Initially, the championship originated in the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA)-affiliated Gulf Coast Championship Wrestling.

During this time, it was referred to as the NWA Gulf Coast Louisiana Heavyweight Championship until 1972.

In 1979, however, wrestler and promoter "Cowboy" Bill Watts purchased the Tri-State territory and renamed it Mid-South Wrestling.

Although Watts kept close ties with the NWA for purpose of having access to wrestling talent, he withdrew Mid-South from the NWA and, as a result, renamed all of the promotion's championships accordingly.

Silver areas in the history indicate periods of unknown lineage.