10 Superstars Who Waited the Longest to Win the WWE Championship
Cody Rhodes
10- Mankind – 4,551 Days
Mick Foley’s iconic victory over The Rock in January 1999 is often cited as the turning point of the Monday Night Wars. While it felt like the culmination of his Attitude Era run, his history with WWE began much earlier. Foley actually made his televised debut as a jobber named Jack Foley in 1986, losing to the British Bulldogs. It took over 12 years—specifically 4,551 days—for the Hardcore Legend to finally hold the company’s most prestigious prize in a truly historic moment.
9- Drew McIntyre – 4,554 Days
Initially dubbed The Chosen One by Vince McMahon in 2007, Drew McIntyre’s first run ended in disappointment as a member of the comedic 3MB. After being released and completely reinventing himself on the independent circuit, he returned to WWE as a muscular titan. His redemption was completed at WrestleMania 36 when he defeated Brock Lesnar. From his first SmackDown match against Zack Ryder in October 2007 to his 2020 triumph, the journey spanned 4,554 days, proving that second chances can lead to legendary status.
8- Macho Man Randy Savage – 4,558 Days
Randy Savage is a cornerstone of wrestling history, known for his incredible charisma and high-flying style. Most fans remember his 1988 tournament victory at WrestleMania 4 as his big break, occurring just three years after his debut as the Macho Man. However, his clock actually started ten years prior. In 1978, he wrestled a televised match for the company under his real name, Randy Poffo. This obscure debut meant it technically took 4,558 days for the Cream of the Crop to reach the summit.
7- Andre the Giant – 5,197 Days
Andre the Giant was the ultimate special attraction, a man so large he didn't need a championship to be the biggest star in the room. His first televised appearance for WWE occurred in late 1973. For nearly 15 years, he toured the world as an undefeated force. It wasn't until 1988, during his legendary feud with Hulk Hogan, that he finally won the title. His victory remains the most-watched in history with a record 33 million viewers watching The Main Event on NBC, though it came a staggering 5,197 days after his initial WWE television debut.
6- Rob Van Dam – 5,206 Days
RVD was the face of ECW, but his path to the WWE Championship was incredibly long. While many associate his start with the 2001 Invasion, he actually wrestled for WWE as a teenager in 1992 under the name Matt Burn, losing to Sid Vicious. After a decade of becoming a cult icon, he finally defeated John Cena at ECW One Night Stand in 2006. It took 5,206 days for Mr. Monday Night to graduate from an enhancement talent to the top champion in the industry.
5- AJ Styles – 5,347 Days
AJ Styles’ WWE debut at the 2016 Royal Rumble is legendary, and he won the title just months later. However, that wasn't actually his first time on WWE television. In 2002, a young Styles appeared on the B-show Jakked, losing a match to The Hurricane. He famously turned down a developmental deal at the time to stay close to his family. It took 14 years and a global reputation as the Phenomenal One before he returned and finally claimed the WWE Championship against Dean Ambrose at Backlash 2016 after 5,347 days.
4- Jeff Hardy – 5,349 Days
Jeff Hardy is one of the most beloved figures in wrestling, but his start was humble. He debuted in 1994 as a 16-year-old jobber named Keith Davis, losing to Razor Ramon. Over the next decade, Hardy became a tag team innovator and a singles star, though personal struggles often halted his momentum. His Charismatic Enigma persona finally took him to the top at Armageddon 2008. The journey from a skinny kid in baggy pants to WWE Champion took a total of 5,349 days of persistence.
3- Bobby Lashley – 5,641 Days
Bobby Lashley was pushed as a powerhouse from his debut in 2005, but he left the company in 2008 without ever winning the top title. He spent years in TNA and MMA, honing his skills and physique. Upon his return to WWE in 2018, fans expected an immediate title run, but he had to wait even longer. It wasn’t until March 2021 that he finally defeated The Miz on RAW. In total, it took 5,641 days for the All Mighty to secure the WWE Championship.
2- Ric Flair – 5,802 Days
Ric Flair entered WWE in 1991 as the Real World’s Champion and won the WWE Title at the 1992 Royal Rumble. While that seems fast, Flair actually wrestled for the promotion much earlier. In 1976, a young Nature Boy had a pair of matches for the then-WWWF, defeating Pete Sanchez and Frank Williams. Because of those early appearances, his 1992 victory actually came 5,802 days after his debut. It took 16 years for the greatest champion in history to finally hold the WWE version.
1- Cody Rhodes – 6,110 Days
Cody Rhodes tops the list with a journey that defines finishing the story. He debuted on RAW in 2007, losing to Randy Orton. After years of mid-card roles and the Stardust character, he left to help build AEW and reinvent himself. He returned to WWE in 2022 with a clear goal. At WrestleMania 40, 16 and a half years after his debut, he defeated Roman Reigns. Taking 6,110 days to win the title, he achieved what his legendary father, Dusty Rhodes, never could.
