The ECW Championship briefly appeared as the sole world title of the Raw brand in 2008 as a result of that year's draft.

However, its origin is attributed to events that began in the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), an organization with many members promotions.

It remained active until April 11, 2001, when ECW closed; World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) subsequently purchased its assets in 2003.

It was reported the day after the event that Benoit, his wife Nancy, and their son Daniel were found dead in their home in suburban Atlanta.

[11] (*) – Johnny Nitro was an event-day replacement added by WWE after Chris Benoit was a no-show, with the official statement a "family emergency".

[12] ECW was revived as a third brand in 2006 to rival Raw and SmackDown and continued to operate until February 16, 2010, rendering the title inactive once again.

[citation needed] The belt was an exact copy of NWA-ECW's forerunner Tri-State Wrestling Alliance's Heavyweight title.

During this belt's period of use, it was treated badly and was grinded, repainted, and had jewels placed on the main plate, which would explain why it appears different in almost every photo of it.

Soon after its recommissioning, the ECW World Heavyweight Championship belt design was updated to a design similar to the belt used before ECW's original closure in 2001, which featured a black leather strap with a snakeskin pattern on the rear, snaps to wrap around the waist of the wrestler who wore it, and five pieces made of gold.

The large centerpiece features a design of a phoenix over a globe in the center with its wings expanded and rays of light emitting from it.

Along the strap, on both ends, were four small biker cross-shape pieces that featured a design similar to that of the centerpiece.

[1] The inaugural champion was Jimmy Snuka, who won the title by defeating Salvatore Bellomo in April 1992.