10 WWE Stars Who Only Won Gold Because Of The Brand Split
3. Jack Swagger
Oh Jack Swagger, whatever became of you? Something just never clicked with the All-American American, not just with the fans but also with WWE themselves, in that it always felt as if WWE creative wanted him to be a big star but weren't willing to get behind him enough to make him one. As such Swagger got lost in limbo, existing somewhere between a threat and a joke without really convincing as either.
He was also the first real recipient of the Money in the Bank plague. Before him, the briefcase winners had all made sense and were believable world championship contenders. Swagger won the match and the briefcase at WrestleMania XXVI, in a 10-man match where he was the 9th most likely winner. No one expected him to win, and when he took an age to unhook the briefcase it seemed as though he himself didn't quite expect to win either.
He cashed in the briefcase just days later against Chris Jericho, switching brands to SmackDown in the process. Swagger was booked as a joke for his entire run as World Heavyweight Champion, and drifted back into floating after losing the belt to Rey Mysterio. Would Jack Swagger have been World Champion in 2010 if the rosters were united? You don't need me to tell you the answer to that question.