'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
#2 Former WWE Champion Kofi Kingston
Trending
It took Kofi Kingston over 11 years before he received a shot at the top prize in the WWE. It was a lengthy and grueling journey that saw the New Day member come up short inside the Elimination Chamber and have hurdle after hurdle put in front of him by Vince McMahon. However, he withstood all the punishment and went on to WrestleMania 35 to defeat Daniel Bryan and win the WWE Championship.
Kofi Kingston's eventual defeat at the hands of Brock Lesnar, losing the WWE Title, led to his return to the tag team division and it seemed like Kofi would never get close to the top again.
Female superstar says she inspired John Cena turning heel HERE
However, this past summer saw Kofi Kingston pick up momentum again and challenge for the gold at Money In The Bank 2021. It was another tough loss as Bobby Lashley demolished him.
Despite being involved in the WWE Title picture so often over the past few years, Kofi Kingston has found himself on the outside looking in on contending for the Universal Championship.
It looked like Kofi would get a shot on the RAW after WrestleMania 35 in a Winner Takes All Match against Seth Rollins. While the bout did get underway, it was ended quickly as The Bar interferred. Till now, Kofi has never had a full feud for the Universal Championship.
#1 Former 10-Time WWE Champion Randy Orton
This one will definitely surprise many fans, but Randy Orton has never been in a Universal Championship Match or a feud for the Title. The Legend Killer has been a headliner in WWE since winning the World Heavyweight Championship at SummerSlam 2004. He went on to win his first WWE Championship in 2007 and won his 14th just last year.
Randy Orton started off on the opposite brand as the Universal Title on SmackDown when the title was introduced. The Apex Predator was eventually drafted to Monday Night RAW, but that was when the Universal Championship went over to SmackDown. It was like they were passing ships in a night of sorts.
When looking at the current SmackDown roster, the list of potential challengers for Roman Reigns and the Universal Title is sparse to say the least. Randy Orton is the type of opponent who will have credibility and make fans question if there will be a title change, which has been very rare during the reign of the Tribal Chief.
Randy Orton might be remembered as one of the most decorated WWE Superstars in history. He is already recognized as a grand slam winner, but winning this last major Championship might put the cherry on top of an all-time great career. That's why Randy Orton is the most surprising former WWE Champion who has never challenged for the Universal Championship.
