10 Biggest Breakout Stars Of WWE's Original Brand Extension
9. Eddie Guerrero And Chris Benoit
Referring to Eddie Guerrero or Chris Benoit as a "breakout star" given their glistening resumes before arriving in WWE may be a stretch, but consider this: it was not until Raw and SmackDown split that the celebrated grapplers could break through the proverbial glass ceiling and succeed at the top of the wrestling industry.
In 2004, after steadily enhancing their reputations SmackDown, they exploded into the main event. Guerrero was anointed the new face of the blue brand, his WWE Championship over Brock Lesnar in the main event of February's No Way Out one of the most emotional moments in company history.
One month later, Benoit - who had defected to Raw - realised his dream by defeating Triple H and Shawn Michaels in the main event of WrestleMania 20. The respected performers then shared the ring together, confetti falling in a moment that still sends shivers down the spines of those who experienced it live.
Even after dropping the titles, they remained marquee talents for WWE, their spots on the roster cemented in the eyes of the fans.