10 Post-WWE Runs That Were Nothing Like We Expected

Superstar Billy Graham was the biggest star in the industry by 1978, ruling WWE as a counter-cultural heel champ. With a jacked bodybuilding physique unlike anything seen in wrestling up to that point, the charismatic Graham revolutionised the industry. Legends to come such as Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair and Jesse Ventura were greatly influenced by his innovative persona.

The first cool heel, Graham left WWE in protest at having to lose the title to the considerably less popular Bob Backlund. Furious that Vince McMahon Sr. had turned down his request to turn babyface and remain champ, Graham returned to the NWA. Beyond a month long reign as IWA World Champ, he did little of note and his once incendiary drawing power cooled off completely.

Many had expected him to be on top in the NWA but the disillusioned Graham seemed uninterested in playing the Superstar character to its former glory. Graham went through several lacklustre runs and character changes throughout the '80s, including 2 brief returns to WWE, the latter of which lead to his retirement.

Given the impact he had on the landscape of professional wrestling in the '80s and beyond, the original Superstar's post WWE title reign runs were deeply disappointing.