The wrestler with the most reigns as World Heavyweight champion is John Cena with 13. Ric Flair and John Cena hold the most recognized World Heavyweight championships, across multiple companies, tied with 16. The longest reigning champion is Bruno Sammartino, holding the championship for 7 years, 8 months, and 1 day from May 17, 1963, to January 18, 1971. The current champion is Bobby Lashley, who is in his 1st reign as champion.