10 WWE Moments So Awful That They Made You Stop Watching Wrestling (Until You Started Again...)

It seems that history has rewritten John Bradshaw Layfield's sudden rise to prominence on SmackDown as a natural and expected ascension. Whilst WWE would have fans believe that his 2004 title reign came as a logical advancement of his progress through company ranks, the decision for the former APA member to dethrone Eddie Guerrero drew shock and awe dwarfing even the surprise around the decision to crown Jinder Mahal WWE Champion earlier this year.

Fans had, at the time, been allowed to believe that great change was afoot in the company. Starlet Brock Lesnar had already departed, but in his wake stood 'Latino Heat' as the blue brand's new leader having never held a top title in any major organisation, let alone the almighty land of the giants owned and operated by Vince McMahon. Likewise on Raw, Chris Benoit was enjoying the early days of his own World Title run, flying in the face of convention by defeating Triple H and Shawn Michaels in consecutive triple threat main events shortly after going over 60 minutes and winning the Royal Rumble from the #1 position.

Awarding the title to Bradshaw didn't just look like a reversion to old habits, but more a p*ssed off hard reset. In later years, it was learned that Eddie requested the change himself, but fans at the time were incandescent that his reign had been prematurely punctuated by such a disdainful figure.