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.

4. Batista

Batista won the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 21

At number four is none other than “The Animal”, Batista. Batista was heavily featured in the title picture ever since his win at WrestleMania in ’05, and has been one of the better world champions (Not necessarily as an in-ring performer).

Batista had a connection with the crowd, and with him being friends with Triple H, it was relatively easy for him to climb the ladder and reach the main event status. Batista was handpicked by Triple H to become the face of the company, and it turned out to be a success.

With Batista being involved in some good, no, great feuds with the likes of Booker T and The Undertaker for the World Heavyweight championship, it was seen as an equal to the WWE title.

Things panned out differently as time progressed, but Batista will undoubtedly be seen as one of the better World Heavyweight champions in WWE.

3. Triple H

Triple H with the World Heavyweight Championship belt

At number three is the man himself, “The Game”, Triple H.

Triple H was handed the World Heavyweight championship after the brand extension, to bring a top tier title to RAW. Since then, Triple H was the central figure for more than 3 years on RAW, holding the World Heavyweight championship for a long time.

The reason I put him at number three is because I used to find him monotonous and a bit boring, with his “20 minutes of doom” promos every week.

There is no denying the fact that Triple H will go down as one of the greatest WWE superstars of all time, and will be known for being more than just an in-ring competitor.

Whatever your feelings are for the person, he deserves to be named in the top 5 list of the greatest World Heavyweight champions since its reincarnation.

2. The Undertaker

The Undertaker with the World Heavyweight Championship belt

At number two is arguably the greatest superstar/performer in the history of professional wrestling, the living legend, the phenom, The Undertaker.

The Undertaker has left the fans in awe for nearly two decades in the WWE, and never needed a title to cement his place as the greatest performer in professional wrestling history. Unlike the other top talent, The Undertaker’s presence was enough to captivate the fans, and he has been successful in doing that for well over 23 years.

The Undertaker, being the top superstar, held the World Heavyweight championship on multiple occasions on SmackDown!, and put on some classic matches against the likes of Edge for the title.

His name is enough to bring legitimacy to any list, and he has earned the number two spot in our list of top 5 World Heavyweight champions.

1. Edge

Edge with the World Heavyweight Championship belt

And at number one is the Rated R superstar, Edge!

Edge has been one of the breakout stars in the WWE in the past decade, and has held the WWE/World Heavyweight championships on 11 different occasions!

He was also involved in some phenomenal feuds for the title against the likes of The Undertaker, and has been one of the most improved performers in the past decade.

With Edge being one of the “top guys” on SmackDown!, he carried the brand on his shoulders for a couple of years, and was involved in some outrageous storylines (La Familia, anyone?).

This earns him the number one spot on our list as the greatest World Heavyweight champion in the past 11 years in the WWE.