10 Great WWE Wrestlers Who Had Terrible First World Title Reigns

Randy Orton might be one of the most gifted wrestlers of this generation (when he tries), and being the youngest world champion in the history of WWE is an accolade anyone should be proud of. However, Randy’s achievement is rarely talked about because of who he pinned to become World Heavyweight Champion.

Orton's victory over Chris Benoit has been mostly ignored since the Benoit tragedy, and came about because Vince McMahon wanted to take the claim of being the youngest world champion in WWE away from Brock Lesnar. The idea that the 'Apex Preditor' only became champion to spite another wrestler really sullies the accomplishment. Given that three years went by between his first and second title victory, it showed Vince didn’t believe Orton was ready to lead the company when he first won the ‘Big Gold Belt’. The ‘Legend Killer’ dropped the strap to Triple H after one month, starting the implosion of Evolution.

Randy Orton has gone on to be one of WWE’s greatest performers, racking up 13 world championship victories, winning two Royal Rumble matches and main eventing WrestleManias 25 & XXX. His first run may have been a dud, but it did lead to better things.