The WCW World Heavyweight Championship was a prestigious professional wrestling title in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), a major wrestling promotion in the United States. Established in 1991, it became one of the most sought-after championships in the sport, representing the pinnacle of success for wrestlers in WCW. The championship was held by many notable wrestlers, including Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, and Goldberg. It was often defended in high-profile matches and played a significant role in the promotion's storylines and events until WCW was purchased by WWE in 2001, leading to the title's eventual retirement.