The kings of the ring: WWE’s most decorated world champions ranked

November 4, 2025 Kris Isaksen

Winning a world championship is the highest honor in professional wrestling, and only a few superstars have managed to do it consistently. From technical masters to larger-than-life icons, these are the 14 male wrestlers with the most world title reigns across WWE, WCW, and NWA history — ranked from 14 to 1.

14. Bret Hart – 7 world titles

A master of in-ring storytelling, Bret Hart became a seven-time world champion thanks to his skill, grit, and sharp technical ability. His reigns in WWE and WCW helped define the new era of wrestling in the 1990s.

13. The Undertaker – 7 world titles

While The Undertaker is best known for his supernatural persona and WrestleMania streak, he also captured seven world titles during his career. His reigns may have been less frequent, but they added depth to his already legendary status.

12. The Big Show – 7 world titles

The Big Show’s massive presence earned him world championships across both WWE and WCW. His ability to work as both a monster heel and a sympathetic babyface gave him a unique place among wrestling’s giants.

11. CM Punk – 7 world titles

CM Punk's championship reigns were often lightning rods for attention, thanks to his outspoken promos and anti-establishment attitude. His memorable 434-day WWE title reign remains one of the longest of the modern era.

10. Harley Race – 8 world titles

A trailblazer in the National Wrestling Alliance, Harley Race racked up eight world titles in an era filled with gritty competition. One of his lesser-known reigns was retroactively recognized, further solidifying his legacy.

9. Sting – 9 world titles

Steve Borden (sting) — Yuzunet, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Sting’s mystique and loyalty to WCW earned him nine world championships during a career that spanned four decades. Even as he ventured into WWE and AEW, he remained a respected figure across the wrestling world.

8. The Rock – 10 world titles

The Rock’s charisma lit up the WWE during the Attitude Era and beyond, leading him to ten world title wins. Though his reigns weren’t the longest, they were packed with unforgettable feuds and defining moments.

7. Brock Lesnar – 10 world titles

Brock Lesnar bulldozed his way through the WWE title scene, winning 10 world championships between 2002 and 2022. With reigns as both WWE and Universal Champion, his dominance spanned multiple generations.

6. Edge – 11 world titles

Edge seized every opportunity that came his way — literally. With 11 world championships to his name, the Ultimate Opportunist made history through shocking cash-ins and classic rivalries.

5. Hulk Hogan – 12 world titles

Hulk Hogan’s popularity transcended wrestling, but in the ring, he was a 12-time world champion across WWE and WCW. His first reign lasted over four years, a record that still stands from the WrestleMania era.

4. Randy Orton – 14 world titles

Randy Orton emerged from the Evolution stable to become one of WWE’s most consistent champions, earning 14 world title reigns. Known for his longevity and calculated style, Orton has remained a threat at the top for over 20 years.

3. Triple H – 14 world titles

From his early days in D-Generation X to leading Evolution, Triple H thrived in every era. With 14 world titles under his belt, the Cerebral Assassin dominated the main event scene across three decades.

2. Ric Flair – 16 world titles

Ric Flair’s 16 recognized world championships were won across NWA, WCW, and WWE — a testament to his staying power and showmanship. While some argue he won even more, the official tally alone cements him as a wrestling icon.

1. John Cena – 17 world titles

John Cena now holds the record with 17 world title reigns, breaking Ric Flair’s long-standing record at WrestleMania 41. His final triumph came in what is expected to be his last year as an active wrestler — a perfect cap to a legendary career.