10 Most Unlikely Contenders For The WWE World Title
Some legendary figures have challenged for the world title... these are not those men.
Throughout history, many of wrestling's most famous and infamous moments have taken place during world title matches. Fantastic athletic contests have given birth to legendary figures in the wrestling business from Ric Flair and Ricky Steamboat, to Steve Austin and The Rock.
Unfortunately, this list is not about those men.
Instead, it focuses on those world title contenders who were seemingly plucked out of nowhere and given a shot at the company's biggest title without rhyme or reason.
Whether they were a perennial midcard act, an undeserving newcomer, or some worker receiving a completely unjustified push, these wrestlers found themselves in a high-profile match that left fans scratching their heads.
There is certainly nothing wrong with being a midcarder or an enhancement talent because not everyone can headline WrestleMania. However, it's one thing to wrestle on the opening match of Raw and completely another to challenge for the world title on a pay-per-view.
In an era where WWE is seemingly desperate for any new star to emerge, they may be wise to read this list and avoid the mistakes of the past.
10. Mike Knox
When the letters "ECW" are said to any longtime wrestling fan, their mind will immediately go back to Philadelphia and the extreme violence and edginess that created a cult following which pushed wrestling into an Attitude Era.
They certainly won't be thinking about Mike Knox.
A totally forgettable ECW (WWE version) wrestler, Mike Knox deserves credit for one thing and one thing only: He introduced the WWE world to Kelly Kelly. Beyond that, he was a lumbering big man who only got heat because he stopped Kelly Kelly from getting naked on a weekly basis (yes, this was a thing that happened).
Since he's big and has a full head of hair - WWE's only requirements for a main event guy - Knox was repeatedly pushed on ECW TV despite an average workrate and a stunningly small amount of charisma.
He switched over to Raw in 2008, attacking Rey Mysterio and then answering, "I don't know," when asked why he did it.
Somehow, WWE officials thought this interview showed a future main event star, so Knox won a battle royal to qualify for the Elimination Chamber match for the World Heavyweight title at No Way Out 2009.
Thankfully, Knox was eliminated from the match with little effort and he was soon banished to Siberia (otherwise known as TNA).