The title was created on February 9, 1999 and was retired on March 1, 2001 due to the company withdrawing its membership from the NWA in 2000 and becoming one of the first developmental territory's for World Wrestling Federation (now WWE). The title was declared retired, meaning that the OVW Light Heavyweight Championship is now being represented by a trash can. The final champion was Chris Micheals, who defeated the former champion Sean Casey at the OVW TV Tapings to win the title.