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The primary goal for any WWE star is to win as many major championships as possible. The likes of 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin, the Rock, Triple H, and John Cena have won numerous titles during their WWE careers.
Edge, Trish Stratus, Lita, and Randy Orton have also enjoyed multiple runs with major belts. However, for every Cena, Austin, or Stratus, there are several stars with only one major run in their careers.
Thanks to Money in the Bank, the Miz had his two runs as Champion. Many cowardly actions marred his reign. He was an ancillary piece in the feud between Cena and the Rock, and he beat Cena at WrestleMania.
His second win was more recent but lasted less than a month. The Miz cashed in his briefcase on Drew McIntyre but was easily defeated by Bobby Lashley later on. Miz has been a consistent presence in mid-card throughout his career.
Likewise, several active stars have had at least one big title win, and that has been it. They then slipped back down to the mid-card.
#6 on our list of male performers who have fallen down the card after a big title win: Jinder Mahal had a shock win over Randy Orton for the WWE title.
When Mahal beat Randy Orton for the WWE title at Backlash 2017, it was one of the biggest upsets in history. The former was primarily a mid-card performer best known for his work alongside the Great Khali. His other claim to fame was as a member of 3MB.
AJ Styles ended his run with the belt right before Survivor Series 2017. If Mahal were still the WWE Champion, he would have faced Brock Lesnar at the event. After that title victory, Mahal won the US Championship but didn't enter the main event scene again.
Most of Mahal's acts have utilized backup stars and lackeys. The Singh Brothers assisted in his run as Champion. When he returned from an injury, he was flanked by Shanky and Rinku.
After the 2021 Draft, only Shanky remained by Mahal's side. Mahal might only have one major title run to his credit unless his in-ring skills and storylines improve dramatically.
#5 Big E and #4 Kofi Kingston met the same fate as WWE Champion.
Both members of The New Day have won the WWE Championship. Unfortunately, both Kofi and Big E lost it to Brock Lesnar after winning the belt. Since losing to the Beast, neither man has become a constant fixture in the main event.
Kingston and Big E also never received a one-on-one rematch for the Championship. The company sometimes references rematches for some stars but doesn't do the same for everyone.
Kofi slid back into the tag team division on SmackDown. The same happened to Big E after Xavier Woods suffered an injury. It's unfortunate for both men because they are highly entertaining and popular.
It just goes to show that things might not go favorably after a title opportunity. Even if some stars try their best, the run might not end the way they wanted it to end.
#3. Dolph Ziggler had his main-event run in WWE cut short by injury
It was exciting when Dolph Ziggler won Money in the Bank back in 2012. He was a mid-card star who seemed to be getting a push into the main event. He hadn't won a major title in WWE before winning the briefcase.
Ziggler cashed in on Alberto Del Rio in 2013 during one of the most memorable cash-ins in MITB history. However, his run was short-lived as he suffered a concussion during his reign.
While the Showoff has been a treasured member of the roster, he's primarily been used in the tag team and mid-card divisions. His in-ring skills are priceless, and he is called upon as a major title challenger when needed. He challenged Drew McIntyre and Kingston when both held major belts.
#2. Finn Balor was a major Champion in WWE for one day.
Balor was the inaugural WWE Universal Champion. His reign, however, was over before it even started. Balor was hurt in the match against Seth Rollins that crowned him, forcing him to relinquish the belt the next night on RAW.
The fact that he was given a major title shot so early into his main-roster tenure hinted that his future would be bright. Unfortunately, it didn't come to pass. His smaller frame, along with injuries in the Universal Championship match, hurt his long-term prospects as a major player in WWE.
His talent has always been undeniable, but bookers like things a certain way with top stars. Balor challenged Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar during some of their title runs. However, his main use has been in the mid-card since relinquishing the Universal title.
#1. Kevin Owens is one of the most valuable Superstars in WWE.
Along with Balor, Kevin Owens has varying talents that make him indispensable to WWE. He is one of the best mic workers in the business. He is fearless in the ring and risks his body in almost every match.
The fact that he re-signed with WWE shows that the company feels he is extremely valuable. His run as Universal Champion was cut short by Goldberg, but he always delivers in his feuds. Owens' matches with Rollins, Reigns, Styles, and Sami Zayn were memorable due to his effort.
If the current rumors are true, officials might be trusting Owens to battle Hall-of-Famer 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin at WrestleMania 38. The event is in Texas and would be a special attraction match.
While he's held both the IC and US titles, he challenges major titles when needed. Owens probably wouldn't mind missing out on a title match this year if he can fight Austin at the Show of Shows.
