The series was based on the results of games played between the three sides, much like the Cascadia Cup.

[1] Cleveland won the inaugural Rust Belt Derby on June 23, 2012 following a 1–1 draw with Detroit City.

[2] AFC Cleveland folded following the 2017 season, and although Detroit City had been moved to a neighboring conference they continued the derby with a home-and-away series of friendlies against Buffalo, which saw Detroit win the trophy for the fourth consecutive time.

[3] Between 2017 and 2019, the derby was dormant, though it was functionally revived for the 2020 NISA Independent Cup when it was announced that Detroit City, FC Buffalo, and Cleveland SC would be competing together in the Great Lakes Division.

2021 NISA Independent Cup — Great Lakes Note: Livonia City FC were not eligible to win the Rust Belt Derby and could only claim the Great Lakes Region of the NISA Independent Cup