10 Times WWE Was Categorically Worse Than It Is Right Now

10. Triple H's World Heavyweight Title Reigns: 2002 - 2005

There may be a point at which the Triple H reign of terror becomes enveloped in nostalgia for fans of a certain age, but the run was so utterly rancid that surely even those that somehow got into watching wrestling via 'The Game's grisly gateway wouldn't particularly wish to revisit it.

Away from all the rage around his gross political manoeuvring or flagrant abuse of the power he was gradually amassing backstage, Hunter's matches are just really f*cking boring. He was attempting to ape both Ric Flair and Harley Race and finding only the most boring and ponderous aspects of their acts to rob from.

Rob Van Dam, Kane, Booker T, Kevin Nash, Scott Steiner and - most notably - Randy Orton were dropped in dull duds that left them for dead. When he did give a bit back, it was to Shawn Michaels, the one performer (and his best f*cking mate) that didn't need it.

After losing to Chris Benoit without ever really allowing him to be Raw's actual headliner, he finally abdicated the throne for Batista in 2005. Some had the gaul to suggest that his dominance was necessary just to get Big Dave over despite 'The Animal's incredible poise and charisma - Triple H had no choice to bow to his Evolution apprentice's undeniable aura.