#4 Raven
The ECW legend made the inevitable leap to the WWF's Hardcore division upon entering the company in September 2000.
Raven defeated Steve Blackman to win his first Hardcore Championship on the December 22 episode of Raw.
The former ECW World Champion would memorably defend the title in famous bouts at Wrestlemania X-7 versus Kane and Big Show and Backlash 2001 versus Rhyno.
Although he would lose both encounters, Raven played a major role in the entertainment value of both matches.
Before the belt's retirement, Raven racked up an unprecedented (and record) 27 reigns as Hardcore Champion. His final Championship run came just nine days before the belt's retirement on August 26, 2002.
Raven - the very essence of hardcore.