Pro Wrestling's most unlikely World Champions: Part IV

Compiled is an in-depth list of wrestling’s most unlikely World Champions.

Follow us on Twitter: @FredRichani and @DaSportsCourier

This list is comprised of men who survived the physical and at times, political limitations that were placed in front of them to earn the honor of calling themselves “world champion.”

Oh, there’s those champions fans would like to forget on this list too.

This is Part IV of Professional Wrestling's Most Unlikely World Champions. 

Check out: Part I, Part II, and Part III.

Agree? Disagree? Let us know.

Jeff Jarrett: WCW Champion (2000), TNA Champion (2002-2005)

Jeff Jarrett has always been a very good in-ring worker. He knows how to put on a good match and rile up a crowd.

It’s not that Jarrett never deserved to be World Champion. For years, he had been a great midcarder. It was kind of nice to see him get his due in WCW--just not four times over. But he helped carry TNA Wrestling in its early days for sure.

Jarrett’s TNA Title reigns came about because he was arguably the company’s most recognizable name. In Jarrett’s defense, his title reigns did give TNA stability, as it wasn’t like the owner of the company would ever leave with the belt.

Booker T: WCW Champion (2000), WWE World Champion (2006)

Booker T had always been known as a tag team specialist and reliable performer with special connection with fans throughout his decorated WCW career. Yet in 2000, it seemed like all hope was lost for the Master of the Spinaroonie.

While the serious yet comedic Misfits in Action were collectively popular, Booker T seemed lost in the WCW shuffle. As G.I. Bro, the man that had incredible matches with Chris Benoit just two years prior was all but forgotten. Then came Bash at The Beach.

On July 9, 2000, Booker T lost a midcard PPV match to the late Chris Kanyon, courtesy of Jeff Jarrett’s interference. Later that night, the main event was supposed to be Jarrett vs. Hulk Hogan for the WCW Title. For whatever real reason (depending who you talk to), that main event was cancelled.

Before the cancellation, Hogan engaged in a scathing promo war with Vince Russo (on-air authority figure back then too) and left with what looked like the real WCW Title. Please don’t ask. It’s Vince Russo.

The result of Hogan’s sudden departure (and final appearance in WCW) lead Russo to book Jarrett vs. Booker T for the main event. When Bash at The Beach was over, no one could call Booker T a midcarder anymore. In one of the few “real” moments in WCW, a man that spent years rehabbing his life from a criminal past could now call himself the World Heavyweight Champion.

One of the few WCW veterans that stuck through all the good and bad times was finally rewarded.