The wrestling world has lost another icon as Reggie Parks, former wrestler and iconic championship belt creator has passed away at the age of 87 years old.
A resident of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Reggie Parks got his start in Stampede Wrestling working for Stu Hart.
“I started at a boxing and wrestling club in Edmonton, then Stu Hart took me under his wing. He more or less was the guy that got me going, got me out on the road,” Parks explained in a 2001 interview with Slam Wrestling. “He was involved in the promotion in Seattle, Washington area. That’s where I started out. I went from there to Portland, L.A., Texas. I was good enough to create a reputation for myself and then I went from there.”
Most know the name Reggie Parks for his iconic championship belts including the winged eagle design for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. This particular WWE Championship belt was used between February 1988 and March 1998, being held by everyone from Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage to Shawn Michaels and Steve Austin.
" I’ve made so many for so many people. I’ve made for football players, I’ve made for boxers, Evander Holyfield … the Oakland A’s when they won the world title [and] made one for their manager; Coors Brewery, they’ve done a bunch of belts, Levi Strauss the clothing manufacturer. Anybody that wants a belt, not necessarily have anything to do with athletics," Parks once said of his history as a belt maker.
The wrestling world has begun to react to the passing of Reggie Parks via social media.
Mr. Parks was truly the “King of Belts”as he created too many iconic championship designs to list in a few tweets. Drop your favorites below to honor his legacy, his talent, his creativity, and the industry he pretty much singlehandedly created. pic.twitter.com/FHNTbjn173
— Conrad the Mortgage Guy (@HeyHeyItsConrad) October 8, 2021
RIP -- https://t.co/XsMJY1dX0W
— TJ Wilson (@TJWilson) October 8, 2021
We send out our sincerest condolences to the family & friends of the legendary Reggie Parks who has passed away at the age of 87. Not only is Reggie known for his years in wrestling, also known as the man who made some of the most iconic championship belts in wrestling history. pic.twitter.com/ceCKJ537X6
— CauliflowerAlleyClub (@CACReunion) October 8, 2021
My grandfather Stu loved Reggie Parks.
— Nattie (@NatbyNature) October 8, 2021
RIP Reggie Parks. A man who created art in the ring in different ways. The man responsible for my favorite title belt design ever. The 86-98 IC Championship. Godspeed sir.
— Frankie Kazarian (@FrankieKazarian) October 8, 2021
Fightful send its condolences to Reggie's family and friends.
