10 Times Wrestlers Had Their Title Belts STOLEN

3. Fan Gets Caught Stealing Austin Aries' TNA Heavyweight Title

WWE title stolen
IMPACT Wrestling

Austin Aries was TNA Heavyweight Champion on 18 August 2012, when the strap was swiped at an Iowa house show.

As reported by TMZ at the time, a couple of suspects allegedly grabbed the strap the second a stagehand turned their back, taking a replica belt at the same time. They fled the building, the police were notified, and Forrest Jamison and Joel Luke were identified on CCTV, leading to them being arrested and charged.

TNA had its stolen World Title returned within two days of the act. Phew.

It was later revealed that the promotion hadn't been entirely honest with law enforcement when it came to the value of the World Title and its replica. Priced at $6,000 and $400 respectively in the MZ, it was later revealed (via sellers Wildcat Belts) that the original championship cost less than half of its stated value at $2,750. At least Aries got his hardware back though...

 
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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.