9 Wrestlers Who Could Have Been WWE Champion In The 1990s

Ken Shamrock might just be the biggest "what-if" in WWE history.

Originally trained as a hybrid fighter and finding his way into the nascent UFC, Shamrock was one of the promotion's first superstars. His fame grew to the point where the WWF had to snatch him up. His big break in 1997 came as the special referee for the legendary Stone Cold-Bret Hart submission match at WrestleMania 13. From there, Ken established a reputation as a calm, collected fighter who would lose his temper (when pushed right), and would transform into an uncontrollable beast who would scream and not listen to reason.

This persona would get over with audiences when he feuded with The Rock over the Intercontinental Championship, and by mid-1998, Shamrock was getting cheered like a legit main event superstar. Unfortunately, by then, it was clear that Steve Austin was the only babyface champion they were comfortable having. Perhaps in 1997, when the WWE were way less sure of themselves, Ken could have had a shot at the strap.

Or, even in 1999, when Vince Russo (as head writer) was in full-on Russo mode, maybe the belt could have been switched to Ken for shock value. But unfortunately, Ken was gone by fall of that year, and at that point, all his momentum was lost by a heel turn and allegiance to Mr. McMahon's Corporation.