12 Times WWE Buried Their Own Champions

Firstly, it's important to say that Rey Mysterio has always been a world class worker who fully deserved a push once he joined WWE in 2002. Higher-ups put the mask WCW had taken away back on him, and Rey slotted in on a packed roster nicely. He worked excellent matches with Kurt Angle, Chavo Guerrero and countless others early on.

It's not outlandish to suggest, however, that Mysterio was (at least partly) pushed to World Title status as a reaction to Eddie Guerrero's passing. That happened in late-2005, then Rey won the 2006 Royal Rumble and grabbed the big gold at WrestleMania 22. It was sensational, but WWE's interest in treating Mysterio like a top guy was never going to last.

Things slowed dramatically after he'd won at 'Mania. Rey lost matches to everyone from Mark Henry to Finlay, and he was never protected as champ. Then, he dropped the strap to King Booker at the Great American Bash PPV and his flirtations with being cast as the poster boy of Raw dissipated in a heartbeat.

So much for that, huh? On commentary, announcers started to speak in Vince McMahon's voice by wondering whether or not Rey was just an emotional fluke who'd been riding the crest of a wave whilst determined to pay tribute to his fallen friend. He still got to enjoy the fruits of his labour, sure, but at what cost?

WWE cast Mysterio as an opportunistic underdog who was impressive but ultimately couldn't sustain himself in the hyper-competitive World Title mix.