Its initial appearance was at OVW's July 12, 2006 television taping, when
ODB appeared with a title belt, claiming she had won it in a tournament in
Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil (a nod to
World Wrestling Entertainment kayfabe stating that the
WWE Championship and
WWE Intercontinental Championship originated in tournaments in Rio de Janeiro). It was not recognized as an official OVW title originally, but after ODB began defending it on a regular basis it became an official title, and has since been won by other women. On May 23, 2008, after winning the title for the second time,
Serena Deeb proclaimed that she would
defend the OVW Women's Championship at all times as long as a referee was present. This new "24/7 rule", which was a nod to the
WWE Hardcore Championship, became an official part of the championship and was effectively utilized by several OVW Divas, including Deeb herself. The rule came to an end on November 12 after Melody won the title from Deeb during a
fatal four-way match. After being vacated for one year,
Jessie Belle won a
battle royal at OVW's
Brews and Bruises event on November 21, 2015, to win the championship for the third time. In early July 2016, it was announced that the Championship would be contested under 24/7 rules, with the title even changing hands outside of TV shows or live events. Things could soon revert to normal held rules on August 17, 2016, when Maria James won the Women's Championship back for the sixth time. ==Reigns==