November 2, 2003 – Ryan Niemiller announces in a press conference that with the aid of an unnamed financial beneficiary, he is opening Global Championship Wrestling, with offices in Chicago, Illinois.
March 29, 2004 - The first edition of Monday Night Explosion takes place from the GCW Arena in Chicago, Illinois. In the main event, Kurt Angle defeats Rob Van Dam.
April 5, 2004 - The first GCW World Tag Team champions are crowned as the World's Greatest Tag Team defeat Nick Dinsmore & Rob Conway in the finals of a four team tournament.
April 19, 2004 - AJ Styles wins a 16-man battle royal to become the first Television champion.
April 25, 2004 - The first pay-per-view event, Deadly Draw, takes place in Chicago, Illinois. On the card, Chris Benoit becomes the first World Heavyweight champion by winning the Deadly Draw match. Also, John Cena wins a tournament final to become the first North American champion, and Low-Ki wins a tournament to become the first Cruiserweight champion.
April 26, 2004 - In a major shock, newly crowned North American champion John Cena leaves the company for undisclosed reasons. The North American Title is vacated. On Explosion, Randy Orton defeats Lance Storm, Rob Van Dam, and Hardcore Holly to win the vacant title.
April 26, 2004 - Matt Hardy suffers a torn left triceps while wrestling Shawn Michaels. The injury will put him out of action for at least 3 months.
May 23, 2004 - Mayhem, the second pay-per-view event, takes place from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In the main event, Brock Lesnar defeats World Heavyweight champion Chris Benoit by disqualification when Booker T makes his return and attacks Lesnar. Also on the card, the Basham Brothers defeat Rob Conway and Nick Dinsmore and the champion World's Greatest Tag Team to become the World Tag team champions, Rey Mysterio Jr. won the Cruiserweight Title from Low-Ki, and Kurt Angle earned himself a World Heavyweight Title shot at Super Cade by defeating Shawn Michaels, Chris Jericho, and Eddie Guerrero.
May 24, 2004 - Christopher Nowinski is released.
May 30, 2004 - Diamond Dallas Page is released.
June 14, 2004 - GCW World Heavyweight champion Chris Benoit's wife, Nancy, is in attendance. Kurt Angle attacks her during an interview, breaking her ankle.
June 21, 2004 - After Chris Benoit attacked Kurt Angle's brother Eric Angle, Kurt puts Benoit's head through a car window in the parking lot. Benoit suffers a concussion and several lacerations, but will not miss any time.
June 27, 2004 - Super Cade, the third pay-per-view event, takes place in New York City, New York. In the main event, Chris Benoit successfully defends the World Heavyweight Title against Kurt Angle in a 37 minute classic, making him tap out to the Crippler Crossface. Also on the card, Shawn Michaels wins the North American Title by defeating Randy Orton and the World's Greatest Tag Team become the first multiple time champions in GCW history, beating the Basham Brothers to take the World Tag Team Titles. Also in a GCW first, Eddie Guerrero defeats Chris Jericho in a Steel Cage Match.
June 28, 2004 - Randy Orton regains the North American Title by defeating Shawn Michaels in the first-ever GCW ladder match. Also during the High Voltage tapings, Justin Credible suffered a torn ligament in his right knee that will put him on the shelf for 3-4 months.
July 18, 2004 - Chaos Reigns takes place from Atlanta, Georgia on pay-per-view. Two title changes highlight the card, as the Basham Brothers regained the World Tag Team Titles from the World's Greatest Tag Team and Kurt Angle won the World Heavyweight Title by defeating Chris Benoit, Booker T, and Brock Lesnar in a Fatal Fourway.
July 25, 2004 - Rob Van Dam suffers a neck injury in a match with Shelton Benjamin. Neck fusion surgery will be required, sidelining RVD for at least a year.
August 2, 2004 - Hardcore Holly and GCW part ways after a backstage altercation between Holly and GCW President Ryan Niemiller. Holly, upset over his match with Doug Williams that night, quits after a loud argument with Niemiller backstage.
August 3, 2004 - Rob Van Dam undergoes successful neck fusion surgery.
August 9, 2004 - Steve Bradley defeats AJ Styles to become the Television champion. Styles was the last remaining original champion.
August 15, 2004 - Summer Sizzler takes place from Phoenix, AZ. In the main event, Kurt Angle successfully retains the World Heavyweight Title against Chris Benoit in a Submission Match. Also on the card, Paul London wins the Cruiserweight Title by pinning Rey Mysterio Jr. and Lance Storm becomes the North American champion with a win over Randy Orton. On a sadder note, Doug Williams tears his right ACL. He will require surgery and will be out for 7 months.
August 30, 2004 - Rey Mysterio Jr. defeats Steve Bradley to become the Television champion.
September 6, 2004 - North American champion Lance Storm tears his right rotator cuff in a successful title defense against Chuck Palumbo, putting him out of action for 7 months.
September 9, 2004 - Shannon Moore is released from his contract.
September 13, 2004 - Lance Storm is stripped of the North American Title due to his injury he suffered the previous week. Also, Christopher Daniels becomes the Television champion, defeating Rey Mysterio Jr.
September 19, 2004 - Retribution takes place from Portland, Oregon. In the main event of this event, Kurt Angle defeats Rey Mysterio Jr. in a Match of the Year candidate to retain the World Heavyweight Title.
October 24, 2004 - The first pay-per-view to take place from Canada occurs in the form of Trick or Trouble. In the main event, Kurt Angle defeats Randy Orton with the Ankle Lock to retain the World Heavyweight Title. Also on the card, Monty Brown defeats AJ Styles to win the vacant North American Title. Also, Lita makes her debut, brawling with Shaniqua during a World Tag Team Title match between the Basham Brothers and the Hardy Boyz. After the event, Tommy Dreamer gives his notice to GCW, siting his chronic back problems as the reason. Dreamer is likely to stay with the company in a backstage role.
November 1, 2004 - Brock Lesnar has a dispute with President Ryan Niemiller over the direction of his character, resulting in Lesnar handing in his notice.
November 5, 2004 - Brock Lesnar and Ryan Niemiller have a meeting in hopes of working out their differences. Lesnar agrees to remain with the company.
November 9, 2004 - Marcos and Dunn, the Ring Crew Express, quit Global Championship Wrestling.
November 11, 2004 - Perry Saturn is released from his contract.
November 21, 2004 - Glory is shown worldwide on pay-per-view. In the main event, Chris Jericho and Randy Orton defeat World Heavyweight champion Kurt Angle and Steve Bradley in a five-star classic. Also on the card, Eric Angle defeats Eddie Guerrero in a spectacular Last Man Standing match, and Low-Ki and Elix Skipper become the new World Tag Team champions, winning the first Tag Team Turmoil.
December 6, 2004 - Nick Dinsmore no-shows an event. He was scheduled to team with Rob Conway to take on the Basham Brothers during the taping of High Voltage. Many phone calls are left but Dinsmore doesn't respond.
December 10, 2004 - Nick Dinsmore is finally reached and informed that he has been released from his contract.
December 12, 2004 - Mark Jindrak and Chris Hero are released from their contracts.
December 17, 2004 - Billy Kidman is released from his contract.
December 19, 2004 - The final show of the year is put on as Best of the Best takes place on pay-per-view from Miami, Florida. Kurt Angle retained the World Heavyweight Title by defeating Chris Jericho in a five-star main event. Also, Randy Orton won the Best of the Best tournament by defeating Brock Lesnar in the semi-finals and Sean O'Haire in the finals. The World's Greatest Tag Team became three-time World Tag Team champions by taking the straps from Elix Skipper and Low-Ki.
December 27, 2004 - Former wrestler Shannon Moore files a lawsuit against Ryan Niemiller and Global Championship Wrestling citing a wrongful termination back in September during a time when Moore was injured.
January 8, 2005 - GCW's developmental territory, Great Lakes Wrestling Federation, runs it's first card in Kalamazoo, Michigan. GLWF will be the place where new signees will be sent to further their training before being called up to the main roster.
January 13, 2005 - Gold Rush, a special Thursday suprcard, takes place from the Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. On the card, Chris Jericho defeats Kurt Angle in a steel cage match to win the World Heavyweight Title. Also, GCW President Ryan Niemiller steps down from his position, announcing that GCW's promoting duties now belong to a five man team. CM Punk is revealed to be "He."
January 17, 2005 - In a match taped for High Voltage, Television champion Christopher Daniels suffers a torn left triceps in a successful title defense against Matt Hardy.
January 24, 2005 - CM Punk defeats Christopher Daniels in under a minute to win the Television Title. Daniels will have surgery to repair his injured triceps and will be out for 6-8 months.
January 30, 2005 - Winter Warfare takes place from the Fleet Center in Boston, Massachusetts. In the main event, Team Angle defeats Chris Jericho, Randy Orton, Chris Benoit, Low-Ki, and Brock Lesnar in War Games. Lesnar suffered a torn right triceps in the match, putting him on the shelf for 3-4 months. There is also word that World Heavyweight champion Chris Jericho and GCW officials were in an argument backstage that led to Jericho leaving in a huff, but things were smooth and Jericho would return to action the next night on Explosion. No details were disclosed over what Jericho was uspet about.
February 20, 2005 - The Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin played host to the pay-per-view event Beat Your Valentine. In the main event, Kurt Angle becomes the first two-time World Heavyweight champion when he defeats Chris Jericho, Randy Orton, and Eddie Guerrero in a Fatal Fourway, making it the second time Angle has won the title by winning a match of this type. Also on the card, Monty Brown defeats John Bradshaw Layfield to retain the North American Title, and Paul London wins a Triangle Ladder Match over AJ Styles and Frankie Kazarian to retain the Cruiserweight Title. Shawn Michaels also makes a surprise appearance and announces his retirement from wrestling, but is attacked and stretched out of the arena by Eddie Guerrero.
March 20, 2005 - The first year of Global Championship Wrestling concludes with Proving Ground from the Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Missouri. In the main event, Kurt Angle successfully defended the World Heavyweight Title against the North American champion Monty Brown. Also on the card, Jeff Hardy returned to join the Prophecy, and Eddie Guerrero defeated Randy Orton and Chris Jericho in a Triple Threat match.
March 23, 2005 - GCW officials are sent to Japan to negotiate with several top Japanese stars in regards to coming to Global Championship Wrestling. No offers are made on the spot, but seem likely in the future.
March 31, 2005 - The lawsuit with Shannon Moore is settled when he is re-signed to the company. He is sent down to GLWF.
April 5, 2005 - Josh Abercrombie becomes the first wrestler released from his developmental contract.
April 17, 2005 - Deadly Draw takes place from San Antonio, TX. In the main event, Brock Lesnar wins the Deadly Draw match to earn the right to wrestle for the World Heavyweight Title at Super Cade. Also, Kurt Angle retained the World Heavyweight Title against Eddie Guerrero after a man dressed as the Black Tiger interfered on his behalf. Two men returned from injury as Lance Storm returned to attack Teddy Hart during the Deadly Draw match and Red returned, helping Frankie Kazarian defeat Paul London for the Cruiserweight Title.
May 7, 2005 - A man being only reported as a "big star" is said to be negotiating with GCW about joining the company. No further reports are given.
May 14, 2005 - Teddy Hart and Dawn Marie are released.
May 15, 2005 - The second annual Mayhem pay-per-view takes place from the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. In the main event, Kurt Angle successfully retains his World Heavyweight Title by defeating Chris Benoit. Also on the card: Shawn Michaels makes his GCW return by attacking Eddie Guerrero after his match and revealing himself as Black Tiger, Brock Lesnar defeats Rhyno, and Chris Jericho defeats Randy Orton in a no disqualification match.
May 16, 2005 - Justin Credible and The Colonel (Robert Parker) are released.
May 25, 2005 - In an official press release, GCW announces that High Voltage will be discontinued due to a contract dispute with the USA Network. With the loss of a weekly program, many fear that some roster cuts are on the way.
June 13, 2005 - Not happy with their current contracts, Rob Conway and Matt Morgan ask for their releases when contract negotiations fall through.
June 18, 2005 - Rene Dupree is signed to a developmental contract.
June 19, 2005 - Super Cade II takes place from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The main event sees Brock Lesnar defeat Kurt Angle for the World Heavyweight Title in a five star classic. Also, Rey Mysterio Jr. becomes the first two-time Cruiserweight champion by winning Cruiserweight Chaos III. As a result of losing the Loser-Leaves-Town match to explain his storyline departure, Jeff Hardy is legitimately given his release from GCW.
June 20, 2005 - Tyson Dux is released from his developmental contract.
July 24, 2005 - The second annual Chaos Reigns takes place from the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. In the main event, Brock Lesnar successfully defends the World Heavyweight Title against Randy Orton. Also on the card, Christopher Daniels returns from injury to help Monty Brown retain the North American Title against CM Punk in a Fire Table Match. Two new champions are also crowned as Edge wins the Television Title and Frankie Kazarian becomes a two-time Cruiserweight champion.
July 25, 2005 - Paul London suffers a severe back injury during a match with Elix Skipper. London is shoved from the top turnbuckle and falls awkwardly on the ring steps, breaking his back. London loses feeling in his legs for several hours but it returns eventually. At this point it looks as if London will have to retire.
August 8, 2005 - Paul London officially announces his retirement from professional wrestling.
August 21, 2005 - Summer Sizzler takes place from the Charlotte Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina, headlined by Brock Lesnar retaining his World Heavyweight Title in the first ever Elimination Chamber. Also on the card, Rob Van Dam returns from injury to be Eric Angle's tag team partner, defeating the World's Greatest Tag Team to become the new World Tag Team champions. Mick Foley also appears, attacking Eddie Guerrero after the latter had been eliminated from the Elimination Chamber.
August 22, 2005 - Before Monday Night Explosion goes on the air, The Hurricane (Gregory Helms) gives his notice. The reason cited is that he wanted to be treated as a more serious competitor, and thus wanted a gimmick change. Due to the high sales of Hurricane merchandise, GCW officials denied the request. Helms then asked for his release and it was granted. Helms agreed to work the one last show before leaving, and the possibility to return to GCW has been left open by both sides.
August 28, 2005 - Red is released.
September 8, 2005 - The financial backers of GCW inform Chairman Ryan Niemiller that too much money is being spent, contributing factors including high salaries and production prices for a 3-hour live TV show. The anonymous backers tell Niemiller he needs to cut some costs, which could result in roster cuts.
September 18, 2005 - The Hartford Civic Center played host to Retribution live on pay-per-view. The main event ends in controversy as Brock Lesnar retained the World Heavyweight Title via a draw when he and Kurt Angle's match ended in a double pin. Two new champions were crowned as Kid Kash defeated Frankie Kazarian for the Cruiserweight Title and Matt Hardy won the Television Title from Edge in a steel cage match. Mick Foley also made his first wrestling appearance in a losing effort against Eddie Guerrero in a hardcore match.
September 19, 2005 - Goldust, Sean O'Haire, and Bob Orton Jr. are released. Also, Chris Jericho is released from his contract upon his request, citing his desire to focus on his music and spend time with his family. He wrestles one more match, a loser-leaves-town match against Lance Storm, in which Storm is victorious.
September 29, 2005 - Steve Bradley is released.
October 16, 2005 - The second annual Trick or Trouble takes place from Chicago, Illinois. In the main event, Brock Lesnar successfully defends the World Heavyweight Title against Kurt Angle in an I Quit match. Also on the card, Lance Storm ends Monty Brown's one year North American Title reign and the World's Greatest Tag Team win their fourth World Tag Team Titles by defeating Eric Angle and Rob Van Dam.
October 18, 2005 - Unhappy about the decision to have him lose to Elix Skipper, Low-Ki quits the company. He had been unhappy for quite some time and it all came to a head here. Many backstage are said to be glad Low-Ki is gone, citing that he was a troublemaker and had a horrible attitude.
November 13, 2005 - In tragic news, GCW superstar Eddie Guerrero dies unexpectedly in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The official cause of death is as yet unknown, but he was found in his hotel room. GCW was to hold Monday Night Explosion from the Target Center in Minneapolis the next night. The show is postponed until Wednesday and will now be a tribute show to Eddie Guerrero.
November 16, 2005 - A special Wednesday night edition of Explosion airs as a tribute to Eddie Guerrero. In the main event, Chris Benoit wins a 30-man battle royal to win the first annual Eddie Guerrero Memorial Trophy.
November 19, 2005 - Eric Angle is granted his release at his request, citing he wants to spend more time with his family.
November 20, 2005 - Glory takes place from Rexall Place in Edmonton, AB, CA on pay-per-view. In the main event, Brock Lesnar retains the World Heavyweight Title against John Bradshaw Layfield. Also on the card, Christopher Daniels becomes the first X champion by defeating CM Punk, Shark Boy, and Kid Kash in a ladder match.
December 18, 2005 - The final pay-per-view of 2005 takes place as Best of the Best occurs from Manchester, New Hampshire. In the main event, Brock Lesnar and Kurt Angle become the first men to hold singles titles and tag team titles simultaneously as they defeat the World's Greatest Tag Team for the World Tag Team Titles. Also, Lance Storm defeats Rob Van Dam and then Monty Brown to win the Best of the Best tournament, earning himself any match he wants at Beat Your Valentine in February. And in the first ever GCW Ambulance Match, Randy Orton defeats Abyss with help from Bobby Lashley.
December 30, 2005 - Joey Mercury is released from his GCW contract when it is revealed that he is suffering from drug addiction. The door is left open for him to return in the future.
January 22, 2006 - The first pay-per-view of 2006 takes place from the Savvis Center in St. Louis, Missouri in the form of Winter Warfare. In the main event, Brock Lesnar, Kurt Angle, Abyss, Rhyno, and Chris Benoit defeated John Bradshaw Layfield, Randy Orton, Bobby Lashley, and the World's Greatest Tag Team in War Games.
January 23, 2006 - Bryan Danielson, the Basham Brothers, Shaniqua, and Chuck Palumbo are released from their contracts.
January 30, 2006 - Lance Storm & Edge defeat Brock Lesnar & Kurt Angle to become the World Tag Team champions.
February 6, 2006 - Brock Lesnar & Monty Brown defeat Lance Storm & Edge to become the World Tag Team champions.
February 7, 2006 - Roadkill is released from his developmental contract.
February 13, 2006 - Lance Storm & Edge regain the World Tag Team Titles, defeating Brock Lesnar & Monty Brown and MNM in a triangle match.
February 19, 2006 - Beat Your Valentine takes place from Orlando, Florida. In the main event, Brock Lesnar successfully defends the World Heavyweight Title against Lance Storm. Also on the card, John Bradshaw Layfield defeats Kurt Angle and Randy Orton to become the new Intercontinental champion.
February 20, 2006 - GCW and Doug Williams come to terms on his release. Williams leaves citing a desire to wrestle more in Europe and Japan.
March 19, 2006 - East Rutherford, New Jersey plays host to Proving Ground on pay-per-view. In the main event, Brock Lesnar successfully defends the World Heavyweight Title against Chris Benoit. Also on the card, the World's Greatest Tag Team win the World Tag Team Titles for the fifth time, defeating Lance Storm and Edge.
March 20, 2006 - Lance Storm announces his retirement from professional wrestling. He is a former two-time Intercontinental and two-time World Tag Team champion, as well as the winner of the 2005 Best of the Best Tournament.
April 23, 2006 - Deadly Draw takes place from Indianapolis, Indiana. Kurt Angle wins the 30-man Deadly Draw match, lastly eliminating Monty Brown. Brock Lesnar retains the World Heavyweight Title over Booker T. This event also featured two title changes as CM Punk defeated Christopher Daniels for the X Title and MNM won the World Tag Team Titles from the World's Greatest Tag Team. Tommy Dreamer also announces that Summer Sizzler will be the first pay-per-view to take place overseas in London, England.
April 24, 2006 - GCW announces that they will no longer be working with their developmental league, Great Lakes Wrestling Federation. Many of the developmental talents will be kept under contract but not immediately brought onto television. D-Ray 3000 is also released.
May 21, 2006 - Mayhem takes place from Detroit, Michigan. In the main event, World Heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar & Kurt Angle defeat Intercontinental champion John Bradshaw Layfield & Bobby Lashley. Also during the main event, the suspended Booker T interferes but is stopped by Commissioner Tommy Dreamer. In addition, Gregory Helms wins the X Title by defeating CM Punk, Rey Mysterio Jr., & Christopher Daniels in a Fatal Fourway, and Matt Hardy is reinstated into GCW when Abyss & Rob Van Dam defeat Edge & Christian.
June 7, 2006 - The Blue Meanie is released from his contract.
June 14, 2006 - In an official press release, it is announced that sometime later this year, Global Championship Wrestling will hold two events in Japan for the first time.
June 25, 2006 - Super Cade III emanates from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. In the main event, Brock Lesnar retains the World Heavyweight Title in the very first Iron Man match in GCW history by defeating Kurt Angle 2 falls to 1. Also on the card, Bobby Lashley defeated the Intercontinental champion John Bradshaw Layfield to win the title and Randy Orton won the first Money in the Bank ladder match to earn a title shot whenever he'd like over the next year.
June 26, 2006 - Kid Kash is released.
July 2, 2006 - Rob Van Dam is arrested for possession of marijuana.
July 3, 2006 - Rob Van Dam is suspended for 30 days without pay due to his arrest. Bobby Lashley is also forced to vacate the Intercontinental Title due to a knee injury.
July 7, 2006 - Hardcore Holly is released.
July 20, 2006 - Matt Hardy unexpectedly leaves the company. Details are scarce, but there is said to have been an incident involving Edge & Lita.
July 23, 2006 - Chaos Reigns takes place from Memphis, Tennessee. In the main event, Brock Lesnar defeats John Bradshaw Layfield in a Texas Bullrope Match to retain the World Heavyweight Title. As per the pre-match stipulations, JBL leaves GCW. Also at the event, Rey Mysterio Jr. defeats Booker T in the finals of a tournament to become the Intercontinental champion and Christopher Daniels & CM Punk become the World Tag Team champions by defeating MNM thanks to interference from a returning Joey Mercury.
