Top 5 World Heavyweight champions in WWE

Alberto del Rio is the current World Heavyweight Champion

Ever since Eric Bischoff introduced World Heavyweight championship in the WWE, there have been many superstars who’ve held the “big gold belt”.

With the legacy the title has, it is one of the most prestigious championships in professional wrestling. 11 years ago, Eric Bischoff brought the title to the WWE and “gifted” it to Triple H.

Since then, the title traded hands several times, with the current World Heavyweight champion being Alberto Del Rio.

In this article, I take a look at the top 5 World Heavyweight champions in the past 11 years. From the Goldbergs to the Booker Ts, many individuals have held the title who have had an outstanding career in professional wrestling.

Although there is no certain “criteria” to be selected as one of the best World Heavyweight champions (No, winning the belt many times doesn’t necessarily mean the performer was a good champion), it does help if the person gave a meaning to the title instead of the opposite happening.

That’s what’s so great about legendary performers; they don’t need the title to be amazing performers, but give legitimacy to the title when they hold it. Anyway, without further ado, let us now get on with the list.

5. Chris Benoit

Wrestle Mania XX – Chris Benoit with the World Heavyweight Championship

Starting off with one of the most controversial picks, at number five is the “Rabid Wolverine”, Chris Benoit. Everyone knows the long journey Benoit endured to reach the top of the mountain, and his win at WrestleMania 20 will go down as one of the greatest moments in professional wrestling history.

In what was truly a “feel good” moment, Chris Benoit’s journey culminated with him winning his first World Heavyweight championship at WrestleMania in Madison Square Garden. If there ever was a picture perfect moment in professional wrestling, this had to be it.

With Benoit holding the title, he brought some meaning to the big gold belt, instead of the opposite happening. Although he was seen as a “Mid card champion”, his sacrifices and his legacy added to the importance of the title.

Benoit’s run as the World champion wasn’t necessarily great, but the thought of a legend winning his first world title made his first (and arguably only) run as the World Heavyweight champion one of the best in the past 11 years.