10] Oct 19, 1985 Live Event Memphis, USA 65 days
Jerry Lawler [44] Dec 23, 1985 Live Event Memphis, USA 7 days
Bill Dundee [11] Dec 30, 1985 Live Event Memphis, USA 98 days
Jerry Lawler [45] Apr 7, 1986 Live Event Memphis, USA 25 days
Bill Dundee [12] May 2, 1986 Live Event Memphis, USA 31 days
** Vacated ** Jun 2, 1986 Live Event Memphis, USA
The title was held-up and later vacated after the match due to a controversial finish.
Buddy Landell Jun 16, 1986 Live Event Memphis, USA
Landell defeated The Flame in the finals of a tournament for the vacant title.
** Vacated ** Jun 1986 -- --
Title is vacated after Landell leaves the territory. Exact date unknown.
Crusher Yurkof Jul 28, 1986 Live Event Memphis, USA 42 days
Yurkov wins a battle royal for the vacant title. Other participants included Akio Sato, Basher, David Haskins, Fire, Flame, Giant Hillbilly, JD Costello, JT Southern, Jeff Jarrett, Jerry Bryant, Jerry Lawler, Joe Leduc, Lou Winston, Nightmare #1, Nightmare #2, Pat Tanaka, Paul Diamond, Ready, Ron Sexton, Rough, Spike, Tarzan Goto, and Tracy Smothers.
Jerry Lawler [46] Sep 8, 1986 Live Event Memphis, USA 125 days
** Vacated Due To Injury** Jan 11, 1987 -- -- 22 days
Lawler vacates the title due to injury.
Austin Idol [2] Feb 2, 1987 Live Event Memphis, USA 77 days
Idol defeated Soul Train Jones in the final of a tournament for the vacant title. Other participants included Billy Travis, Jeff Jarrett, Tony Falk, Big Bubba, Tracy Smothers, Tommy Rich, The Hunter, Paul Diamond, Goliath, Pat Tanaka, Alan West, and Tarzan Goto
Jerry Lawler [47] Apr 20, 1987 Live Event Memphis, USA 7 days
Austin Idol [3] Apr 27, 1987 Live Event Memphis, USA 42 days
Jerry Lawler [48] Jun 8, 1987 Live Event Memphis, USA 28 days
Brickhouse Brown Jul 6, 1987 Live Event Memphis, USA 7 days
Jerry Lawler [49] Jul 13, 1987 Live Event Memphis, USA 21 days
** Held-Up ** Aug 3, 1987 -- --
Title is held-up after a match against Don Bass.
Don Bass Aug 3, 1987 Live Event Memphis, USA 28 days
Bass wins the title in a tag team match where the person who scored the pinfall would win the title.
Jerry Lawler [50] Aug 31, 1987 Live Event Memphis, USA
** Vacated ** Oct 1987 -- --
Lawler vacates the title to focus on his pursuit of the A.W.A. World Tag Team Championship.
Bobby Jaggers Oct 20, 1987 Live Event Memphis, USA 33 days
Defeated Billy Travis in the final of a tournament for the vacant title. Other participants included Tracy Smothers, Pat Tanaka, Carl Fergie, Brian Knobbs, John Paul, The Black Prince, Big Bubba, Paul Diamond, and Jerry Sags
Jerry Lawler [51] Nov 22, 1987 Live Event Memphis, USA 15 days
Lawler wins the C.W.A. Heavyweight Championship, unifying the titles. The Southern Heavyweight title is retired.
United States Wrestling Association
Southern Heavyweight Championship
(October 2, 1989 - September 1993)
Won By: Date: Event: Location: Reign:
Dick Slater Sep 1, 1990 -- -- 35 days
Slater was awarded the title after the U.S.W.A. and W.C.C.W. part ways.
Jeff Jarrett Oct 6, 1990 Live Event Nashville, USA 23 days
Eddie Gilbert Oct 29, 1990 Live Event Memphis, USA
** Vacated ** -- --
Gilbert vacates the title after leaving the promotion, exact day unknown.
Jeff Jarrett [2] Jan 14, 1991 Live Event Memphis, USA 42 days
Jarrett defeated Brian Lee in the finals of a tournament for the vacant title. Other participants included King Cobra, Don Bass, Terry Garvin, Chris Champion, Dirty White Boy, Jerry Lynn, Danny Davis, Joseph Magliano, Cody Michaels, and Doug Gilbert
** Held-Up ** Feb 25, 1991 Live Event Memphis, USA
The title is held-up after a match against Steve Austin.
Jeff Jarrett [3] Mar 1991 -- --
Jarrett defeated Austin in a match for the held-up title, exact day and location unknown.
Tom Prichard Mar 15, 1991 Live Event Dallas, USA 14 days
** Held-Up ** Mar 29, 1991 Live Event Dallas, USA
The title was held-up after a match against Jeff Jarrett.
Jeff Jarrett [4] Apr 5, 1991 Live Event Dallas, USA 3 days
Jarrett defeated Prichard in a match for the held-up title.
** Held-Up ** Apr 8, 1991 -- --
After a review of the match, the title is once again held up and a second rematch for the title is scheduled.
Jeff Jarrett [5] Apr 12, 1991 Live Event Dallas, USA 21 days
Jarrett defeated Tom Prichard in a match for the held-up title.
Eric Embry May 3, 1991 Live Event Dallas, USA 10 days
Bill Dundee [13] May 13, 1991 Live Event Memphis, USA 7 days
Eric Embry [2] May 20, 1991 Live Event Memphis, USA 168 days
Tom Prichard [2] Nov 4, 1991 Live Event Memphis, USA 5 days
Eric Embry [3] Nov 9, 1991 Live Event Memphis, USA 23 days
Tom Prichard [3] Dec 2, 1991 Live Event Memphis, USA 7 days
Eric Embry [4] Dec 9, 1991 Live Event Memphis, USA 61 days
Tom Prichard [4] Feb 8, 1992 Live Event Memphis, USA 31 days
Dr. Death Mar 10, 1992 Live Event Louisville, USA 6 days
Jimmy Valiant [8] Mar 16, 1992 Live Event Memphis, USA 7 days
Brian Christopher Mar 23, 1992 Live Event Memphis, USA 28 days
** Held-Up ** Apr 20, 1992 Live Event Memphis, USA
The title is held-up after a match against Tom Prichard.
Brian Christopher [2] May 4, 1992 Live Event Memphis, USA 49 days
Christopher defeated Prichard in a match on April 27, however, the title remained held-up. Christopher again defeated Prichard in a second match for the held-up title.
** Held-Up ** Jun 22, 1992 Live Event Memphis, USA
The title is held-up after a match against Tom Prichard.
Tom Prichard [5] Jun 29, 1992 Live Event Memphis, USA 21 days
Prichard defeated Christopher in a match for the held-up title.
Brian Christopher [3] Jul 20, 1992 Live Event Memphis, USA 7 days
Tom Prichard [6] Jul 27, 1992 Live Event Memphis, USA 7 days
Brian Christopher [4] Aug 3, 1992 Live Event Memphis, USA 7 days
Reno Riggins Aug 10, 1992 Live Event Memphis, USA 35 days
** Held-Up ** Sep 14, 1992 Live Event Memphis, USA
Brian Christopher [5] Sep 21, 1992 Live Event Memphis, USA 91 days
Christopher defeated Riggins in a match for the held-up title.
Jeff Jarrett [6] Dec 21, 1992 Live Event Memphis, USA 21 days
Brian Christopher [6] Jan 11, 1993 Live Event Memphis, USA 49 days
Jeff Jarrett [7] Mar 1, 1993 Live Event Memphis, USA 61 days
Brian Christopher [7] May 1, 1993 Live Event Memphis, USA 58 days
Jeff Jarrett [8] Jun 28, 1993 Live Event Memphis, USA 21 days
Vampire Warrior Jul 19, 1993 Live Event Memphis, USA 35 days
Jeff Jarrett [9] Aug 23, 1993 Live Event Memphis, USA 21 days
United States Wrestling Association
Heavyweight Championship
(September 1993 - November 1997)
Won By: Date: Event: Location: Reign:
Tommy Rich [6] Sep 13, 1993 Live Event Memphis, USA 12 days
** Held-Up ** Sep 25, 1993 Live Event Memphis, USA
The title is held-up after a cage match against Jeff Jarrett when the referee declares Rich the winner by mistake when in fact Jarrett had pinned him.
Jeff Jarrett [10] Oct 4, 1993 Live Event Memphis, USA 49 days
Jarrett defeated Rich in a match for the held-up title.
Buddy Landell [2] Nov 22, 1993 Live Event Memphis, USA 13 days
Brian Christopher [8] Dec 5, 1993 Live Event Memphis, USA 64 days
Doug Gilbert Feb 7, 1994 Live Event Memphis, USA 7 days
Brian Christopher [9] Feb 14, 1994 Live Event Memphis, USA 7 days
Doug Gilbert [2] Feb 21, 1994 Live Event Memphis, USA 7 days
Brian Christopher [10] Feb 28, 1994 Live Event Memphis, USA 14 days
Eddie Gilbert [2] Mar 14, 1994 Live Event Memphis, USA 5 days
Brian Christopher [11] Mar 19, 1994 Live Event Memphis, USA 44 days
Christopher wins the title in a match via count-out.
Doug Gilbert [3] May 2, 1994 Live Event Memphis, USA 7 days
Brian Christopher [12] May 9, 1994 Live Event Memphis, USA 28 days
The Dream Machine [4] Jun 6, 1994 Live Event Memphis, USA 35 days
Brian Christopher [13] Jul 11, 1994 Live Event Memphis, USA 21 days
Doug Gilbert [4] Aug 1, 1994 Live Event Memphis, USA 54 days
** Vacated ** Sep 24, 1994 -- --
Gilbert vacates the title due to not defending within the last 45 days.
Tommy Rich [7] Oct 3, 1994 Live Event Memphis, USA 63 days
Rich defeated Buddy Landell in the finals of a tournament for the vacant title. Other participants included Jerry Lawler, Moondog Rex, Spellbinder, Doug Gilbert, Moondog Spot, Saturn, Jeff Gaylord, Kronus, and Brian Christopher
Brian Christopher [14] Dec 5, 1994 Live Event Memphis, USA 14 days
Tommy Rich [8] Dec 19, 1994 Live Event Memphis, USA 12 days
Brian Christopher [15] Dec 31, 1994 Live Event Memphis, USA 93 days
Brian Lee Apr 3, 1995 Live Event Memphis, USA 7 days
** Held-Up ** Apr 10, 1995 Live Event Memphis, USA
The title is held-up after a no-contest match agains Brian Christopher.
Brian Lee [2] Apr 17, 1995 Live Event Memphis, USA 26 days
Lee defeated Christopher in a match for the held-up title.
Doug Gilbert [5] May 13, 1995 Live Event Memphis, USA 16 days
Brian Christopher [16] May 29, 1995 Live Event Memphis, USA 28 days
Billy Jack Haynes Jun 26, 1995 Live Event Memphis, USA 39 days
Brad Armstrong Aug 4, 1995 Live Event Knoxville, USA 3 days
Billy Jack Haynes [2] Aug 7, 1995 Live Event Memphis, USA 35 days
Brian Christopher [17] Sep 11, 1995 Live Event Memphis, USA 26 days
Jesse James Armstrong Oct 7, 1995 Live Event Memphis, USA 16 days
Brian Christopher [18] Oct 23, 1995 Live Event Memphis, USA 21 days
** Held-Up ** Nov 13, 1995 Live Event Memphis, USA
The title is held-up after a match against Tex Slazenger due to outside interference.
Tex Slazenger Nov 22, 1995 Live Event Memphis, USA 5 days
Slazenger defeated Christopher in a match for the held-up title.
Brian Christopher [19] Nov 27, 1995 Live Event Memphis, USA 5 days
Tex Slazenger [2] Dec 2, 1995 Live Event Memphis, USA 39 days
The title was returned to Slazenger by order of acting Commissioner Bob Armstrong due to the controversy during the match on November 27, 1995.
Jerry Lawler [52] Jan 10, 1996 Live Event Memphis, USA 3 days
Tommy Rich [9] Jan 13, 1996 Live Event Memphis, USA 32 days
Brian Christopher [20] Feb 14, 1996 Live Event Memphis, USA 31 days
Mabel Mar 16, 1996 Live Event Memphis, USA 65 days
Jerry Lawler [53] May 20, 1996 Live Event Memphis, USA 12 days
Brian Christopher [21] Jun 1, 1996 Live Event Memphis, USA 149 days
Ric Hogan Oct 28, 1996 Live Event Memphis, USA 21 days
Brian Christopher [22] Nov 18, 1996 Live Event Memphis, USA 26 days
Wolfie D Dec 14, 1996 Live Event Memphis, USA 19 days
Brian Christopher [23] Jan 2, 1997 Live Event Memphis, USA 38 days
Elijah Feb 9, 1997 Live Event Memphis, USA 48 days
Brian Christopher [24] Mar 29, 1997 Live Event Memphis, USA 77 days
Billy Travis Jun 14, 1997 Live Event Memphis, USA 28 days
Spellbinder [2] Jul 12, 1997 Live Event Memphis, USA 1 day
Doomsday Jul 13, 1997 Live Event Memphis, USA 55 days
Steven Dunn Sep 6, 1997 Live Event Memphis, USA 56 days
U.S.W.A. closes in November of 1997.
Memphis Championship Wrestling
Southern Heavyweight Championship
(March 25, 2000 - December 2001)
Won By: Date: Event: Location: Reign:
Jerry Lawler [54] Mar 25, 2000 Live Event Tunica, USA
Lawler defeated Bull Pain in the final of a tournament for the revived title.
** Vacated ** Apr 2000 -- --
Lawler vacates the title, reason unknown. This may be due to Lawler's commitment to the W.W.F. and Wrestlemania 2000 that weekend.
K-Krush Apr 12, 2000 Live Event Robinsonville, USA 42 days
Won a battle royal, last eliminated Jerry Lawler
Jerry Lawler [55] May 24, 2000 Live Event Tunica, USA 28 days
Lord Steven Regal Jun 21, 2000 Live Event Memphis, USA 59 days
Joey Abs Aug 19, 2000 Live Event Memphis, USA 0 days
K-Krush [2] Aug 19, 2000 Live Event Memphis, USA 76 days
Steve Bradley Nov 3, 2000 Live Event Manila, USA 225 days
Joey Abs [2] Jun 16, 2001 Live Event Jackson, USA 21 days
Steve Bradley [2] Jul 7, 2001 Live Event Manila, USA 0 days
Seven Jul 7, 2001 Live Event Manila, USA 133 days
Kryptonite Nov 17, 2001 Live Event Dyersburg, USA 28 days
M.C.W. closes in December.
Memphis Wrestling
Southern Heavyweight Championship
(March 6, 2004 - December 2010)
Won By: Date: Event: Location: Reign:
Mabel [2] Mar 6, 2004 Live Event Memphis, USA
Mabel defeated Bill Dundee in the finals of a tournament for the revived title.
Mordecai [2] Mar 2005 Live Event Memphis, USA
Exact day unknown.
Jerry Lawler [56] Jul 2005 Live Event Memphis, USA
Shock [3] Mar 2007 Live Event Memphis, USA
Jerry Lawler [57] Apr 2008 Live Event Memphis, USA
** Vacated ** 2008 -- --
Brian Christopher [25] Nov 4, 2010 Live Event Memphis, USA
** Retired ** Dec 2010 -- --
No known championship defenses after Christopher becomes champion