10 Worst Endings To Awesome Wrestling Title Reigns

9. Rob Van Dam Kills His Own Push

Sheamus Daniel Bryan 18 Seconds WrestleMania
WWE.com

Rob Van Dam became a WWE staple after debuting as part of the Invasion. He was immensely popular throughout the ill-fated angle, and embarked upon a highly successful upper midcard run in the aftermath, scoring a multitude of secondary title reigns over the years.

He wasn't the most charismatic wrestler in the world, but RVD's flashy wrestling style made him a huge hit with the WWE fans, and his overness endured. It took him several years to scrape main event success, though. 'Mr. Monday Night' spent most of his time scrapping in the Hardcore and Intercontinental divisions, but eventually reached the mountaintop at One Night Stand 2006, when he cashed in his Money In The Bank briefcase on John Cena.

It was an incredible feelgood moment. RVD became WWE Champion before a partisan crowd of ECW loyalists, pinning WWE's stale corporate icon in the process, and he took it a step further by capturing the ECW Championship for the first time two nights later.

Van Dam was on top of the world, but soon fell from his lofty perch. Busted for drug possession that July, RVD's push was killed, and he was booked to lose both belts in the space of just two days. Miserable, but entirely deserved.

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.