Following the name of the champion(s): Indicates the number of times the wrestler has held that title at that point.
[...]
Indicates a gap in the listing where title changes are not known.
*
If used next to the names of the wrestlers, they may, in fact, not have held the title in the period indicated. If used next to the dates or places, either they are possibly wrong or the title changes are fictitious.
<
Title was held or changed hands no later than this. In these cases, it is known that a wrestler held the title at a certain time but not when he/she won it.
+
Broadcast date; the actual recording date is unknown.
@
Order uncertain. Different titleholders may be known for the same year, for example, but it is not known who held the title before whom.
#
Unofficial or disputable claims. These are usually matches that certainly took place, but where there is doubt that the wrestler shown should be recognized as a true title holder. These listings are also italicized in HTML files
Defeats Art O'Mahoney in the finals of a tournament which has started in 38-06 to become the first champion and is presented the belt by NWA President Col. Harry Landry; also recognized in Alabama.
Carlos Rodriguez
1939-08-07
Birmingham, AL
Has defeated Gunther for the title in New Orleans, LA on 39-07-27; vacates in 39-09 upon moving up to the heavyweight division (The Decatur Daily, Decatur, AL, 39-09-11) but returns to the junior heavyweight class after the tournament starts in 39-09 (winner unknown); continues to be billed as champion in New Orleans, LA but loses the title to Freddie Knichel on 39-11-30; another tournament starts in Nashville, TN on 40-09-20 (winner unknown).
Recognized by the Alabama Boxing & Wrestling Commission (Birmingham Post, 46-06-10).
Jim Siksay
1952-08
Tulsa, OK *
Billed as champion upon arrival, for having defeated Jack Steele "at Tulsa, Okla., three weeks ago" (Birmingham Post-Herald, 52-08-30); also billed as champion in Alexandria, LA as of 52-09-22; loses to Charlie Laye on 52-09-25 in New Orleans, LA but continues to be billed as champion in other towns.
Has defeated Tex Riley on 53-01-03 in Cape Girardeau, MO for NWA Southern Title; also recognized in Birmingham, AL from 53-02 (Birmingham Post-Herald, 53-02-19).
