Won on the final edition of WCW Monday Nitro. WCW was purchased by the WWF on March 23, 2001; championship was simply referred to as "WCW Championship" afterward.
After the controversial Hogan/Jarrett match, head writer Vince Russo announced that Jarrett would defend the championship in an impromptu match against Booker T.
On orders from Vince Russo, Jarrett laid down in the ring and allowed Hogan to pin him for the championship. After which an argument ensues between Hogan and Russo.
Arquette pinned Eric Bischoff in a tag team championship match also featuring Diamond Dallas Page and Jeff Jarrett; the wrestler who scored the decisive fall would be declared champion.
Hogan originally won the championship under his nWo style "Hollywood" gimmick, but midway through his reign reverted back to his classic, red & yellow "Hulkamania" gimmick.
During this rematch from last night's Starrcade referee Randy Anderson was knocked unconscious and Nick Patrick came down, counted Sting's shoulders down and awarded the championship to Hogan. After the match a brawl ensued during which Anderson came to thinking the match was still going on and attempted to award the bout to Sting. But no bell could be heard as the match had already officially ended when Patrick called for the bell. Sting however left with the belt while Hogan still claimed to be champion. The ending of this match was not shown on TV until the following Thursday.
Hogan first pinned Sting but guest referee Bret Hart accused the first referee Nick Patrick of making a fast count and restarted the match. Sting won by submission.
championship held up after Flair vs. Ricky Steamboat results in a double pin. This occurrence is unrecognized by WWE, who considers Flair a six-time WCW Champion, his first reign being an NWA reign extended to WCW.
Defeated Sting for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. WWE recognized it as an NWA reign extended to WCW, but it is not considered as one of Flair's 16 world championships, which are made of 2 WWE championships, 6 WCW championships and 8 NWA championships.