20 Wrestlers You Totally Forgot Held WWE Championships

1. Cynthia Lynch (Hardcore Champion)

Essa Rios Lita
WWE Network

Of the four women to hold WWE’s Hardcore Championship over its lifespan, Cynthia Lynch’s story is definitely the most bizarre. A former indie wrestler, Lynch made a number of appearances as one of The Godfather’s, ahem, “women of questionable occupation,” from 1999-2000, and trained with Tom Pritchard throughout her spell with the company.

Her moment in the sun came in May 2000. The Godfather was wrestling Crash Holly for the title, and when D’Lo Brown’s interference effectively wiped both men out, Lynch snuck into the ring, took advantage of the 24/7 rule, and pinned Crash to become Hardcore Champion.

It didn’t last, however. Crash pinned her just 15 seconds later, making hers one of the shortest title reigns in WWE history. You won’t find her name in WWE’s official title history, though: Lynch is only recognised as “Godfather’s Ho,” because in the Attitude Era, all the writers were 15 years old.

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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.