The Best WWE Superstars Who Had Only One Title Reign

When fans think of legendary WWE Superstars, they often imagine wrestlers with multiple championship reigns and long-term dominance. Yet, some of the most unforgettable moments in WWE history were created by those who held a major title only once. These Superstars may not have enjoyed repeated success at the top, but their single reign was powerful enough to etch their names into wrestling history forever. Whether through underdog victories, iconic matches, or sheer charisma, these performers proved that one reign is sometimes all you need to be remembered.

This article highlights four WWE Superstars whose lone title reigns remain some of the most celebrated and significant in professional wrestling. From surprise victories to emotional triumphs, these Superstars showed the world what it means to rise to the occasion when the spotlight shines brightest.

1. Eddie Guerrero — WWE Championship (2004)

Few title wins in WWE history carry as much emotional weight as Eddie Guerrero’s WWE Championship victory at No Way Out 2004. After years of battling personal demons and working his way up from the mid-card, Guerrero finally reached the top when he defeated Brock Lesnar in an unforgettable match. His win was not just about claiming gold — it was a celebration of resilience, redemption, and heart.

Eddie’s victory resonated with millions of fans who admired his incredible in-ring skill and larger-than-life personality. His championship reign, though lasting only 133 days, was filled with memorable moments, including a successful defense against Kurt Angle at WrestleMania XX. Guerrero’s reign was a testament to his work ethic and ability to connect with fans on a deep level.

Even though he never held the WWE Championship again, Eddie Guerrero’s name remains synonymous with greatness. His impact on the wrestling industry continues to inspire new generations, and his lone WWE Championship reign is regarded as one of the most meaningful in company history.

2. Rob Van Dam — WWE Championship (2006)

Rob Van Dam (RVD) is one of the most dynamic and innovative Superstars to ever step into a WWE ring. After years of dazzling crowds with his high-flying and hard-hitting style, RVD finally got his moment at ECW One Night Stand 2006, when he defeated John Cena for the WWE Championship in front of a raucous, pro-ECW crowd.

This victory was monumental, not just for RVD, but for the hardcore wrestling community that had been clamoring for an alternative to WWE’s traditional stars. RVD’s reign was unique because he simultaneously held the revived ECW World Heavyweight Championship, making him a double champion. His victory marked a symbolic merging of ECW’s rebellious spirit with WWE’s mainstream appeal.

Unfortunately, RVD’s time as champion was cut short due to outside circumstances, but his one-time reign left an unforgettable mark on WWE history. It showcased that a non-traditional Superstar with a unique style and a massive fan following could reach the very top of the wrestling world. Fans still talk about RVD’s title win as one of the best “feel-good” moments of that era.

3. Kane — WWE Championship (1998)

When discussing Superstars with only one title reign, Kane’s WWE Championship win at King of the Ring 1998 is always a prominent mention. Kane portrayed as an unstoppable monster since his debut, finally climbed to the top when he defeated Stone Cold Steve Austin in a First Blood Match, capitalizing on the storyline where Kane vowed to set himself on fire if he lost.

Although Kane’s reign lasted just one day, the significance of his victory can’t be overstated. It was a pivotal moment during the height of the Attitude Era, a time when WWE was filled with larger-than-life personalities and intense rivalries. Kane’s title win legitimized his character as more than just a monster — he became a champion, even if briefly.

Despite holding multiple other titles in his career (including the World Heavyweight Championship later on), Kane’s only WWE Championship reign is one of the most memorable short runs in wrestling history. It showed that even in an era dominated by icons like Austin and The Rock, a character like Kane could ascend to the top — if only for a night.

4. Christian — World Heavyweight Championship (2011)

Few title victories have pulled at fans’ heartstrings quite like Christian’s first World Heavyweight Championship win at Extreme Rules 2011. After spending years as one of WWE’s most consistent performers, often overshadowed by bigger names, Christian finally captured the title in a brutal ladder match against Alberto Del Rio — and it was made even more emotional because he won it just weeks after the retirement of his best friend, Edge.

Christian’s title victory felt like the culmination of a long journey — from tag team success to mid-card champion to finally achieving singles glory. Fans who had followed his career through the Attitude Era, Ruthless Aggression Era, and beyond were thrilled to see him rewarded.

Sadly, his reign was short-lived, as Randy Orton defeated him for the championship just days later on SmackDown. Even though Christian would win the title again for a brief second run, many fans look to his first reign as the most special, marking his arrival at the top of WWE after years of hard work. Christian’s emotional win and his heartfelt celebration remain one of WWE’s most cherished moments.

Why These One-Time Champions Matter

Each of these WWE Superstars had only one run at the top, but their brief reigns carried immense significance. Whether it was Eddie Guerrero inspiring millions, RVD breaking barriers, Kane cementing his monstrous legacy, or Christian’s emotional triumph, these reigns prove that a single moment in the spotlight can define a career.

While some champions stack up reign after reign, these four Superstars showed that quality sometimes outweighs quantity. Their title victories continue to be remembered, discussed, and celebrated by fans worldwide, reminding everyone that even one moment of glory can last a lifetime.

These stories also highlight the diverse nature of WWE — where technical mastery, high-flying innovation, monstrous presence, and emotional storytelling can all lead to unforgettable championship moments.