A New Era Begins: The 2017 Redesign of the NXT Title

The NXT Championship has always been a symbol of excellence, but in 2017, it was completely reimagined to match the growing legacy of WWE’s rising brand. The 2017 redesign of the NXT title wasn’t just a visual upgrade it was the beginning of a new era in professional wrestling, reflecting NXT’s rise as a major player on the global stage.

The Birth of a Modern Classic

Unveiled at NXT TakeOver: Orlando in April 2017, the redesigned NXT Championship Belt immediately captured the attention of fans and collectors alike. As NXT evolved from a developmental territory into a full-fledged third brand, WWE responded by crafting a belt that looked and felt like it belonged on a world champion.

What Changed in the 2017 NXT Title?

The redesign brought bold aesthetics, enhanced detail, and a sleek finish. Here are the key upgrades:

• Striking Centerpiece “X”: At the heart of the belt is a large, gold-plated “X” that dominates the center. It represents the power and identity of the NXT brand—direct, unapologetic, and elite.

• Interchangeable Side Plates: Following the design standards of the WWE and Universal titles, the NXT Championship now featured customizable side plates, allowing each champion to leave a personal mark during their reign.

• Refined Gold Finish: The entire title glows with a refined gold and black color scheme, giving it a professional and prestigious look worthy of any main event.

• Quality Leather Strap: The black leather strap was streamlined with a smoother finish and stronger stitching, designed for durability and visual appeal.
  
  

  Why the 2017 NXT Belt Redesign Mattered

  The launch of the new NXT title in 2017 aligned with NXT’s massive growth. No longer a proving ground for rookies, NXT had become a destination for international stars, independent wrestling legends, and future WrestleMania headliners. The old belt no longer reflected the brand’s status—this new version did.
  
  

  Memorable Champions Who Carried the 2017 NXT Title

  This version of the title has been held by some of the most iconic names in modern wrestling:

  • Aleister Black

  • Andrade “Cien” Almas

  • Johnny Gargano

  • Adam Cole – The longest-reigning NXT Champion

  • Tommaso Ciampa

  • Bron Breakker

  Each reign added prestige to the belt, making it one of the most coveted championships in WWE today.
  
  

  Final Thoughts: A Redesign that Redefined NXT

  The 2017 redesign of the NXT Championship wasn’t just a makeover—it was a milestone. It transformed the title into a global symbol of wrestling greatness. With every defense, the belt reminds fans why NXT is home to the best in-ring talent in the world.

  Whether you’re a lifelong wrestling enthusiast or a belt collector, the 2017 NXT title remains one of the most iconic championship belts in recent WWE history.