6. Defeated Jack Swagger For Florida Heavyweight Championship
In three years spent in developmental, Sheamus accomplished countless feats and acquired his fair share of accolades. None greater, though, than his reign as Florida heavyweight champion, a title he earned by defeated a young Jake Hager, later known to the WWE Universe as the "All-American American" Jack Swagger. The feat occurred in September 2008 and saw The Celtic Warrior defeat his former tag team partner to win the gold. It was a major step for him and proof that those in power respected his work and saw him as someone who could carry the developmental brand. He would defeat Hager in a rematch but it was Joe Hennig who proved to be his stiffest competition. The future Curtis Axel failed to wrest the title away from him, mind. Main roster bust Eric Escobar did not, though, winning the title in a fatal 4-way match. Sheamus' title reign may not have been one of the longest in FCW history but it was a pivotal step in his development into the star Vince McMahon and management within WWE had hopes he would become.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
