[1] The first champion was The British Bulldog who defeated Owen Hart in a tournament final.
McMahon reintroduced the championship two months later and gave it to Mideon, who saw the title belt in Shane's travel bag and asked if he could have it.
[3][4] The title was finally retired on July 22, 2002, when WWE Intercontinental Champion Rob Van Dam defeated European Champion Jeff Hardy to unify the European title into the Intercontinental title.
[5] Throughout the five year, four month, and 26 day history of the title, there were 27 recognized champions and 37 distinct championship reigns.
This is a chronological list of wrestlers that have been WWE European Champion by ring name.