WWE: Top 10 Superstars To Never Be World Champion
By Tim Sherry
credit: wwe.com
6. “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig
Hennig hits this list at number six, but if we were just basing the requirements on best in-ring workers to never win a world title, he would be number one. A master mat technician by trade, Hennig also had the ability through top-notch selling and stellar in-ring psychology to be one of the best performers the wrestling world has ever seen. After having a quick cup of coffee with the company in the early 80’s, Hennig used a stint in the AWA to hone his craft. So when he resurfaced in the WWE in 1988 as “Mr. Perfect”, the man who do no wrong, expectations were high. He started off his WWE career on a near 18 month undefeated run that included a couple of count out wins over then champion, Hulk Hogan. Unfortunately for Hennig, that’s the closest he would ever come to the top prize in the company.
Although Perfect’s world title aspirations never materialized, his contributions to the mid-card were immense. He won two Intercontinental championships, the latter of the two ending in an absolute classic with Bret Hart at SummerSlam 1991 which firmly put “The Hitman” on the map as a future main event superstar. However, a number of back injuries shelved Perfect for the majority of the remainder of his WWE career. He sat out almost all of 1992 before making a comeback the following year. However, by 1994 and at just 35 years old, it looked like Hennig would never wrestle again. He stayed with the company until 1997 before leaving for the WCW where he did rekindle his in-ring career.
Much like Roberts, Hennig battled his own demons that resulted in his shocking 2003 death at just 44 years old. Four years later, Mr. Perfect was inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame. When it’s all said and done, Hennig won’t be remembered as a guy who never won the big one. But as a guy who was one of the most talented men to ever step foot in a ring. His list of accomplishments may not be as lofty as some other industry giants, but his reputation will live on forever.