10 Best Wrestlers Who Never Held The WWE Title (And When They Should Have Won)
2. Zack Ryder (WrestleMania 29)
Few tales of wasted potential in wrestling are as frustrating as that of Zack Ryder. Ryder got himself over via an original YouTube show and became one of the most popular wrestlers in the company, but WWE only paid the slightest of lip service to his fan reaction.
After a brief reign as U.S. Champion, Ryder was repeatedly humiliated and buried, then sent back down the card.
What if WWE hadn't been so petty? What if they had been willing to take a self-made star and turn him into a superstar? Ryder could have held onto the United States Championship and defended the title at WrestleMania 28.
Through the remainder of 2012, "Long Island Iced Z" could score wins over higher and higher-level stars, dropping the belt briefly but claiming it back, a la John Cena in 2004.
Heading into 2013, wrestling's everyman could vow to win the Royal Rumble, but still come in as an underdog. Improbably, and to great reaction, Ryder would win the Rumble, putting him on a collision course with heel WWE Champion CM Punk.
The two would make for natural foils, and Ryder's win would be the ultimate feel-good moment.