Following the name of the champion(s): Indicates the number of times the wrestler has held that title at that point.
[...]
Indicates a gap in the listing where title changes are not known.
*
If used next to the names of the wrestlers, they may, in fact, not have held the title in the period indicated. If used next to the dates or places, either they are possibly wrong or the title changes are fictitious.
<
Title was held or changed hands no later than this. In these cases, it is known that a wrestler held the title at a certain time but not when he/she won it.
+
Broadcast date; the actual recording date is unknown.
@
Order uncertain. Different titleholders may be known for the same year, for example, but it is not known who held the title before whom.
#
Unofficial or disputable claims. These are usually matches that certainly took place, but where there is doubt that the wrestler shown should be recognized as a true title holder. These listings are also italicized in HTML files
Recognized as National Wrestling Alliance champion in Iowa and Illinois; NWA officially starts sanctioning the light heavyweight title at its annual convention in 52-09 (Balbo's official NWA recogntion is not confirmed).
Given the official recognition as the undisputed champion at the NWA meeting on 53-01-11 in St. Louis, MO after Andy Tremaine, National Wrestling Association champion, declines the offer to wrestle in a unification match and retires as champion (Arizona Daily Star, Tucson, AZ, 53-01-29).
Defeats Luigi Macera in the final of a tournament which has initially been considered for the NWA recognition but is rejected by the time it takes place; NWA gives the control of the title to EMLL; Smith continues to claim the title in Reno, NV as well as Idaho and Utah at least until 62-11-14.
Defeats Al Kashey, contender appointed by the National Wrestling Association, to be recognized by the National Wrestling Alliance, with presidents from both organizations in attendance.
Defeats El Hijo de Rey Misterio and Lizmark Jr. in the tournament 3-way final; billed as NWA champion in Mexico by IWRG but is not recognized by NWA; still champion as of 14-02-26.
