8 Wrestling Legends Who Waited Over a Decade to Win the WWE Championship
Not everyone takes the express route to the top. And these WWE superstars are the perfect example. They spent years climbing, stumbling, and coming back stronger, until they finally became world champions. These 15 wrestlers each waited over a decade from their WWE debut to finally reach the top.
Cody Rhodes’ Return Paid Off in Full
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Debuting in 2007, Cody Rhodes was mostly seen as Dusty’s son or a tag team fixture. He left, built a name across the globe, co-founded AEW, and then came back with a purpose. At WrestleMania 40, sixteen years after his debut, Cody finally won the Undisputed WWE Championship by defeating Roman Reigns.
Christian Needed a Career Detour
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After arriving in 1998 with Edge, Christian often played second fiddle. After years stuck in the midcard, he left WWE but returned ready. In 2011, following Edge’s retirement, Christian finally won the World Heavyweight Title. This achievement was emotional, overdue, and totally earned.
Mark Henry Reinvented Himself in Time
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Mark Henry struggled to make a real impact for years. He started in 1996, and until 2011, he had no direction. A shift came with the “Hall of Pain” persona that year. He crushed opponents and fan doubts, finally defeating Randy Orton for the World Heavyweight Championship fifteen years after signing his first WWE deal. That’s 15 years in the making with zero apologies.
Kofi Kingston’s Patience Became a Movement
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From 2008 to 2019, Kofi wowed audiences with athleticism and smiles, but stayed out of the title picture. Then the fans made noise. KofiMania took over the Road to WrestleMania 35, and he beat Daniel Bryan in one of WWE’s most feel-good finishes. His decade of waiting was erased in one leap.
Drew McIntyre Had to Leave to Rise
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Sometimes, a restart is the real beginning. Although heralded as “The Chosen One” in 2009, Drew McIntyre’s initial WWE run stalled. Once he was released in 2014, he rebuilt his name on the independents and returned stronger. In 2020, at WrestleMania 36, McIntyre defeated Brock Lesnar to win the WWE Championship, 11 years after his WWE start and well beyond expectations from his first run.
Sgt. Slaughter Turned Villain to Reach the Top
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It was a divisive but historic title reign, coming ten years after his debut. The wrestler was known since the early ’80s for his military gimmick, but Sgt. Slaughter was never the top guy. That changed in 1991 when, after a controversial heel turn, he beat The Ultimate Warrior for the WWE Championship.
Big E Stepped Out of the Group’s Shadow
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From developmental in 2009 to New Day greatness, Big E was always the life of the party, and his solo glory came later. In 2021, he cashed in Money in the Bank on Bobby Lashley and won the WWE Championship. Twelve years from system guy to world champ.
Bobby Lashley Found His Way Back
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Lashley looked destined for success after debuting in 2005, but inconsistent booking stalled his rise. After leaving WWE and becoming a world champion in TNA, he returned. In 2021, Lashley beat The Miz to win the WWE Championship, finally, more than 15 years after his debut and a decade after most counted him out.
Jeff Hardy’s Fan Momentum Carried Him
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By 2008, Jeff Hardy had everything: the fans, the style, the scars. Hardy’s title win at Armageddon was the result of years of building fan support and perseverance. His daredevil style and connection with the audience made his journey from 1998 to that crowning moment. All of these factors highlighted just how much timing and fan backing can influence the title picture, even after setbacks.
Bonus: Jey Uso May Be Next in Line
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Though still chasing his first world title, Jey Uso’s path echoes many on this list. He debuted in 2010 with his twin brother Jimmy and remained in the tag division for years. Winning the 2025 Royal Rumble has finally put him on the cusp. If he beats Gunther at WrestleMania 41, he’ll join this club.