Throughout WWE’s iconic history, the company has produced many huge stars who would go on to win the WWE or World titles, and in some cases, become mainstream stars. However, dozens of amazing talents left lasting impressions on fans but never won a world title in the company.
With that in mind, we take a look at 10 uber-talented WWE legends who never became a top champion during their time in the promotion.
Jake Roberts
Jake “The Snake” Roberts is like many of the men on this list as a super-talented performer who was in the wrong era. His legendary finisher, the DDT, was one of the best of the 1980s. His promos could be scary and intimidating. And to this day, he is still considered one of the best ring psychologists of all time. If Roberts were around now, he for sure would have won a top championship.
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Razor Ramon
Razor Ramon should have been a WWE Champion. He was one of the most popular performers of his era and was a part of quite a few memorable matches. Unfortunately for NWO founder Scott Hall, he was blocked by pals Shawn Michaels and Diesel/Kevin Nash from ever breaking into the world title picture. Ramon inspired many future stars, including those of Latin descent, and he is one of the great “What if” tales in WWE history.
Rowdy Roddy Piper
“Rowdy” Roddy Piper was truly ahead of his time. Microphone and promo skills are a huge part of being a main event star in WWE now. The Hall of Famer was one of the early pioneers to show a performer can talk their way into a top spot. If the rowdy one was more willing to politic backstage, he might have become a WWE champion. However, he was cut from a different cloth — or kilt — and did things his way throughout his legendary career.
Mr. Perfect
If Mr. Perfect were around now, he would most certainly be a WWE Champion or a man expected to eventually win one of the company’s top titles. Curt Henning was the total package. He was in tip-top shape and had great size. He was one of the best wrestlers of his era. And he oozed cocky charisma. Unfortunately, he competed in an era where the main event spotlight was only big enough for Hulk Hogan and just a few others.
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Matt Hardy
While his brother Jeff Hardy has always been seen as the bigger star because of his “It” factor, Matt Hardy is the far more creatively gifted member of the Hardy Boyz. That creativity was often overlooked while he was in WWE. But during his first run in TNA, he proved just how special he was as a performer. Christian rose to the top and became a champion in WWE despite being in Edge’s shadow. If the company had allowed Hardy to spread his creative wings, he could have joined his brother as a world champion.
Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat
Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat was, arguably, the best wrestler of his era. Yet, he also had a magnetism that endeared him to a generation of fans who roared whenever he was in the ring. Unfortunately, for him, Vince McMahon only saw him as a midcard talent worthy only of Intercontinental title bouts. If he performed now, Steamboat’s talents would be undeniable, and a world title would be on his resume.
Owen Hart
Owen Hart was one of the best heels of his era. If his story of being jealous of his brother Bret Hart’s success had played out now, it likely would have headlined a major premium live event. And led to a huge push for Hart down the line. He was a phenomenal wrestler who was also an entertaining character. He was excellent in his role, and in the modern era, that would have been rewarded with a WWE or World Heavyweight belt.
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Sami Zayn
Sami Zayn is beloved by millions of WWE fans. He is fantastic as the underdog who never gives up, and it has helped him earn some major moments during his career. Unfortunately, none of them were winning the WWE or World Heavyweight title. With the company continuing to hint at winning a top title eventually, he may end up having to be removed from this list in the next few years.
Rick Rude
Like Mr. Perfect, “Ravishing” Rick Rude was the total package. He was a physical specimen. An outstanding wrestler, and was great in his role as a hated heel. Nowadays, he likely would be getting a ton of cheers since fans today love a talented bad guy. Rude would likely be a top star in WWE today and already have multiple WWE or World title wins on his resume.
Scott Steiner
Scott Steiner was one of the most unique characters of his era. When he could not become a top star with absurd athleticism and strength, he chose to undergo a huge character shift to become “Big Papa Pump.” That character ended up winning the top prize in WCW. However, his disagreeable personality backstage likely cost him a WWE title run. His stint in the company was one of many disappointing first runs for former WCW main eventers.
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