10 Ups & 12 Downs For WWE In 2020 (So Far)

8. Gold King Cole

Adam Cole
WWE

Adam Cole is now the longest-reigning NXT Champion in history, having held the belt for well over a year, though reducing his reign to mere numbers doesn't do it justice.

WWE and the performer himself have done a tremendous job of building 'The Panama City Playboy' up as a big-time champion with a big-time champion's feel. He feels important, the belt feels important, and it is now back at a level of prestige that hasn't been seen since Finn Balor was the man on top. That's a huge compliment to a money-spinning wrestler in the form of his life - and his reign doesn't even feel close to overstaying its welcome yet, despite its length.

The likes of Balor, Tommaso Ciampa, Daniel Bryan, Velveteen Dream, and Johnny Gargano have all fallen by Cole's hand. Matt Riddle looked a natural successor at one point but has now jumped to SmackDown. It remains to be seen who'll emerge in his stead, though that's none of the best-booked champion in WWE's concern.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.