Every WCW Heavyweight Champion: Where Are They Now?

10. Chris Benoit

Chris Benoit's unexpected and slightly under-the-radar rise up the ranks of WCW was one of the few positives to come out of the promotion as it began to unravel. He had a handful of reigns with both the World Television and United States Championships, capturing the mid-card belts a combined five times across 18 months as he began to climb the ladder in 1998 and 1999.

This all culminated in his first World Championship win at Souled Out, defeating Sid Viscous to claim the Big Gold Belt, a victory for the smaller guy. Inspirational stuff at the time.

Theeeeeeeeen WCW went and f**ked it up and Benoit left the company the very next day, leaving him with just a single reign totalling one day.

He had become unhappy working with the company in the lead up to his departure, but WCW tried to convince the 'Rabid Wolverine' to stay by putting their World Title around his waist, despite him having already told them he was going to leave. They persisted with the new champion anyway and, to the surprise of absolutely no one, Benoit still left.

He went on to have a superb run in WWE, capturing the Heavyweight Championship and winning a Royal Rumble.

Unfortunately, we all know far too well the horrific events that unfolded in 2007 that ended not only Benoit's life, but the unnecessary and deeply tragic passing of Nancy and Daniel Benoit as well.