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How Many Championship Belts Does WWE Have? (2026-2027 List)
October 22, 2026
9:20 am
USE CODE: SPINNERBELT
The History of Jalen Brunson King of New York Championship Belt begins with one of the most unexpected crossovers in sports entertainment history. When Roman Reigns walked out at Madison Square Garden on July 18, 2026, alongside the NBA Finals MVP, few could have predicted the moment that would follow. The World Heavyweight Champion presented Brunson with a custom championship belt that celebrated both his basketball achievements and his status as the face of New York sports.
This is the complete story behind that historic belt.
The Moment That Started It All
WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event aired live from Madison Square Garden on July 18, 2026, the iconic arena that also serves as the home of the New York Knicks. The Knicks had just won the NBA Championship for the first time in 53 years, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 4-1 in the Finals. Jalen Brunson, the Finals MVP, was invited to the WWE show by World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns.
The two made an awe-inspiring entrance together, with Brunson wearing sunglasses and a brace on his surgically repaired left wrist. The Madison Square Garden crowd greeted Brunson with deafening cheers, embracing him as the face of New York basketball.After helping Reigns deal with an ambush from Seth Rollins and Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, the celebration continued. Reigns congratulated Brunson and the Knicks on their historic achievement before presenting him with a custom championship belt.
The Design of the Custom Championship Belt
The belt presented to Jalen Brunson was a custom version of Roman Reigns’ World Heavyweight Championship, redesigned to honor the Knicks and their captain.
The Blue Strap: Knicks Pride Front and Center
The most distinctive feature of the belt was its blue strap, directly referencing the New York Knicks’ primary color. This wasn’t a standard black or generic leather strap—the blue immediately signaled Brunson’s connection to the franchise and the city he represents.
Custom Side Plates: The Jersey Number and "King of New York"
The side plates featured Brunson’s jersey number, 11, front and center. The design also incorporated “King of New York” branding and blue-and-orange detailing that tied the entire piece to Knicks basketball heritage.
Gold Plating and Finish
The gold plating gives the belt its signature shine and championship look. A proper finish ensures that the color remains vibrant and does not fade easily.
Lower-quality belts may appear shiny at first but lose their finish quickly. A premium belt maintains its appearance over time, which is essential for collectors who value long-lasting products.
The World Heavyweight Championship Foundation
The belt was built on WWE’s World Heavyweight Championship design—the same title Roman Reigns held when he presented the custom version to Brunson. This foundation gave the belt its championship authenticity. It wasn’t a generic trophy with a logo slapped on; it was a legitimate WWE title platform redesigned to honor a basketball icon.
The Historic Context: Why This Belt Matters
Ending a 53-Year Championship Drought
The belt commemorated one of the most significant moments in New York sports history. The Knicks’ NBA Championship victory ended a 53-year title drought dating back to 1973. Jalen Brunson’s performance throughout the playoffs and Finals made him the driving force behind the championship, earning him Finals MVP honors.
In the Finals against the Spurs, Brunson averaged 32.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.6 assists. He closed out the series with 45 points in Game 5, including 13 straight points during a crucial fourth-quarter stretch that sealed the 94-90 victory.
Brunson's Journey to the Top
Brunson signed with the Knicks in the 2022 offseason after a breakout season with the Dallas Mavericks. He immediately brought a winning culture to the team, helping them make the playoffs after an 11th-place finish the prior season. He’s been an All-Star in three of his four seasons with the Knicks, made the playoffs all four years, reached two Conference Finals, and capped it all with a championship.
The championship run was particularly special because Brunson’s father, Rick Brunson, serves as an assistant coach on the Knicks’ staff. Jalen made his father an NBA champion as well.
The "King of New York" Nickname
The belt’s “King of New York” branding referenced a nickname that Brunson himself has consistently rejected. During an appearance on the Road Trippin’ podcast, Brunson stated: “I’ve never called myself the King of New York. I will never call myself the King of New York”.Despite Brunson’s humility, the nickname has been widely embraced by New York City. Mayor Zohran Mamdani declared Brunson “the king” during a NYC Parks event, and the city celebrated him with a ticker-tape parade after the championship victory. The belt’s design captured this cultural moment, even as Brunson himself refused to claim the title.
The WWE-Knicks Connection at Madison Square Garden
The presentation at Saturday Night’s Main Event was significant because of the shared venue. Madison Square Garden serves as both the home of the New York Knicks and WWE’s “forever home”. The arena has hosted countless iconic WWE moments over the decades, and adding a Knicks championship celebration to that history created a unique crossover moment.
Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, his Knicks teammate, brought the house down during the WWE show. The crowd’s reaction—chanting “You deserve it!” as Brunson received the belt—demonstrated how deeply the city had embraced him.
The Replica: Bringing the Moment Home
For collectors who wanted to own a piece of this historic moment, replica versions of the Jalen Brunson King of New York Championship Belt became available. These replicas typically came in two material specifications
Option | Weight | Best For |
|---|---|---|
2MM Brass | Lighter | Display, budget-conscious collectors |
6MM Diecast | Heavier, premium feel | Serious collectors, authentic weight |
The replica captures all the distinctive elements of the original: the blue strap, side plates with jersey number 11, and “King of New York” branding. For collectors who own pieces like the Brock Lesnar Legacy Belt or classic WWE Spinner Belt, adding this cross-over collectible diversifies a collection while keeping it rooted in championship prestige.
Why This Belt Belongs in Your Collection
A True Cross-Over Collectible
Most championship belts serve one fanbase. This one serves two. It appeals to Knicks fans who want to celebrate Brunson’s leadership and to wrestling fans who appreciate the WWE championship aesthetic. That dual appeal makes it a standout piece in any collection—a conversation starter that bridges sports and entertainment.
Limited Availability and Future Value
Belts tied to specific historic moments tend to appreciate over time. The Jalen Brunson presentation was a unique event—Roman Reigns personally gifting a custom title to an NBA star at Madison Square Garden. Replicas that commemorate such moments become time capsules. As Brunson’s career continues and Knicks fans revisit this era, demand for memorabilia tied to it may grow.
Display and Wear Versatility
The blue strap and bold side plates make this belt visually striking in any setting. Displayed in a sports room, it pops against darker backgrounds. Worn to games or events, it makes a statement. The 6MM Diecast version has enough weight to feel substantial without becoming uncomfortable for short wear periods.
FAQs
What is the history of the Jalen Brunson King of New York Championship Belt?
The belt was presented to Jalen Brunson by Roman Reigns at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event on July 18, 2026, at Madison Square Garden. It commemorated the Knicks’ first NBA Championship in 53 years and Brunson’s Finals MVP performance.
Why was Jalen Brunson given a WWE championship belt?
WWE honored Brunson and the Knicks’ historic achievement by presenting him with a custom championship belt during the July 2026 Saturday Night’s Main Event. Roman Reigns, the World Heavyweight Champion at the time, made the presentation.
What did the original belt look like?
The belt featured a blue strap (Knicks’ primary color), side plates with Brunson’s jersey number 11, and “King of New York” branding. It was built on WWE’s World Heavyweight Championship design.
Does Jalen Brunson call himself the "King of New York"?
No. Despite the nickname’s popularity, Brunson has repeatedly stated he will never call himself the King of New York, citing his desire to remain humble and avoid appearing self-centered.
Conclusion
The History of Jalen Brunson, King of New York Championship Belt tells a story of championship glory, cross-sport celebration, and a moment that united two of New York’s greatest passions. From the Knicks’ 53-year title drought ending to Roman Reigns’ gesture of respect at Madison Square Garden, this belt commemorates a genuine piece of sports history. For collectors who value authenticity, storytelling, and the intersection of sports and entertainment, this replica belongs in the conversation alongside other premium pieces in your championship belts collection. Whether displayed in a sports room or worn to a game, it declares one thing clearly: New York has its king, even if he won’t say it himself.
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