10 WWE Champions That Didn’t Fit Vince McMahon’s Mold

Although he’s never filled out a dating profile, wrestling fans know Vince McMahon’s type: tall, jacked, white and tall. Size definitely matters to the WWE chairman.

History virtually confirms McMahon’s predilection for massive athletes – WWE has often been referred to as the land of the giants – as he’s often showcased performers who may lack charisma or in-ring skills, but turn heads in an airport. At various times over the past 35 years, he has centered the company’s never-ending story on physically imposing specimens like Hulk Hogan, Lex Luger, Diesel, Undertaker, Batista and most recently, Brock Lesnar. As an admitted weight-room junkie, McMahon identifies more with bodybuilders than cruiserweights, believing the public will be as impressed with their stature as he is.

That’s why it’s fascinating when a smaller, fatter or more average-looking performer slides through the cracks. While they may not fit McMahon’s vision for what a WWE representative is supposed to resemble, they possess some intangible quality with which to connect with the crowd.

As wrestling media is increasingly flooded with autobiographies, shoot interviews and podcasts, fans are learning about the behind-the-scenes battles and real-life swerves that led to the boss anointing unlikely champions...

Today Latino Heat is revered as a patron saint of WWE, an amazing performer who passed away before his time. However, during his first run with the company, Eddie Guerrero more closely resembled a devil as booze and pills dominated his life, leading to his release in 2001. It’s not like he was pegged for main event status, according to former WWE executive Bruce Prichard, who revealed on his Something to Wrestle With podcast that McMahon saw potential in only Chris Benoit out of the Radicalz.

So how did this 5’8, Mexican-American, cruiserweight-labelled, addict become WWE Champion? By turning his “flaws” into attributes – Guerrero’s story of redemption resonated with the audience, his victory over substance abuse became a badge of honor. In the two years since he was rehired, Guerrero mastered a beloved hooligan character, playing on stereotypes in a tongue-in-cheek way.

With his natural in-ring ability, newfound connection with the fans and genuine underdog story, Latino Heat overcame all odds to reach the zenith of WWE.