Top 10 Greatest WWE Champions of All Time

The WWE Championship has been held by some of the biggest names in wrestling history. These are the legends who defined eras, delivered unforgettable moments, and carried the company on their backs. But who truly stands above the rest?

This list is all about ranking the greatest WWE Champions of all time, and your vote helps decide who deserves to be at the top. Some champions held the title for years, dominating their competition, while others had shorter reigns but made a huge impact with every match they wrestled. From record-setting title runs to shocking victories that left the world in awe, each of these superstars brought something special to the WWE Championship.

1. John Cena

   

   John Felix Anthony Cena Jr. (/ˈsiːnə/. Born April 23, 1977) is an American professional wrestler, rapper, actor, and reality television show host signed to WWE, where he is currently associated with the SmackDown brand.

   Cena began his professional wrestling career in 1999 with Ultimate Pro Wrestling... read more

   John Cena is the seventh-longest reigning WWE champion of all time and the fourth-longest reigning WWE champion in combined number of days. He never cheated, never took help from outsiders, and always won by heart. He is even better than Triple H, CM Punk, Randy Orton, and The Undertaker.

   Cena's the greatest!

   I've met that guy once in my gym, and he was so humble and friendly. He took a picture, and we worked out together. Not once did he talk about himself. Instead, he kept talking about how to achieve my dream of becoming a successful architect. I've been your fan since I was 10, John. You're the reason I never gave up. Thanks, champ.

2. The Undertaker

   

   Mark William Calaway (born March 24, 1965), better known by his ring name The Undertaker, is an American semi-retired professional wrestler who signed with WWE in 1990, making him the company's longest-tenured in-ring performer. Calaway began his career in 1984 with World Class Championship Wrestling... read more

   First of all, he had the greatest winning streak at WrestleMania: 21-0. He defeated almost all top WWE superstars in his career, fair and square. He kicks out over and over, no matter which move it is, but he never gives up his match so easily. His willpower is very high.

   He has a phenomenal entrance style. His match is an art. His voice is so loud. His height, figure, and the style of a deadman are awesome. He is a true phenom of WWE.

   He is the legend who had an undefeated streak that ended at 21-1. He reigned over WWE, and WWE is at this point because of The Undertaker, as he took WWE with him. At the age of 51, he is the fittest athlete in WWE. All I have to say is that The Undertaker is a legend.

3. The Rock

   

   Dwayne Douglas Johnson (born May 2, 1972), also known by his ring name The Rock, is an American actor, producer, and semi-retired professional wrestler. He gained fame in WWE during the late 1990s and early 2000s before transitioning to a successful Hollywood career, starring in films such as The Fast... read more

   The Rock broke barriers in regard to being a champion. He was the youngest WWE Champion ever (now surpassed by Lesnar and Orton) in a deep talent pool. The Rock also became the first seven-time WWE Champion, beating Angle and Taker at Vengeance 2002.

   Had The Rock stayed a full-time wrestler, he would have surpassed Flair's record by now.

   The Rock is the greatest wrestler, the greatest WWE champion, the most charismatic wrestler, and the most electrifying man in all sports. He and Stone Cold are the greatest of all time.

4. Bruno Sammartino

   

   Bruno Leopoldo Francesco Sammartino was born in Pizzoferrato, Abruzzo, Italy, on October 6, 1935, to Alfonso and Emilia Sammartino. He died on April 18, 2018, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Sammartino was known for his powerful bearhug finishing move and is widely considered one of the greatest professional... read more

   In his day, Bruno was not just respected but revered. He was so over with fans that every match was pure excitement.

   With one reign of over 7 years and another of more than 3, how could he be anything but the greatest ever?

   Bruno had literally two reigns, and if you combined those two reigns together, you get 4,040 days. That's more than the reigns of Triple H, The Rock, John Cena, and Randy Orton combined. The only reason he lost the belt is that he thought he had enough time with the title, which makes a lot of sense, so he lost it to Ivan Koloff.

5. Hulk Hogan

   

   Terry Gene Bollea, better known by his ring name Hulk Hogan, was an American professional wrestler, actor, television personality, entrepreneur, and musician. He rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s through his work with the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE). Hogan is widely regarded as one of the... read more

   Without Hulk, wrestling would not be where it is today. He might not have been the best wrestler, but he brought wrestling into the mainstream. Credit where credit is due.

   Hulk Hogan was a six-time WWE champion for a total of 2,185 days. He became a pop culture icon when he first defeated the Iron Sheik for the title in 1984 and put WWE on the map during his four-year reign. He would go on to win the WWE Championship five more times in his career with memorable matches against Andre the Giant, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, "Macho Man" Randy Savage, The Ultimate Warrior, and The Undertaker.

6. Stone Cold Steve Austin

   

   Steve Austin (born Steven James Anderson on December 18, 1964, later Steven James Williams), better known by his ring name "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, is an American actor, media personality, producer, and retired professional wrestler who is signed to a legends contract with WWE.... read more

   There are a million reasons why Stone Cold was the best champion, and here they are: Smoking Skull Championship. The best belt of all time.

   Stone Cold should be number 1 because he drew big crowds, filled arenas, and was once declared by Mr. McMahon as the greatest WWE champion of all time!

   He is the leader of the Attitude Era, the best era in the history of WWE. He is the biggest name in WWE history and the most profitable superstar in WWE according to Mr. McMahon.

7. Triple H

   

   Paul Michael Levesque, better known by his ring name Triple H, is an American semi-retired professional wrestler, corporate executive, and actor. He is currently the Chief Content Officer for WWE, where he has also served as an executive vice president. Triple H is a 14-time world champion and a key... read more

   Triple H won the 2002 Royal Rumble match by eliminating Kurt Angle. He went on to WrestleMania to meet the Undisputed WWF Champion Chris Jericho. At No Way Out, Kurt Angle defeated Triple H to steal his title shot, with Stephanie McMahon as the special guest referee.

   I thought it was going to be Kurt Angle vs. Chris Jericho for the Undisputed WWF Championship. On the February 18, 2002, edition of Raw, Triple H defeated Kurt Angle to regain his title shot. At WrestleMania, Triple H defeated Chris Jericho to win the Undisputed WWF Championship!

   HHH would be tied into knots by The Hitman, Bret Hart. Absolutely no comparison. In fact, HHH doesn't even belong on this list. Bob Backlund deserves his spot.

8. Shawn Michaels

   

   Shawn Michaels, born on July 22, 1965, is an American professional wrestler. He is the first wrestler to win every major WWE title available during his era. Known for his charisma and athleticism, his nicknames include HBK (Heartbreak Kid), The Showstopper, Mr. WrestleMania, and The Icon. He was a founding... read more

   HBK is the best WWE Champion of all time. He should be number 1, with The Undertaker at number 2 and Triple H at number 3.

   He is so much better than John Cena. He was a two-time Royal Rumble winner, and he represents resilience.

   How can Kane, a man who held the title for a day, be ranked higher than the man who beat Bret Hart in a brutal Iron Man match?

   Not only was he a great wrestler, but he was also terrific on the mic and in displaying his character. He is an all-time great.

9. CM Punk

   

   Phillip Jack "Phil" Brooks, also known by the ring name CM Punk, is an American comic book writer, actor, former mixed martial artist, and retired professional wrestler. He is best known for his career in World Wrestling Entertainment, where he held multiple championships and was the leader of the New... read more

   When it comes to match quality during one's title reign, Punk is in a class of his own. His in-ring and microphone skills put him among the best in the business.

   CM Punk has always proved that he is the best in the world. He has beaten The Undertaker, John Cena, etc. Come on, he held the WWE Championship for 434 days, more than anyone else in the modern era.

   He has been WWE champion for 434 consecutive days. He has dangerous legs and amazing fighting skills. Briefly, he is the best champion ever.

10. Bret Hart

    

    Bret Sergeant Hart, better known by his ring name Bret "The Hitman" Hart, is a Canadian-American writer, actor, and retired professional and amateur wrestler. He is a member of the Hart wrestling family and a second-generation wrestler. Hart is widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers... read more

    This guy had to bring the WWF back after Hogan bailed, and no one wanted to watch them anymore. He consistently fought twice a night and overseas, which other champions never did. But he did it for us. He is and will always be The Best There Is, The Best There Was, and The Best There Ever Will Be, and you know it!

    Bret Hart brought legitimacy that was never there before. He was a technical specialist and a great mentor.

    The Excellence of Execution was the perfect sequel to Hogan's cult of personality.

The Newcomers
11. ?

    Cody Rhodes

    

    Cody Garrett Runnels Rhodes (born June 30, 1985) is an American professional wrestler and actor currently signed to WWE. He is the son of WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes and the half-brother of Dustin Rhodes. Rhodes is also known for his time in All Elite Wrestling, where he served as executive vice president... read more

12. ?

    Jinder Mahal

    

    Yuvraj Singh Dhesi is a Canadian professional wrestler currently signed to WWE. He performs under the ring name Jinder Mahal and appears on the SmackDown brand. In 2017, Mahal became the WWE Champion, becoming the first wrestler of Indian descent to win the title. He has also held other championships... read more

The Contenders

13. Randy Orton

    

    Randal Keith Orton (born April 1, 1980) is an American professional wrestler and actor signed to WWE, where he performs on the SmackDown brand. He is a 12-time world champion, having held the WWE Championship eight times and the World Heavyweight Championship four times. He is a third-generation wrestler... read more

    Randy should be first because he is the best in the business. John Cena has played a babyface in his career. It's simple to be a babyface. But on the other hand, Randy has played both babyface and heel very well. It's very hard to change the face and please the crowd for so long. That's why my pick is Randy Orton. He is the 12-time World Champion.

    Up to 12 world titles now, so underrated. He was better than Cena throughout their incredible rivalry, not taking anything away from the amazing Cena, though.

    Randy Orton deserves to be in the top five. He proves he is one of the best and has great nicknames in the WWE: The Viper, The Apex Predator, and the best one, The Legend Killer.

    He has become a great superstar in WWE, and he has been great because he was the youngest World Heavyweight Champion in WWE history and the first WWE World Heavyweight Champion. Period.

14. Jeff Hardy

    

    Jeffrey Nero "Jeff" Hardy (born August 31, 1977) is an American professional wrestler, singer-songwriter, painter, and musician. Alongside his brother Matt, he is a multiple-time WWE and TNA Tag Team Champion, a two-time WWE Intercontinental Champion, and a five-time world champion across WWE and TNA... read more

    Jeff is truly a revolutionary in the sport. His journey to the title was unique and heart-wrenching. Once he finally won, you couldn't help but cry alongside him.

    He is a great star in wrestling history.

    He is the most awesome player in WWE and TNA history. He is my WWE boy. The Swanton Bomb is his best finisher.

15. Brock Lesnar

    

    Brock Edward Lesnar (born July 12, 1977) is an American professional wrestler and former amateur wrestler, football player, and mixed martial artist who is currently signed to WWE. He first gained prominence as the youngest WWE Champion in history after winning the title in 2002. He later became the... read more

    He is the fastest rising superstar in just two years, from March 18, 2002, to March 18, 2004. The youngest WWE Champion... three-time WWE Champion in just two years, 900 pounds deadlift, F5 the Big Show, UFC Heavyweight Champion, NJPW Intercontinental Champion, OVW Tag Team Champion, and the one who broke The Undertaker's undefeated streak. Royal Rumble debut and winner...

    He is the most powerful wrestler in history. The reason he has so few championships to his name is that opponents cheat and keep interfering in the matches. Brock Lesnar can withstand anyone. He is also the UFC Champion, and that's the reason everyone is so afraid of him.

    Those who show that they are not afraid of THE BEAST do it only for popularity, mind it. Good luck to those who are going to face him at WrestleMania, Raw, or SummerSlam.

16. The Ultimate Warrior

    

    James Brian Hellwig, better known by his ring name The Ultimate Warrior, was an American professional wrestler. He most famously wrestled for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) from 1987 to 1991, and again in 1992 and 1996. During his 1998 stint in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), he was... read more

    The reason why I'm a WWF/WWE fan. #18?! Are you kidding me?! If you survey the 35-45 age range, I guarantee you, at least half of 'em will say the Warrior was their favorite champ as a 9-15-year-old kid back then.

    Ultimate Warrior should be at #5 because, remember when he lifted Andre the Giant and beat the Hulkster? Ultimate Warrior is the best, but sadly, he passed away after his appearance on Raw on April 8.

    I know, and you know, the Ultimate Warrior was the best ever. Real life!

17. Ric Flair

    

    Richard Morgan Fliehr (born February 25, 1949), known professionally as Ric Flair, is an American retired professional wrestler and current WWE legend under contract .

    Over a career spanning five decades, Flair is a 16-time world champion, having held titles in the NWA, WCW, and WWF/E. He's renowned... read more

    Ric is easily the greatest champion of all time. Look at his body of work. It's not about popularity or being a nice guy. It's about the interviews and performances in the ring. Flair sold the match both in the interviews and in the ring. He held titles in the '70s, '80s, '90s, and 2000s. Four decades - how can you compare that to the others?

    The people who made this list didn't even mention Bob Backlund. I have known wrestling for four decades.

    Most entertaining showman and best interviews in wrestling. Ever.

    Why can't he be number 1? He is a 15-time world champion!

18. Randy Savage

    

    Randall Mario Poffo (November 15, 1952 - May 20, 2011), better known as "Macho Man" Randy Savage, was an American professional wrestler and color commentator who achieved fame in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and later World Championship Wrestling (WCW) .... read more

    Give me a break. How is Macho Man not at the top of the list? Not calling him Number 1, but look, CM Punk? Jeff Hardy? Wow, who is voting here? You know this isn't real, right? It's kind of a vote on the best entertainer, not who could actually win in a fight.

    He won titles when they were hard to win and not changing hands every month. Great charisma and actually made Warrior look good in matches. He was much better than Hogan.

    Maybe the first of the great athletes in WWE. He was quick, strong, technical, and had a great character. The Savage vs. Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat match may be the best match I've ever seen.

19. Edge

    

    Adam Joseph Copeland is a Canadian actor and professional wrestler. He is currently signed to WWE, where he performs on the SmackDown brand under the ring name Edge. A WWE Hall of Famer, Edge is known for his multiple world championship reigns and his involvement in iconic tag teams such as Edge and... read more

    Great moves, great look, great humor, great heel. He's the guy you loved to hate, and it isn't the same with him gone.

    He's one of the best workers. Just look at WrestleMania X8 with Booker T. Both men were great.

20. Daniel Bryan

    

    Bryan Lloyd Danielson (born May 22, 1981) is an American professional wrestler best known for his tenure in WWE under the ring name Daniel Bryan. He is a five-time world champion, having held the WWE Championship four times and the World Heavyweight Championship once. He headlined WrestleMania XXX in... read more

    You can bet Randy for the Championship. Can you do it? Yes, yes, yes.

    From Daniel.

    Say yes, yes, yes. He is an amazing superstar.

21. Sheamus

    

    Stephen Farrelly, known professionally as Sheamus, is an Irish professional wrestler and actor. He is currently signed to WWE, where he performs on the SmackDown brand. Sheamus is a former WWE Champion and has held multiple other titles throughout his career.

    Sheamus is a real warrior, especially with his Brogue Kick. He survives every time like a warrior. I am a very big fan of you and love you.

    Sheamus is better than Randy Orton.

    Sheamus is unbeatable. He has many skills: the Irish Curse, Brogue Kick, and chokeslam. Please vote for Sheamus, fella!

22. Roman Reigns

    

    Leati Joseph "Joe" Anoaʻi was born on May 25, 1985. He is an American professional wrestler and a former professional Canadian football player. He is currently signed to WWE, where he performs under the ring name Roman Reigns.... read more

    Roman Reigns has not won titles till now, but he is a great wrestler. He has taken on The Undertaker, Kane, John Cena, Randy Orton, and all other great superstars easily with a spear.

    He is a good WWE superstar and wrestler.

    Roman Reigns is a real wrestler because he defeated the League of Nations.

23. Diesel

    

    Kevin Scott Nash (born July 9, 1959) is an American professional wrestler and actor, currently part of WWE's Legends program. He is a three-time WWE Champion (as Diesel), a two-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion, and a founding member of the New World Order (nWo). Nash has appeared in films such as... read more

24. Bob Backlund

    

    Robert Louis Backlund is an American retired professional wrestler with an in-ring career that lasted over 30 years. He is best known for his time in the World Wide Wrestling Federation and World Wrestling Federation, where he was a two-time champion. Backlund was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame... read more

25. Rey Mysterio

    

    Óscar Gutiérrez, better known by the ring name Rey Mysterio, is a Mexican-American professional wrestler who currently works for WWE on the SmackDown brand. Known for his high-flying lucha libre style, he is considered one of the most influential cruiserweights in wrestling history. Mysterio has held... read more

    WWE failed to give appropriate time and chance to the young and little man popularly known as "The Greatest Underdog."

    Rey, you are the best in the world.

    Why isn't Mysterio at the top of the list? He is the fastest little man, better than John Cena.

26. The Miz

    

    Michael Gregory "Mike" Mizanin is an American professional wrestler, reality television star, and actor. He is signed to WWE, where he performs under the ring name The Miz. He has been a multi-time champion and a consistent presence on WWE programming since 2004.

27. Rob Van Dam

    

    Robert Alex "Rob" Szatkowski (born December 18, 1970), better known as Rob Van Dam (RVD), is an American professional wrestler and occasional actor. Renowned for his high-flying, martial-arts - inspired offense, he became a hardcore icon as ECW World Television Champion and later won the WWE Championship... read more

    He is fabulous in the Royal Rumble and has flexibility for the acrobats out there.