AWA Southern Heavyweight Championship

The AWA Southern Heavyweight Championship was a major professional wrestling title in the Continental Wrestling Association during the 1970s and 1980s. The title is part of a long lineage that was started when the NWA Southern Junior Heavyweight Championship, in use since 1939, was renamed the NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship (Memphis version) in 1974. The title's name changed again in 1978, when it was renamed the AWA Southern Heavyweight Championship due to a partnership with the American Wrestling Association. It was also called the Mid-Southern Heavyweight Championship in Pro Wrestling Illustrated and its sister publications, in order for this title to not be confused with Championship Wrestling from Florida's version of the title.

AWA Southern Heavyweight Championship
One of the belts used to represent the championship
Details
PromotionNWA Mid-America (1974–1977)
Continental Wrestling Association (1977–1987)
United States Wrestling Association (1990–1997)
Memphis Championship Wrestling (2000–2001)
Memphis Wrestling (2004–2010)
Date establishedJuly 27, 1974
Date retired2010[1]
Other name(s)
  • NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship (Mid-America version)
  • NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship (Memphis version)
  • Mid-Southern Heavyweight Championship
  • AWA Southern Heavyweight Championship
  • USWA Southern Heavyweight Championship
  • USWA Heavyweight Championship
  • MCW Southern Heavyweight Championship
  • Memphis Wrestling Southern Heavyweight Championship
Statistics
First champion(s)Jerry Lawler
Final champion(s)Brian Christopher[2]
Most reignsJerry Lawler (58 reigns[Note 1])
Shortest reignJerry Lawler (1 hour)

The title was revived in the United States Wrestling Association from 1989 until 1997 when the USWA closed. It was known as the USWA Southern Heavyweight Championship and later simply the USWA Heavyweight Championship during that time; however, unlike the previous Southern title in Memphis, this one played a secondary role to the USWA Unified World Heavyweight Championship. It was revived in Memphis Championship Wrestling as the MCW Southern Heavyweight Championship in 2000 and 2001. It was later revived and renamed in 2004 for use in Memphis Wrestling as the Memphis Wrestling Southern Heavyweight Championship, where the last recorded champion was Brian Christopher, winning the championship on November 4, 2010, but with no recorded championship matches since then.[1] Memphis Wrestling held their last regular in 2009.[3]

Title history
Key
No. Overall reign number
Reign Reign number for the specific champion
Days Number of days held
No. Champion Championship change Reign statistics Notes Ref.
Date Event Location Reign Days
NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship
 1  Jerry Lawler  July 27, 1974  Mid-Am Show Chattanooga, Tennessee  1  88 Defeated Jackie Fargo for the NWA Southern Junior Heavyweight Championship. The title was then renamed the NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship (Mid-America version) in August 1974. [4][5]
 2  Robert Fuller  October 23, 1974  Mid-Am Show Nashville, Tennessee  1  7 [4][5]
 3  Jerry Lawler  October 30, 1974  Mid-Am Show Nashville, Tennessee  2  61 [4][5]
— Vacated  December 1974 — — — — Championship vacated for undocumented reasons [4][5]
 2  Ron Fuller  December 29, 1974  Mid-Am Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  162 Won an eight-man tournament. [4][5]
 5  The Mongolian Stomper  June 9, 1975  Mid-Am Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  35 [4][5]
 6  Jerry Lawler  July 14, 1975  Mid-Am Show Memphis, Tennessee  3  [Note 2] [4][5]
 7  The Mongolian Stomper  July 28, 1975 (NLT)  Mid-Am Show [Note 3]  2  [Note 4] [4][5]
— Vacated  August 9, 1975  Mid-Am Show Memphis, Tennessee — — Championship vacated after a match against Bob Armstrong. [4][5]
 8  Bob Armstrong  September 29, 1975 (NLT)  Mid-Am Show [Note 3]  1  [Note 5] Defeated The Mongolian Stomper in a rematch. The title change may have been repeated on October 7, 1975 in Louisville, Kentucky. [4][5]
 9  Jerry Lawler  October 20, 1975 (NLT)  Mid-Am Show Huntsville, Alabama  4  [Note 6] [4][5]
 10  Bob Armstrong  November 24, 1975 (NLT)  Mid-Am Show [Note 3]  2  [Note 7] [4][5]
 Vacated  November 1975   N/A     Championship vacated for undocumented reasons [4][5]
 11  Jerry Lawler  December 15, 1975  Mid-Am Show Memphis, Tennessee  5  [Note 8] Defeated Ron Fuller in a tournament final. [4][5]
— Vacated  January 1976 — — — — Championship vacated after a match against Ricky Gibson [4][5]
 12  Jerry Lawler  January 19, 1976  Mid-Am Show Memphis, Tennessee  6  34 Defeated Ricky Gibson in a rematch. [4][5][6]
 13  Tommy Rich  February 22, 1976  Mid-Am Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  [Note 9] [4][5][7]
 14  Jerry Lawler  April 5, 1976 (NLT)  Mid-Am Show [Note 3]  7  [Note 10] [4][5]
 15  Jack Brisco  August 9, 1976  Mid-Am Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  10 [4][5]
 16  Jerry Lawler  August 19, 1976  Mid-Am Show Memphis, Tennessee  8  26 [4][5]
 17  Tommy Rich  September 14, 1976  Mid-Am Show Memphis, Tennessee  2  [Note 11] [4][5]
 18  Jerry Lawler  October 4, 1976 (NLT)  Mid-Am Show [Note 3]  9  [Note 12] [4][5]
 19  Jackie Fargo  October 4, 1976  Mid-Am Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  [Note 13] [4][5]
 20  Jerry Lawler  October 1976  Mid-Am Show [Note 3]  10  [Note 14] [4][5]
 21  Rocky Johnson  November 1, 1976  Mid-Am Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  161 The championship moved from NWA Mid-America to the Continental Wrestling Association on March 20, 1977 [4][5]
NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship / Mid-Southern Heavyweight Championship
 22  Jerry Lawler  April 11, 1977  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  11  17 [4][5]
 23  Bob Armstrong  April 28, 1977  CWA Show Knoxville, Tennessee  3  3 [4][5]
 24  Jerry Lawler  May 1, 1977  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  12  28 [4][5]
 25  Paul Orndorff  May 29, 1977  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  50 [4][5]
 26  Jerry Lawler  July 18, 1977  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  13  7 [4][5]
 27  Bill Dundee  July 25, 1977  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  7 [4][5]
 28  Jerry Lawler  August 1, 1977  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  14  21 [4][5]
 29  Bill Dundee  August 22, 1977  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  2  7 [4][5]
 30  Jerry Lawler  August 29, 1977  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  15  15 [4][5]
— Vacated  September 13, 1977 — — — — Lawler retired after a match against Bill Dundee, but later returned to the ring [4][5]
 31  Jimmy Valiant  September 25, 1977  CWA Show Louisville, Kentucky  1  15 Defeated Mr. Wrestling in the finals of a six-man one-night tournament. [4][5]
 32  Jerry Lawler  October 10, 1977  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  16  49 [4][5]
 33  Jimmy Valiant  November 28, 1977  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  2  7 [4][5]
 34  Jerry Lawler  December 5, 1977  Memphis, Tennessee CWA Show  17  245 Championship became an AWA championship in July 1978 when the CWA began working with the American Wrestling Association. [4][5]
 35  Jos LeDuc  August 7, 1978  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  7 [4][5]
 36  Jerry Lawler  August 14, 1978  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  18  14 [4][5]
 37  Jos LeDuc  August 28, 1978  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  2  7 [4][5]
 38  Jerry Lawler  September 4, 1978  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  19  [Note 15] [4][5]
 39  Don Fargo  November 6, 1978 (NLT)  CWA Show [Note 3]  1  [Note 16] [4][5]
 40  Tommy Gilbert  November 20, 1978  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  7 [4][5]
 41  Don Fargo  November 27, 1978  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  2  7 [4][5]
 42  Jerry Lawler  December 4, 1978  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  20  21 [4][5]
 43  Austin Idol  December 25, 1978  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  21 [4][5]
 44  Ron Fuller  January 15, 1979  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  2  28 [4][5][8]
 45  Toru Tanaka  February 12, 1979  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  47 Won the title by forfeit. Robert Fuller won the title on March 19, 1979, but the title was returned to Tanaka. [4][5]
 46  Buzz Sawyer  March 31, 1979  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  2 [4][5]
— Vacated  April 2, 1979 — — — — Championship vacated after a match against the Mongolian Stomper [4][5]
 47  The Mongolian Stomper  April 23, 1979  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  3  42 Defeated Buzz Sawyer in a rematch. [4][5]
 48  Robert Fuller  June 4, 1979  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  2  [Note 17] [4][5]
 49  Ron Bass  June 1979  CWA Show Bluefield, West Virginia  1  [Note 18] [4][5]
 50  Randy Taylor  June 1979  CWA Show [Note 3]  1  [Note 19] [4][5]
 51  Ron Bass  July 2, 1979  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  2  56 [4][5]
 52  Bill Dundee  August 27, 1979  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  3  15 [4][5]
— Vacated  September 11, 1979  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee — — Championship vacated after a match against Ron Bass. [4][5]
 53  Bill Dundee  September 17, 1979  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  4  7 Defeated Bass in a rematch. [4][5]
 54  Jerry Lawler  September 24, 1979  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  21  7 [4][5]
 55  Bill Dundee  October 1, 1979  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  5  14 [4][5]
 56  Jerry Lawler  October 15, 1979  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  22  80 [4][5]
 57  Jimmy Valiant  January 3, 1980  CWA Show Jackson, Tennessee  3  95 [4][5]
 58  Paul Ellering  April 7, 1980  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  91 [4][5]
 59  Bill Dundee  July 7, 1980  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  6  28 [4][5][9]
— Vacated  August 4, 1980 — — — — Title was vacated when Dundee won the CWA World Heavyweight Championship [4][5]
 60  Bill Irwin  August 11, 1980  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  7 Defeated Jimmy Valiant the finals of an eight-man one-night tournament. [4][5][10]
— Vacated  August 18, 1980  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee — — Championship vacated after a match against Jimmy Valliant [4][5]
 61  Jimmy Valiant  August 25, 1980  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  4  7 Defeated Bill Irwin in a rematch. [4][5]
 62  Tommy Rich  September 1, 1980  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  3  8 [4][5]
 63  Jimmy Valiant  September 9, 1980  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  5  [Note 20] [4][5]
 64  Tommy Rich  October 6, 1980 (NLT)  CWA Show [Note 3]  4  [Note 21] [4][5]
— Vacated  November 1980 — — — — Championship vacated for undocumented reasons [4][5]
 65  Jimmy Valiant  January 17, 1981  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  6  29 Defeated Hector Guerrero in a tournament final. [4][5]
 66  Jerry Lawler  February 15, 1981  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  23  127 [4][5]
 67  Jimmy Hart  June 22, 1981  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  5 [4][5]
 68  Chick Donovan  June 27, 1981  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  [Note 22] Hart laid down and let Donovan win the title. [4][5]
— Vacated  July 1981 — — — — Donovan was stripped of the championship because of the way in which he won it. [4][5]
 69  Steve Keirn  July 20, 1981  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  27 Defeated Bugsy McGraw in a tournament final. [4][5]
 70  The Dream Machine  August 16, 1981  CWA Show Jackson, Tennessee  1  8 [4][5]
 71  Jerry Lawler  August 24, 1981  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  24  14 [4][5]
 72  The Dream Machine  September 7, 1981  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  2  7 [4][5]
 73  Jimmy Valiant  September 14, 1981  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  7  [Note 23] [4][5]
 74  The Dream Machine  October 1981  CWA Show Lexington, Kentucky  3  [Note 24] [4][5]
 75  Dutch Mantel  October 26, 1981  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  84 [4][5]
 76  Jerry Lawler  January 18, 1982  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  25  27 [4][5][11]
 77  Dutch Mantel  February 14, 1982  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  2  15 [4][5][12]
 78  Jerry Lawler  March 1, 1982  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  26  21 [4][5]
 79  Dutch Mantel  March 22, 1982  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  3  7 [4][5][13]
 80  Jerry Lawler  March 29, 1982  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  27  [Note 25] [4][5]
 81  Kendo Nagasaki  May 1982  CWA Show [Note 3]  1  [Note 26] [4][5]
 82  Jerry Lawler  May 24, 1982  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  28  14 [4][5]
 83  Kamala  June 7, 1982  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  63 [4][5]
 84  Jerry Lawler  August 9, 1982  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  29  63 [4][5]
 85  Nick Bockwinkel  October 11, 1982  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  28 [4][5]
 86  Jerry Lawler  November 8, 1982  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  30  7 [4][5]
 87  Sabu the Wildman  November 15, 1982  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  14 Partnered with Jimmy Hart to defeat Jerry Lawler in a handicap match. Hart got the pin, but Sabu the Wildman was recognized as champion. [4][5]
 88  Terry Taylor  November 29, 1982  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  62 [4][5]
 89  Jacques Rougeau  January 30, 1983  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  15 [4][5]
 90  Terry Taylor  February 14, 1983  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  2  35 [4][5]
 91  Bill Dundee  March 21, 1983  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  7  49 [4][5]
 92  Dutch Mantel  May 9, 1983  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  4  7 [4][5]
 93  Bill Dundee  May 16, 1983  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  8  14 [4][5]
 94  Dutch Mantel  May 30, 1983  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  5  0 [4][5]
 95  Jerry Lawler  May 30, 1983  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  31  0 [4][5]
 96  Bill Dundee  May 30, 1983  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  9  7 [4][5]
 97  Jerry Lawler  June 6, 1983  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  32  14 [4][5]
 98  Man Mountain Link  June 20, 1983  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  0 [4][5]
 99  Jerry Lawler  June 20, 1983  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  33  [Note 27] [4][5]
 100  Man Mountain Link  July 1983  CWA Show [Note 3]  2  [Note 28] [4][5]
 101  Jerry Lawler  July 4, 1983  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  34  [Note 29] [4][5]
— Vacated  September 1983 — — — — Lawler was stripped of the championship for failing to defend within 30 days. [4][5]
 102  Jerry Lawler  September 10, 1983  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  35  [Note 30] Defeated Bill Dundee in a tournament final. [4][5]
 103  Jesse Ventura  September 1983  CWA Show [Note 3]  1  [Note 31] [4][5]
 104  Jerry Lawler  October 3, 1983  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  36  7 [4][5]
 105  Jesse Ventura  October 10, 1983  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  2  [Note 32] [4][5]
 106  Jerry Lawler  November 1983  CWA Show Chicago, Illinois  37  [Note 33] [4][5]
 107  Lord Humongous  April 30, 1984  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  21 Mike Stark was portraying Lord Humongous at this point in time [4][5]
 108  Jerry Lawler  May 21, 1984  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  38  21 [4][5]
 109  Rick Rude  June 11, 1984  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  35 [4][5]
 110  Tommy Rich  July 16, 1984  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  5  14 [4][5]
 111  King Kong Bundy  July 30, 1984  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  105 Special guest referee Eddie Gilbert [4][5]
 112  Jerry Lawler  November 12, 1984  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  39  77 [4][5]
— Vacated  January 28, 1985  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee — — Championship vacated after a match against Eddie Gilbert [4][5]
 113  Eddie Gilbert  February 1985  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  [Note 34] Defeated Jerry Lawler in a rematch. [4][5]
 114  Jerry Lawler  February 12, 1985  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  40  33 [4][5][14]
 115  Randy Savage  March 17, 1985  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  51 [4][5]
 116  Jerry Oske  May 7, 1985  CWA Show Louisville, Kentucky  1  6 [4][5][15]
 117  Randy Savage  May 13, 1985  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  2  21 [4][5][16]
 118  Jerry Lawler  June 3, 1985  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  41  21 [4][5]
 119  Bota the Witch Doctor  June 24, 1985  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  35 [4][5]
 120  Jerry Lawler  July 29, 1985  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  42  18 [4][5][9]
 121  Taras Bulba  August 16, 1985  CWA Show Selmer, Tennessee  1  21 [4][5]
 122  Jerry Lawler  September 6, 1985  CWA Show Martin, Tennessee  43  43 [4][5]
 123  Bill Dundee  October 19, 1985  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  10  63 [4][5]
 124  Jerry Lawler  December 21, 1985  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  44  9 [4][5]
 125  Bill Dundee  December 30, 1985  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  11  99 [4][5]
 126  Jerry Lawler  April 8, 1986  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  45  24 [4][5]
 127  Bill Dundee  May 2, 1986  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  12  31 [4][5]
 128  Buddy Landel  June 2, 1986  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  0 [4][5]
— Vacated  June 2, 1986  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee — — Championship vacated immediately after the match [4][5]
 129  Buddy Landel  June 16, 1986  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  2  [Note 35] Defeated The Flame in a tournament final. [4][5]
— Vacated  June 1986 — — — — Vacated when Buddy Landel left the CWA [4][5]
 130  Bam Bam Bigelow  July 28, 1986  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  42 Won a battle royal. [4][5]
 131  Jerry Lawler  September 8, 1986  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  46  125 [4][5]
— Vacated  January 11, 1987 — — — — Vacated when Lawler suffered an injury [4][5]
 132  Austin Idol  February 2, 1987  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  2  77 Defeated Soul Train Jones in a tournament final. [4][5]
 133  Jerry Lawler  April 20, 1987  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  47  7 [4][5]
 134  Austin Idol  April 27, 1987  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  3  42 [4][5]
 135  Jerry Lawler  June 8, 1987  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  48  28 [4][5]
 136  Brickhouse Brown  July 6, 1987  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  7 [4][5]
 137  Jerry Lawler  July 13, 1987  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  49  21 [4][5]
— Vacated  August 3, 1987  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee — — Vacated after a match against Don Bass [4][5]
 138  Don Bass  August 3, 1987  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  [Note 36] Partnered with Brickhouse Brown, Bass pinned Lawler, who was partnered with Rocky Johnson, in a tag team match where the title was on the line. [4][5]
 139  Jerry Lawler  August 1987  CWA Show [Note 3]  50  [Note 37] [4][5]
 140  Don Bass  August 24, 1987  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  2  7 [4][5]
 141  Jerry Lawler  August 31, 1987  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  51  [Note 38] [4][5]
— Vacated  September 1987 — — — — Lawler vacated the championship to concentrate on the AWA World Tag Team Championship. [4][5]
 142  Bobby Jaggers  October 19, 1987  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  33 Defeated Billy Travis in a tournament final. [4][5]
 143  Jerry Lawler  November 21, 1987  CWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  52  16 [4][5]
— Vacated  December 7, 1987 — — — — The title was unified with the AWA International Heavyweight Championship and the NWA Mid-America Heavyweight Championship to create the CWA Heavyweight Championship [4][5]

United States Wrestling Association
Key
No. Overall reign number
Reign Reign number for the specific champion
Days Number of days held
No. Champion Championship change Reign statistics Notes Ref.
Date Event Location Reign Days
USWA Southern Heavyweight Championship
 1  Dick Slater  September 1, 1990  USWA Show [Note 3]  1  35 Slater won the title in a tournament. [17][18]
 2  Jeff Jarrett  October 6, 1990  USWA Show Nashville, Tennessee  1  23 [17][18]
 3  Eddie Gilbert  October 29, 1990  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  [Note 39] [17][18]
— Vacated  December 1990 — — — — Vacated when Eddie Gilbert left the USWA [17][18]
 4  Jeff Jarrett  January 14, 1991  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  2  42 Defeated Brian Lee in a tournament final. [17][18][19]
— Vacated  February 25, 1991  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee — — Championship was vacated after a match against Steve Austin [17][18]
 5  Jeff Jarrett  March 1991  USWA Show [Note 3]  3  [Note 40] Defeated Steve Austin in a rematch. [17][18]
 6  Tom Prichard  March 15, 1991  USWA Show Dallas, Texas  1  14 [17][18]
— Vacated  March 29, 1991  USWA Show Dallas, Texas — — Championship vacated after a match against Jeff Jarrett [17][18]
 7  Jeff Jarrett  April 5, 1991  USWA Show Dallas, Texas  4  3 Defeated Tom Prichard in a rematch. [17][18]
— Vacated  April 8, 1991 — — — — The title was vacated due to finish of the Jarrett-Prichard rematch [17][18]
 8  Jeff Jarrett  April 12, 1991  USWA Show Dallas, Texas  5  21 Defeated Tom Prichard in a second rematch. [17][18]
 9  Eric Embry  May 3, 1991  USWA Show Dallas, Texas  1  10 [17][18][20]
 10  Bill Dundee  May 13, 1991  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  7 [17][18][16]
 11  Eric Embry  May 20, 1991  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  2  168 [17][18]
 12  Tom Prichard  November 4, 1991  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  2  5 [17][18]
 13  Eric Embry  November 9, 1991  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  3  23 [17][18]
 14  Tom Prichard  December 2, 1991  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  3  7 [17][18]
 15  Eric Embry  December 9, 1991  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  4  61 [17][18]
 16  Tom Prichard  February 8, 1992  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  4  31 [17][18]
 17  Dr. Death  March 10, 1992  USWA Show Louisville, Kentucky  1  6 Not Dr. Death Steve Williams but a masked Kenny Kendall. [17][18]
 18  Jimmy Valiant  March 16, 1992  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  7 [17][18]
 19  Brian Christopher  March 23, 1992  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  28 [17][18]
— Vacated  April 20, 1992 — — — — Championship vacated after a match against Tom Pritchard [17][18]
 20  Brian Christopher  April 27, 1992  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  2  7 Defeated Tom Prichard in a rematch. [17][18]
— Vacated  May 4, 1992 — — — — The championship remained vacant up due to the finish of the rematch [17][18]
 21  Brian Christopher  May 4, 1992  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  3  49 Defeated Tom Prichard in a second rematch. [17][18]
— Vacated  June 22, 1992 — — — — Championship vacated after a match against Tom Pritchard [17][18]
 22  Tom Prichard  June 29, 1992  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  5  21 Defeated Brian Christopher in a rematch. [17][18][21]
 23  Brian Christopher  July 20, 1992  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  4  7 [17][18][22]
 24  Tom Prichard  July 27, 1992  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  6  7 [17][18]
 25  Brian Christopher  August 3, 1992  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  5  7 [17][18]
 26  Reno Riggins  August 10, 1992  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  35 [17][18]
— Vacated  September 14, 1992  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee — — Championship vacated after a match against Brian Christopher [17][18]
 27  Brian Christopher  September 21, 1992  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  6  91 Defeated Reno Riggins in a rematch. [17][18]
 28  Jeff Jarrett  December 21, 1992  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  6  21 [17][18]
 29  Brian Christopher  January 11, 1993  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  7  49 [17][18]
 30  Jeff Jarrett  March 1, 1993  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  7  61 [17][18]
 31  Brian Christopher  May 1, 1993  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  8  58 [17][18]
 32  Jeff Jarrett  June 28, 1993  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  8  20 [17][18]
 33  Vampire Warrior  July 18, 1993  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  36 [17][18]
 34  Jeff Jarrett  August 23, 1993  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  9  21 Renamed the USWA Heavyweight Championship in September 1993 [17][18]
USWA Heavyweight Championship
 35  Tommy Rich  September 13, 1993  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  21 [18][23]
— Vacated  September 25, 1993  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee — — The referee raised Rich's hand in victory after the match when Jeff Jarrett had actually won [18][23]
 36  Jeff Jarrett  October 4, 1993  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  10  49 Defeated Tommy Rich in a rematch. [18][23]
 37  Buddy Landel  November 22, 1993  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  13 [18][23]
 38  Brian Christopher  December 5, 1993  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  9  64 [18][23]
 39  Doug Gilbert  February 7, 1994  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  7 [18][23][24]
 40  Brian Christopher  February 14, 1994  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  10  7 [18][23][12]
 41  Doug Gilbert  February 21, 1994  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  2  7 [18][23]
 42  Brian Christopher  February 28, 1994  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  11  14 [18][23][25]
 43  Eddie Gilbert  March 14, 1994  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  2  5 [18][23]
 44  Brian Christopher  March 19, 1994  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  12  44 Won the title by countout. [18][23]
 45  Doug Gilbert  May 2, 1994  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  3  7 [18][23]
 46  Brian Christopher  May 9, 1994  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  13  28 [18][23]
 47  The Dream Machine  June 6, 1994  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  35 [18][23]
 48  Brian Christopher  July 11, 1994  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  14  21 [18][23]
 49  Doug Gilbert  August 1, 1994  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  4  54 [18][23]
— Vacated  September 24, 1994 — — — — Gilbert was stripped of the title for not defending within 45 days [18][23]
 50  Tommy Rich  October 3, 1994  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  2  63 Defeated Buddy Landel in a tournament final. [18][23]
 51  Brian Christopher  December 5, 1994  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  15  14 [18][23]
 52  Tommy Rich  December 19, 1994  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  3  12 [18][23]
 53  Brian Christopher  December 31, 1994  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  16  93 [18][23]
 54  Brian Lee  April 3, 1995  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  7 [18][23][26]
— Vacated  April 10, 1995  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee — — Vacated after a match against Brian Christopher [18][23]
 55  Brian Lee  April 17, 1995  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  2  26 Defeated Brian Lee in a rematch. [18][23][27]
 56  Doug Gilbert  May 13, 1995  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  5  16 [18][23][16]
 57  Brian Christopher  May 29, 1995  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  17  28 [18][23]
 58  Billy Jack Haynes  June 26, 1995  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  39 [18][23]
 59  Brad Armstrong  August 4, 1995  USWA Show Knoxville, Tennessee  1  3 [18][23]
 60  Billy Jack Haynes  August 7, 1995  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  2  35 [18][23]
 61  Brian Christopher  September 11, 1995  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  18  26 [18][23]
 62  Jesse James Armstrong  October 7, 1995  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  16 [18][23]
 63  Brian Christopher  October 23, 1995  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  19  21 [18][23]
— Vacated  November 13, 1995  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee — — Championship vacated after a match against Tex Slazinger [18][23]
 64  Tex Slazenger  November 22, 1995  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  5 Defeated Brian Christopher in a rematch. [18][23]
 65  Brian Christopher  November 27, 1995  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  20  5 [18][23]
 66  Tex Slazenger  December 2, 1995  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  2  39 The title was returned to Slazenger by acting USWA Commissioner Bob Armstrong due to a controversial finish in the November 27 match. [18][23]
 67  Jerry Lawler  January 10, 1996  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  3 [18][23]
 68  Tommy Rich  January 13, 1996  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  4  32 [18][23][28]
 69  Brian Christopher  February 14, 1996  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  21  31 [18][23][12]
 70  Mabel  March 16, 1996  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  65 [18][23]
 71  Jerry Lawler  May 20, 1996  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  2  12 [18][23]
 72  Brian Christopher  June 1, 1996  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  22  149 [18][23][29]
 73  Ric Hogan  October 28, 1996  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  21 [18][23]
 74  Brian Christopher  November 18, 1996  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  23  26 [18][23]
 75  Wolfie D  December 14, 1996  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  19 [18][23]
 76  Brian Christopher  January 2, 1997  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  24  38 [18][23]
 77  Elijah  February 9, 1997  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  48 [18][23]
 78  Brian Christopher  March 29, 1997  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  25  77 [18][23]
 79  Billy Travis  June 14, 1997  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  28 [18][23]
 80  Spellbinder  July 12, 1997  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  2  1 [18][23][30]
 81  Doomsday  July 13, 1997  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  55 [18][23]
 82  Steven Dunn  September 6, 1997  USWA Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  [Note 41] [18][23]
—  November 1997 — — The USWA closed [18][23]

Memphis Championship Wrestling
Key
No. Overall reign number
Reign Reign number for the specific champion
Days Number of days held
No. Champion Championship change Reign statistics Notes Ref.
Date Event Location Reign Days
MCW Southern Heavyweight Championship
 1  Jerry Lawler  March 25, 2000  MCW Show Tunica, Mississippi  1  [Note 42] Defeated Bull Pain in a tournament final. [31]
— Vacated  2000 — — — — Championship vacated for undocumented reasons [31]
 2  K-Krush  April 12, 2000  MCW Show Robinsonville, Mississippi  1  42 Won a battle royal, last eliminating Jerry Lawler. [31]
 3  Masked Man #1  May 24, 2000  MCW Show Tunica, Mississippi  2  28 [31]
 4  Lord Steven Regal  June 21, 2000  MCW Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  59 [31]
 5  Joey Abs  August 19, 2000  MCW Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  0 [31]
 6  K-Krush  August 19, 2000  MCW Show Memphis, Tennessee  2  76 [31]
 7  Steve Bradley  November 3, 2000  MCW Show Manila, Arkansas  1  225 [31]
 8  Joey Abs  June 16, 2001  MCW Show Jackson, Tennessee  2  21 [31]
 9  Steve Bradley  July 7, 2001  MCW Show Manila, Arkansas  2  0 [31]
 10  Seven  July 7, 2001  MCW Show Manila, Arkansas  1  133 [31]
 12  Kryptonite  November 17, 2001  MCW Show Dyersburg, Tennessee  1  [Note 43] [31]
—  December 2001   —   MCW Closed [31]

Memphis Wrestling
Key
No. Overall reign number
Reign Reign number for the specific champion
Days Number of days held
No. Champion Championship change Reign statistics Notes Ref.
Date Event Location Reign Days
Memphis Wrestling Southern Heavyweight Championship
 1  Mabel  March 6, 2004  MW Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  [Note 44] Defeated Bill Dundee in a tournament final to win the title [32]
 2  Mordecai  March 2005  MW Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  [Note 45] [32]
 3  Jerry Lawler  July 2005  MW Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  [Note 46] [32]
 4  Shock  March 2007  MW Show Memphis, Tennessee  1  [Note 47] [32]
 5  Jerry Lawler  April 2008  MW Show Memphis, Tennessee  2  [Note 48] Defeated Shock in a tournament final to unify the Memphis Wrestling Southern Television Championship. [32]
 2008 N/A N/A Championship vacated for undocumented reasons [32]
 6  Brian Christopher  November 4, 2010  Live show Memphis, Tennessee  1  38 Defeated Derrick King in a tournament final to win the vacant title.[2] [32]
— Deactivated   December 12, 2010 — — — — No known championship defenses after Christopher becomes champion. [1][32]

Footnotes
  1. Lawler held the NWA/AWA version 52 times, the USWA version 2 times, the MCW version 2 times and the MW version 2 times.
  2. The exact date the championship change took place is uncertain, which means the reign lasted between 1 and 14 days.
  3. The location of the match was not captured as part of the documentation.
  4. The exact date the championship change took place is uncertain, which means the reign lasted between 12 and 25 days.
  5. The exact date the championship change took place is uncertain, which means the reign lasted between 1 and 72 days.
  6. The exact date the championship change took place is uncertain, which means the reign lasted between 1 and 55 days.
  7. The exact date the championship change took place is uncertain, which means the reign lasted between 1 and 71 days.
  8. The exact date the championship change took place is uncertain, which means the reign lasted between 17 and 35 days.
  9. The exact date the championship change took place is uncertain, which means the reign lasted between 1 and 43 days.
  10. The exact date the championship change took place is uncertain, which means the reign lasted between 126 and 168 days.
  11. The exact date the championship change took place is uncertain, which means the reign lasted between 1 and 20 days.
  12. The exact date the championship change took place is uncertain, which means the reign lasted between 1 and 19 days.
  13. The exact date the championship change took place is uncertain, which means the reign lasted between 1 and 27 days.
  14. The exact date the championship change took place is uncertain, which means the reign lasted between 1 and 27 days.
  15. The exact date the championship change took place is uncertain, which means the reign lasted between 1 and 63 days.
  16. The exact date the championship change took place is uncertain, which means the reign lasted between 14 and 77 days.
  17. The exact date the championship change took place is uncertain, which means the reign lasted between 1 and 25 days.
  18. The exact date the championship change took place is uncertain, which means the reign lasted between 1 and 25 days.
  19. The exact date the championship change took place is uncertain, which means the reign lasted between 2 and 26 days.
  20. The exact date the championship change took place is uncertain, which means the reign lasted between 1 and 27 days.
  21. The exact date the championship change took place is uncertain, which means the reign lasted between −1,435 and −1,380 days.
  22. The exact date the championship change took place is uncertain, which means the reign lasted between 4 and 22 days.
  23. The exact date the championship change took place is uncertain, which means the reign lasted between 17 and 41 days.
  24. The exact date the championship change took place is uncertain, which means the reign lasted between 1 and 25 days.
  25. The exact date the championship change took place is uncertain, which means the reign lasted between 33 and 55 days.
  26. The exact date the championship change took place is uncertain, which means the reign lasted between 1 and −1,073 days.
  27. The exact date the championship change took place is uncertain, which means the reign lasted between 11 and 13 days.
  28. The exact date the championship change took place is uncertain, which means the reign lasted between 1 and 4 days.
  29. The exact date the championship change took place is uncertain, which means the reign lasted between 59 and 67 days.
  30. The exact date the championship change took place is uncertain, which means the reign lasted between 1 and 20 days.
  31. The exact date the championship change took place is uncertain, which means the reign lasted between 1 and 19 days.
  32. The exact date the championship change took place is uncertain, which means the reign lasted between 22 and 51 days.
  33. The exact date the championship change took place is uncertain, which means the reign lasted between 152 and 181 days.
  34. The exact date the championship change took place is uncertain, which means the reign lasted between 1 and 11 days.
  35. The exact date the championship change took place is uncertain, which means the reign lasted between 1 and 14 days.
  36. The exact date the championship change took place is uncertain, which means the reign lasted between 1 and 20 days.
  37. The exact date the championship change took place is uncertain, which means the reign lasted between 1 and 20 days.
  38. The exact date the championship change took place is uncertain, which means the reign lasted between 1 and 30 days.
  39. The exact date the championship change took place is uncertain, which means the reign lasted between 33 and 63 days.
  40. The exact date the championship change took place is uncertain, which means the reign lasted between 1 and 15} days.
  41. The exact date the championship was abandoned is uncertain, which means the reign lasted between 56 and 85 days.
  42. The exact date the championship change took place is uncertain, which means the reign lasted between 1 and 18 days.
  43. The exact date the championship was abandoned is uncertain, which means the reign lasted between 14 and 44 days.
  44. The exact date the championship change took place is uncertain, which means the reign lasted between 360 and 390 days.
  45. The exact date the championship change took place is uncertain, which means the reign lasted between 92 and 152 days.
  46. The exact date the championship change took place is uncertain, which means the reign lasted between 578 and 638 days.
  47. The exact date the championship change took place is uncertain, which means the reign lasted between 367 and 426 days.
  48. The exact date the championship change took place is uncertain, which means the reign lasted between 1 and 245 days.

References
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  2. Gerweck, Steve (November 5, 2010). "Former WWE star wins Southern title". WrestleView. Archived from the original on September 27, 2012. Retrieved November 5, 2010.
  3. "Memphis Wrestling > Events". CageMatch. Retrieved March 24, 2017.
  4. Will, Gary; Duncan, Royal (2000). "Tennessee (Memphis): NWA / AWA Southern Heavyweight Title [Lawler]". Wrestling Title Histories: professional wrestling champions around the world from the 19th century to the present. Pennsylvania: Archeus Communications. pp. 192–193. ISBN 0-9698161-5-4.
  5. "National Wrestling Alliance [Mid-America] ( 1974 - 1986? ) / American Wrestling Association ( 1978/07 - 1987/12 ) - Southern Heavyweight Title". Wrestling-Titles.
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  8. Hoops, Brian (January 15, 2019). "Pro wrestling history (01/15): Big John Studd wins 1989 Royal Rumble". Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online. Retrieved January 18, 2019.
  9. Hoops, Brian (July 29, 2015). "On this day in pro wrestling history (July 29): Ric Flair vs. Bobo Brazil, Nick Bockwinkel vs. Mil Mascaras". Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online. Retrieved February 18, 2017.
  10. Hoops, Brian (August 11, 2015). "On this day in pro wrestling history (August 11): Verne Gagne vs. Lou Thesz for AWA title, first ever G1 final". Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online. Retrieved February 18, 2017.
  11. Hoops, Brian (January 18, 2019). "Pro wrestling history (01/18): Ivan Koloff defeats Bruno Sammartino for WWWF title". Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online. Retrieved January 18, 2019.
  12. Hoops, Brian (February 14, 2017). "On this day in pro wrestling history (Feb 14): Austin vs. McMahon at St. Valentine's Day Massacre". Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online. Retrieved February 15, 2017.
  13. Hoops, Brian (March 22, 2020). "Daily pro wrestling history (03/22): Dutch Mantel wins Southern title from Jerry Lawler". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved March 22, 2020.
  14. Hoops, Brian (February 12, 2017). "On this day in pro wrestling history (Feb 12): Christian Cage wins gold in TNA". Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online. Retrieved February 15, 2017.
  15. F4W Staff (May 7, 2015). "On this day in pro wrestling history (May 7): Jeff Jarrett ends David Arquette's WCW title reign, Nick Bockwinkel Vs. Ray Stevens". Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online. Retrieved February 10, 2017.
  16. Hoops, Brian (May 13, 2015). "On this day in pro wrestling history (May 13): Rick Martel wins AWA gold, Kurt Angle wins TNA title, Nash and Hall beat one man to win tag titles". Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online. Retrieved February 11, 2017.
  17. Will, Gary; Duncan, Royal (2000). "Tennessee (Memphis): USWA Southern Heavyweight Title [Lawler]". Wrestling Title Histories: professional wrestling champions around the world from the 19th century to the present. Pennsylvania: Archeus Communications. p. 196. ISBN 0-9698161-5-4.
  18. "United States Wrestling Association - Southern Heavyweight Title ( 1989/10 - 1993/09 ) / Heavyweight Title ( 1993/09 - 1997/11 )". Wrestling-Titles.
  19. Hoops, Brian (January 14, 2019). "Pro wrestling history (01/14): Christian wins NWA World Title". Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online. Retrieved January 18, 2019.
  20. F4W Staff (May 3, 2015). "On this day in pro wrestling history: Low Ki Vs. Dewitt, Punk wins OVW title, Mutoh wins IWGP belt, Bret wins NA title, Dibiase and Dr. Death, Sheik, Watts, Fargos". Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online. Retrieved February 11, 2017.
  21. Hoops, Brian (June 29, 2015). "On this day in pro wrestling history: 2nd Steve Austin WWE title reign begins, infamous Stan Hansen AWA title belt stripping story". Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online. Retrieved February 19, 2017.
  22. Hoops, Brian (July 20, 2015). "On this day in pro wrestling history: Brisco beats Race for NWA title, Gagne beats Crusher for AWA title, Robinson vs. Gagen". Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online. Retrieved February 11, 2017.
  23. Will, Gary; Duncan, Royal (2000). "Tennessee (Memphis): USWA Heavyweight Title [Lawler]". Wrestling Title Histories: professional wrestling champions around the world from the 19th century to the present. Pennsylvania: Archeus Communications. p. 193. ISBN 0-9698161-5-4.
  24. Hoops, Brian (February 7, 2017). "On this day in pro wrestling history (Feb 7): Bobby Roode and Austin Aries wins tag gold". Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online. Retrieved February 15, 2017.
  25. Hoops, Brian (February 28, 2017). "Daily pro wrestling history (02/28): Andersen and Hansen win NWA Tag Titles". Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online. Retrieved February 28, 2017.
  26. F4W Staff (April 3, 2015). "n this day in pro wrestling title change history: Gotch Vs. Hackenscmhidt, Inoki Vs. Hansen, Guerrero Vs. Jericho". Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online. Retrieved February 10, 2017.
  27. Hoops, Brian (April 17, 2020). "Daily pro wrestling (04/17): WCW Spring Stampede 1994". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  28. Hoops, Brian (January 13, 2019). "Pro wrestling history (01/13): TNA Genesis 2013". Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online. Retrieved January 18, 2019.
  29. Hoops, Brian (June 1, 2015). "On this day in pro wrestling history (June 1): Rogers beats Gomez, Gordman and Goliath, Baba loses PWF Title, Flair Vs. KVE, Lawler Vs. Son, Undertaker Vs. Edge". Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online. Retrieved February 11, 2017.
  30. Hoops, Brian (July 12, 2015). "On this day in pro wrestling history (July 12): Gagne, Bruiser and Crusher, Ladd wins Americas title, 1992 Bash with Sting vs. Vader". Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online. Retrieved February 11, 2017.
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