The inaugural champion was Shane Shamrock, who defeated Christian York, Joey Matthews, Mark Schrader, Quinn Nash, and Earl the Pearl in a Six Way match on July 19, 1998, win at an MCW live event to become the first and only champion.
The title was retired following Shamrock's death on August 18, 1998. Shamrock was named "Lifetime Heavyweight Champion" by MCW. Subsequently, the MCW Cruiserweight Championship replaced the Light Heavyweight Championship and the division.