Bret Hart's 5 WWE Championship Reigns Ranked From Worst To Best

5. WWE Championship (4th) 16 February 1997 - 17 February 1997

Make no mistake about it: Bret Hart is one of the best WWE Champions of all time. His reigns are full of legendary moments and, above all, terrific matches with literally everyone. His fourth reign, however, is an exception.

After Shawn Michaels shockingly lost his smile in front of the world in early 1997 and vacated his WWF Title, the belt was put on the line at February's In Your House PPV. A four way elimination bout between the four final participants in that year's controversial Royal Rumble Match - 'The Hitman', Stone Cold Steve Austin, Vader and The Undertaker - would crown the new holder.

In a fun match where eliminations happened by throwing the opponent over the top rope, Bret last eliminated 'The Deadman' thanks to a distraction by Austin, who had just been eliminated. However, the veteran wouldn't celebrate for long, as he dropped his coveted World Wrestling Federation Championship to Sycho Sid on the following night's RAW.

But you know what they say: sometimes you have to take a step back to move forward. And since we ended up with Bret Hart vs. Steve Austin at WrestleMania 13, it ended up being worth it in the end!

However, as far as Bret's title reign goes, this one is by far... well, the worst that there is.