A Brief Overview of GWA Championships

The Great Western Wrestling Alliance (GWA) was renowned for its diverse array of championships, each contributing to its rich history and legacy. Spanning from 1957 to 1993, these championships highlighted the promotion's growth, regional expansions, and the remarkable talent that graced its rings.

1958 - GWA Rio Grande Valley Championship
To elevate GWA's prestige, the Rio Grande Valley Championship was established, marked by a riveting tournament. Miguel "Rio Grande" Ramirez emerged as the inaugural champion, setting a high standard for future titleholders.

• Belt Description: The belt features a large, oval-shaped gold plate with a vibrant depiction of the Rio Grande river. The plate is adorned with intricate engravings of cacti and desert landscapes. The side plates depict the GWA logo and a wrestler raising their arms in victory. The strap is dark brown leather, symbolizing the rugged terrain of the valley.

1959 - GWA Championship (Great Western Championship in 1965)
Aiming to further enhance the promotion's status, the GWA Championship was introduced through a prestigious tournament. "Redwood" Jack Carson captured the title, solidifying his legacy in GWA history. This championship was rebranded as the Great Western Championship in 1965.

• Belt Description: A large, rectangular gold plate with the GWA logo in the center, surrounded by engraved laurel wreaths. The plate is accented with blue enamel inlays. The side plates feature depictions of classic wrestling moves. The strap is black leather with gold stitching.

1960 - GWA Redwood Championship (Columbia Championship in 1966)
The GWA Redwood Championship, later known as the Columbia Championship, was a product of the promotion's regional expansion. "Ironside" Ivan Gregorovich claimed victory in the inaugural tournament, showcasing the championship's significance.

• Belt Description: This belt has a circular gold plate with an elaborate engraving of a towering redwood tree. The side plates display regional symbols such as mountains and rivers. The strap is deep green leather, representing the lush forests of the region.

1963 - GWA Women's Championship
In an effort to broaden its audience, the GWA Women's Championship was introduced. "Lonestar" Lucy Grant won the title match, becoming a pioneer for women's wrestling within the promotion.

• Belt Description: A stylish, ornate gold plate with an engraving of a female wrestler in a triumphant pose. The plate is accented with pink and white enamel flourishes. The side plates feature floral patterns. The strap is white leather with gold accents.

1964 - GWA Pacific Coast Championship
As GWA continued to expand, the Pacific Coast Championship was established through a tournament. "Steel Hammer" Hank Roberts emerged victorious, representing the West Coast with pride.

• Belt Description: The belt has a wavy gold plate designed to resemble the ocean waves, with a central emblem depicting the Pacific coastline. The side plates feature images of lighthouses and ships. The strap is navy blue leather, evoking the color of the Pacific Ocean.

1964 - GWA Rocky Mountain Championship
Also in 1964, the Rocky Mountain Championship was introduced to cater to the region's growing wrestling fanbase. "Mountain Man" Mark Jensen, with his rugged persona, triumphed in the tournament to become the first champion.

• Belt Description: The central plate is hexagonal, featuring a detailed engraving of the Rocky Mountains. The side plates show wildlife such as eagles and bears. The strap is dark green leather with silver trim.

1965 - GWA World Heavyweight Championship
To heighten the promotion's prestige, the GWA World Heavyweight Championship was created, featuring a tournament of champions. Miguel "Rio Grande" Ramirez, a former Rio Grande Valley Champion, won the title, further cementing his place in GWA history.

• Belt Description: A large, globe-shaped gold plate with detailed engravings of continents and oceans, symbolizing its international prestige. The side plates feature flags from various countries. The strap is black leather with silver accents.

1966 - GWA Gulf Coast Championship
The GWA Gulf Coast Championship was launched to expand into the Gulf region, with "Bayou" Benny Lacroix winning the inaugural match, bringing his distinctive style to the title.

• Belt Description: This belt's plate is shaped like a seashell, with intricate engravings of waves and marine life. The side plates feature coastal landmarks. The strap is turquoise leather, reminiscent of the Gulf waters.

1966 - GWA Southwest Championship
A tournament was held to establish the GWA Southwest Championship, with "The Outlaw" Jesse Hawkins emerging as the first champion, adding to the promotion's regional diversity.

• Belt Description: A bold, triangular gold plate with engraved cacti and desert scenes. The side plates depict Southwestern motifs like sunbursts and coyotes. The strap is sandy beige leather with dark brown edges.

1968 - GWA Intercontinental Championship
Introduced during a significant GWA event in Mexico City, the GWA Intercontinental Championship aimed to increase the promotion's prestige. "Gentleman" James Montgomery won the inaugural match, symbolizing GWA's international reach.

• Belt Description: A globe-shaped gold plate with blue enamel oceans, highlighting the international reach of the GWA. The side plates feature flags from various countries. The strap is black leather with silver stars.

1968 - GWA Jr. Heavyweight Championship
To highlight lighter-weight wrestlers, the GWA Jr. Heavyweight Championship was created. Spike Striker won the inaugural tournament, showcasing the agility and skill of junior heavyweights.

• Belt Description: A sleek, lightweight design with a smaller, oval gold plate. The central emblem depicts an agile wrestler mid-leap. The side plates show various high-flying maneuvers. The strap is red leather with white trim.

1968 - GWA Mexican Championship
The GWA Mexican Championship was established to honor the promotion's Mexican audience and increase its prestige. El Aguila Pedro Ramirez became the first champion, representing Mexican wrestling pride.

• Belt Description: The plate is shaped like a traditional Mexican shield, adorned with colorful enamel in the national colors of green, white, and red. The side plates feature luchador masks. The strap is green leather with red accents.

1968 - GWA Canadian Championship
With regional expansion in mind, the GWA Canadian Championship was introduced, and "The Technician" Thomas Reed won the title, highlighting the promotion's northern reach.

• Belt Description: A maple leaf-shaped gold plate with the Canadian flag in enamel. The side plates depict iconic Canadian symbols like hockey sticks and maple syrup. The strap is red leather with white maple leaf patterns.

1972 - GWA Tag Team Championship
To boost audience interest, the GWA Tag Team Championship was established through a tournament. The Iron Alliance captured the inaugural title, becoming the first dominant tag team champions.

• Belt Description: The belt features a large, rectangular gold plate with two wrestlers in a grappling stance in the center. The side plates display tag team icons like linked chains and wrestling rings. The strap is black leather with gold accents.

1972 - GWA Women's Tag Team Championship
Similarly, the GWA Women's Tag Team Championship was created to expand audience interest. The Ball Belles won the tournament, becoming the first women's tag team champions.

• Belt Description: A smaller, oval gold plate with two female wrestlers mid-action. The side plates feature floral and heart patterns. The strap is pink leather with white accents.

1973 - GWA Great Plains Championship
Continuing its regional expansion, the GWA Great Plains Championship was introduced. "Big Sky" Billy Thompson became the first champion, representing the vast plains region.

• Belt Description: The belt has a rectangular gold plate with engravings of wide-open plains and a setting sun. The side plates feature wheat stalks and prairie landscapes. The strap is light brown leather with a grainy texture.

1975 - GWA Mixed Tag Team Championship
Addressing the growing interest in mixed-gender matches, the GWA Mixed Tag Team Championship was established. The World Renowned Squabble Squad won the inaugural title, showcasing the excitement of mixed tag team wrestling.

• Belt Description: The belt has a round gold plate with male and female wrestlers facing off. The side plates show mixed-gender team logos. The strap is purple leather with gold accents.

1977 - GWA Sierra Nevada Championship
The GWA Sierra Nevada Championship was introduced as part of the promotion's ongoing regional expansion. "Peaceful" Pete Donovan became the first champion, representing the rugged Sierra Nevada region.

• Belt Description: The central plate is shaped like a mountain peak, with detailed engravings of the Sierra Nevada range. The side plates depict pine trees and lakes. The strap is forest green leather with silver accents.

These championships not only marked significant milestones in the GWA's history but also showcased the promotion's ability to evolve and cater to a diverse and expanding audience. Each titleholder brought their unique flair and talent, contributing to the rich tapestry of the Great Western Wrestling Alliance.