Ric Flair, known as "The Nature Boy," famously held the Big Gold Belt, an iconic championship title in professional wrestling. This belt is particularly significant because, during a key period in its history, it represented two major world championships simultaneously.
The Iconic Big Gold Belt
The Big Gold Belt is one of the most recognizable and revered championship belts in professional wrestling history. Its distinctive design, featuring a large golden plate adorned with intricate details and often a globe motif, symbolized the pinnacle of achievement in several prominent promotions. Over the years, it has been associated with numerous legendary wrestlers and historic title reigns.
Ric Flair and the Dual Championship Recognition
Ric Flair's career is intrinsically linked with the Big Gold Belt. He held various versions of the belt throughout his illustrious career, but a notable period of its representation occurred in the early 1990s:
- NWA World Heavyweight Championship: Flair had numerous reigns as the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) World Heavyweight Champion, a title he successfully defended across the globe. The Big Gold Belt served as the physical representation of this prestigious championship for much of its later history.
- WCW World Heavyweight Championship: In January 1991, World Championship Wrestling (WCW) officially recognized Ric Flair as their world champion. This recognition was made in conjunction with his existing status as the NWA World Heavyweight Champion. During this unique time, the Big Gold Belt uniquely represented not only the NWA World Heavyweight Championship but also the newly established WCW World Heavyweight Championship. This made Flair, holding the Big Gold Belt, the recognized world champion of both organizations.
This dual recognition cemented the Big Gold Belt's status as a symbol of top-tier championship wrestling, reflecting Flair's unparalleled status as a world champion across different promotions.
Key Championships Represented by the Big Gold Belt (during Flair's reigns)
| Championship | Primary Period of Representation (for Flair) |
|---|---|
| NWA World Heavyweight Championship | Multiple reigns throughout the 1980s and early 1990s |
| WCW World Heavyweight Championship | January 1991 onwards (initially alongside NWA) |
The Big Gold Belt continued to be a prominent world championship in WCW and later had a significant run in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) as the World Heavyweight Championship, further adding to its storied legacy. Its association with Ric Flair remains one of its most defining characteristics.
