Winning a WWE Championship for the first time is one of the most powerful moments in any wrestler’s career. It’s not just about holding a belt — it’s about years of struggle, proving doubters wrong, and reaching the pinnacle of professional wrestling. When a WWE Superstar wins the title for the first time, especially in a high-stakes match, it creates moments that live on forever with fans. These matches combine athleticism, storytelling, and raw emotion to produce unforgettable memories. Whether it was an underdog finally reaching the top or a breakout star cementing their place in history, first-time championship wins are etched into WWE history as career-defining achievements. Here are four of the best WWE title matches where a Superstar won the prestigious gold for the very first time.
1. Daniel Bryan vs. Batista vs. Randy Orton — WrestleMania 30
Daniel Bryan vs. Batista vs. Randy Orton (Image via Getty)When Daniel Bryan stood across from Randy Orton and Batista at WrestleMania 30, few moments in WWE history had this level of emotion. The “Yes! Movement” had taken over, and fans were desperate to see Bryan finally reach the mountaintop. After battling The Authority for months, Bryan earned his way into the main event despite every obstacle placed before him.
The match itself was an instant classic. Bryan, significantly smaller than his opponents, took a brutal beating throughout but kept fighting back. At one point, he was viciously attacked by Triple H earlier in the night, leaving him injured heading into the match. Still, Bryan used his technical mastery and relentless determination to stay alive.
The conclusion saw Bryan lock Batista in the “Yes Lock,” forcing him to submit and sending the New Orleans crowd into a frenzy. Not only was this Bryan’s first WWE World Heavyweight Championship win, but it symbolized his triumph over corporate manipulation and size bias. It was a perfect combination of storyline payoff and in-ring drama — a true career-defining moment for Bryan and one of the greatest first-time title victories in WWE history.
2. Eddie Guerrero vs. Brock Lesnar — No Way Out 2004
Brock Lesnar vs. Eddie Guerrero(Image via Getty)
Eddie Guerrero’s WWE Championship win over Brock Lesnar at No Way Out 2004 remains one of the most emotional and inspiring victories ever seen in WWE. Guerrero had long been considered one of the most talented wrestlers, but many believed he would never hold the company’s top prize due to his size and personal struggles.
Facing Lesnar, who was an unstoppable force at the time, Guerrero was the ultimate underdog. The match was filled with suspense as Guerrero used his speed and experience to evade Lesnar’s power-based offense. Every time Lesnar seemed to take control, Eddie would find a way to survive.
In the final moments, Goldberg (who is involved in a separate storyline with Lesnar) interferes, which allows Guerrero to capitalize. Hitting Lesnar with a DDT onto the championship belt followed by his signature Frog Splash, Guerrero secured the three-count and his first WWE Championship.
The victory was more than just a title win — it was a moment of redemption. Guerrero had battled through addiction and personal demons, and on this night, he proved that perseverance and heart could overcome even the most dominant champion. This match remains a legendary example of storytelling and wrestling mastery.
3. Kofi Kingston vs. Daniel Bryan — WrestleMania 35
Kofi Kingston vs. Daniel Bryan (image via Getty)Kofi Kingston’s WWE Championship victory over Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania 35 was a moment that transcended professional wrestling. After 11 years in WWE, Kingston had never received a one-on-one WWE title opportunity on pay-per-view. However, a sudden surge of fan support — known as “KofiMania” — changed that.
Facing Bryan, who ironically played the role of the gatekeeping champion (years after being the underdog himself), Kingston stepped into the biggest match of his career. The match was a showcase of skill, determination, and emotional storytelling. Bryan used his vicious technical offense to try to wear Kingston down, but Kofi’s resilience and high-flying ability kept him alive.
As the match reached its climax, Kingston nailed Bryan with Trouble in Paradise, scoring the pinfall victory to an enormous reaction from the crowd. Tears flowed both in the ring and in the stands, as Kingston celebrated with his New Day brothers and his family.
This wasn’t just a title win — it was a celebration of hard work, representation, and the breaking of barriers. Kingston became the first African-born WWE Champion, and this moment still stands as one of the most cherished in modern WWE history.
4. Mankind vs. The Rock — Monday Night Raw (January 4, 1999)
The Rock vs. Mick Foley (Image via Getty)When Mankind (Mick Foley) defeated The Rock for the WWE Championship on Monday Night Raw in 1999, it was a moment that not only defined his career but also shifted the momentum of the Monday Night Wars. Known for his brutal hardcore style and relentless persona, Foley was loved by fans for his willingness to sacrifice his body but had always been seen as unlikely to win the top title.
The match itself was a chaotic “No Disqualification” affair, filled with interference from The Corporation, D-Generation X, and Stone Cold Steve Austin. The Rock, who was then the corporate champion, used every dirty trick to keep Mankind down, but Foley kept getting back up.
The moment that defined the match came when Stone Cold ran down to the ring and smashed The Rock with a steel chair, allowing Mankind to cover Rock for the three-count. The arena erupted, and Foley was hoisted onto DX’s shoulders, holding the WWE Championship for the very first time.
This was a win that symbolized heart over status, showing that even someone who didn’t fit the “typical” mold of a champion could reach the top. Foley’s emotional victory has been replayed countless times and is a highlight of WWE’s history.
Final Thoughts
These title matches showcase why WWE’s biggest prize is more than just a championship — it represents dreams realized and careers validated. Whether it was Daniel Bryan breaking through corporate roadblocks, Eddie Guerrero’s emotional redemption, Kofi Kingston’s groundbreaking triumph, or Mankind’s unforgettable victory, each of these first-time championship wins carried a special magic.
Fans continue to cherish these matches because they speak to the core of what wrestling is all about — resilience, determination, and the pursuit of greatness. Each of these historic victories lives on not only for the wrestlers themselves but for everyone who watched and believed in them along the way.
If you’re a fan of WWE history, these matches are must-watch moments that highlight what makes professional wrestling so impactful. Whether you’re reliving them or discovering them for the first time, these championship wins represent some of the finest storytelling and performances WWE has ever produced.