10. "Road Dogg" Jesse James - WWE Hardcore Champion (1998-9)
When Vince McMahon handed Mankind the Hardcore Championship in late 1998, it was meant to be a joke, a beaten up and tattered piece of crap for someone McMahon though similarly of. It was never intended to be a recognized title but that is exactly what happened. The deranged, masked Superstar dropped the title to the Big Boss Man as part of his ongoing rivalry with McMahon, The Rock and the Corporation. It was not until December 15, when "Road Dogg" Jesse James defeated Boss Man to capture the title that the full potential of the championship became clearer. One of the most popular Superstars in the entire company, James helped elevate the importance of the title and, at the same time, legitimize it in the eyes of the fans. His matches with Boss Man, Gangrel and Al Snow were extremely physical, violent wars that introduced the Attitude Era fans to a style popularized in Paul Heyman's Extreme Championship Wrestling. That James was so creative and work with his opponents to craft some very entertaining and original spots only helped the quality of his title defenses. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-dskJYV9hE He would hold onto the title for three months, defending against any and all challengers, until a storyline injury resulted in him being stripped of the championship. Unbeknownst to fans at the time, James laid the foundation for what would become an immensely entertaining and popular championship. Hardcore Holly ran with the proverbial ball next, picking up where James left of as far as bringing legitimacy to the strap. Without Road Dogg carrying the torch and convincing fans to invest themselves in the hardcore division, however, there is no telling if that title would have ever gained the following that it eventually did.
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.
