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
Recognized as champion at the NBA & NWA joint annual convention on 35-09-17; Emil Barbola defeats Reynolds on 37-05-26 in Menasha, WI and takes the belt despite being over-weight (Reynolds may defeat Barbola in rematch); Reynolds attempts to vacate the title in 37 in order to move up to heavier weight division but continues to be recognized by the NWA.
Scotty Williams
1938-02-17
Louisville, KY
Defeats Johnny Stote in tournament final and is awarded the belt by Jack Reynolds, who continues to be recognized by the NWA; still recognized as of 40-07-23; vacates in 41 when Williams can no longer maintain the weight limit.
