Iconic WWE Belt Designer Reggie Parks Passes Away

Rest in peace Reggie Parks, who designed some of wrestling's most iconic title belts.

Reggie Parks
YouTube, Bill Apter

Former pro wrestling belt designer Reggie Parks has passed away following a battle with COVID-19, Bill Apter has announced.

Apter paid tribute to the 'King of Belts' on his YouTube channel yesterday:-

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Dave Meltzer describes Parks' death as "sudden" in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter. 87 years old at the time of his passing, Parks was at a Cauliflower Alley Club convention in Las Vegas, Nevada just a few weeks ago.

A former wrestler who worked a wide variety of territories in the '50s, '60s, '70s, and '80s, Parks is best known for designing some of the most famous and notable championships in professional wrestling and combat sports history. His work included the 'Winged Eagle' WWE Championship that was introduced in 1988 and served as the company's top prize as it was carried around by Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, Ric Flair, Steve Austin, and more, as well as the most cherished version of the Intercontinental title with white leather.

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As well as working with WWE and WCW on the majority of the promotions' classic designs, Parks also branched out into boxing and mixed martial arts, designing gold for the UFC.

We at WhatCulture wish to send our deepest thoughts and condolences to Parks' family at this difficult time. May he rest in peace.

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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.