20. Kevin Nash
When you think of Kevin Nash, you think of Scott Hall, they just go hand in hand. However Nash as had more success in the latter part of his career. Like Hall, Nash came back to the WWE in 2002 with the rebirth of the NWO. The group didn't last long but it didn't affect Nash. He soon found himself in a feud with Triple H over the belt. It didn't quite goes his way but he came off strong. Then he was in feud with Jericho in a hair vs hair match which he lost (the cove for him to cut his hair for The Punisher movie) He then joined TNA from 2004-2011 where he became a member of The Main Event Mafia. He became the 2 time Legends Champion as well as winning the tag team titles once. Now a days he can be seen making an occasionally brief WWE appearance or filming movies.
Stats: 2 time TNA Legends Champion 1 time TNA Tag Team Champion
19. Goldberg
In 2003, much to the surprise and delight for us as fans, Goldberg signed a deal with the WWE. We all waited in eager anticipation wondering what was going to happen. Were we going to finally see Goldberg vs Stone Cold? NOPE. Instead we were stuck with Goldberg vs Brock Lesnar, quite possibly one of the worst matches in Royal Rumble history. It's ok though, Goldberg made up for it by having a solid feud against The Great One, The Rock. Goldberg only claimed WWE gold once during his run by defeating Triple H at the Unforgiven PPV. His run might not have been as long as we had all hoped but Goldberg made an impact against the WWE's biggest and baddest while he was there. I don't think we could've hoped for much more.
Stats: 1 time WWE World Heavyweight Champion
18. Batista
Batista debuted as a member of the super group Evolution in 2003. This is when Batista showcased what he could really do and emerged himself as a star. The group eventually imploded with Batista turning his back on Triple H which led to their match at Wrestlemania 21 which saw Batista become the World Heavyweight Champion. After that, he never looked back. The Animal would then proceed to feud with Edge, Ric Flair and Triple H. Then Batista set his sights on JBL where the two of them had an epic feud that lasted several months. Batista continued his powerful reign winning several WWE titles along the way. Since retiring from the WWE, Batista has dabbled in the MMA but it sounds as if we're more than likely to see a return to the WWE in the near future. Hopefully they'll use him right and let him be the monster hat he once was.
Stats: 4 time WWE World Heavyweight Champion 2 time WWE Champion 4 time WWE Tag Team Champion 2005 Royal Rumble winner
17. JBL
JBL didn't really come into his own until 2004. Before that he was a member of The Acolytes and APA. It wasn't long before JBL became Smackdown's biggest heel. He quickly found himself feuding with Rey Mysterio, Eddie Guerrero and The Undertaker. JBL was now in the spot light and he capitalized on it. JBL became the longset running WWE Champion is Smackdown history, holding the title for an incredible 9 months. He eventually lost the title to Cena at Wrestlemania 21 but the damage had already been done, JBL was a STAR. JBL was never able to reclaim the title he held so dearly but he stayed atop the card for the next few years as one of Smackdown's best heels. People loved to hate him and loved that you did. JBL was one of the best heels of the mid 200's and to this day is still Smackdown's longest reigning WWE Champion.
Stats: 1 time WWE Champion 1 time WWE Intercontinental Champion 1 time WWE US Champion 3 time WWE Tag Team Champion 12th Triple Crown Champion 10th Grand Slam Champion
16. Chris Benoit
Reaching his wrestling pinacle in 2004, The Crippler became the World Heavyweight Champion defeating Triple H at Wrestlemania 20. Benoit was one of the most fierce, intense and intimidating wrestlers of the 21st century. Benoit was a wrestling machine who could have a good match with anyone. Soon after becoming the Heavyweight Champion, Benoit and Edge became Tag Team Champions, solidifying Benoit as of the WWE's biggest stars. The Crippler never did say much on the mic but it was never necessary. He let his in ring wrestling do all the talking for him. Despite what he did at the end of his life, Benoit should go down as one of the greatest wrestlers of his generation.
Stats: 1 time WWE World Heavyweight Champion 4 time WWE Intercontinental Champion 3 time WWE US Champion 4 time WWE Tag Team Champion 2004 Royal Rumble winner 12th Triple Crown Champion