WWE Superstars Who Should Have Been World Champion Sooner

The WWE has seen countless talented superstars grace its rings over the years, but not all of them were given the recognition they deserved when it came to the coveted World Championship. While some stars have enjoyed long and successful reigns, others have had to wait years for their chance at glory, and in many cases, this delay has been frustrating for both fans and the performers themselves.

In this, we take a look at some WWE superstars who should have been World Champions much sooner. These athletes had the skills, charisma, and ability to carry the company, but for various reasons, their time to shine at the top of the card was delayed. Let’s explore these missed opportunities and discuss why they should have worn the championship gold earlier in their careers.

1. Daniel Bryan: A Career Delayed by Politics

Few WWE superstars are as beloved as Daniel Bryan. His “Yes!” movement transcended wrestling, and fans worldwide rallied behind the underdog who fought for the top spot. Despite his immense popularity and technical wrestling skills, Bryan’s journey to the World Championship was anything but smooth.

For years, Daniel Bryan was kept out of the main event picture, despite proving time and time again that he was more than capable of being the face of WWE. His 2014 title victory at WrestleMania 30 was a culmination of years of hard work, but it should have come much earlier. Fans had been clamoring for him to be given a push for years, only for WWE to continue prioritizing larger superstars like John Cena and Randy Orton over him.

Bryan’s hard work and dedication to his craft should have been recognized much sooner, but politics and a preference for larger-than-life superstars delayed his rightful title run. Had he received the push earlier, his career might have reached even greater heights sooner, and his “Yes!” movement would have taken WWE to new levels of popularity.

2. CM Punk: The Best in the World, Undervalued

CM Punk is widely regarded as one of the most talented and charismatic superstars of his era, yet his journey to a world title run took far too long. Punk’s 434-day reign as WWE Champion from 2011 to 2013 is one of the longest title reigns in modern history, but he was often overlooked until the fans demanded his rise to the top.

Punk’s rise to prominence came after his infamous “pipe bomb” promo in 2011, which shook the very foundations of WWE. His outspokenness and ability to connect with fans made him a hot commodity, and his in-ring skills were second to none. However, his ascent to the title was delayed, with WWE often opting for other superstars like Cena or Triple H. Punk’s eventual title reign was a success, but he should have had the opportunity much earlier, especially during the height of his “Straight Edge” character in 2009.

Had Punk been given the championship sooner, his reign could have defined an era of WWE, as he was the perfect foil to Cena and other top stars. Punk’s talent and attitude deserved a bigger stage earlier, and his title run in 2011 should have been the culmination of years of work, not just a fleeting moment.

3. Randy Orton: A Legend in the Making

Randy Orton is one of the most successful superstars in WWE history, but his journey to the World Championship should have started much sooner. After debuting in 2002, Orton quickly established himself as a rising star in the company. By 2004, he was the youngest WWE Champion in history, but the path to that moment wasn’t as clear-cut as it should have been.

Orton’s talent was undeniable from the beginning, and his natural charisma, athleticism, and growing mic skills made him a standout performer. However, his early WWE career was marked by inconsistent pushes and misdirection. While stars like Cena, Edge, and Batista were getting their opportunities, Orton had to wait for the right moment to capitalize on his potential.

Had WWE recognized Orton’s star power earlier and placed him in the main event sooner, he could have been a dominant force in the company years before he finally captured the title. His eventual reigns as WWE Champion cemented his legacy, but it took far too long for WWE to truly embrace his potential as one of the company’s top superstars.

4. Jeff Hardy: The High-Flyer Who Could Have Been WWE’s Face

Jeff Hardy is a name synonymous with high-flying, daredevil wrestling, and his ability to fascinating audiences with his unique style has earned him a loyal following. Yet, despite his immense popularity and undeniable talent, Hardy’s time as World Champion came much later than it should have.

Hardy’s career skyrocketed during his tag team days with his brother Matt in the Hardy Boyz, but his singles career also showed great promise. His high-energy style and underdog persona made him an ideal candidate to carry the company as a world champion. However, WWE often relegated him to mid-card feuds despite his massive popularity and crowd reactions.

While Hardy finally won the WWE Championship at the 2009 Royal Rumble, he should have had the opportunity much earlier. Hardy had the charisma and in-ring ability to lead WWE into a new era, and his title run in 2009 felt like a reward for years of fan support. A title win earlier in his career could have propelled him to even greater success and given fans the championship match they had been waiting for since his early days in WWE.

Final Thoughts on These Missed WWE Championship Opportunities

The superstars listed here are just a few examples of the many WWE talents who should have been world champions sooner. Each one brought something unique to the table, whether it was their in-ring prowess, charisma, or fan connection. While their eventual title runs were satisfying, they were long overdue and represent missed opportunities to give fans the moments they deserved much earlier. WWE has a rich history of talent, and these superstars prove that sometimes, timing is everything—especially when it comes to reaching the pinnacle of professional wrestling.