The WWE Championship dates back to 1963 and is the symbol of success in pro wrestling. If you carry the belt, it basically means you carry the company. Certainly back in the old days, the champion was picked on their ability to boost TV ratings, pay per view buys and ticket sales. Even today the same still rings true, the main event spot is nearly always built around Championship matches. With this in mind, we can accurately judge a wrestler's success in the industry by how long they reigned as champion in combined days of their title runs. Those trusted with the most time as champion were the guys who the promoter felt were draws. Whether it was fans paying to see the heel champ finally lose, or fans paying to cheer on a babyface champion, what matters is that the champion brought people in. If you were a successful wrestler, if you could attract business, then you got the most time with the belt. As such, by adding all the days together of wrestler's combined reigns, we can reveal the 10 most successful WWE Champions ever. The criteria for this is the WWF Title lineage that started with Buddy Rogers in 1963 and is now the WWE World Heavyweight Championship currently held by Brock Lesnar. Additional titles like the retired World Championship will not count, we are staying true to the historic and continued WWE lineage. There have been 44 official champions in the championship's 51 year history. Traditionally, men would have just a few reigns, holding the belt for long periods. Nowadays the title moves from one man to the next with frequent changes. In terms of reigns, John Cena is way out in front, with 12 title victories. Jointly behind him is Randy Orton, Triple H and The Rock with 8 reigns. What really counts though is time spent as Champion. It is all very well winning lots of belts, but it doesn't say much if you can't hold the spot for any great length of time. Here's the definitive 10 most successful WWE Champions ever, based on how many overall days the wrestler could call themselves "champion."
