10 Times WWE World Title MADE The Wrestler

9. Bret "Hitman" Hart

Bret "Hitman" Hart was already the most respected technician in WWE by the October 1992 arrived. A two-time Intercontinental champion responsible for two classic matches, against Mr. Perfect at SummerSlam 1991 and British Bulldog at the following year's event, he was earning fans and dominating discussion as a face of WWE's future at a time when Vince McMahon was taking his company in a different direction. Despite the respect shown to him, and the strength of his in-ring work, he was still seen as a really solid wrestler who had carved out a nice niche for himself in the upper midcard. But he was too small to really succeed any higher up the rankings. Then, in a non-televised match against Ric Flair in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, he did the unthinkable by capturing the WWE Championship with the Sharpshooter. Perceptions of Hart changed overnight. He went from being a good hand to a credible champion and the face of WWE. He carried the title respect and it returned the favor, lending legitimacy to The Hitman. In his case, the championship made him a main event star. It convinced fans that he was capable of achieving success at that level. Even Hart himself has admitted (in his autobiography "Hitman") to never seeing himself as world champion, at least not until he actually won the title. Four more runs with the title, one of the most lucrative contracts ever signed and a Hall of Fame induction later and it is hard to argue that winning that championship did not make him one of the hottest stars, most beloved characters and most sought-after names in the sport.