Lmao! Gunplay Declares Himself The WWF Champion!

The World Wrestling Federation doesn't even exist anymore, but rapper Gunplay is joining the ranks of Hulk Hogan, Ultimate Warrior, and more ... as the new WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMP -- at least according to his new tattoo.

The heavily-tatted Gunplay was in NYC Wednesday when we asked if he'd gotten any new ink recently, and the guy lifted up his shirt -- revealing a tattoo of the most famous championship belt in wrestling history ... the winged eagle belt.

The belt was first worn by Hulk Hogan in 1988 -- and subsequently by legends like Macho Man, Ultimate Warrior, The Undertaker, Ric Flair, Bret Hart, Yokozuna, Shawn Michaels, and Stone Cold Steve Austin. The belt vanished into obscurity in 1998, and no one really knows where it went.

The WWF was forced to change its name in 2002, following a trademark lawsuit filed by the World Wildlife Fund. Wrestling history ... fascinating.

I dont know about the WWF Champ

But the Coke Head Champ! Yeah!