History and Current Whereabouts of the Iconic Big Gold Belt in Pro Wrestling

The History of the Big Gold Belt

The Big Gold Belt is one of the most iconic championship belts in the history of professional wrestling. Its large size and gaudy gold design made it instantly recognizable to wrestling fans all over the world. But where did this belt come from and where is it now?

The Belt's Creation

The Big Gold Belt was created in 1985 by silversmith Charles Crumrine. It was commissioned by Jim Crockett Promotions (JCP) to be used as the championship belt for NWA World Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair. Up until that point, the NWA World Champion had used a more traditional leather strap belt.

JCP wanted a new belt that would capture the excess and flair (no pun intended) of the 1980s. Crumrine designed an oval-shaped gold-plated belt on a black leather strap. The belt featured gold bars around the edges with three large gold plates in the center containing engraved wrestlers.

Debut and Popularity

Ric Flair debuted the new Big Gold Belt at Starrcade '85 in Greensboro, NC on November 28, 1985. He would wear it during his matches, autograph signings, and TV appearances, helping make the belt a household name.

Fans were drawn to its large size and shiny gold design. At 6 pounds, it was much heavier than the traditional leather strap belts. The Big Gold Belt became a symbol of excellence and represented being the top wrestler in JCP and later WCW.

WCW Ownership

In 1988, JCP was purchased by Ted Turner and became World Championship Wrestling (WCW). The Big Gold Belt became the top title for WCW and was worn by champions like Ric Flair, Sting, Goldberg, and others over the years.

While the WCW World Heavyweight Championship was the company's main title, the actual Big Gold Belt was used for both that championship and the WCW International World Heavyweight Championship during the 1990s.

Purchase by WWE

When WWE purchased WCW in 2001, they acquired all of WCW's championships, including the Big Gold Belt. It was introduced in WWE (then known as the WWF) by title unifier Chris Jericho at Vengeance 2001 as the Undisputed WWF Championship.

The belt became known as the World Heavyweight Championship in WWE's roster split of 2002. Stars like Triple H, Batista, Edge, and Randy Orton wore the Big Gold Belt as the World Heavyweight Champion over the years.

Retirement and Return

In 2013, WWE retired the Big Gold Belt in favor of a new single WWE World Heavyweight Championship belt with a logo. This upset some fans who felt the Big Gold Belt had such history and sentimental value.

However, in 2016, the Big Gold Belt made a surprise one-night return at the Raw after WrestleMania 32. Mick Foley presented a new WWE World Heavyweight Championship belt to Triple H, but The Game rejected it and unveiled the classic Big Gold Belt design instead.

The Belt's Current Status

So where is the Big Gold Belt today after being retired again by WWE in 2016?

The original belt created in 1985 is now on display at WWE's headquarters in Stamford, CT. There are also various replica versions out there owned by former champions and collectors.

Ric Flair's personal Big Gold Belt was reportedly sold at auction in 2012 for $27,500. There were rumors John Cena purchased it but that has not been definitively confirmed.

While it may never be used regularly again, the Big Gold Belt remains a symbolic part of wrestling history. Its flashy style and memorable design helped make it one of the most famous championship belts of all time.

So while today's champions carry around sleeker more modern belts, the Big Gold Belt will always hold a special place in the hearts of longtime wrestling fans.

FAQs

Who created the original Big Gold Belt?

The original Big Gold Belt was created in 1985 by silversmith Charles Crumrine. It was commissioned by Jim Crockett Promotions for NWA World Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair.

How many pounds is the Big Gold Belt?

The Big Gold Belt weighs approximately 6 pounds. Its large, heavy size was part of its appeal and what set it apart from traditional wrestling belts.

What year did WWE acquire the Big Gold Belt?

WWE (then WWF) acquired the Big Gold Belt in 2001 when they purchased WCW. Chris Jericho debuted it that year as the Undisputed WWF Championship.

Who was the last wrestler to hold the Big Gold Belt?

The last wrestler to regularly wear the Big Gold Belt before its initial retirement was Randy Orton in 2013. Triple H briefly unveiled it again in 2016.

Where is Ric Flair’s original Big Gold Belt today?

Ric Flair's original Big Gold Belt that he wore in 1985 was reportedly sold at auction in 2012. Its current whereabouts are unknown but there are rumors John Cena may have purchased it.