10 Obscure International Wrestling Championships

2. British Empire Heavyweight Championship (AWA)

Despite being active for just over a decade, the AWA British Empire Championship is one of the best kept secrets in pro wrestling history.

Created in late 1968, the rarely referenced championship was a curious addition to the AWA trophy cabinet. In keeping with the British Empire theme, the title was predominantly contested within the boundaries of the former British Empire; with the majority of these bouts taking place in Canada and almost every title change occurring in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Held by such names as Billy Red Lyons, Angelo Mosca and even Sgt Slaughter (then wrestling under the guise of Super Destroyer Mark II), the title was fittingly best associated with none other than legendary British grappler and catch wrestling icon, Billy Robinson.

As reigning British Empire Heavyweight Champion, Robinson’s Lancashire roots and quality work rate gave much prestige and credibility to the title. Robinson even challenged AWA Heavyweight Champion, Nick Bockwinkel, for the World Title on several occasions during this time - wrestling to a draw and even defeating Bockwinkel by DQ on occasion - elevating the status of the British Empire Title in the process.

After winning the strap on a record three occasions, Robinson would also hold the distinction as being the final British Empire Heavyweight Champion before the belt was retired at the close of 1979. Given its longevity, it’s surprising that the title doesn’t have more notoriety than it has. Instead, the title is virtually unknown in modern wrestling circles and has become a forgotten relic in the annals of the WWE archive.