2. King Booker - World Heavyweight Champion (2006)
A delusional Superstar who believed that his King of the Ring tournament victory had bestowed upon him real royalty, King Booker became the centerpiece of the SmackDown brand for the summer and fall of 2006 and in the process, developed into a great champion and an even more entertaining character. Wife, and Queen, Sharmell demanded that "all hail King Booker!" as she accompanied him to the squared circle while double-tough veterans of the ring wars Finlay and William Regal made up the champion's royal court. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vEeeRDn2yA Booker was the perfect heel to carry the SmackDown brand on his back. Top babyface Batista had a history of injuries, as did Rey Mysterio, so the company needed someone they could rely on to run with the title and star at the top of the card. With Bobby Lashley making major strides and developing into an upper-midcard performer, Booker could be the heel that he strove to unseat. For six months, Booker was the heel that fans would pay to see get beat up. He was so overbearing, so obnoxious that the paying audience wanted nothing more than to see him get his comeuppance. Eventually he did, at the hands of Batista, but it was a magical ride for a loyal star who deserved the heavyweight title run.
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.
