Sabu, Severn defeated Johnny Johnson in a "Wrestling vs Boxer" match. On February 18, 1995, Severn was the number one contender against Bruiser Bedlam for Midwest Territorial Wrestling Heavyweight Championship at a MTW show. However the match ended in a no contest thus saw Bedlam retain the title. National Wrestling Alliance (1995–2010) He entered the National Wrestling Alliance in 1995, and defeated Chris Candido for his first NWA World Heavyweight Championship on a Smoky Mountain Wrestling (SMW) card. Severn went on to win the UFC 5 tournament Championship that year, making him the first and only man to hold an MMA and a professional wrestling championship simultaneously. Severn held the NWA Championship for four years, the longest reign in over two decades and as of currently the third-longest reign in the belt's history. Severn defended the title on various NWA promotions such as NWA New Jersey and Outaia Pro Wrestling. Severn was ranked No. 4 for the "most inspirational wrestler" award and No. 35 on the PWI 500 by Pro Wrestling Illustrated in 1995. Severn paid tribute by defending the NWA title on the following shows: On April 12, 1997, on the NWA 2nd Annual Eddie Gilbert Memorial Brawl, Dan Severn fought Dory Funk Jr. and the match ended in a double count-out for Severn to retain the NWA world heavyweight title. On February 28, 1998, on the NWA 3rd Annual Eddie Gilbert Memorial Brawl, Dan Severn defeated Franz Schuhmann to retain the NWA world heavyweight title. In 2010, Severn was inducted into the NWA Hall of Fame. World Wrestling Federation (1997–1999) Severn made his first appearance in the WWF with the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship on June 23, 1997, to join the color commentary team. Severn had not signed a contract with WWF by this point. He commentated on Ken Shamrock's match against Rockabilly (Billy Gunn). Ken won the match with a belly-to-belly suplex followed by an ankle lock. After the match, the two had a stare down and eventually shook hands. As NWA champion, Severn debuted in the World Wrestling Federation in 1998 during a story line where the NWA invaded the WWF. Severn also wrestled on NWA territories at the same time during his tenure with the WWF. Severn was first seen attacking The Headbangers when they were feuding with Bob Holly and Bart Gunn, who were a part of the NWA invasion. In his debut match,