After 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble winner Roman Reigns announced he would challenge for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 42, I vividly recalled a pointed question posed by Pro Wrestling Illustrated.
In the 1990s, PWI, the era’s leading wrestling magazine, conducted an annual poll surveying industry insiders on the state of wrestling. Ballots were sent to a wide range of participants — from champions and referees to promoters, journalists, and broadcasters — who answered questions
about the sport and its key figures, providing a unique insider perspective.
One of the most prominent questions was: which was the most important heavyweight championship in North America?
At the time, the choices were the WWE Championship or the WCW World Heavyweight Championship. The answer varied year-to-year, depending on a promotion’s success or a champion’s influence.
Now, in light of Reigns’ direction and in tribute to that era of kayfabe journalism, I’m asking our readers — from WWE, NXT, TNA, AAA, CMLL, and AEW:
Which is the most important championship in North America?
My Pick: The NXT North American Championship
When PWI asked the question, the answer was clearly about prestige: which world title mattered most? Even in 2026, the world championship still carries the greatest weight. Today, however, importance is earned through activity, visibility, and making the title feel essential.
As the adage goes, “the title doesn’t make the man — the man makes the title.”
For more than 250 days, Ethan Page has held the NXT North American Championship. Though it’s a secondary title on WWE’s developmental brand, Page has carried himself like a world champion. As a heel, he’s the smug antagonist fans love to hate, yet he’s also willing to inject comedy if it boosts a challenger’s credibility.
During this run, Page has defended the title over 20 times across NXT and AAA — including house shows, on TV, and at premium live events. Unlike most world title matches, each defense felt unpredictable, with challengers like Ricky Saints, El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr., and even TNA’s on-screen director of authority, Santino Marella, coming close to capturing the title before Page managed to slink away with the gold.
The NXT North American Championship will never match the stature of the NXT title, let alone a world championship. Still, if a title’s value comes from the champion, Page has made this a title worth fighting for.
Your Turn
Now, I turn it over to you, dear readers: Which is the most important title in North America? Sound off in the comments.
