Due to the surprising success of my Ranking Every WWE Champion In The 21st Century article, I thought I might try to follow that up with another article that ranks Heavyweight Champions.
The only difference is, instead of just focusing on WWE Champions in the 21st Century, I will showcase every champion to hold a Heavyweight Title for the WWE.
I started to work on this piece last week, and it is quite long and packed with WWE history.
As we all know, the highest honor any performer in the WWE can ever achieve, is being given the title World Heavyweight Champion.
Being the World Heavyweight Champion simply means that you are the “top-dog”, you are the face of your company, and that you are the best at your craft.
So for this article, I would like to both honor and highlight the history of the “WWE World Championships.”
More specifically, highlight EVERY single performer who ever held the World Championship, like I stated above.
The first Heavyweight Championship in WWE history, the WWWF Championship, was founded all the way back in 1963, nearly half a century ago, when the original “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers became the first ever WWWF Champion.
Since then, the title has went through many transformations and has seen some of the greatest entertainers in pro wrestling history hold it.
Men like; “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Triple H, Hulk Hogan, Bruno Sammartino, and a short list of others, have held the title.
To this day, the title is going strong with many future WWE Hall Of Famers honoring it.
Throughout the 20th Century, the only Heavyweight Title the WWE had was the WWE Title.
But when 2001 came around, the WWE Championship received a nice “sister” title when the WWF bought out WCW and the WCW Title became official property of the WWE.
Although the list of “WCWWE” Championships is VERY short, it is still apart of WWE history and should be honored.
So I have included the men that held this championship on the slide show.
After Chris Jericho unified the WCW Title and WWE Title, making it the WWE Undisputed Championship, the belt moved over to SmackDown.
We would wait about a year before the WCW Title was brought back to the WWE as the World Heavyweight Championship, becoming the Heavyweight Title on the RAW brand.
The World Heavyweight Championship is now one of the two Heavyweight Titles the WWE has to offer, and I will be honoring the men who held this title in the slide-show also.
All in all, there have been a total of three recognized Heavyweight Titles in WWE history, and I will attempt to rank all 46 Heavyweight Champions in this slide-show.
Just to clear the air before I continue, I don’t recognize the “WWECW” Championship as an actually Heavyweight Title, just my personal opinion.
Unlike my previous article, Ranking Every WWE Champions In The 21st Century, for this slide-show, I haven’t just taken in account the length of the title reigns.
Criteria In Rankings:
1). Amount Of Heavyweight Reigns
2). Reign Lengths
3). Prestige Of Reigns
4). How many great matches did he give as champion?
If I just went by title reign, I do feel these would be pretty obvious rankings.
So enjoy the slide-show!
Amount Of Heavyweight Titles In WWE: 1
Stats:
1x WWE Champion
Anybody remember good ol’ Vinnie Mac being the big man on campus for a spectacular four days?
Vince McMahon would go ahead and cement his name in the short list of WWE Title holders by defeating Triple H (yeah, you heard me TRIPLE H), in an unscheduled one on one match for the WWE Championship.
One of the most awkward matches in WWE history for sure, Vince’s son, Shane McMahon, was the referee and Vince beat his son in law to pick up the strap.
Of course, he needed the help of a “Rattle Snake” to get the win, but a win is a win, I suppose.
Four days later Vince forfeited the belt back to “The Game”, holding it for less then a week.
WWE Title Reign:
Won It—Thursday Night SmackDown!- Sept. 16, 1999—Beat Triple H
Lost It—Sunday Sept. 20, 1999—Forfeited to Triple H
Reign Length:
Four days
Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3B-afZT4Fk
If you wanna know exactly how Vince beat Triple H, here’s a link.
Amount Of Heavyweight Titles In WWE: 1
Stats:
1x WWE Champion
I tried to give one of the most beloved WWE superstars of all time some slack.
Most wrestling fans know of the bond Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant share, they had one of the all-inspiring efforts at Wrestlemainia III, and they embodied the meaning of greatness.
Andre the Giant would lose to the Hulkster at Wrestlemainia III despite the good performance.
He was able to get his rematch on the WWE’ show, The Main Event, and was able to best the great Hulk Hogan, due to the incompetence by the referee.
Unfortunately, Andre sold out to “The Million Dollar Man”, Ted Dibiase, handing the WWE Title over to Dibiase.
It was one of the worst scenes in WWE history.
Luckily, WWE President Jack Tunney, saved the day by vacating the WWE Title, not allowing Dibiase to hold it.
Andre only had the belt for a few moments.
WWE Title Reign:
Won It—The Main Event- Feb. 5, 1988—Beat Hulk Hogan
Lost It—The Main Event- Feb. 5, 1988Stripped of the title
Amount of Heavyweight Titles In WWE: 1
Stats:
1x WWE Champion
Ivan “The Russian Bear” Koloff, was often considered one of the most insane performers to step foot in wrestling ring.
He was as big as they came, and could take and dish out a beating.
Ivan got his chance one New York night to face the legendary Bruno Sammartino for the WWE Championship.
Going into the match, Bruno was riding a eight year WWE Championship reign, and was mowing down anyone that challenged him.
“The Russian Bear” could care less about who Bruno Sammartino was. Koloff promptly ended the most legendary WWE Title reign of all time.
Even though Ivan wouldn’t have a very long reign as champion, he did end the amazing run Bruno had, and that’s worth a hundred WWE Title reigns.
WWE Title Reign:
Won It—Jan.18, 1971—Beat Bruno Sammartino
Lost It—Feb. 8, 1971—Lost to Pedro Morales
Reign Length:
Two and half weeks
Video:
Here is the great Bruno Sammartino vs. Ivan Koloff match, great wrestling match.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNngXluEkRk
Amount Of Heavyweight Titles In WWE: 1
Stats:
1x World Heavyweight Champion
So, Khali is the first World Heavyweight Champion to start off the list.
Khali is the first ever Indian born Heavyweight Champion in WWE History.
The big man made his presence felt in the WWE immediately, destroying “The Phenom;” and from the looks of it, he was going to be a force to be reckoned with in the WWE.
But, when his actual wrestling skills started to unfold in front of us, I think we pretty much knew even Vince McMahon wasn’t dumb enough to give the guy any more World Titles.
Khali won his first and only World Championship in a battle royal, eliminating the great Dave Batista.
World Title Reign:
Won It—Friday Night SmackDown!- July. 17, 2007—Eliminated Batista in Battle Royal
Lost It—Unforgiven 2007—Sept. 16, 2007- Lost to Batista
Reign Length:
Two months
Video:
Here are a few highlights from the Battle Royal where Khali won the World Title
Amount Of Heavyweight Titles In WWE: 1
Stats:
First Ever WWE Champion
1x WWE Champion
I thought I would give the first ever WWE Champion a little knock over Khali.
The original “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers, exemplified what a top notch wrestler back in the 1960′ should be.
Technically sound, a great mat wrestler, and a terrific look.
A tournament was held to crown the first ever WWE Champion, Roger’s last opponent was another good wrestler in Antonio Rocca.
Unlike the new Ric Flair, Buddy Rogers actually got clean wins, and he picked up a clean victory over Antonio to become the first WWE Champion.
Buddy locked the “figure-four leg lock”, and got a submission win.
WWE Title Reign:
Won It—April. 29, 1963—Beat Antonio Rocca
Lost It—May. 17, 1963—Lost to Bruno Sammartino
Reign Length:
Two and half weeks
Video:
I’m sorry, I couldn’t find the match where Buddy beat Antonio.
Amount Of Heavyweight Titles In WWE: 1
Stats:
1x WWE Champion
No doubt, the most hated “heel” during his time in the WWE. Hall Of Famer The Iron Sheik starts off the top 40.
Going into his bout with Bob Backlund, The Iron Sheik was considered the best technical wrestler the WWE had to offer at the time and Bob Backlund was the biggest star the WWE had.
This match had all the makings of one of the greatest ever.
It definitely didn’t let the fans down. The two put on a good match and Sheiky went on to win the match, but it was considered a cheap win by many. The fact that Bob Backlund came into the match with an injured back didn’t help the credibility of Sheik’s win.
Backland never got anything serious going on offense the entire match and Sheik’s vintage “Camel Clutch” hurt Bob’s back even more.
Backlund didn’t tap out from the clutch, instead, his manager threw in the towel to save him.
Sheik didn’t have the belt for long. He dropped it to a guy named Hulk Hogan one month later, who eventually ushered in the “Rock N’ Roll” era.
WWE Title Reign:
Won It—Dec. 26, 1983—Beat Bob Backlund
Lost It—Jan. 23, 1984—Lost to Hulk Hogan
Reign Length:
One month
Video:
Here’s the match where Sheik ended Bob’s five year run as champion.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snM6BC0zykk
Amount Of Heavyweight Titles In The WWE: 1
Stats:
1x World Heavyweight Title
“The All-American-American,” Jack Swagger proved his worth at Wrestlemainia 26 when he won the coveted “Money In The Bank” Briefcase. After that win, we all pretty much knew that he was going to become the World Champion, it was simply a question of where and when.
The next night on Monday Night Raw, just when we thought the WWE was finally going to have John Cena lose the WWE Championship (yeah, right) to someone, they decide to throw a curveball and have Jack Swagger look “weak” instead.
Swagger wouldn’t wait long to redeem himself though. He cashed in his case later that week on Friday Night Smackdown and elevated himself to the main-event scene.
Jack wouldn’t hold the title for very long, two months, but did have some good matches as the champion.
Rey Mysterio vs. Jack Swagger- 2010 Money In The Bank PPV
Jack Swagger vs. Randy Orton- 2010 Extreme Rules PPV
World Title Reign:
Won It—Friday Night SmackDown- April. 02, 2010—Beat Chris Jericho
Lost It—Fatal 4-Way- June. 20, 2010Lost to Rey Mysterio
Reign Length:
Two months
Video:
Here’s when Jack cashes in the case:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dH2QkIrfRtQ
Amount Of Heavyweight Titles In WWE: 1
Stats:
1x WWE Champion
Anybody remember when Sgt. Slaughter held the WWE Championship?
Well, he did, and to win the belt, he ended The Ultimate Warrior’s great reign as the WWE Champion.
Very few men can be considered “pure heels,” men that the fans absolutely wanted to lose. Sgt. had just betrayed America and became an Iraqi “trooper.” “Heels” of today might be hated by a majority of the fans, but they still have followers, no one wanted Slaughter to beat The Ultimate Warrior.
Alas, The Ultimate Warrior could have beat Slaughter if he had just agreed to give Randy “Macho Man” Savage an opportunity for the WWE Title next.
Instead, The Warrior said “no” and Slaughter agreed to it. Immediately Sgt. got allies in his match with The Warrior.
After “Macho Man” crushed The Ultimate Warrior’s head with his captor, Slaughter got the pin fall win.
A dark day for WWE fans.
WWE Title Reign:
Won It—The 1991 Royal Rumble- Jan. 19, 1991—Beat The Ultimate Warrior
Lost It—Wrestlemainia VII- Mar. 24, 1991Lost to Hulk Hogan
Reign Length:
Two months
Video:
Sgt. Slaughter actually beats The Ultimate Warrior. It’s the last 5 minutes of the match.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbdmc6A1dEw&feature=related
Amount Of Heavyweight Titles In WWE: 2
Stats:
2x WWE Champion
The two time Dubya, Dubya-e Champion, and your current champ, Sheamus, comes in at number 37.
From his upset victory over John Cena to putting Triple H out of action, Sheamus’ stock only seems to be going up.
The first ever Irish born WWE Champion has impressed everyone with his ridiculous strength and his improbable wins.
Now that we have talked about the positive, I think everyone pretty much knows why he is so low on the list.
His reigns are decent for this era in WWE, I guess, but he has never picked up a clean win in any title defenses.
One way or another, he always needs help to beat any other Raw main-eventer. Turning him into a full out “paper champion”.
Strangely, when he doesn’t have the belt, he dominates, but when he finally gets it, he is a jar of mayo.
WWE Title Reign:
Won It—2009 TLC PPV- Dec. 13, 09—Beat John Cena
Lost It—2010 Elimination Chamber PPV—Lost to John Cena
Won It—2010 Fatal 4-Way PPV—Beat John Cena
Lost It—Still has it.
Reign Length(s):
First Reign—Two months
Second Reign—Two months (so far)
Video:
Here’s Sheamus knocking off the unbeatable John Cena.
Amount Of Heavyweight Titles: 1
Stats:
1x WWE Champion
After putting in so many years of work in the WWE, Rob Van Dam finally got his due when he won the WWE Championship from none other then John Cena.
Even before the match started, the fans were completely against Cena, throwing his vintage “Hustle, Loyalty and Respect” t-shirt, back at him.
The match wasn’t too one-sided, both men had times when they dominated each other.
Until, a masked man, Edge, came into the ring and nailed a “Spear” on the champon, John Cena.
Van Dam took advantage and hit Cena with a “Five Star Frog Splash,” winning the WWE Title.
Rob only had one successful title defense as the champ; he beat Edge at the 2006 Vengeance PPV.
But he could have been a much better champion if the WWE didn’t decide to strip Rob of the WWE Title when he was caught with marijuana .
Van Dam could have been a great champion.
WWE Title Reign:
Won It—2006 ECW One Night Stand Jun. 11, 2006—Beat John Cena
Lost It—Monday Night Raw- Jul. 3, 2006—Lost to Edge
Reign Length:
One month
Video:
Rob Van Dam finally wins the WWE Title.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4PWxBpvWb4
Amount Of Heavyweight Titles: 3
Stats:
2x World Heavyweight Champion
1x WWE Champion
Fan favorite Jeff Hardy, got his shot to win the “big one” when he challenged life-long rival, Edge, for the WWE Championship at the 2009 Armageddon PPV.
Jeff got the win and his childhood dream became a reality.
Jeff wouldn’t hold the title for long, he ended up losing it back to Edge at the 2009 Royal Rumble.
When he got back into the main event picture, he engaged in a heated rivalry with CM Punk.
Throughout the feud Jeff and Punk had plenty of great matches, both really pushed each other to give as good of a match as they could.
Hardy went on to pick up two World Heavyweight Title reigns in that time, but again, they didn’t last very long.
He beat the great Edge for one reign, but had it cut short when CM Punk cashed in the “Money In The Bank” briefcase the same night.
Hardy managed to get the gold back, but lost it quickly back to CM Punk. His third and final reign as the champ.
WWE just couldn’t give Jeff hardy a long run as the champion.
WWE Title Reign:
Won It—2008 Armageddon- Dec. 14, 2008—Beat Edge
Lost It—2009 Royal Rumble- Jan. 25, 2009—Lost to Edge
WWE Title Reign Length:
First Reign: One month
World Title Reign:
Won It—2009 Extreme Rules- Jun. 7, 2009—Beat Edge
Lost It—2009 Extreme Rules- Jun. 7, 2009—Lost to CM Punk
Won It—2009 Night Of Champions- Jul. 26, 2009—Beat CM Punk
Lost It—2009 SummerSlam- August. 23, 2009—Lost to CM Punk
World Reign Length(s):
First Reign: A few moments
Second Reign: One month
Video:
Here are few clips of Jeff Hardy winning the WWE Championship, a great moment.
Amount of Heavyweight Titles In WWE: 3
Stats:
3x WWE Champion
Good ol’ lovable Mick Foley had a few reigns as the WWE Champion back in the “Attitude Era.”
With the somewhat creepy “Mankind” character, Foley definitely proved that you didn’t need the regular old “look” to be the champ in the WWE, you just need to be partially insane.
Foley had some terrific “hardcore matches” as the champion, his bouts with The Rock and Triple H for the title are legendary.
Unfortunately, Mick never held the title for very long. He had three reigns, but his longest reign was only two and half weeks.
He was wrestling in an era that was notorious for fairly short WWE Title reigns, so you can attribute that to it.
WWE Title Reigns:
Won It—Monday Night Raw- Jan. 4, 1999—Beat The Rock
Lost It—Monday Night Raw- Jan. 24, 1999—Lost to The Rock
Won It—99′ Super Bowl- Jan. 31, 1999—Beat The Rock
Lost It—Monday Night Raw- Feb. 15, 1999—Lost to The Rock
Won It—1999 SummerSlam- Aug. 22, 1999—Beat Stone Cold
Lost It—Monday Night Raw- Aug. 23, 1999—Lost to Triple H
Reign Length(s):
First Reign:Two and half weeks
Second Reign: Two weeks
Third Reign: One day
Video:
The Rock vs. Mankind, in the empty arena
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LTkQyHI6FY
Amount Of Heavyweight Titles: 2
Stats:
1x WWE Champion
1x World Heavyweight Champion
“The Devil’s Favorite Demon” is the perfect nickname for the monster Kane.
Kane found instant success in the Heavyweight division when he beat Stone Cold Steve Austin for the WWE Championship, the first belt he would win in the WWE.
However, Kane would lose the belt back to Stone Cold 24 hours later.
But for some reason, Kane would wait more then a decade to get another World Championship reign added to his resume.
Kane won the SmackDown “MITB Ladder Match” at the Money In The Bank PPV, and in in less then an hour, cashed it in on a vulnerable Rey Mysterio, capturing the World Title.
Kane has found more success this time around, he has held the belt for about two months, and is dominating competition on SmackDown.
WWE Title Reign:
Won It—1998 King Of The Ring- Jun. 28, 1998—Beat Stone Cold
Lost It—Monday Night Raw- Jun. 29, 1998—Stone Cold
WWE Title Reign Length:
First Reign: One day
World Title Reign:
Won It—2010 Money In The Bank PPV- Jul. 18, 2010—Beat Rey Mysterio
Lost It—Still has it.
World Title Reign Length:
First Reign: Two months
Video:
Here’s Kane beating Rey Mysterio to become World Champion:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEwj08rWL4c
Amount Of Heavyweight Titles: 2
Stats:
2x WWE Champion
With his lack of any singles success in recent years, I think we all forget that The Big Show was a former WWE Champion, and on two occasions no less.
The big man left World Championship Wrestling and came over to the WWE, finding success pretty fast. He beat Triple H for the WWE Title within weeks of his debut.
He had a decent reign as champion that lasted about two months.
Years later, The Big Show would go toe to toe against Brock Lesnar, beating him for the WWE Title once. Show wouldn’t have that great of a run, only holding onto the belt for about a month.
But all in all, I think Show should get this spot over the guys that are under him.
WWE Title Reigns:
Won It—1999 Survivor Series- Nov. 14, 1999—Beat Triple H
Lost It—Monday Night Raw- Jan. 3, 2000—Lost to Triple H
Won It—2002 Survivor Series- Nov. 17, 2002—Beat Brock Lesnar
Lost It—2002 Armageddon- Dec. 15, 2002—Lost to Kurt Angle
Reign Length(s):
First Reign: Two months
Second Reign: One month
Video:
Here is Big Show winning the WWE Title for the first time, against Rock and Triple H.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4zsB-yFum8
Amount of Heavyweight Titles: 2
Stats:
2x WWE Champion
After sitting on the sidelines for a little while, a man that went simply by the name of Sid, got his chance at the spotlight when he battled “The Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels at the 96′ Survivor Series.
Blessed with overwhelming power, Sid decisively crushed Michaels and picked up the WWE Championship.
A belt he would hold for two months before losing it back to Michaels.
Sid reclaimed the WWE Championship months later when he beat the legendary Bret Hart for the title.
Sid wouldn’t hold this one for very long though, as he would lose it to “The Phenom,” The Undertaker only a month later.
Sid would go to WCW after he was released from the WWE, and win two more Championships to add to his resume.
A solid career.
WWE Title Reigns:
Won It—1996 Survivor Series- Nov. 17, 1996—Beat Shawn Michaels
Lost It—1997 Royal Rumble- Jan. 19, 1997—Lost to Shawn Michaels
Won It—Monday Night Raw- Feb. 17, 1997—Beat Bret Hart
Lost It—Wrestlemainia 13- Mar. 23, 1997—Lost to The Undertaker
Reign Length(s):
First Reign: Two months
Second Reign: One month
Video:
Here are the final moments in the Undertaker vs. Sid match:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDI_YVdArpE&feature=related
Amount of Heavyweight Titles: 1
Stats
1x World Heavyweight Champion
In his short time with World Wrestling Entertainment, Goldberg managed to capture the illustrious World Heavyweight Championship.
He was a former WCW Heavyweight Champion before he came to the WWE, so he was no stranger to success.
He was the World Champion in the WWE once, but he had a decent three month reign in a time where Triple H was grabbing the belt every other month.
Bill had a pretty average match to win the strap. He and “The Game” met at the 2003 Unforgiven PPV. Despite Triple H’ best efforts, Goldberg’s strength was too much for him.
The only thing I pick on Goldberg for is that this title reign wasn’t very, how should I say it, “over the top”.
He didn’t seem to get elevated to the next level when he won the belt. Certain guys like Undertaker, Steve Austin, and Triple H, took their careers to a whole new level when they got it, that didn’t happen for Bill.
World Title Reign:
Won It—2003 Unforgiven PPV- Sept. 21, 2003—Beat Triple H
Lost It—2003 Armageddon PPV- Dec. 14, 2003—Lost to Triple H
Reign Length:
Three months
Video:
Here’s Goldberg winning the World Heavyweight Championship.
Amount of Heavyweight Titles: 2
Stats:
2x WWE Champion
Two of Naitchs’ sixteen Heavyweight Championships, were WWE Champion reigns.
The cocky and vain superstar was a star in the NWA, and in WCW.
When he decided to leave WCW to come to the WWE, he didn’t leave any of his charisma behind. Ric became a “heel” and claimed that he was the only real WWE Champion, insulting greats like Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage.
Flairs’ first title reign was the more successful of his two. He won it at the ’92 Royal Rumble and went on to hold it for about three months.
Ric eventually dropped the belt to Randy “Macho Man” Savage at Wrestlemania VIII.
His second time with the strap wasn’t very good, he needed a ton of help to win it in the first place and he only had it for about a month.
Still, I think both of those reigns are worth the #29 spot.
WWE Title Reigns:
Won It—1992 Royal Rumble- Jan. 19, 1992—Eliminated Sid Justice
Lost It—Wrestlemania VIII- April. 5, 1992—Lost to Randy Savage
Won It—1992 SummerSlam- Sept. 1, 1992—Beat Randy Savage
Lost I—tA WWE Live Event In 1992- Oct. 12, 1992—Lost to Bret Hart
Reign Length(s):
First Reign: Three months
Second Reign: One month
Video:
One of my favorite clips; Ric Flair winning the Royal Rumble
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZFdA0eV-_M
Amount of Heavyweight Titles: 2
Stats:
2x World Heavyweight Champion
The shortest and lightest World Heavyweight Champion of all time, Rey Mysterio gets my #28 spot.
Mysterio is the perfect example of working up the ladder; he started off in the Cruiserweight ranks, but worked his way up after years of work.
One of the most improbable Royal Rumble victories, Rey Mysterio cemented his name in Wrestlemania lure, when he won the 2006 Royal Rumble, and went on to headline “The Grandest Stage Of Them All.”
Rey battled the only Olympic Gold Medalist in pro wrestling history and the youngest World Heavyweight Champion in pro wrestling history to become World Champion.
Mysterio had a “nice” run with the belt.
His second belt REALLY threw many fans off. Mysterio became a World Champion for the second time at the 2010 Fatal 4-Way PPV, roughly four years after his first reign.
He had a successful title defense as the champ, but his reign was cut short after Kane cashed in his “Money In The Bank” briefcase on him.
World Title Reigns:
Won It—Wrestlemania 22- April. 2, 2006—Beat Randy Orton
Lost It—2006 Great American Bash- Jul. 23, 2006—Lost to King Booker
Won It—2010 Fatal 4-Way- Jun. 20, 2010—Beat Jack Swagger
Lost It—2010 Money In The Bank- Jul. 18, 2010—Lost to Kane
Reign Length(s):
First Reign: Three months
Second Reign: One month
Video:
The biggest little man overcomes the odds.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NOIcviFOpE
Amount of Heavyweight Titles: 3
Stats:
3x World Heavyweight Champion
Apparently, the only “Straight Edge” World Champion in the history of the WWE, CM Punk had a very nice time with the “Big Gold Belt”.
CM Punk captured his first World Heavyweight Championship via the “Money In The Bank” briefcase. In the summer of 2008, Punk capitalized on a weak Edge.
In my book, this was the best “cashing in” moment in “MITB” history, CM Punk wasn’t even a upper mid-card wrestler when he cashed in, he was still a regular mid-carder, but he really shocked everyone.
His second Heavyweight Title was also due to the “MITB” briefcase, but this time it was at the expense at “The Charasmatic Enigma,” Jeff Hardy.
This sparked a huge feud between Hardy and Punk. During this rivalry, WWE fans saw the “heel” CM Punk, and his true “Straight Edge” colors come out.
Punk eventually won back the Heavyweight Title, making it three in the record books.
I really liked CM Punk as the champ, he never backed down, and even as a “heel” he never needed help to win a match.
World Title Reigns:
Won It—Monday Night Raw- Jun. 30, 2008—Beat Edge
Lost It—Forfeit due to injury- Sept. 7, 2008
Won It—2009 Extreme Rules- Jun. 7, 2009—Beat Jeff Hardy
Lost I—t2009 Night Of Champions- Jul. 26, 2009—Lost to Jeff Hardy
Won It—2009 SummerSlam- Aug. 23, 2009—Beat Jeff Hardy
Lost It- 2009 Hell In The Cell- Oct. 4, 2009- Lost to The Undertaker
Reign Length(s):
First Reign: Two months
Second Reign: Two months
Third Reign: One month
Video:
Here’s CM Punk beating Edge for the World Title, using his case.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nfBq63LDWU
Amount of Heavyweight Titles: 1
Stats:
1x WWE Champion
Who can forget the iconic scene when Eddie Guerrero hit the “Frog Splash” on big bad Brock Lesnar and became the WWE Champion.
I definitely feel that was one of the biggest upsets in WWE history.
Guerrero was pretty much a mid-carder his entire career. Putting guys “over,” helping build the WWE tag Team Titles prestige, doing comedic promos, but never getting his chance at “the big one.”
After years of taking a backseat to the Kurt Angle’s, Steve Austin’s, and Triple H’s, Guerrero got his chance at the 2004 No Way Out PPV.
Going into the match, Lesnar was on a tear, destroying men like Kurt Angle, The Big Show, and Hardcore Holly. Brock was riding a tremendous five month reign as the WWE Champion.
Quite frankly, Eddie Guerrero was the only man left on the SmackDown roster who Lesnar hadn’t crushed, it made sense that they gave him a shot.
Instead of the WWE having Brock retain, and making it: WWE Champion Brock Lesnar vs. Goldberg at Wrestlemainia, they let Eddie get it.
Eddie went on to have the belt for a little more then four months before JBL took it.
WWE Title Reign:
Won It—2004 No Way Out- Feb. 14, 2004—Beat Brock Lesnar
Lost It—2004 The Great American Bash- Jun. 27, 2004Lost to JBL
Reign Length:
Four months
Video:
Eddie beats Brock!
Amount Of Heavyweight Titles: 2
Stats:
2x WWE Champion
By far the heaviest man to ever win the World Title, and that’s saying a lot considering Big Show has held it. The monster simply known as Yokozuna will start off the top 25.
Weighing in at a heaping 650 pounds and a normal man’s size of 6’4, Yokozuna was surprisingly athletic for a man of his size.
The mammoth shocked the world when he beat the “Pink and Black Attack,” Bret Hart at Wrestlemania. But alas, he would only hold the belt for a matter of minutes before Hulk Hogan came down to the ring and challenged him for the belt.
Yokozuna was beat by Hulk and he became one of the first “paper champions” in the history of pro wrestling.
Or would he? Yokozuna got a rematch at the 1993 King Of The Ring PPV when he faced his rival Hulk Hogan for the WWE Championship.
Just when it looked like the Hulkster was going to put the beast away, a photographer jumped up to the ring apron and blasted Hulk with a fireball. Yokozuna hit a leg drop and got the title.
This time, he would have a lot more success. He had a tight grip on the gold for an amazing nine and half months.
WOW, nine and half months, you’d think I would have ranked him way higher.
Not really. Sure he held the belt for a long time, but he needed his manager, Mr. Fuji, to help him retain the title almost every single time.
Still, as a wise man once said, “If your not cheating, you not trying.”
So he does deserve this spot.
WWE Title Reigns:
Won It—Wrestlemania IX- April. 4, 1993—Beat Bret Hart
Lost It—Wrestlemania XI- April. 4, 1993—Lost to Hulk Hogan
Won It—1993 King Of The Ring- Jun. 13, 1993—Beat Hulk Hogan
Lost It—Wrestlemania X- Mar. 20, 1994—Lost to Bret Hart
Reign Length(s):
First Reign: A few moments
Second Reign: Nine months
Video:
Yokozuna beats the best of all time:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkv885lQrFo
Amount Of Heavyweight Titles: 1
Stats:
1x WWE Champion
Before Jack Swagger, everyone’s favorite cowboy, John Bradshaw Layfield, was the WWE wrestler that stood for American pride.
…..Not Really.
In all honesty, I think we can all pretty much put JBL high up in our rankings of “Top Heel Of The 21st Century”, the guy was a jerk and looked down on everyone.
And of course, if you can get under the fans’ skin, your bound to get yourself some time with the WWE Championship.
Bradshaw was given a chance at the WWE Title at The Great American Bash and promptly beat Eddie Guerrero for the belt in one of the bloodiest matches in WWE history.
John ended up starting “JBL’s Cabinet” after his career defining win and went on to hold the belt for ten months.
The thing is, much like Yokozuna, Layfield needed help in almost every single one of his title defenses.
The guy never got a clean win and sometimes just lost by disqualification.
Could have been a better champion, but the WWE chose to go a different route.
It’s crazy to see where JBL started and then look at all he accomplished.
WWE Title Reign:
Won It—2004 The Great American Bash- Jun. 27, 2004—Beat Eddie Guerrero
Lost It—Wrestlemania 21- April. 3, 2005—Lost to John Cena
Reign Length:
Ten months
Video:
Bradshaw does the impossible.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtU1F63QzRQ
Amount Of Heavyweight Titles: 3
Stats:
1x World Heavyweight Champion
2x WCWWE Champion
All hail King BoooKAAHHH! Come on, seriously, who didn’t love Booker’s hilarious promos as a “King?”
This “King” gimmick helped Booker get out of the mid-cards and finally win the World Heavyweight Championship.
At The Great American Bash, Booker faced fan favorite Rey Mysterio for the belt. With the help of Chavo Guerrero, Booker took control of the SmackDown Kingdom.
It was a good reign as champion; Booker held it for an impressive four months.
However, this wasn’t his first taste of Heavyweight gold in the WWE. No, Booker actually became the first ever “WCWWE” Champion. In other words, the first ever WCW Champion under the control of the WWE.
Booker won the belt on the last ever episode of WCW Monday Night Nitro and was Champion for four months.
Booker had one more reign as WCWWE Champion, but this reign only lasted three weeks
WCWWE Title Reigns:
Won It—Monday Night Nitro- Mar. 26, 2001—Beat Scott Steiner
Lost It—Monday Night Raw- Jul. 26, 2001—Lost to Kurt Angle
Won It—Thursday Night SmackDown- Jul. 30, 2001—Beat Kurt Angle
Lost It—2001 SummerSlam- Aug. 19, 2001—Lost to The Rock
WCWWE Reign Length(s):
First Reign: Four months
Second Reign: Three weeks
World Title Reign:
Won It—2006 The Great American Bash- Jul. 23, 2006—Beat Rey Mysterio
Won It—2006 Survivor Series- Nov. 26, 2006—Lost to Batista
World Title Reign Length:
Four months
Video:
King Booker beats Rey Mysterio.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOnaL0e5m4o
Amount Of Heavyweight Titles: 1
Stats:
1x World Heavyweight Champion
At Wrestlemania 20, Benoit at long last was given the World Heavyweight Championship after he beat Shawn Michaels and Triple H.
The three great entertainers gave the match of the year at Wrestlemania. All three had terrific showings and clearly brought their A-Game.
After Benoit won the title, he had a good run as the Champion. He actually held the belt for an impressive five months.
He gave regular Benoit performances in his time as the Champion, beating opponents like Triple H, Chris Jericho, Edge, Shawn Michaels, and others, as the champ.
Benoit ended up losing the strap to Randy Orton, and never won another Heavyweight Championship.
World Title Reign:
Won It—Wrestlemainia 20- Feb. 14, 2004—Beat Shawn Michaels
Lost It—2004 SummerSlam- Aug. 15, 2004—Lost to Randy Orton
Reign Length:
Five months
Video:
Benoit wins the World Title in this clip.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFaY2LysFDE
Amount of Heavyweight Titles: 1
Stats:
1x WWE Champion
When “Big Sexy” Kevin Nash was off playing the “Diesel” character, the guy cemented himself in the record books as one of the longest reigning WWE Champions in WWE history.
Diesel was Bret Harts replacement at a WWE live event match against Bob Backland.
Backland was the current WWE Champion and only three days prior had an upset victory over “The Hitman” Bret Hart.
Bob put his WWE Championship on the line against a man that out weighed him by over 50 pounds, a man that was over 5 inches taller then him, and a man that had never tasted the WWE title yet.
You’d think that the crafty veteran could pull SOMETHING out of the hat, right?
Actually, not only did he lose, but it was probably the worst WWE Championship match of all time.
Diesel came in the ring, blasted him with the lethal “Jack-Knife Powerbomb,” then went for the cover and got himself the richest prize in sports entertainment.
Diesel had the title for a year before losing to Bret Hart.
I didn’t rank him higher because of the lack outstanding matches he had as the Champion.
WWE Title Reign:
Won It—Non-Televised WWE Live Event- Nov. 26, 1994—Beat Bob Backland
Lost It—1995 Survivor Series- Nov. 19, 1995—Lost to Bret Hart
Reign Length:
One year
Video:
Diesel makes quick work of the old Bob Backland:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mn7JBndqdNk
Amount Of Heavyweight Titles: 6
Stats:
1x WWE Champion
3x World Heavyweight Champion
2x WCWWE Champion
Lets give Chris Jericho some credit, he started his career out as an underrated Cruiserweight in WCW and became a World Champion when he came to the WWE.
Jericho got his first lick of WWE Title gold when he beat The Rock for the “WCWWE” Championship, though he didn’t hold it long (one month). Jericho proved to everyone he was a force to be reckoned with.
But the greatest achievement in Chris’s career has to be when he became the first EVER Undisputed World Champion, defeating both The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin in the same night, making a little history.
Jericho would go on to hold the Undisputed Championship close to four months, and in those four months beat Steve Austin, The Rock, and headlined Wrestlemania.
Jericho would rack up a few more reigns as a World Champion when he returned to the WWE in 2007.
Since his return, Jericho has added three more World Title runs to his resume, making him one of the elite performers of his generation.
Jericho would give “5 Star Matches” every time he held the title. His matches against Shawn Michaels and Triple H for the title are legendary.
WWE Title Reign:
Won It—2001 Vengeance- Dec. 9, 2001—Beat Stone Cold
Lost It—Westlemainia X8- Mar. 17, 2002—Lost to Triple H
WWE Title Reign Length:
Four months
WCWWE Title Reigns:
Won It—2001 No Mercy- Oct. 21, 2001—Beat The Rock
Lost It—Monday Night Raw- Nov. 5, 2001—Lost to The Rock
Won It—2001 Vengeance- Dec. 9, 2001—Beat The Rock
The Title was retired.
WCWWE Title Reign Length(s):
First Reign: Two weeks
Second Reign: Belt was retired the same night
World Title Reigns:
Won It—Friday Night SmackDown- Sept. 7, 2008—Beat Kane
Lost It- 2008 Cyber Sunday- Oct. 26, 2008- Lost to Batista
Won It—Monday Night Raw- Nov. 3, 2008—Beat Batista
Lost It—2008 Survivor Series- Nov. 26, 2008—Lost to John Cena
Won It—2010 Elimination Chamber- Feb. 21, 2010—Beat The Undertaker
Lost It—Friday Night SmackDown- April. 2, 2010—Lost to Jack Swagger
World Title Reign Length(s):
First Reign: Two months
Second Reign: Two and half weeks
Third Reign: One month
Video:
Chris Jericho wins the Undisputed Title, PLEASE, don’t pay attention to when Jericho is taping out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNIDaPBlJ_4
Amount of Heavyweight Titles: 3
Stats:
3x WWE Champion
The current UFC Heavyweight Champion is at #19 on the top WWE Heavyweight Champions list.
Brock made his presence known when he first arrived in the WWE, bashing on the Hardys in multiple two on one handicap matches and destroying almost everyone with the “F-5.” It was only a matter of time before “The Next Big Thing” became the next WWE Champion.
Lesnar realized his dream when he beat “The People’s Champ” at SummerSlam, a match properly named, “Brock vs. Rock”.
Lesnar got a lot better in the ring as his time with the belt increased. Just compare what he did in his early WWE days and what he did when he was in the middle of his dominance.
Brock had great bouts with The Big Show, Chris Benoit, John Cena, and The Undertaker, but no man pushed Brock quite the way Kurt Angle did. Together, Brock and Kurt headlined Wrestlemania and put on a tremendous “60-Minute Iron Man Match.”
Brock was dominate in the WWE regardless of how long he was in the company.
WWE Title Reigns:
Won It—SummerSlam 2002- Aug.25, 2002—Beat The Rock
Lost It—Survior Series 2002- Nov. 17,2002—Lost to Big Show
Won It—WrestleMainia X9- Mar. 30, 2003—Beat Kurt Angle
Lost It—Vengeance 2003- Jul. 27, 2003—Lost to Kurt Angle
Won It—SmackDown!- Sept.18, 2003—Beat Kurt Angle
Lost It—No Way Out 2004- Feb. 13, 2004—Lost to Eddie Guerrero
Reign Length(s):
First Reign: Three months
Second Reign: Four months
Third Reign: Five months
Video:
Brock beats Kurt Angle at Wrestlemainia. A few clips.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVkzw_ZiiHM&feature=related
Amount Of Heavyweight Titles: 9
Stats:
7x WWE Champion
2x WCWWE Champion
“The People’ Champ” is #18 on my greatest champs list.
The Rock would make his WWE debut under the name Rocky Mavia. He didn’t find much success with the “All Good” gimmick, but the WWE still saw dollar signs in the athletic stud.
So, they repackage him into the “Pie Eatin, Jebroni Beatin, Kickin Ass and Takin Names, The People’s Champ,” The Rock
Dwayne Johnson’s over the top promos and ridiculous popularity almost assured him a place among the all time greats.
The Rock would beat “The Texas Rattle Snake” for his first WWE Championship and six WWE Titles. He has feuded with the best his generation has had to offer.
Everyone from Mankind to Kurt Angle, The Rock has beaten them all.
With Hollywood calling, The Rock did miss out on some long possible reigns as the Champion.
Throw in the fact that he wrestled in an era where the WWE Title was being defended so often, Rock never had a satisfying run as Champion, well, at least not long enough for his fans.
WWE Title Reigns:
Won It—1998 Survivor Series- Nov. 15, 1998—Beat Mankind
Lost It—Monday Night Raw- Jan. 4, 1999—Lost to Mankind
Won It—1999 Royal Rumble- Jan. 24, 1999—Beat Mankind
Lost It—In empty arena- Jan. 30, 1999—Lost to Mankind
Won It—1999 St. Valentine’s Day Massacre- Feb. 15, 1999—Beat Mankind
Lost It—Wrestlemainia X6- Mar. 28, 1999—Lost to Stone Cold
Won It—Backlash 2000- April. 30, 2000—Beat Triple H
Lost It—Judgement Day 2000- May. 21, 2000—Lost to Triple H
Won It—King Of The Ring 2000- Jun. 25, 2000—Beat Triple H
Lost It—No Mercy 2000- Oct. 22, 2000—Lost to Kurt Angle
Won It—No Way Out 2001- Feb 25, 2001—Beat Kurt Angle
Lost It—Wrestlemainia X7- April. 1, 2001—Lost to Stone Cold
Won It—Vengeance 2002- Jul. 21, 2002—Beat The Undertaker
Lost it—Summer Slam 2002- Aug. 25, 2002—Lost to Brock Lesnar
WWE Title Reign Length(s):
First Reign: Two months
Second Reign: Six days
Third Reign: One month and a half
Fourth Reign: One month
Fifth Reign: Four months
Sixth Reign: One month
Seventh Reign: One month
WCWWE Title Reigns:
Won It—2001 SummerSlam- Aug. 19, 2001—Beat Booker T
Lost It—2001 No Mercy- Oct. 15, 2001—Lost to Chris Jericho
Won It—Monday Night Raw- Nov. 5, 2001—Beat Chris Jericho
Lost It—2001 Vengeance- Dec. 9, 2001—Lost to Chris Jericho
WCWWE Title Reign Length(s):
First Reign: Two months
Second Reign: One month
Video:
Here is a triple threat between Rock, Angle, and Undertaker, they compete for the WWE Title.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSlHh2AD7X4
Amount Of Heavyweight Reigns: 9
Stats:
5x World Heavyweight Champion
4x WWE Champion
Here’s a fun fact: since 2006, Edge has won more WWE World Championships then any other wrestler in that time period.
The “Rated R Superstar’s” rise to the top has been well documented.
After competing in the tag team scene for years, Edge built a reputation in the mid-cards, capturing multiple IC Championships, and winning the “Money In The Bank” case.
Edge finally used the precious case he won at Wrestlemania 21 on John Cena, finally obtaining the Championship that he desperately needed to make his career “special.”
Edge never really had a great reign. He needed help in a few of his title matches and his reigns were cut short, thanks in part to John Cena.
But nine Heavyweight Titles and countless “Five Star Matches”, give him my #17 spot.
WWE Title Reigns:
Won It—2006 New Year’s Revolution- Jam. 8, 2006—Beat John Cena
Lost It—2006 Royal Rumble- Jan. 29, 2006—Lost to John Cena
Won It—Monday Night Raw- Jul. 3, 2006—Beat Rob Van Dam
Lost it—2006 Unforgiven Sept. 17, 2006—Lost to John Cena
Won It—2008 Survivor Series- Nov. 23, 2008—Beat Triple H
Lost to—2008 Armageddon- Dec. 14, 2008—Lost to Jeff Hardy
Won It—2009 Royal Rumble- Jan. 25, 2009—Beat Jeff Hardy
Lost It—2009 Elimination Chamber- Feb. 15, 2009—Lost to Triple H
WWE Title Reign Length(s):
First Reign: Two and half weeks
Second Reign: Two months
Third Reign: Two and half weeks
Fourth Reign: One month
World Title Reigns:
Won It—Friday Night SmackDown- May. 8, 2007—Beat Undertaker
Lost It—Jul. 17, 2007—Forfeit due to injury.
Won It—Armageddon 2007- Dec. 16, 2007—Beat Batista
Lost It—Wrestlemania XVII- Mar. 30, 2008—Lost to the Undertaker
Won It—2008 One Night Stand- Jun. 1, 2008—Beat The Undertaker
Lost It—Monday Night Raw- Jun. 30, 2008—Lost to CM Punk
Won It—2009 Elimination Chamber- Feb. 15, 2009—Beat John Cena
Lost It—Wrestlemania 25- April. 5, 2009—Lost to John Cena
Won It—2009 Backlash- April. 26, 2009—Beat John Cena
Lost It—2009 Extreme Rules- Jun. 27, 2009—Lost to Jeff Hardy
World Title Reign Length(s):
First Reign: Two months
Second Reign: Four months
Third Reign: Two and half weeks
Fourth Reign: Two months
Video:
Edge shocks the world and cashes his case in, on John Cena.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhAie9OyAew
Amount Of Heavyweight Titles: 1
Stats:
1x WWE Champion
Being a boy that was basically raised on World Championship Wrestling, it was very hard for me to root for any WWE stars in the 80’s and 90’s.
But for some godly reason, whenever I saw The Ultimate Warrior I found myself jumping up and down.
Some may call him a bit overrated, but I say the guy was at least better than Hulk Hogan.
And he proved me right when he defeated Hogan at Wrestlemainia VI, becoming the first man to hold both the IC and WWE Titles at the same time.
I would definitely put his WWE Title win in the top three or four all time WWE Championship victories. The guy was going against the monster known as HULKAMANIA—when the Hulkster was at his peek!
Warrior held the title for a outstanding ten months. In that time period he pretty much dominated his opponents and picked up clean wins.
WWE Title Reign:
Won It—Wrestlemania VI- April. 1, 1990—Beat Hulk Hogan
Lost It—1991 Royal Rumble- Jan. 19, 1991—Lost to Sgt. Slaughter
Reign Length:
10 months
Video:
The Ultimate Warrior makes a little history.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wjwONseb4o
Amount Of Heavyweight Titles: 6
Stats:
5x WWE Champion
1x World Heavyweight Champion
Very hard to believe that someone who isn’t even 30 years of age has built the legacy that Randy Orton has.
No one doubted that Orton was destined for greatness, we all just wanted to know how quickly he would become World Champion.
Well, while some students are finishing up college, Randy Orton became the youngest World Heavyweight Champion at the tender age of 24.
Orton has always had a mean streak, but his violent nature was raised to a whole other level when he started feuding with rivals like John Cena and Triple H.
“The Age Of Orton” would be at it’s peek in 2008 when Orton headlined Wrestlemania, held the gold for the majority of the year, and got clean wins over John Cena.
WWE Title Reigns:
Won It—2007 No Mercy- Oct. 7, 2007—John Cena forfeit due to injury
Lost It—2007 No Mercy- Oct. 7, 2007—Lost to Triple H
Won It—2007 No Mercy- Oct. 7, 2007—Beat Triple H
Lost It—2008 Backlash- April. 27, 2008—Lost to Triple H
Won It—2009 Backlash- April. 26, 2009—Beat Triple H
Lost It—2009 Extreme Rules- Jun. 6, 2009—Lost to Batista
Won It—Monday Night Raw- Jun. 15, 2009—Beat John Cena
Lost It—2009 Breaking Point- Sept. 13, 2009—Lost to John Cena
Won It—2009 Hell In The Cell- Oct. 4, 2009—Beat John Cena
Lost It—2009 Bragging Rights- Oct. 25, 2009—Lost to John Cena
WWE Title Reign Length(s):
First reign: A few minutes
Second Reign: Seven months
Third Reign: One month
Fourth: Three months
Fifth Reign: Two and half weeks
World Title Reign:
Won It—2004 SummerSlam- Aug. 15, 2004—Beat Chris Benoit
Lost It—2004 Unforgiven- Sept. 12, 2004—Lost to Triple H
World Title Reign Length:
One month
Video:
Randy Orton becomes the youngest World Heavyweight Champion in WWE history.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVvX7948YY4
Amount Of Heavyweight Titles: 6
Stats:
4x WWE Champion
1x World heavyweight Champion
1x WCWWE Champion
The best damn professional wrestler in the world? Probably.
Love him or hate him, there’s no denying the phenomenal talent and champion that Kurt Angle was for the WWE.
Blessed with Olympic level athleticism, Angle won a magnificent six Heavyweight Titles with the company.
It can often be argued who had the greatest rookie season in WWE history. Well, Angle captured one of his six Heavyweight belts in his rookie year, beating The Rock.
Kurt was most likely at the top of his game around 2003, when he and Brock Lesnar lit the stage on fire in their great matches.
To this day, I still think the “Iron Man Match” Brock and Angle had is one of the most underrated of all time.
Kurt faced everyone as the champion; The Rock ,Steve Austin, Undertaker, Brock Lesnar, Big Show, Triple H, Chris Benoit, and Randy Orton; the man is a living legend.
WWE Title Reigns:
Won It—2000 No Mercy- Oct. 22, 2000—Beat The Rock
Lost It—2001 No Way Out- Feb. 25, 2001—Lost to The Rock
Won It—2001 Unforgiven- Sept. 23, 2001—Beat Stone Cold
Lost It—Monday Night Raw- Oct. 8, 2001—Lost to Stone Cold
Won It—2002 Armageddon- Dec. 15, 2002—Beat Big Show
Lost It—Wrestlemainia X9- Mar. 30, 2003—Lost to Brock lesnar
Won It—2003 Vengeance- Jul. 27, 2003—Beat Brock Lesnar
Lost It—Thursday Night SmackDown- Sept. 18, 2003—Lost to Brock Lesnar
WWE Title Reign Length(s):
First Reign: Four months
Second Reign: Two and half weeks
Third Reign: Four months
Fourth Reign: Two months
World Title Reign:
Won It—Friday Night SmackDown- Jan. 10, 2006—Won Battle Royal
Lost It—Wrestlemainia 22- April. 2, 2006—Lost to Rey Mysterio
World Title Reign Length:
Thee months
WCWWE Title Reign:
Won It—Monday Night Raw- Jul. 24, 2001—Beat Booker T
Lost It—Thursday Night SmackDown- Jul. 30, 2001—Lost to Booker T
WCWWWE Title Reign Length:
Six days
Video:
Kurt Angle wins the World Heavyweight Championship
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iC9TqlTb3o
Amount Of Heavyweight Titles: 7
Stats:
4x WWE Champion
3x World Heavyweight Champion
“The Phenom,” The Undertaker and his seven reigns as the World Champ, get him the #13 ranking.
Perhaps no wrestler has ever stood the test of time quite like “The Deadman.” Making his debut in the early 90’s, we could have seen this guy’s gimmick completely flop and make him the biggest laughing stock in WWE history.
But that’s not exactly what happened now is it? He played his persona to perfection, and over his career has beaten everyone there is to beat.
Undertaker’s first WWE Title reign was cut short thanks to “Superman’ Hulk Hogan, and it wouldn’t be until six years later, that he got his second World Title.
The Undertaker has received a couple of five month reigns as champion and has always honorably defended the title every time he had the strap.
The Undertaker’s biggest rival for the World Championship might be his most underrated, Edge. Both battled it out for the gold on numerous occasions, “The Deadman” usually besting “The Rated R Superstar”.
World Title Reigns:
Won It—Wrestlemainia 23- April. 1, 2007—Beat Batista
Lost It—Friday Night SmackDown- May.8, 2007—Lost to Edge
Won It—Wrestlemainia XXIV- Mar. 30. 2008—Beat Edge
Lost It—2008 One Night Stand- May. 2, 2008—Lost to Edge
Won It—2009 Hell In The Cell- Oct. 4, 2009—Beat CM Punk
Lost It—2010 Elimination Chamber- Feb. 21, 2010—Lost to Chris Jericho
World Title Reign Length(s):
First Reign: One month
Second Reign: Two months
Third Reign: Five months
WWE Title Reigns:
Won It—1991 Survivor Series- Nov. 27, 1991—Beat Hulk Hogan
Lost it—Live Event- Dec. 3, 1991—Lost to Hulk Hogan
Won It—Wrestlemainia 13- Mar. 23, 1997—Beat Sid
Lost It—1991 SummerSlam- Aug. 3, 1997—Lost to Bret Hart
Won It—1999 Over The Edge- May. 23, 1999—Beat Stone Cold
Lost It—1999 King Of The Ring- Jun. 28, 1999—Lost to Stone Cold
Won It—2002 Judgment Day- May. 19, 2002—Beat Hulk Hogan
Lost It—2002 Vengeance- Jul. 21, 2002—Lost to The Rock
WWE Title Reign Length(s):
First Reign: Six days
Second Reign: Five months
Third Reign: One month
Fourth Reign: Two months
Video:
The Undertaker wins the WWE Title for the first time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qyh4uT5ot98
Amount Of Heavyweight Titles: 6
Stats:
4x World Heavyweight Champion
2x WWE Champion
Former WWE powerhouse Dave Batista was the model for what a classic Heavyweight Champion looked like: great muscle build, a ripped abdomen, and just built like a tank.
Dave was the second biggest star in the WWE from Wrestlemania 21 to his departure from the promotion.
During his time, he accumulated six Heavyweight Championships. His most successful reign came when he defeated Triple H at Wrestlemania, and then went on to hold it for a jaw dropping nine months.
However, big Dave’s career slowed down due to injuries, mixed in with bad use in story lines. Ultimately, his career tailed off during the end of his time with the WWE.
Regardless, Dave still was a better champion then most, and should get this spot, at least in my mind.
World Title Reigns:
Won It—Wrestlemainia 21- April. 3, 2005—Beat Triple H
Lost It—Jan. 10, 2006- Forfeit due to injury.
Won It—2006 Survivor Series- Nov. 26, 2006—Beat King Booker
Lost It—Wrestlemainia 23- April. 24, 2007—Lost to The Undertaker
Won It—2007 Unforgiven- Sept. 16, 2007—Beat The Great Khali
Lost It—2007 Armageddon- Dec. 16, 2007—Lost to Edge
Won It—2008 Cyber Sunday- Oct. 26, 2008—Beat Chris Jericho
Lost It—Monday Night Raw- Nov. 23, 2008—Lost to Chris Jericho
World Title Reign Length(s):
First Reign: Nine months
Second Reign: Five months
Third Reign: Three months
Fourth Reign: A week
WWE Title Reigns:
Won It—2009 Extreme Rules- Jun. 7, 2009—Beat Randy Orton
Lost It—Jun. 9, 2009- Forfeit due to injury
Won It—2010 Elimination Chamber- Feb. 21, 2010—Beat John Cena
Lost It—Wrestlemainia 26- Mar. 28, 2010—Lost to John Cena
WWE Title Reign Length(s):
First Reign: Two days
Second Reign: One month
Video:
Batista beats Triple H at Wrestlemainia.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b90dcQrTfh4&feature=related
Amount Of Heavyweight Titles: 1
Stats:
1x WWE Champion
The ever popular Superstar Billy Graham just misses out on the top 10.
Billy clearly broke barriers when he became the first ever “heel” Heavyweight Champion in WWE history who held the belt for a significant amount of time.
Graham’s amazing strength and body build paved the way for guys like Scott Steiner, Triple H, Batista, The Undertaker, Kane, and many other high profile powerhouse wrestlers.
Graham sent shockwaves through the business when he beat crowd favorite Bruno Sammartino, for the WWE Championship.
Yep, Billy was a true pioneer in the wrestling biz.
WWE Title Reign:
Won It—WWE Live Event- April. 30 ,1977—Beat Bruno Sammartino
Lost It—WWE Live Event- Feb. 30, 1998—Lost to Bob Backland
Reign Length:
Ten months
Video:
I’m sorry, I couldn’t find the match were Billy won the WWE Title.
Amount Of Heavyweight Titles: 1
Stats:
1x WWE Champion
My old man used to tell me a few stories about how Pedro Morales was the biggest thing since sliced bread back in the day; about how he was one of the most beloved WWE superstars to ever lace up a pair of boots for the McMahon family.
The first ever Hispanic WWE Champion, Pedro Morales truly broke new ground when he beat Ivan Koloff for the belt back in 1971. Koloff only held the belt for about two and half weeks.
Pedro had a decent reign as the champ, you know, only holding it for 2 YEARS.
WWE Title Reign:
Won It—WWE Live Event- Feb. 8, 1971—Beat Ivan Koloff
Lost It—WWE Live Event- Dec. 1, 1973—Lost to Stan Stasiak
Reign Length:
Two years
Video:
I’m sorry, I couldn’t find footage of Perdo winning the WWE Title
Amount Of Heavyweight Titles: 9
Stats:
7x WWE Champion
2x World Heavyweight Champion
So I answered my question. Is John Cena the greatest WWE Heavyweight Champion EVER? No, well at least not yet anyway.
Cena has become the WWE Champion a spectacular seven times in the 21st Century. He has also become a two time World Heavyweight Champion.
The man has feuded with many of the best the WWE has had to offer during his tenure as the champ; from Kurt Angle to Triple H to Randy Orton, Cena has taken on all comers.
Long title reigns and clean wins only help his cause.
The thing that drags him down for me is his matches simply aren’t entertaining to me anymore, they are boring and predictable.
Cena could be #1 when his career is all over, just don’t expect it.
WWE Title Reigns:
Won It—Wrestlemainia 21- April. 3, 2005—Beat JBL
Lost It—New Years Revolution 2006- Jan. 8, 2006—Lost to Edge
Won It—Royal Rumble 2006- Jan. 24, 2006—Beat Edge
Lost It—ECW One Night Stand- Jun. 11, 2006—Lost to RVD
Won It—Unforgiven 2006- Sept. 17., 2006—Beat Edge
Lost It—No Mercy 2007- Oct. 7, 2007- Forfeit due to injury
Won It—Breaking Point 2009- Sept. 13, 2009—Beat Randy Orton
Lost It—Hell In The Cell 2009- Oct. 4, 2009—Lost to Randy Orton
Won It—Bragging Rights 2009- Oct. 25, 2009—Beat Randy Orton
Lost It—TLC 2009- Dec. 13, 2009—Lost to Sheamus
Won It—Elimination Chamber 2010- Feb. 21, 2010—Beat Sheamus
Lost It—Elimination Chamber 2010- Feb. 21, 2010—Lost to Batista
Won It—Wrestlemainia 26- Mar. 28, 2010—Beat Batista.
Lost It—Fatal 4-Way- May. 20, 2010—Lost to Sheamus
Reign Length(s):
First Reign- Nine and a half months
Second Reign- five months
Third Reign- A year and one month
Fourth Reign- One month
Fifth Reign- One month
Sixth Reign- 10 minutes
Seventh Reign- Three months
World Title Reign:
Won It—2008 Survivor Series- Nov. 23, 2008—Beat Chris Jericho
Lost It—2009 Elimination Chamber- Feb. 15, 2009—Lost to Edge
Won It—Wrestlemainia 25- April.5, 2009—Beat Edge
Lost It—2009 Backlash- April. 26, 2009—Lost to Edge
World Title Reign Length(s):
First Reign: Three months
Second Reign: Two and half weeks
Video:
Final minutes of Shawn Micahels vs. John Cena at Wrestlemania
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUGuLYimJdQ&feature=related
Amount Of Heavyweight Titles: 2
Stats:
2x WWE Champion
The man that examplified everything that is “MACHO” is number eight on my list.
Who didn’t love this guy?
“Macho Man” was just one of those guys that kept you interested throughout his entire match. A tremendous in-ring worker, Savage made everyone from Hulk Hogan to Sgt. Slaughter look fine and polished in the ring.
Accompanied by the beautiful Miss. Elizabeth, Savage went on to headline multiple Wrestlemania’s and win two WWE Championships.
The first came at the expense of Ted Dibiase. It was a wild match up, but with a little help from Hulk Hogan, Savage hit his brilliant “Flying Elbow Drop” and won the WWE Title. A reign which lasted over a year.
The only wrestler to push Randy to the best of his abilities besides Ricky Steambost, was Ric Flair. The two headlined SummerSlam and left the fans fully satisfied.
Though Randy only had two reigns with the belt, for him to have such successful runs in a time where Hulk Hogan, The Ultimate Warrior, Ted Dibiase, and others were lurking around, I think Savage proved what a great champion he was.
WWE Title Reigns:
Won It—Wrestlemania IV- Mar. 27, 1988—Beat Ted Dibiase
Lost It—Wrestlemania V- April. 8, 1989—Lost to Hulk Hogan
Won It—Wrestlemainia VIII- April. 5, 1992—Beat Ric Flair
Lost It—1992 SummerSlam- Sept. 1, 1992—Lost to Ric Flair
Reign Length(s):
First Reign: One year and One month
Second Reign: Five months
Video:
Here’s an instant classic between Ric Flair and Macho Man.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_wHLpS-rz0&feature=related
Amount Of Heavyweight Titles: 6
Stats:
6x WWE Champion
The face of the “Attitude Era,” Stone Cold Steve Austin proved himself as one of the best ever in his heyday.
Though Austin never had a WWE Title reign that challenged John Cena’s one year run as the champ, Austin, without a doubt, brought some “Stone Cold Prestige” to the WWE Title in his six solid reigns.
Austin delivered a promo saying he was going to kick your ass, then the PPV came around and he kicked your ass and walked out with the WWE Title. Just a normal day at the office for Steve Austin.
He was a champion who was just fun to watch. You never knew what insane “anti-hero” stunts the guy was going to pull.
He never needed any help retaining the WWE Championship.
Steve led the charge of the “brawlers” in the late 90’s. Austin wasn’t going to over complicate the match by doing different “toe-holds” and “arm locks,” he got in the ring and was throwing punches.
And this type of wrestling style clearly worked out for the “Rattle Snake.” He went on to headline Wrestlemania multiple times and he posted tremendous matches with Bret Hart, Undertaker, The Rock, Triple H, Mankind, Kane, and Shawn Micahels and he beat the crap out of all of them, just to let you know.
WWE Title Reigns:
Won It—Wrestlemania XIV- Mar. 29, 1998—Beat Shawn Michaels
Lost It—1998 King Of The Ring- Jun. 28, 1998—Lost to Kane
Won It—Monday Night Raw- Jun. 29, 1998—Beat Kane
Lost It—Sept. 27, 1998- Mr. McMahon vacates the WWE Title
Won It—Wrestlemainia XV- Mar. 28, 1999—Beat The Rock
Lost It—1999 Over The Edge- May. 23, 1999—Lost to Undertaker
Won It—Monday Night Raw- Jun. 28, 1999—Beat Undertaker
Lost It—1999 SummerSlam- Aug. 22, 1999—Lost to Mankind
Won It—Wrestlemainia X7- April. 1, 2001—Beat The Rock
Lost It—2001 Unforgiven- Sept. 23, 2001—Lost to Kurt Angle
Won It—Monday Night Raw- Oct. 8, 2001—Beat Kurt Angle
Lost It—2001 Vengeance- Dec. 9, 2001—Lost Chris Jericho
World Title Reign Length(s):
First Reign: Three months
Second Reign: Five months
Third Reign: Two months
Fourth Reign: Two months
Fifth Reign: Six months
Sixth Reign: Two months
Video:
Steve Austin destroys Rock at Wrestlemania X7
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pl7TTv3hKL0
Amount Of Heavyweight Titles: 4
Stats:
3x WWE Champion
1x World Heavyweight Champion
Even if you were never a fan of the WWE or Shawn Michaels, I think you have to feel something in the bottom of your heart when “The boyhood dream, came true, for Shawn Michaels”
At “The Grandest Stage of Them All” Shawn Michaels realized his dream and defeated Bret Hart for the WWE Championship in one of, if not THE most, celebrated matches of all time
Michaels proved his worth as the champ with a phenomenal eight month run as the champ. In that time, he feuded with legends like Sid, Bret Hart, The Undertaker, and Diesel, just to name a few.
Michaels’ most memorable WWE Title win would probably have to be at the 1997 Survivor Series when he helped “screw” Bret Hart.
Another good title reign, which lasted five months.
Though Michaels didn’t have WWE Titles thrown at him like candy, I do feel he should be this high because of all the memorable performances and moments he gave to the fans.
WWE Title Reigns:
Won It—’96 Wrestlemania- Mar. 31, 1996—Beat Bret Hart
Lost It—1996 Survivor Series- Nov. 17, 1996—Lost to Sid
Won It—1997 Royal Rumble- Jan. 19, 1997—Beat Sid
Lost It—Vacated title due to injuries
Won It—1997 Survivor Series- Nov. 9, 1997—Beat Bret Hart
Won It—Wrestlemania XIV- Mar. 29, 1998—Lost to Stone Cold
WWE Title Reign Length(s):
First Reign: Eight months
Second Reign: One month
Third Reign: Five months
World Title Reigns:
Won It—2002 Survivor Series- Nov. 17, 2002—Beat Triple H
Lost It—2002 Armageddon 2002- Dec. 15, 2002—Lost to Triple H
World Title Reign Length:
One month
Video:
The boyhood dream has come true
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alPU3pCmAAg
Amount Of Heavyweight Titles: 2
Stats:
2x WWE Champion
Over a 30 year career in pro wrestling you have to assume Bob Backlund would have become WWE Champion somewhere down the line.
Will consider this: in a 30 year career, he spent five years as the WWE Champion, all in one title reign.
Backlund, a natural born “babyface,” defeated hated WWE Champion Superstar Billy Graham to win the gold.
Backlund was blessed with fine mat wrestling skills and was able to incorporate that into numerous starstudded efforts against men like Ric Flair, Iron Sheik, Don Muraco, and other top notch performers.
Bob lost his first title because of an injured back and would wait more then a decade before getting a second title reign.
His time as the champ was very controversial. There were scandals of him actually losing matches where the WWE Title was on the line, but the WWE never acknowledged the title change.
Still, if you had the belt for over 5 years, I’m sure you were doing something right.
WWE Title Reigns:
Won It—WWE Live Event- Feb. 20, 1978—Beat Stan Stasiak
Lost It—WWE Live Event- Dec. 28, 1983—Lost to Iron Sheik
Won It—1994 Survivor Series- Nov. 24, 1994—Beat Bret Hart
Lost It—WWE Live Event- Nov. 26, 1994—Lost to Diesel
WWE Title Reign Length(s):
First Reign: Five years
Second Reign: Three days
Video:
I couldn’t find the match where Backland won the WWE Title, but I found this follow up interview.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUPM_d72zoI
Amount Of Heavyweight Titles: 5
Stats:
5x WWE Champion
Before there was a Stone Cold or John Cena, there was Hulk Hogan, the biggest superstar to ever be created by the WWE, and quite frankly, maybe the best known pro wrestler on the planet.
As a child, it was very hard not to fall for Hogan’s character. He was an indestructible super hero who represented justice, pride, and everything America was all about.
After a less then successful run with the company in 1979, Hogan was brought back by Vince McMahon for one more chance.
This time, with the new “Hulkamainia” gimmick, he went on to become not only a legend, but one of best champions the WWE ever saw.
Hulk gave pro wrestling fans one of the best scenes in history when he “body slammed” Andre The Giant, and then used his big ol’ ‘legdrop”.
Hulk was a five time WWE Champion.
WWE Title Reigns:
Won It—WWE Live Event- Jan. 23, 1984—Beat The Iron Sheik
Lost It—WWE The Main Event- Feb. 5, 1988—Lost to Andre The Giant
Won It—Wrestlemania V- April. 2, 1989—Beat Randy Savage
Lost It—Wrestlemania VI- April. 1, 1990—Lost to The Ultimate Warrior
Won It—Wrestlemania VII- Mar. 24, 1991—Beat Sgt. Slaughter
Lost It—1991 Survivor Series- Nov. 27, 1991—Lost to Undertaker
Won It—WWE Live Event- Dec. 3, 1991—Beat Undertaker
Lost It—Dec. 4, 1991- Title was vacated
Won It—Wrestlemania XI- April. 4, 1993—Beat Yokozuna
Lost It—1993 King Of The Ring- Jun. 13, 1993—Lost to Yokozuna
Won It—2002 Backlash- April. 21, 2002—Beat Triple H
Lost It—2002 Vengeance- May. 19, 2002—Lost to Undertaker
WWE Title Reign Length(s):
First Reign: Four years
Second Reign: One year
Third Reign: Seven months
Fourth Reign: One day
Fifth Reign: Two months
Sixth Reign: One month
Video:
Hulk beats The Iron Sheik
Amount Of Heavyweight Titles: 5
Stats:
5x WWE Champion
When the icon Hulk Hogan was dropping hints of possible retirement, the WWE front management were scrambling across their roster looking for the next “Superstar.”
They would have to look no further “Then the best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be,” Bret Hart.
Along with The Ultimate Warrior, Hart was one of the very few WWE wrestlers that made me watch WWE on occasion. His whole “Hitman” appearance, with the pink and black, was “cool” enough to win over any five year-old kid.
Bret raised to the main event spot when he beat Ric Flair for the WWE Championship. Hart would hold the belt for a solid six months.
Bret’s best reign as champ came when he bested Yokozuna and held the title for eight months.
WWE Title Reigns:
Won It—WWE Live Event- Oct. 12,1992—Beat Ric Flair
Lost It—Wrestlemania XI- April. 4, 1993—Lost to Yokozuna
Won It—Wrestlemainia X- Mar. 20, 1994—Beat Yokozuna
Lost It—1994 Survivor Series- Nov. 23, 1994—Lost to Bob Backlund
Won It—1995 Survivor Series- Nov. 19, 1995—Beat Diesel
Lost It—Wrestlemainia- Mar. 30, 1996—Lost to Shawn Michaels
Won It—1997 In Your House- Feb. 16, 1997—Beat Undertaker
Lost It- Monday Night Raw- Feb. 17, 1997- Lost to Sid
Won It—1997 SummerSlam- Aug. 3, 1997—Beat Undertaker
Lost It—1997 Survivor Series- Nov. 9, 1997—Lost to Shawn Mchaels
Reign Length(s):
First Reign: Six months
Second Reign: Eight months
Third Reign: Five months
Fourth Reign: One day
Fifth Reign: Three months
Video:
The Hitman Era begins
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmCoJeyJ05A
Amount Of Heavyweight Titles In WWE: 13
Stats:
8x WWE Champion
5x World Heavyweight Champion
“It’s time to play The Game”
Without a doubt, the measuring stick in the WWE, in my mind, if you can hang with “The Game,” you’ll make it somewhere, just ask Sheamus.
Triple H is the only man in WWE history to have won more then ten World Championships, the first ever World Heavyweight Champion, and he has held the WWE Championship more times then anyone.
Remarkably, seven of his thirteen title reigns, would last either three months or more.
Some question how much work he actually put in to become the star he is—he is married to the bass’s daughter after all.
But someone with the physical build and intensity of “The Game” wouldn’t be a mid-carder his entire career.
During his prime, he won the World Title from men like The Rock, Stone Cold, Mankind, Chris Jericho, and Shawn Michaels just to name a few.
WWE Title Reigns:
Won It—Monday Night Raw- Aug. 23, 1999—Beat Mankind
Lost It—Thursday Night SmackDown- Sept. 16, 1999—Lost to Mr. McMahon
Won It—Sept. 26, 1999- McMahon forfeits
Lost It—1999 Survivor Series- Nov. 14, 1999—Lost to Big Show
Won It—Monday Night Raw- Jan.3, 2000—Beat Big Show
Lost It—Backlash 2000- April. 30, 2000—Lost to The Rock
Won It—Judgement Day 2000- May. 21, 2000—Beat The Rock
Lost It—King Of The Ring 2000- Jun. 25, 2000—Lost to The Rock
Won It—Wrestlemainia X8- Mar. 21, 2002—Beat Chris Jericho
Lost It—Backlash 2002- April. 27, 2002—Lost to Hulk Hogan
Won It—No Mercy 2007- Oct. 21, 2007—Beat Randy Orton
Lost It—No Mercy 2007- Oct. 21, 2007—Lost to Randy Orton
Won It—Backlash 2008- April. 28, 2008—Beat Randy Orton
Lost It—Survivor Series 2008- Nov. 23, 2008—Lost to Edge
Won It—Elimination Chamber 2009- Feb. 15, 2009—Beat Edge
Lost It—Backlash 2009- April. 26, 2009—Lost to Randy Orton
WWE Title Reign Length(s):
First Reign- Four months
Second Reign- One month
Third Reign- One month
Fourth Reign- An hour
Fifth Reign- Seven months
Sixth Reign- Two months
World Title Reigns:
Won It—Monday Night Raw- Sept. 2, 2002—Crowned first ever champ
Lost It—2002 Survivor Series- Nov. 17, 2002—Lost to Shawn Michaels
Won It—2002 Armageddon- Dec. 15, 2002—Beat Shawn Michaels
Lost It—2003 Unforgiven- Sept. 21, 2003—Lost to Goldberg
Won It—2003 Armageddon- Dec. 14, 2003—Beat Goldberg
Lost It—Wrestlemania 20- Mar. 14, 2003—Lost to Chris Benoit
Won It—2004 Unforgiven- Aug. 15, 2004—Beat Randy Orton
Lost It—Monday Night Raw- Sept. 12, 2004—Vacated title
Won It—2005 New Year’s Revolution- Jan. 9, 2005—Beat Randy Orton
Lost It—Wrestlemania 21- April. 3, 2005—Lost to Batista
World Title Reign Length(s):
First Reign: Three months
Second Reign: Ten months
Third Reign: Four months
Fourth Reign: Three months
Fifth Reign:Four months
Video:
The first time Triple H won the WWE Title
Amount Of Heavyweight Titles: 2
Stats:
2x WWE Champion
“The Living Legend” as everyone properly calls him. Bruno Sammartino will end our list as the number one WWE World Champion of all time.
Consider this: the WWE Title has been around for 47 years, and this man alone has held it for 11 years of it’s history.
Looked at as a larger then life performer, Bruno Sammartino still holds the record for most sell-outs at Madison Square Garden with a spectacular 187.
Sammartinos’ first title reign was eight years. He beat the first ever WWE Champion Buddy Rogers and built up years of prestige into the belt.
Bruno’s second WWE Title came against Stan Stasiak, who he dominated in the match. He went on to hold that belt for a jaw dropping three years.
Bruno was the man.
WWE Title Reigns:
Won It—WWE Live Event- May. 17, 1963—Beat Buddy Rogers
Lost It—WWE Live Event- Jan. 18, 1971—Lost to Ivan Koloff
Won It—WWE Live Event- Dec. 10, 1973—Beat Stan Stasiak
Lost It—WWE Live Event- April. 1976—Lost to Superstar Billy Graham
Reign Length(s):
First Reign: Eight years
Second Reigns: Three years
Video:
Rare short clip of Bruno beating Buddy Rogers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvlIgBnypDM
