6 superstars you didn't know competed for the WWE Championship

#4 Taka Michinoku

Before meeting the Game in 2000, Taka became the first WWF Light Heavyweight Champion

In 2000, Triple H had plenty to feel good about.

Not only was he the WWF Champion, but the Game was also running the show alongside his wife Stephanie, and had successfully retained the title at WrestleMania 2000.

So in April 2000, the King of Kings issued an open challenge, which fans were amazed to see answered by Taka Michinoku.

Despite being a former Light Heavyweight Champion, Triple H laughed at the prospect, until he saw the APA come out with Michinoku.

In a truly epic forgotten gem, the Japanese superstar pushed the Cerebral Assassin to his limit, before falling short in this incredible match.

Whilst the Game may have laughed at the idea of losing to Taka, he nearly did just that, and hopefully learned a lesson about the dangers of throwing out open challenges.