10 Most Disrespected Titles In WWE History

Here we have a title lost not due to negligence, bad booking, or lack of star power, but good old fashioned boring office politics. For a long while, WWE and New Japan Pro Wrestling were able to enjoy an off and on creative partnership, leading to the odd supercard and the International Heavyweight Championship (low key one of the best looking belts in the business).

The first half of the ‘80s saw the title switch hands sporadically, but often involving genuine legends of Japanese and North American wrestling. Tatsumi Fujinami had three stints. Tatsumi Fujinami was around, and even inaugural WWE champion Buddy Rogers took part in the first title match.

Then, business got in the way. As times moved on and Vince McMahon turned an eye on global domination, he no longer wished to do business with, or even acknowledge the existence of, NJPW. There’s barely a mention of the International Heavyweight Championship on their website, no suggestion that anyone would be interested in this part of wrestling’s past.

For the most part, they’re probably right - the average modern WWE fan likely doesn’t care too much about some old strap. But it’s part of the storied tale of the federation - and for the sake of nerdy wrestling completionists everywhere, it ought to be acknowledged.