WWE history is filled with incredible talents who never reached the pinnacle. Some wrestlers possessed all the necessary tools to become world champions, but fell victim to poor timing. Others were held back by backstage politics or personal issues that derailed their momentum.
The most heartbreaking cases involve performers who seemed destined for greatness but never got their moment. These wrestlers had the charisma, in-ring ability, and fan support to carry major championships. Their absence from the world champions’ picture represents missed opportunities. Here’s our countdown of the 10 greatest WWE stars who deserved to become world champions but never did.
10. British Bulldog (Davey Boy Smith)
A staple of WWE’s ’80s and ’90s roster, the British Bulldog was beloved in the UK and respected worldwide. His SummerSlam 1992 win over Bret Hart in Wembley Stadium remains legendary. He held the Intercontinental, Tag, and European Titles but never broke through to win the WWE Championship. Injuries and inconsistent booking hurt his chances.
9. Bam Bam Bigelow
Despite headlining WrestleMania XI against Lawrence Taylor, Bam Bam Bigelow never held a world title in WWE. He was an agile big man ahead of his time, with feuds against Bret Hart and Tatanka. His 1995 face turn after the LT loss hinted at a push that never materialized.
8. Rick Rude
“Ravishing” Rick Rude checked every box for a world champion. He had a major feud with Ultimate Warrior and even defeated him for the Intercontinental Title. In WCW, he became a world champion, but in WWE, he was never elevated past the upper-mid card. Injuries later curtailed his career, but his prime run deserved more.
7. Ted DiBiase
The “Million Dollar Man” was one of WWE’s top heels in the late ’80s and early ’90s. Known for his catchphrase and custom Million Dollar Championship, DiBiase’s best shot came at WrestleMania IV, where he lost the WWE Championship tournament final to Randy Savage. Despite carrying the company’s top storylines, he never officially won the world title. His attempt to purchase the belt from André the Giant remains one of WWE’s most iconic angles.
6. Mr. Perfect (Curt Hennig)
Curt Hennig’s Mr. Perfect persona was tailor-made for world championship gold. He was a standout during WWE’s New Generation era. He won the Intercontinental Title and delivered classics with Bret Hart and Ric Flair, but injuries and booking politics kept him from ever holding the WWE or World Title.
Also Read: Ranking the Top 10 WWE Superstars of the 90s
5. Scott Hall (Razor Ramon)
Scott Hall was a cornerstone of WWE’s mid-’90s era and later helped launch the nWo in WCW. While he held the Intercontinental Title four times and had memorable ladder matches with Shawn Michaels, he never got a world title run in either major promotion.
Scott Hall vs Bam Bam Bigelow in a stun gun ladder match. [Nitro 1/25/99] pic.twitter.com/zDvOxJygya
— Remembering WCW (@RememberingWCW) April 10, 2023
4. Cesaro
Cesaro won the first-ever André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal and multiple tag titles. Despite stellar performances against the likes of John Cena and Roman Reigns, he was never seriously pushed into the world title picture. Fans rallied behind him, and even Vince McMahon acknowledged his in-ring greatness but questioned his “connection.”
3. Roddy Piper
One of the biggest stars of the Rock ‘n’ Wrestling Era, Roddy Piper headlined WrestleMania I. He was arguably the most hated heel in the company, but he never held the WWE Championship. While he captured the Intercontinental Title and had legendary rivalries with Hulk Hogan and others, Piper’s anti-hero character and mic skills made him world title material long before the Attitude Era existed.
Also Read: Ranking the Top 10 WWE Intercontinental Championship Reigns of All Time
2. Owen Hart
Owen Hart’s feud with Bret Hart, including their WrestleMania X classic, proved he could thrive at the top level. He won multiple secondary titles, including the Intercontinental and Tag Team Championships, but was never given a main event run. After Bret left for WCW, many thought Owen would step up, but inconsistent booking prevented a world title reign before his tragic passing.
Which WWE star most deserved to become a world champion?
William Regal
William Regal held the Intercontinental, European, and Hardcore titles, yet never became a world champion. In 2008, he won the King of the Ring tournament and was positioned for a main event push, but a suspension derailed his momentum. Regal had the credibility, promo ability, and in-ring skill to be a believable champion. His work as Raw GM and mentor only deepened his legacy, but the top title always eluded him.
