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Throughout WWE history, the WWE Championship has been the pinnacle of success. Moreover, it has motivated wrestlers to achieve their absolute best in their careers. In the 1980s, Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage traded the championship. In the 1990s, things changed. Names like Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, and Stone Cold battled over the prestigious prize. Since the year 2000, a plethora of recognizable names held the WWE Championship.
Presently Daniel Bryan has risen to become champion once again. He defeated AJ Styles on SmackDown Live. At TLC 2018 they will collide to decide who will be WWE Champion.
However, considering its lineage, it makes you wonder how certain wrestlers would have fared as champion. Let's explore a few wrestlers who deserved to be WWE Champion but never had the opportunity.
# 4. Mr. Perfect
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Curt Hennig, known as Mr. Perfect, was arguably one of the greatest performers in the industry. He worked for numerous promotions throughout his career. He is mostly recognized for his tenures in WWE and WCW. Overall he won several championships. Moreover, was one of the greatest technical wrestlers.
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During his second tenure at WWE, Hennig began his rise to prominence in 1988. He would become synonymous with the Intercontinental Championship, wrestling notably against Bret Hart. Even now their match at SummerSlam 1991 is highly regarded, (watch the video below). It is arguably the best Intercontinental Championship match in history.
After a longlasting tenure, Hennig departed from WWE. He went on to work a few years within WCW. In both promotions, he would perform excellently against almost every opponent. However, in 2003 Hennig sadly died. He is arguably one of greatest wrestlers in history. Unfortunately, Hennig never captured the WWE Championship. This was a shame.
# 3. Jeff Jarrett
Jeff Jarrett is perhaps one of the most underrated wrestling talents in the industry. Whether as a promoter, wrestler, booker, or businessman, he has garnered immense success. Throughout his active wrestling career, he has achieved a plethora of achievements, notably having won more than 81 championships.
In 1992, Jarrett debuted in WWE and would have a successful tenure. He would win the Intercontinental Championship numerous times. Moreover, he would compete with names like Razor Ramon, Shawn Michaels, and Bret Hart. He left in 1996.
However, in 1997 Jarrett returned with a new character. Jarret would bring the NWA North American Championship to WWE. However, he also teamed with the legendary Owen Hart, (watch the video below).
Throughout his time with WWE, Jarrett enjoyed much success. However, between 2002 & 2014 Jarret performed and helped manage TNA (now Impact Wrestling). He would win multiple TNA World Championships. Reviewing Jarrett's talent, it is surprising he never captured the WWE Championship.
# 2. Wade Barrett
Presently, Stu Bennett works as an executive and commentator for World of Sport (WOS) Wrestling. However, he once performed for WWE as Wade Barrett. In 2010, Barrett would win the first-ever NXT competition. This achievement led to perhaps one of the best factions within WWE history; The Nexus.
The group consisted of several young and talented rookies. After numerous feuds, Nexus dissolved, and Barrett formed a new group - The Corre.
In 2011-2012, Barrett reached the World Championship picture. However, he was unsuccessful. Nevertheless, he proved his worth.
In following years Barrett, enjoyed multiple reigns as Intercontinental Champion. He would also win the King of the Ring tournament, leading to a new gimmick. Before departing WWE Barret performed as Bad News Barrett (watch the video below).
Throughout his tenure with WWE, Barrett was entertaining and had a fanbase. Moreover, his ring presence was memorable. Nevertheless, he failed to capture the WWE Championship, even though he had the skills necessary to be the champion. It is possible he could return. However, will Barrett ever become WWE Champion?
# 1. British Bulldog
The British Bulldog, Davey Boy Smith, was one of the best British wrestlers of all time. Having been a member of the Hart family, he had an excellent lineage. Smith's son David Hart Smith currently honors his father while performing for NJPW. Nevertheless, he has yet reached the same heights as his father.
Between 1984 & 1988 Smith wrestled alongside the late Dynamite Kid, who sadly passed away recently. They would become WWE Tag Team Champions.
From 1992 to 1997 Smith garnered much acclaim, winning the Tag Team, Intercontinental, and European Championships. Moreover, he was involved in numerous memorable moments as a member of the Hart Foundation.
Throughout his wrestling career Smith entertained fans with his immense strength and power. Moreover, he proved he could wrestle anyone (watch the video below). The unfortunate thing was Smith never captured the WWE Championship. Reviewing his career, that seemed questionable. He certainly had the ability.
