8 One-Time WWE Champions Who Deserved A Second Reign

7. Chris Benoit

Chris Benoit's World Heavyweight Title triumph in the main event of WrestleMania XX at Madison Square Garden was a story book moment that few, least of all Benoit, thought would ever happen. Told for years that he was too small, not charismatic or marketable enough to be on top in WWE, Benoit proved everyone wrong when he made Triple H tap out in the world's most famous arena. Despite being champion, Benoit was never really the focal point of Raw. After retaining the title in the main event of Backlash, the Rabid Wolverine found himself playing second fiddle to The Game's conflicts with Shawn Michaels and Eugene. Benoit's own dispute with The Game was an afterthought, even if the matches were good. If you want an example of how Benoit was booked during his three five month reign, look no further than the Bad Blood PPV: Benoit wrestled in the opener, teaming with Edge against La Resistance, then defended his title against Kane in a midcard match. Triple H and Shawn Michaels, meanwhile, received almost a full hour to have their self-indulgent Hell in a Cell snoozefest. Benoit relinquished the title to Randy Orton in a good match at SummerSlam. At next month's Unforgiven, he was teaming with William Regal to battle Batista and Ric Flair in the PPV opener. Benoit never received another significant shot at the World Heavyweight/WWE Titles, instead becoming a fixture of the United States Championship scene.