With 2026 now officially underway, WWE looks to once again make it a newsworthy year in the championship divisions.
2025 saw multiple shock title changes take place along with some that were much more predictable. Along with John Cena winning his record-breaking 17th World Championship at WrestleMania, Seth Rollins shocked fans with his “Ruse of the Century” Money in the Bank cash-in at SummerSlam. In NXT, Ricky Saints and Oba Femi traded reigns with the NXT Championship, while Thea Hail ended 2025 with a shock win over Blake Monroe to capture the Women’s North American Championship, which was reportedly not the plan.
With the first title change taking place on just the second day of the year, prepare for another year of championship celebrations across all 3 brands…
Every WWE Championship Change In 2026
Giulia Wins Women’s United States Championship – January 2 SmackDown
Much like in 2025, WWE wasted little time in crowning a new champion. On the first SmackDown of the year, Giulia defeated Chelsea Green to win back the Women’s US Championship, joining Green in becoming a 2-time holder of the title. The closing moments of the match saw Giulia hit the Northern Lights Bomb onto Green to win back her title.
Rhea Ripley And IYO SKY Win Women’s Tag Team Championships – January 5 Raw
The first of 2 title changes to take place on the first Raw of 2026, Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY defeated Asuka and Kairi Sane to win the titles for the first time as a duo. Ripley and SKY isolated Asuka, with Ripley hitting the Riptide to pick up the winning pin.
Becky Lynch Wins Women’s Intercontinental Championship – January 5 Raw
During the same show, Lynch picked up the victory over Maxxine Dupri to win back the Women’s Intercontinental Championship and become the first person to hold the title twice. Although Lynch was trapped in the ankle lock by Dupri, The Man countered the hold into a pin to pick up the victory.
Izzi Dame Wins Women’s North American Championship – NXT New Year’s Evil
The first NXT title change of 2026 took place at the New Year’s Evil special on January 6. Izzi Dame took advantage of the situation that saw Thea Hail attacked earlier in the night to pick up the shock victory and capture her first championship in WWE.
Drew McIntyre Wins WWE Championship – January 9 SmackDown
On the January 9 SmackDown, McIntyre challenged Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship in a 3 Stages of Hell match. With McIntyre winning the first standard match and Rhodes winning the falls count anywhere match, both men faced off in a steel cage for the decider. Thanks to a returning Jacob Fatu, who brawled with both McIntyre and Rhodes, McIntyre took advantage of the chaos to fall out the door and win the title for a 3rd time.
The MFTs Win WWE Tag Team Championships – January 23 SmackDown
Things got personal between The Wyatt Sicks and The MFTs when Solo Sikoa stole the prized lantern away from the group. Looking to take more away from The Wyatts, the two teams faced off on the January 23 SmackDown, with The MFTs capturing the Tag Titles for a second time.
Joe Hendry Wins NXT Championship – February 3 WWE NXT
After Oba Femi relinquished the title at the start of the year, the developmental brand was in need of a top champion once more. When all was said and done in a chaotic ladder match at the end of the show, it was Joe Hendry who unhooked the gold to become the champion for the first time in his career. Additionally, Hendry became one of the seelct few to hold both the NXT and TNA World Championships in his pro wrestling career.
The Vanity Project Win NXT Tag Team Championships – February 24 NXT
Kicking off a triple header of title changes in one night, Brad Baylor & Ricky Smokes won their first titles in WWE as they defeated DarkState to capture the NXT Tag Team Championships. Thanks to an assist from Tony D’Angelo, Vanity Project capitalised to make their mark on NXT.
Elio LeFleur Wins WWE Speed Championship – February 24 NXT
With the time limit extended to 7 minutes, LeFleur defeated now former champion Jasper Troy and Eli Knight to also win the first championship of his WWE career. LeFleur jumped off the top rope and onto Troy to win the gold.
Myles Borne Wins NXT North American Championship – February 24 NXT
Capping off a night of title changes, Borne defeated Ethan Page to bring Page’s lengthy title run to an end, which saw the Canadian defend the title more than anyone else in the championship’s victory. With interference throughout, Vanity Project, Hank & Tank, Shiloh Hill, Ricky Saints and Joe Hendry all made appearances, but it was Borne who ultimately stood tall to hit Borne again, pin Page and win his first championship in WWE.
Nia Jax And Lash Legend Win Women’s Tag Team Championships – WWE SmackDown February 27
On the final episode of SmackDown before Elimination Chamber, Nia Jax and Lash Legend defeated Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY to capture the Women’s Tag Team Championships, which was also Legend’s first-ever championship reign in WWE. Legend was given the big moment in the match as she hit Ripley with the Lash Extension to win the match and the championships.
AJ Lee Wins Women’s Intercontinental Championship – Elimination Chamber
24 hours after the Women’s Tag Titles changed hands, AJ Lee remained undefeated since her WWE return last year as she defeated Becky Lynch to win her first championship in over a decade. Despite Lynch’s underhanded tactics and a ref bump, Lee emerged the winner after locking in the Black Widow onto her rival to force the submission.
Penta Wins Intercontinental Championship – WWE Raw March 2
On the Raw after Elimination Chamber, Penta was given another opportunity at Dominik Mysterio’s Intercontinental Championship. Prior to the match, Danhausen cursed Mysterio, which has since become canon in WWE storyline. While Mysterio attempted to use the ring bell hammer, Finn Balor stopped the weapon from being used. Capitalising on the confusion, Penta hit the destroyer onto Mysterio to win the match and his first championship in WWE.
Cody Rhodes Wins WWE Championship – SmackDown March 6
As Drew McIntyre interfered in the Men’s Elimination Chamber match, he was forced to put his WWE Championship on the line on the next episode of SmackDown. Following a chaotic bout that featured multiple ref bumps, Jacob Fatu prevented McIntyre from using a chair. From there, Rhodes hit McIntye with a super Cody Cutter and a Cross Rhodes to win the title for the third time in his career.
Tatum Paxley Wins Women’s North American Championship – NXT Vengeance Day
Although the former champion Izzi Dame was accompanied by Niko Vance and Shawn Spears, Tatum Paxley was able to overcome the odds at Vengeance Day. Spears attempted to interfere multiple times, but was accidentally knocked off the apron by Dame. Paxley hit a Cemetery Drive to win the match and the title.
R-Truth And Damian Priest Win WWE Tag Team Championships – March 20 SmackDown
The unlikely duo of Priest and Truth won big on the March 20 edition of SmackDown. Despite the fact that Priest was at first reluctant to team with Truth, the team earned their opportunity at The MFTs after winning a gauntlet match a couple of weeks prior. Thanks to an assist from The Wyatt Sicks, Truth hit the Attitude Adjustment to pay homage to his childhood hero John Cena to win the match and the titles.
Sami Zayn Wins United States Championship – March 27 SmackDown
With WrestleMania fast approaching, Zayn appeared to be without a direction for the biggest show of the year. Looking to make an impact, Zayn answered Carmelo Hayes’ United States open challenge, which brought out Trick Williams to the ringside area. Although Williams tried to interfere in the match with a cheap shot on Zayn, Williams accidentally struck Hayes instead. Taking advantage of the distraction, Zayn hit a Helluva kick to pick up the win and capture the title for the second time in his career.
Logan Paul and Austin Theory Win World Tag Team Championships – March 30 Raw
The opening match of the March 30 Raw saw The Usos put their World Tag Team Championships on the line against The Vision in a New York Street Fight. With iShowSpeed in the front row and with LA Knight on guest commentary, both men found themselves factored into the match. After Speed accidentally struck Knight with brass knuckles, Paul took advantage of the weapon to strike Jimmy Uso, allowing Theory to take advantage and win the match for his team.
Lola Vice Wins NXT Women’s Championship – NXT Stand & Deliver
NXT’s biggest show of the year, Stand & Deliver, saw 2 title changes take place. In the opening match of the show, Lola Vice was able to overcome the odds of Jacey Jayne and Kendal Grey to win the NXT Women’s Championship, her first WWE title reign since signing with the company. Vice hit the spinning backfist onto Jayne amid the chaotic ending to secure the title.
Tony D’Angelo Wins NXT Championship – NXT Stand & Deliver
In the main event of the show, Tony D’Angelo was the one who stood tall over Joe Hendry, Ethan Page and Ricky Saints to capture the NXT Championship for the first time in his career, also becoming the first NXT Grand Slam Champion in the process. With Saints and Page taken out on the outside by being put through the announce table, D’Angelo made his way back into the ring and took out Hendry to pick up the pinfall win.
Brie Bella And Paige Win Women’s Tag Team Championships – WrestleMania 42 Night 1
The first of many title changes to take place at WrestleMania. With Nikki Bella not cleared to compete, the Hall of Famer announced that she had found a replacement so that her sister would not miss out on her own WrestleMania moment. Introducing the returning Paige, the British star picked up the winning pin to win a championship in her first match back.
Becky Lynch Wins Women’s Intercontinental Championship – WrestleMania 42 Night 1
Lynch finally picked up the win over AJ Lee at WrestleMania 42, and had Jessika Carr raise her hand in victory as an added bonus. Taking advantage of an exposed turnbuckle, Lynch drove Lee into the corner and hit the Manhandle Slam to become the first wrestler to hold the title 3 times.
Liv Morgan Wins Women’s World Championship – WrestleMania 42 Night 1
Rounding out the trilogy of night 1 title changes, the numbers were in Liv Morgan’s favour in her title match against champion Stephanie Vaquer. With Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez providing interference, Morgan hit the ObLIVion onto Vaquer to win the title for a second time.
Trick Williams Wins United States Championship – WrestleMania 42 Night 2
The first of 3 title changes on WrestleMania Sunday, Trick Williams bested Sami Zayn to win the US Championship, his first accolade on the main roster. Hitting 2 Trick Shots onto Zayn, Williams celebrated with Lil Yachty in what was one of the most popular title changes of the weekend.
Rhea Ripley Wins WWE Women’s Championship – WrestleMania 42 Night 2
Rhea Ripley is now on top of SmackDown following her victory over Jade Cargill on WrestleMania Sunday. While Michin and B-Fab tried to give Cargill the advantage, IYO SKY ran down to even the odds. With things back on an even playing field, Ripley hit the Riptide to win the title from Cargill.
Roman Reigns Wins World Heavyweight Championship – WrestleMania 42 Night 2
Unlike the other title changes at WrestleMania, Roman Reigns’ victory saw The OTC pick up the win without any help, despite the fact that he has The Bloodline as back-up. Having more in the tank than CM Punk, who didn’t have the strength to hit the final GTS, Reigns hit Punk with 2 spears to win the match and the World Heavyweight Championship for the first time in his career.
Sol Ruca Wins Women’s Intercontinental Championship – WWE Clash In Italy
Despite a promising run in NXT, Sol Ruca did not have the best start on the main roster. With multiple losses and struggling to hit her finish, the former NXT Women’s North American Champion did not hit the ground running like others. However, at CLash in Italy, Ruca finally hit the Sol Snatcher on Lynch to win her first main roster title, the Women’s Intercontinental Championship.
ZARIA Wins Women’s North American Championship – June 9 NXT
After chasing the Women’s NXT North American Championship for months, ZARIA finally won the title on NXT. Headlining the June 9 show against Tatum Paxley, ZARIA hit 2 F5s and a spear to get the job done. While ZARIA was unable to defeat her former friend and rival, Sol Ruca, the Australian star is now a champion in WWE.
The Street Profits Win World Tag Team Championships – June 22 Raw
Kicking off a trio of title changes that week, The Street Profits defeated The Vision on the June 22 edition of WWE Raw that aired live from the O2 Arena in London, England. While Logan Paul attempted to assist Bron Breakker and Austin Theory, The Profits also had backup in the form of Joe Hendry and Seth Rollins. Thanks to Rollins striking Theory with the brass knuckles, Montez Ford hit the frog splash to pick up the win.
Sami Zayn Wins WWE Championship – Night Of Champions
A shock title change headlined the Night of Champions Premium Live Event in Saudi Arabia. While the initial rivalry was between Cody Rhodes and Gunther, Zayn serving as a special guest referee saw him also inserted into the match. Countering a Cross Rhodes, Zayn rolled up Rhodes to win the title for the first time in his career.
Kendal Grey Wins NXT Women’s Championship – Great American Bash
Headlining the NXT Great American Bash on June 29, Grey hit Lola Vice with the Shades of Grey finisher to win her first championship since joining the NXT roster. Grey’s family was ringside for her first title win.
The Vision Win World Tag Team Championships – July 5 Raw
The first of 2 title changes to take place on the show. Opening the July 6 broadcast, new Vision ally Maxxine Dupri proved to be the difference-maker for the group. Following a distraction from Logan Paul, Dupri hit Angelo Dawkins of The Street Profits with a low blow, allowing Austin Theory to capitalise and win back the titles.
CM Punk Wins WWE Championship – July 6 Raw
Given that Raw took place in Chicago, it’s no surprise that CM Punk made an appearance on the show. While Sami Zayn was set to defend his title against Cody Rhodes at the start of the show, Rhodes was taken out by Gunther. Even though Rhodes was not cleared to compete, Zayn still had to defend the title. With it being announced that a replacement had been found, Punk made his way to the ring for the main event. Hitting a GTS onto Zayn, Punk won his 8th World Championship in WWE.
Fatal Influence Win Women’s Tag Team Championships – New York Saturday Night’s Main Event
Paige and Brie Bella’s fairytale dream came to an end at Saturday Night’s Main Event on July 18. Taking place inside Madison Square Garden, Jacy Jayne was the deciding factor to help Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid win their first main roster championships.
Raquel Rodriguez Wins Women’s Intercontinental Championship – July 27 Raw
While Rodriguez has held the Women’s Tag Team Championships multiple times on the main roster, the first singles title had alluded her for years. However, thanks to an assist from The Judgment Day, Rodriguez was able to defeat Sol Ruca on the July 27 Raw to capture the Women’s Intercontinental Championship.
Baron Corbin Wins US Championship – SummerSlam Night 1
Corbin made his shock return to WWE in July and made it clear that he was looking to win back the US Championship following his absence. Attacking Trick Williams following the return, the match was later made official for SummerSlam. Despite Williams having Lil Yachty in his corner, Corbin was able to take out Yachty and strike Williams with the gold while the referee was distracted. Hitting Williams with the End of Days, Corbin is now a 2-time US Champion.
Chelsea Green Wins Interim Women’s Championship – SummerSlam Night 2
With Rhea Ripley out injured until further notice, WWE made the call to have an Interim Women’s Champion in her absence. A 5-way match took place at SummerSlam to determine who would be SmackDown’s top champion moving forward. With the other 4 women taken out after falling off ladders, Green scrambled up the ladder to grab the title.
Chad Gable Wins Intercontinental Championship – SummerSlam Night 2
Rounding out a trifecta of title changes at SummerSlam, Chad Gable defeated Penta to win the Intercontinental Championship for the first time in his career. Gable locked in the ankle lock to win the title and was joined by his family in the ring following the win. Showing a sign of respect, Penta put the championship on Gable after the match.
The MFTs Win Tag Team Championships – August 14 SmackDown
The first of two title changes that took place on the August 14 edition of SmackDown. While Tama and Talla Tonga have fell down the card in recent weeks, their alliance with the legendary Haku has seen them once again rise up the tag division ranks. The duo won the match by hitting The Brother’s Keeper onto R-Truth, who was cut off as he attempted to pay homage to his childhood hero, John Cena.
Jacy Jayne Wins Women’s US Championship – August 14 SmackDown
The second title change of the night saw Jacy Jayne defeat Tiffany Stratton to capture the Women’s US Championship, her first singles title on the main roster. With Lainey Reid and Fallon Henley at ringside, Stratton was at a disadvantage from the get-go. Chelsea Green attempted to come to the aid of Stratton, but the numbers game was too much. Jayne hit the Rolling Encore to win the match and the title. All three members of Fatal Influence now hold gold following the title change.
Vanity Project Win NXT Tag Team Championships – Heatwave
Even though Myles Borne and Tavion Heights won the tag titles a few weeks ago, they didn’t hold the championships long. At Heatwave, Brad Baylor and Ricky Smokes hit the Hit It & Quit combo to become 2-time tag Team Champions. This was also the first of two matches for Borne that night, as he defended the North American Championship later in the show.
Kelani Jordan Wins NXT Women’s Championship – Heatwave
Another surprising title change at Heatwave as Kendal Grey saw her time as champion come to an end sooner than most had expected. Jordan drove Grey into the exposed steel and hit the one of a kind moonsault to win the NXT Women’s Championship for the first time in her career.
Jackson Drake Wins North American Championship – Heatwave
It was a great night for Vanity Project but a bad night for Myles Borne at Heatwave. With Myka Lockwood and the rest of Vanity Project running interference, Jackson Drake was able to capitalise and hit the 450 to win the title.
Grayson Waller Wins NXT Championship
Rounding out a night of 4 title changes, Grayson Waller overcame the odds as he defeated Cruz Montana, Zilla Fatu and Tony D’Angelo to win the championship for the first time in his career. Waller won the match by stealing the pin from Cruz Montana, pinning D’Angelo to capture the gold.
Featured images: WWE
