The original replica belt(s)

[James Fabiano]

What were the earliest examples of replica belts being sold? Your earliest sightings of one?

For selling, there was that nondescript, rectangular belt that was always advertised in George Napolitano's mags. (I think they called it the "International Wrestling Organization" world title)

(EDIT: Yep, and it was real! www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/cattlebaron-international-wrestling-1870366061 )

And now I am reminded of a WWF Magazine blurb from 1987, in which they told a tale of a MSG fan who carved a replica of the WWF title out of wood and brought it to the show, only to have to explain to security that he didn't steal the real one. (I am now highly curious if that guy is out there somewhere...)

[Brandon Walsh is Insane.]

PWI always advertised a belt like that too. You can be champion!

[SAJ Forth]

I wouldn't mind buying that IWO belt.

[Oh Cry Me a Screwball]

I know replica WWF belts were a thing by the turn of the century with Highspots carrying most of the mainstream titles.

I assume the early internet helped both fans and companies realize there was a market for title belt memorabilia that wasn't just plastic toy belts, but things for adults to spend money on and have a title belt on their mantle made of metal and decent faux-leather.

[The Summer of Muskrat XVII]

May 8, 2022 14:21:06 GMT -5 Oh Cry Me a Screwball said:

I know replica WWF belts were a thing by the turn of the century with Highspots carrying most of the mainstream titles.

I assume the early internet helped both fans and companies realize there was a market for title belt memorabilia that wasn't just plastic toy belts, but things for adults to spend money on and have a title belt on their mantle made of metal and decent faux-leather.

Yeah, I might have missed something but I don’t remember replica belts really being a thing that fans could get until late 90’s early 2000’s