Who REALLY Carried WWE Every Year (1985-2026)
23. 2004 (JBL)
Shawn Michaels, Chris Benoit and Eddie Guerrero nearly snagged 2004's entry.
It's fair to say that Michaels was back on top form by that point, and he had some amazing matches. Similarly, Benoit and his pal Guerrero upped in-ring quality in both World Title scenes. Their confetti-laden hug at WrestleMania XX has since been scuffed by what happened next, particularly on Benoit's side.
Yes, some will be shocked that Guerrero isn't here. That'd be the popular, heartwarming choice, but JBL deserves a ton of credit for his own main event push. The dude went from tag-team midcarder to SmackDown's main man in the blink of an eye. He won the belt in a 'Texas Bull Rope' match at Great American Bash, and held it until the following year's 'Mania 21.
Layfield stepped up when WWE's main event pack was blighted by injuries and a dearth of star power across the board. Let's be real: Vince only put the titles on guys like Benoit and Guerrero because the roster was dropping like flies and he knew he had to try something different. Ironically then, it was a retooled version of Ted DiBiase's 'Million Dollar Man' character that ruled the blue brand in '04.
The strength of JBL's heel reactions repaired a battered main event scene by giving fans a focal point for their hatred. They wanted the spirited Guerrero on top, not this money-hoarding braggart with the cowboy hat. It was genius to give folks what they wanted then whip it away as justification for Layfield's reinvention.