Wrestlers who’ll always remind us about the World Heavyweight Championship

As the World Heavyweight Championship is discontinued, we take a look back at the Top 10 World Heavyweight Champions since the title’s inception in September 2002.

Honorable Mentions: Chris Benoit, Goldberg, Shawn Michaels, Daniel Bryan, Jeff Hardy and Sheamus.

10. Alberto Del Rio

Del Rio won his first World Heavyweight Championship against The Big Show in a Last Man Standing match on January 8, 2013 edition of SmackDown. His second reign started when he defeated Dolph Ziggler on an episode of Raw. During these two reigns, Del Rio successfully retained his title 6 times. As a combination of these two reigns, he held the title for 223 days, which is the fourth best in the title’s history. The “Mexican Aristocrat” had been the champion for most days in 2013; the last year when we saw this title. Many of you might not like Del Rio’s inclusion in this list, but his long reigns ensure him a place here.

9. Rey Mysterio

Mysterio’s maiden Heavyweight Championship win at WrestleMania 22 came as a shock to all, but people loved to see Mysterio as the champion, which he became on two occasions, the other at Fatal 4-Way (2010). He successfully defended the title 6 times on the first occasion, but only once, the second time. The name of the title was definitely in contrast with the Mexican’s size but he emerged as one of the most loved Heavyweight champions.

8. Chris Jericho

The first ever Undisputed Champion won the ‘big gold belt’ on three different occasions. His first title win came in a Championship Scramble match on Unforgiven (2008); he lost the title to Batista from whom he won it again in less than 10 days’ time in a Steel Cage Match. His last Championship reign started at Elimination Chamber (2010) when he took over the title from The Undertaker. Jericho successfully defended the title only three times during his equal-numbered reigns, but winning the Championship from some of the best wrestlers in WWE earns Jericho a spot in this list.

7. CM Punk

The “Best in the World” had three reigns as the World Heavyweight Champion, two of which started when Punk cashed in his Money in the Bank contract and the remaining one in a Tables, Ladders and Chairs match against Jeff Hardy. Punk didn’t win the title again since 2009 but his early reigns as the World Heavyweight Champion concreted his place as a future top wrestler in WWE, which apparently he is.

6. The Undertaker

The Undertaker had three reigns as the Heavyweight Champion. His first two wins came at WrestleMania 23 and 24 against Batista and Edge respectively. His final win came against Punk at Hell in a Cell (2009) after which he never again won the title, mostly because he was no longer a regular wrestler. He successfully defended the title 11 times during his three reigns, and this ensures “The Phenom” a place in this list.

5. John Cena

Cena won his maiden Heavyweight Championship against Jericho at Survivor Series (2008). His second win came at the 25^th anniversary of WrestleMania in a Triple Threat Match against Edge and Big Show. His third and final reign is also the current one and the last run of the title. Cena could successfully defend the title only four times, but still emerged as a strong Heavyweight Champion.

4. Randy Orton

“The Viper” won his first title against Chris Benoit at SummerSlam and became, as we all know, the youngest ever World Champion, but lost the title to Triple H within a month’s time. Orton had to wait for seven years to become the Heavyweight Champion again. His last two title reigns came from wins over Christian. The name of Randy Orton will always be mentioned whenever the title will be remembered.

3. Batista

“The Animal” Batista won his first Heavyweight Championship against Triple H at WrestleMania 21, a win which most of the fans remember very well. His maiden title reign was 282-day long, which is the longest in history. His second championship win came against ‘King Booker’ at Survivor Series (2006) which again marked a long reign (126 days). His third title win came against The Great Khali, a reign which lasted for 91 days and his last title win came against Jericho which lasted only 8 days. Batista was one of the best Heavyweight champions and will always be remembered as one.

2. Edge

The “Rated ‘R’ Superstar” had the most number of reigns (7) as the World Heavyweight Champion. In fact, he retired as the Heavyweight Champion. He successfully retained the title 15 times (second-highest). He held the title in five consecutive years, this shows that he journeyed his last professional wrestling years along with this title.

1.Triple H

Not only was “The Game” the inaugural Heavyweight Champion but also one of the most dominating. He held the title on five different occasions which combine to form a 616-day long reign, the highest in history. HHH successfully retained the title a record 27 times. In its initial years, the title was recognized with Triple H, as no matter what the case would be the title always returned to him. It was like they were meant to be with each other. And now, it’s only Triple H who had decided to discontinue the Heavyweight Championship as the new ‘Unified Championship’ takes its place, which will also replace the WWE Championship.

It was great to see the World Heavyweight Championship in the WWE for over a decade. Its inception marked the beginning of a new era in WWE, and we hope that the inception of the Unified Championship marks the beginning of a great new era in WWE.