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While winning a world title in WWE is an incredible honor, it isn't the be-all and end-all. Engaging the audience and being involved in compelling programs is far more important. The fans will always gravitate towards a well-told storyline even if there isn't any gold at stake.
For instance, The Streak was the biggest box-office attraction in professional wrestling for several years and often took precedence over the championship matches on the card. Some of the biggest matches in WWE history, such as The Rock vs Hulk Hogan and Stone Cold Steve Austin vs Bret Hart, didn't have a belt on the line either.
It's certainly possible for a professional wrestler to cement their status as a legend and put together a Hall of Fame career without ever winning a world title.
With that being said, here are 5 Hall of Famers who weren't World Champions in WWE
#5 Four-time WWE Intercontinental Champion Scott Hall
One of the most influential performers of the '90s, Scott Hall never got his hands on a world title during his WWE tenure. He won the Intercontinental Championship four times but the big one always eluded him.
Before famously jumping ship to WCW, he was one of the most popular stars in WWE and had a ladder match for the Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania 10 with Shawn Michaels. The bout is still regarded as one of the best in the promotion's history and even received five stars from Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
However, Scott Hall truly revolutionized professional wrestling along with Kevin Nash when they joined WCW in 1996. They not only triggered a boom period for the industry by forming the nWo but also set a precedent for other wrestlers by signing guaranteed deals.
There are several superstars who've won multiple world titles but haven't had nearly as much of an impact on the industry as Hall.
#4 Former WCW World Television Champion Paul Orndorff
As part of the first-ever WrestleMania main event, Paul Orndorff helped to take WWE mainstream. He later went on form a tag team with Hulk Hogan before turning heel and attacking the icon. The duo proceeded to have professional wrestling's most lucrative house show program in 1986.
Mr. Wonderful was an incredible athlete -- chosen in the 1973 NFL draft by the New Orleans Saints -- who ended up becoming one of the finest workers of his generation. His ability allowed him to headline successful shows with legends such as Jerry Lawler, Bruiser Brody, and Junkyard Dog.
Even though Orndorff never won a world title in WWE, he played a crucial role in the company's growth and his place in the Hall of Fame can't be disputed.
#3 Two-time WWE Intercontinental Champion Curt Hennig
One of the finest technical workers of his generation, Curt Hennig was instrumental in raising the standard of wrestling. After mainly being used as a jobber during his first stint with WWE, he returned to the company in 1988 as Mr. Perfect, following a series of vignettes that are fondly remembered to this day.
Hennig's flair and charisma made him an incredible heel, as he embarked on an undefeated streak until he lost to Hulk Hogan. He then went on to have two runs with the Intercontinental Championship, which culminated in a legendary match with Bret Hart at SummerSlam 1991.
Hennig suffered a bulged disk and broken tailbone just before this classic, which put him out of action for over a year. He eventually returned as Ric Flair's manager and gelled instantly with The Nature Boy, who won the WWE Championship twice in 1992.
Hennig also went on to join WCW, where he as a member of both The nWo and The Four Horsemen. He's fondly remembered by generations of wrestling fans despite never being a world champion.
#2 NWA Television Champion Jake Roberts
Despite battling his demons, Jake Roberts was one of WWE's signature stars in the late '80s and early '90s. The snake he carried to the ring, combined with his on-screen presence, fascinated the audience and terrified many of the younger viewers.
Roberts' tremendous promos as well as his grasp of in-ring psychology and the nuances of professional wrestling made him a very compelling character. Legends such as Ted DiBiase and Macho Man Randy Savage have showered him with praise, ranking him among their best opponents.
#1 Former WWE Intercontinental Champion Roddy Piper
Despite being one of the biggest stars in professional wrestling history, Roddy Piper never won a world title in WWE or WCW. His unparalleled ability on the microphone helped to build a heated feud with Mr T, which resulted in the success of the inaugural WrestleMania and the rise of Hulk Hogan.
Even though Hot Rod was one of the biggest drawing cards in WWE, his stint coincided with Hogan's run, which meant that the biggest prize was beyond his grasp. Piper opted not to have a prolonged singles program with The Hulkster during this era, fearing that a loss would tarnish his drawing power.
Despite never being a world champion, Piper had an iconic career and was a key player in the growth of the industry.
