The first NWA Champion was Orville Brown in October 1948 and since that time the title has become a corner stone in professional wrestling. Wrestling greats such as Jack Brisco, Harley Race, Giant Baba, Ric Flair and Dusty Rhodes have all held the championship on multiple occasions. The NWA Championship began to be defended.in TNA in June 2002 when Ken Shamrock won a "Gauntlet For The Gold" match. Below is a list of the superstars that have held the Champiomship in TNA.

Ken Shamrock Malice Huntsville, AL June 19, 2002
Ron Killings Ken Shamrock Nashville, TN August 7, 2002
Jeff Jarrett Ron Killings Nashville, TN November 20, 2002
AJ Styles Jeff Jarrett Nashville, TN June 11, 2003
Jeff Jarrett AJ Styles Nashville, TN October 22, 2003
AJ Styles Jeff Jarrett Nashville, TN April 21, 2004
Ron Killings AJ Styles Nashville, TN May 19, 2004
Ron Killings AJ Styles Nashville, TN May 19, 2004
Jeff Jarrett Ron Killings Nashville, TN June 2, 2004
AJ Styles Jeff Jarrett Orlando, FL May 15, 2005
Raven AJ Styles Orlando, FL June 19, 2005
Jeff Jarrett Raven Ontario, Canada September 15, 2005
Rhino Jeff Jarrett Orlando, FL October 23, 2005
Jeff Jarrett Rhino Orlando, FL November 3, 2005