10 Most Hated WWE Champions
3. Alberto Del Rio
Failed World Title pursuits against Edge and Christian had doused much of the heat generated by Mexican aristocrat Alberto Del Rio after winning the first and only 40-man Royal Rumble in 2011, but his Money In The Bank cash-in on rising megastar CM Punk at the controversial conclusion of SummerSlam later that year revived the revulsion.
'The Voice Of The Voiceless' gimmick was predicated on him being able to change - and beat - the system from within, and defeating John Cena in a match refereed by Triple H was supposed to be the start of his overdue validation. A post-match assault from Kevin Nash left him easy pickings for Del Rio though, and 'The Pride Of Mexico' was instead inserted as the least satisfying outcome.
A WWE cartoon character as a contrast to the reality-heavy Chicagoan felt like a middle finger to the fanbase so feverish for Punk's fire. That Del Rio only traded the title with John Cena of all people until November only hastened scorn for the gimmick.