List of World Heavyweight Champions (WWE, 2002–2013)

It was established by WWE in 2002 after WWE bought out World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), and split its roster into two brands, Raw and SmackDown!, in a brand extension.

The championship was contested in professional wrestling matches, in which participants execute scripted finishes.

The first champion was Triple H, who was awarded the title on September 2, 2002, by Eric Bischoff, then-General Manager of Raw, and he also holds the record for longest combined reign at 616 days.

The final holder was Randy Orton, who was also the youngest champion at the age of 24 when he first won the championship.

The Undertaker was the oldest champion when he won the title for the third time at the age of 44 years.