The original version was created in 1954, however, it was phased out in favor of the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship.

[1][2] The Alabama version of the NWA Tri-State Heavyweight Championship existed from 1960 until 1974.

Because the championship was a professional wrestling championship, it was not won or lost competitively but instead by the decision of the bookers of a wrestling promotion.

The championship was awarded after the chosen team "won" a match to maintain the illusion that professional wrestling is a competitive sport.

[3] The title was revived to replace the NWA North American Heavyweight Championship as the promotion's top singles title after Bill Watts left to form Mid-South Wrestling in 1979.