Celebrating Black Excellence: 10 Black Champions in WWE

Mar 9, 202128 min read

Updated: Apr 9, 2021

In retrospect of Black History Month, we here at Blade Job Pro Wrestling have spent many hours thinking about the evolution of black performers within the industry. With the crowning of Bobby Lashley as WWE Champion making him the third black WWE Champion in company history, we have been taking the time to think back about our favorite black champions in sports entertainment - and today, I am going to showcase some of our favorite performers in the industry. In this list, we will be breaking down the careers and title wins held by some of the premier African-American superstars in the WWE.

Disclaimer: This list was made out of love and admiration for black excellence. In an industry historically dominated by caucasian individuals, we believe it is important to highlight the impact that people of color have had on our favorite sports-entertainment organization. In saying this, we here at Blade Job Pro Wrestling harbor nothing but love and respect for these athletes.

First off, how are we going to be ranking these selections? These selections are going to be viewed under every lens imaginable, such as championship elevation, booking, match quality, star power, and influence on the industry today. Plus, these are all just our opinion so... deal with it!

Honorable Mention: The New Day

This trio of incredible black performers began their amazing rise to glory in 2014 when Xavier Woods corralled Big E and Kofi Kingston, begging them to join forces with him and "dominate the WWE landscape."

Starting off as stereotypical southern gospel preachers, these men were not well received by the WWE Universe. Just shy of a year as a stable, at the 2015 Extreme Rules PPV, The New Day defeated Tyson Kidd and Cesaro to win the WWE Tag Team Championship (now christened the WWE RAW Tag Team Championship.) At Money In The Bank 2015, The New Day lost the championships to The Primetime Players, Darren Young and Titus O'Neil, ending the 49-day championship reign.

At Summerslam that same year, The New Day won the WWE Tag Team Championship for the second time. This would be the beginning of the longest tag team championship reign in WWE history, clocking in at 483 days. This reign would end at 2016's Roadblock: End of the Line where Cesaro and Sheamus defeated The New Day.

In their first taste of SmackDown championship silver, The New Day defeated The Usos at Battleground 2017 to win the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship. These two teams would feud for the continuing months. The Usos would defeat The New Day at Summerslam 2017's Kickoff Show, ending a 28-day reign. The New Day would win the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship a second time on SmackDown. The Usos would regain the championship again in a Hell in a Cell match, ending a 26-day reign.

On August 21, 2018, The New Day defeated The Bludgeon Brothers to win the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship for the third time. The New Day would drop the championship to Cesaro and Sheamus on the 1000th Episode of SmackDown, ending a 56-day reign.

A little under a year later, at Extreme Rules 2019, The New Day would regain the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Champions for the fourth time, defeating reigning champions Daniel Bryan and Rowan and Heavy Machinery in a triple threat tag team match. The New Day dropped the championship to The Revival at Clash of Champions, ending a 63-day championship reign. The New Day would defeat The Revival two months later in a Manchester, England SmackDown taping, earning them a fifth championship reign.

After a multitude of mini feuds, The New Day dropped the championships to The Miz and John Morrison at WWE Super Showdown in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, ending a 111-day reign. On an April 2020 edition of SmackDown, The New Day regained the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship in a triple threat match with Big E representing The New Day, The Miz representing himself and Morrison, and Jey Uso representing The Usos.

At The Horror Show at Extreme Rules, The New Day lost the championships to Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro in a Tables Match, ending a 93-day reign. They would later regain the championship on the 2020 Draft edition of SmackDown for the seventh and final time (as of this writing.) The New Day would not lose the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship in a match, but rather a backstage segment where WWE official Adam Pearce oversaw the switch of championships between then WWE RAW Tag Team Champions, The Street Profits, and The New Day. The New Day were awarded the WWE RAW Tag Team Championship as a result of the draft. The Street Profits were awarded the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship for the same reason. This ends the seventh reign with this championship at 3 days.

The New Day held on to the WWE RAW Tag Team Championship for three months, losing the championships to the up-and-coming Hurt Business at TLC: Tables, Ladders, and Chairs 2020 ending a 69-day reign. Nice!

The New Day is placed on this list as an honorable mention due to their incredible run as a stable. These three men helped re-establish the coveted "Freebird Rule" for tag team wrestling in WWE after years of the rule being abandoned. These three men hold the record for the longest WWE Tag Team Championship reign. These three men are three of the most recognizable black professional wrestlers, three of the most marketable professional wrestlers, and three of the biggest merch sellers in the industry today. With ten-combined tag team championship reigns, there is no reason The New Day does not deserve a mention... and this is not the last time you will be seeing The New Day in this list.

Number 10: D-Von Dudley

Making a name for himself in the upstart Extreme Championship Wrestling, D-Von Dudley lands his spot at number ten on this list! Leaving ECW alongside partner Bubba Ray Dudley due to a pay dispute, The Dudley Boyz made their WWE debut's in 1999.

D-Von Dudley earned his first taste of gold in the tag team division in a match alongside Bubba Ray Dudley where the tandem defeated The New Age Outlaws at No Way Out 2000 for the WWF World Tag Team Championship. The Dudley Boyz would lose these titles in the legendary WrestleMania 2000 triple threat ladder match against Edge and Christian and The Hardy Boyz (the former being the victors of the match.) This would end the first Dudley Boyz reign at 35 days.

The Dudley Boyz would regain the WWF World Tag Team Championship at Royal Rumble 2001, ending Edge and Christian's reign. The Dudley Boyz would lose the championship on RAW is War to The Hardy Boyz, ending a 43-day reign. After this, Spike Dudley would join the tandem.

Once more, on the March 19, 2001, edition of Raw is War, The Dudley Boyz defeated Edge and Christian, earning a third reign with the WWF World Tag Team Championship. This reign would only last 13 days, where they would lose the title at WrestleMania X-Seven in the Triple Threat TLC Match against Edge and Christian and The Hardy Boyz. Edge and Christian would win these championships.

On the June 19, 2001, edition of SmackDown!, The Dudley Boyz would regain the WWF World Tag Team Championship, defeating Chris Jericho and Chris Benoit. This is their fourth reign. 20 days later, The Dudley Boyz would lose these championships to The Acolytes.

Months later, The Dudley Boyz would gain another WWF World Tag Team Championship reign, defeating The Brothers of Destruction on RAW is War. This 35-day title reign would end on the October 22, 2001 edition of Raw is War, with Chris Benoit and The Rock defeating The Dudley Boyz.

One day later, The Dudley Boyz would defeat The Hardy Boyz on RAW to win the WCW World Tag Team Championship. They would be the final holders of these championships, unifying them with the WWF World Tag Team Championships on November 18, 2001, when they defeated The Hardy Boyz again in a steel cage match. The WCW World Tag Team Championship reign lasted 26 days.

50 days later, the team of Spike Dudley and Tazz would defeat The Dudley Boyz on RAW, ending the sixth WWF World Tag Team Championship reign for D-Von Dudley. In March 2002, Bubba Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley were split apart as a result of the first brand split. D-Von would embrace the Reverend D-Von gimmick, serving as "spiritual advisor" for Vince McMahon. D-Von later introduced Deacon Batista, who would go on to turn on him months later.

Over a year and a half later, The Dudley Boyz would re-form at Survivor Series 2002 where D-Von helped Bubba Ray, Spike and Jeff Hardy defeat the 3-Minute Warning. They would regain the WWE World Tag Team Championship at Royal Rumble 2003, defeating William Regal and Lance Storm. One day later, William Regal and Lance Storm would defeat The Dudley Boyz to win back the WWE World Tag Team Championship.

Eight months later, The Dudley Boyz would defeat La Resistance at Unforgiven 2003 to win their 8th WWE World Tag Team Championship reign. This championship reign would end at Armageddon 2003 with a loss to Evolution's Batista and Ric Flair, ending an 84-day reign.

Finally, on the June 15, 2004 edition of SmackDown!, The Dudley Boyz would defeat Charlie Haas and Rico for the WWE Tag Team Championship (now known as the WWE RAW Tag Team Championship.) This reign lasted 21 days, ending with a loss to Billy Kidman and Paul London on SmackDown!.

In 2005, The Dudley Boyz were removed from main roster television and relegated to Ohio Valley Wrestling (WWE's developmental brand.) Their final WWE match (within this run) was at One Night Stand 2005 when The Dudley Boyz defeated Tommy Dreamer and The Sandman. D-Von Dudley would go on to wrestle for TNA/IMPACT! Wrestling from 2005-2014.

D-Von Dudley and Bubba Ray Dudley would return to WWE in 2015 where they feuded against The New Day for the WWE Tag Team Championships. They would not be successful in these efforts. The RAW after Summerslam 2016, Bubba Ray and D-Von would announce their retirement from WWE. Two years later, D-Von Dudley was inducted in the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2018 alongside his kayfabe brother. D-Von currently works as a backstage producer for the company as of this writing.

D-Von Dudley is one of the most influential tag team wrestlers in the history of the professional wrestling industry. In D-Von's six-year WWE career, he managed to capture the WWF/E World Tag Team Championships eight times, the WCW World Tag Team Championships once, and the WWE Tag Team Championships once. As one of the most recognizable tag team wrestlers in history, fans will always remember D-Von getting the tables and a solid "WAZZUP!" How could we forget the arrival of Reverend D-Von and Deacon Batista?! With all of this in mind and more, D-Von Dudley lands within our top ten black champions in WWE.

Number 9: Sasha Banks

In August 2012, WWE announced the signing of prominent women's wrestling star, Mercedes Varnado. Ms. Varnado would soon be known as "The Boss," and debuted on the NXT roster that December in a losing effort against Paige. Two years later, Sasha Banks would finally earn her first taste of championship gold in WWE.

On February 11, 2015, at NXT TakeOver: Rival, Sasha Banks would win the NXT Women's Championship in a Fatal Four-Way match involving reigning champion Charlotte, Becky Lynch, and Bayley. Sasha Banks would rule over the NXT Women's division until NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn 2015, where Banks would lose the belt to Bayley. Sasha Banks's reign lasted 192 days.

Sasha Banks made her official main roster debut on the July 13, 2015, episode of RAW. Just over a year later, Banks would claim her first main roster championship reign with a victory over Charlotte on RAW. Sasha won the WWE RAW Women's Championship. This reign would be short-lived, as she lost the championship back to Charlotte at Summerslam 2016. This reign lasted 27 days. Sasha Banks would then win the WWE RAW Women's Championship a second time two months later on RAW. Banks would, again, drop the championship to Charlotte 27 days after her victory. This match was the first women's Hell in a Cell match. A month later, Sasha Banks would the WWE RAW Women's Championship for a third time on RAW. She would drop the title to Charlotte at Roadblock: End of the Line at the end of 2016, ending her 20-day reign.

At Summerslam 2017, Sasha Banks would win the WWE RAW Women's Championship for a fourth time, defeating the reigning champion Alexa Bliss. Bliss would regain the championship 8 days later on RAW.

Sasha Banks would go without a championship reign for two years until Elimination Chamber 2019, where Banks would compete alongside Bayley for the inaugural WWE Women's Tag Team Championship match. The Boss N' Hug Connection would outlast Nia Jax and Tamina, The Riott Squad, Fire and Desire, Carmella and Naomi, and The Iiconics. The Boss 'N Hug Connection would lose the championships at WrestleMania 35 in a Fatal Four-Way tag team match involving Nia Jax and Tamina, Beth Phoenix and Natalya, and The Iiconics. The Iiconics won the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships, ending Banks and Bayley's 49-day reign.

Sasha Banks and Bayley would regain the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships as a re-formed heel tandem on the May 26, 2020 edition of SmackDown, defeating Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross. In the midst of her WWE Women's Tag Team Championship reign, Sasha Banks would defeat Asuka on the July 20, 2020 edition of RAW for the WWE RAW Women's Championship. She would hold this belt for 34 days, losing it back to Asuka at Summerslam 2020. 7 days later, Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler would defeat Sasha Banks and Bayley for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship, ending their reign at 96 days.

The loss of the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships drove a wedge further between Bayley and Sasha Banks. At Hell in a Cell 2020, Sasha Banks defeated Bayley for the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship, ending Bayley's historic 380-day reign. Sasha Banks is still the reigning champion as of this writing.

Sasha Banks is one of the original Four Horsewomen and is arguably the most gifted female professional wrestler in WWE today. Sasha Banks serves as an inspiration for black women across the entire world and is living proof that the girlhood dream can come true. As a seven-time women's champion, two-time tag team champion, a triple crown, and a grand slam champion; there is no doubt in my mind that Sasha Banks belongs on the list of WWE's top ten black champions.

Number 8: Rocky Johnson and Tony Atlas

In October 23, 1979, Tony Atlas made his debut in World Wrestling Federation defeating Johnny Rodz. In 1982, Rocky Johnson debuted in the World Wrestling Federation feuding with stars such as Don Muraco, Greg Valentine, Mike Sharpe, Buddy Rose, and Adrian Adonis. In 1983, Atlas and Johnson were paired together under the name "Soul Patrol."

On November 15, 1983, Atlas and Johnson defeated Afa and Sika (The Wild Samoans) for the WWF Tag Team Championships (the now-defunct WWE World Tag Team Championship) on Championship Wrestling. Soul Patrol would hold the WWF World Tag Team Championships for 154 days, losing the titles to the team of Adrian Adonis and Dick Murdoch on Championship Wrestling.

In 2006, "Mr. USA" Tony Atlas was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by S.D "Special Delivery" Jones.

In 2008, "Soulman" Rocky Johnson was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by his son, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

Despite holding one championship in the WWE, Atlas and Johnson land the number eight position on this list for their sole title reign being groundbreaking. Rocky Johnson and Tony Atlas are officially the first two black individuals to hold gold in the land of sports entertainment, and for that honor alone, Atlas and Johnson are our number eight for top ten black champions in WWE.

Number 7: Bobby Lashley

On September 23, 2005, Bobby Lashley made his WWE debut on SmackDown! where he defeated Simon Dean. Lashley would go on to win his first championship in World Wrestling Entertainment a year after his debut.

After his elimination from the 2006 Royal Rumble, Bobby Lashley began a feud with J.B.L, who handed him his first singles competition loss at No Way Out 2006 (mostly attributed to interference from Finlay.) On the May 23, 2006 edition of SmackDown! Bobby Lashley defeated John Bradshaw Layfield to win his first WWE United States Championship. Bobby Lashley lost the WWE United States Championship to Finlay on the July 11, 2006 edition of SmackDown! Lashley's reign ended at 49 days. Lashley would go on to feud with Booker T's Court alongside Batista but would be sidelined after elevated liver enzymes were discovered during a routine medical exam.

On November 14, 2006, Lashley was drafted to the ECW brand. A month later, Bobby Lashley would compete in the December to Dismember Extreme Elimination Chamber match for the ECW Championship. Lashley would outlast reigning champion Big Show, CM Punk, Hardcore Holly, Rob Van Dam, and Test to win the ECW Championship for the first time. He would go on to become the first person to break Chris Masters' Master Lock challenge.

As ECW Champion, Lashley would compete on behalf of Donald Trump in the Battle of the Billionaires match at WrestleMania 23 against Umaga (who was backed by WWE Chairman Vince McMahon.) Lashley would win this match, leading to a continuation of the Vince McMahon feud. At Backlash 2007, Mr. McMahon defeated Bobby Lashley for the ECW Championship in a handicap match involving Umaga and Shane McMahon. Lashley's reign lasted 147 days. Lashley would regain the ECW Championship at ECW One Night Stand. This reign would last 8 days, ending via vacancy due to Lashley being drafted to RAW. Lashley would have a couple of opportunities for the WWE Championship before being released from his contract on February 4, 2008.

10 years later, on April 9, 2018, Bobby Lashley returned to the WWE on the RAW after 'Mania, where he decimated Elias. 8 months later, on the January 14, 2019 edition of RAW, Bobby Lashley defeated Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins in a triple threat match to earn his first WWE Intercontinental Championship. Lashley would hold on to this championship for 34 days, dropping it to Finn Balor at Elimination Chamber 2019. Bobby Lashley would regain the WWE Intercontinental Championship on the March 11, 2019 edition of RAW, only to drop it back to Finn Balor at WrestleMania 35. This reign ended in 27 days.

After a shaky relationship with Lana, Bobby Lashley began a new partnership with a returned Montel Vontavious Porter. These two would go on to form The Hurt Business (along with Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander,) a group that would go on to terrorize RAW throughout 2020 and 2021. At Payback 2020, Bobby Lashley defeated Apollo Crews to win the WWE United States Championship for the second time. Lashley would have a dominating 175-day reign, dropping the belt in a triple threat match between himself, John Morrison, and Riddle at Elimination Chamber 2021. Riddle would win this match pinning Riddle.

Later in the night of the 2021 Elimination Chamber, Lashley would attack WWE Champion Drew McIntyre, allowing for the-then Money In The Bank contract holder, The Miz, to cash-in his briefcase and win the WWE Championship for the second time. Bobby Lashley would then defeat The Miz in a lumberjack match on the March 1, 2021 edition of RAW and win the WWE Championship for the first time. Bobby Lashley is currently in the midst of this reign.

Bobby Lashley is arguably one of the most intense and ruthless aggressors in professional wrestling today. While, yes, some of his booking during his time on the ECW brand may not have been up to par - Lashley is an incredible worker and performer. I would go as far as to refer to Lashley as the best WWECW Champion, elevating the championship beyond any and all understanding. Lashley's doing's with The Hurt Business has revolutionized his career, and as the third WWE Champion out of 52 individuals, Lashley earns his spot on this list at number seven. Here's to hoping for an incredible title reign for The Almighty.

Number 6: Mark Henry

At 24 years old, Mark Henry made his debut on the March 11, 1996 episode of RAW where he press-slammed Jerry Lawler, who was antagonistically interviewing him in the ring. Henry would go on to compete in the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. Afterward, WWE signed Mark Henry to a 10-year contract - one of the longest contracts the company has given a professional wrestler. The former "World's Strongest Man" powerlifter has landed the number six spot on the top ten black champions in WWE list.

Mark Henry's WWE debut took place September 22, 1996, where he defeated Jerry Lawler at In Your House: Mind Games. Three years later, Henry would "win" his first championship in WWE. On the August 23, 1999 edition of RAW, Mark Henry earned his first taste of gold without competing in a match. At Summerslam 1999, Jeff Jarrett defeated D'Lo Brown for the WWF European Championship and the WWF Intercontinental Championship via interference from Mark Henry. The next night, Jarrett awarded the WWF European Championship to Henry for his help in the match. At Unforgiven 1999, D'Lo Brown would defeat Mark Henry and regain the WWF European Championship. Henry's reign lasted 34 days. Henry would go on to feud with performers such as Jericho, Christian, Undertaker, and Batista.

9 years later, Mark Henry was drafted to the ECW brand and competed for the ECW Championship. At Night of Champions 2009, Mark Henry defeated reigning champion Kane and The Big Show in a triple threat match for the ECW Championship. A few weeks after Henry's championship win, Tony Atlas would return to WWE to manage The World's Strongest Man. At Unforgiven 2009, Mark Henry dropped the championship to Matt Hardy, ending his 70-day reign. On June 29, Mark Henry was traded back to the RAW brand.

3 years after his last championship reign, Mark Henry unleashed the Hall of Pain on WWE. At Night of Champions 2011, Mark Henry defeated Randy Orton for the World Heavyweight Championship. Henry had a dominating 91-day reign, ending with a loss to Big Show at TLC 2011. This was Mark Henry's last championship match.

In 2018, Mark Henry was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by the aforementioned Big Show.

Despite only having three championships to his name, no one will ever forget the wonder that is the Sexual Chocolate gimmick, the Hall of Pain gimmick, and that salmon jacket. The Texan strongman is one of the most iconic professional wrestlers in WWE. Mark Henry is generally known as one of the nicest individuals in the professional wrestling industry itself. Henry has even pledged to donate his brain to CTE research upon his death. As one of the most recognizable men in powerlifting and professional wrestling, Mark Henry lands his spot at number 6 on our list.

Number 5: R-Truth

After making his debut in the World Wrestling Federation as the bombastic "K-Kwik," Ron "The Truth" Killings teamed with Road Dogg. He made his debut on November 13, 2000 at RAW is War, where he attacked William Regal in the midst of a singles match between the aforementioned competitor and Road Dogg. K-Kwik would be released from the WWF in 2002 and make his way to TNA where he would become the first-ever black NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion. Killings re-signed with the WWE in 2008.

On February 3, 2001, Truth (under the ring name "K-Kwik") rolled up Raven at a live event in Greensboro, North Carolina to win the WWE Hardcore Championship (his first championship in WWE.) Crash Holly would quickly roll up K-Kwik, causing Kwik to lose the championship the same night. The next night, at a Columbia, North Carolina live event, K-Kwik rolled up Raven (who had won back the WWE Hardcore Championship) again to win the WWE Hardcore Championship for a second time. K-Kwik lost the championship to Crash Holly on the same night once more.

On the May 24, 2010 edition of RAW, R-Truth defeated The Miz in a WWE United States Championship tournament finals match to become the new WWE United States Champion. R-Truth would hold the title for 20 days, losing it to The Miz on the June 14, 2010 edition of RAW.

A budding partnership with Kofi Kingston soon bred success, as on the April 30, 2012 edition of RAW, Kofi Kingston and R-Truth defeated Primo and Epico to become the new WWE Tag Team Champions (now referred to as the WWE RAW Tag Team Championships.) Truth and Kingston would hold the belts for 139 days, dropping the belt to Team Hell No at Night of Champions 2012.

On the January 29, 2019 edition of SmackDown, R-Truth defeated Shinsuke Nakamura for the WWE United States Championship - his second reign with the red, white, and blue belt. Much like his first reign, this one would also be short-lived, ending at 35 days in a fatal four-way match. In that match, Samoa Joe defeated R-Truth, Rey Mysterio, and Andrade.

Finally, there are R-Truth's 49 WWE 24/7 Championship title reigns. If you truly believe I am going to document every single R-Truth WWE 24/7 Championship moment, you are insane. The number speaks for itself, and odds are that the number could have doubled by the time this article is published. R-Truth first won the WWE 24/7 Championship via pinning Robert Roode. R-Truth last lost the WWE 24/7 Championship via pinfall loss to Akira Tozawa.

R-Truth is one of the most lovable characters in modern WWE history. Whether it's as a member of the Awesome Truth, the Golden Truth, or by the side of Lil Jimmy - Killings has surely made his impact on the professional wrestling industry. R-Truth holds the record for "most winningest professional wrestler in company history" with Truth's forty-nine WWE 24/7 Championship reigns, amongst his other reigns in the WWE. With this information alone, Killings lands his name at number five on our list.

Number 4: Bobo Brazil

Not much is known about the beginning of Bobo Brazil's WWWF United States Heavyweight Championship reign. However, on April 6, 1963, Brazil was recognized as champion at a California house show. Brazil's reign lasted 63 days, losing the championship to Johnny Barend. Barend dropped the belt back to Bobo Brazil, giving him his second reign. After a separate 64-day reign, Brazil dropped the belt back to Barend at a Baltimore house show. Two months later, Bobo Brazil picked up his third WWWF United States Heavyweight Championship reign.

Bobo Brazil's third reign with the WWWF United States Heavyweight Championship lasted over four years (or 1,335 days.) This reign ended at a June 18, 1967 house show, when Brazil dropped the championship to Ray Stevens. Stevens dropped the belt back to Brazil on at a New Jersey house show that August.

Bobo Brazil held onto the WWWF United States Heavyweight Championship for 29 days, losing the belt to The Sheik. The Sheik held the title for over a year, before losing it back to Bobo Brazil on November 24, 1968. Brazil's fifth title reign lasted 57 days, afterward losing it back to The Sheik. The Sheik would lose the championship back to Bobo Brazil for his sixth reign.

Bobo Brazil dropped the WWWF United States Heavyweight Championship after 687 days due to an injury. Randomly, in February 1971 (2 years after Brazil last held the belt,) Brazil was awarded the championship for the seventh and final time. The belt was deactivated on March 1976, giving Brazil a 5-year title reign to end his WWE title lineage.

In 1994, Bobo Brazil was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by longtime rival Ernie Ladd.

Not much is known about the early goings of Bobo Brazil's professional wrestling career, but his impact is still felt today throughout the professional wrestling industry. As one of the first black champions in the professional wrestling industry, Bobo Brazil stands as an icon of black excellence within the industry - and for that, Brazil lands the number three spot on our list.

Number 3: Booker T

After the acquisition of World Championship Wrestling by the World Wrestling Federation, Booker T made his debut at King of the Ring 2001 where he attacked Stone Cold Steve Austin. In his first match in the company, Booker T defended the WCW Championship against Buff Bagwell on RAW. What happened next?

On the July 24, 2001 edition of SmackDown, Booker T defeated Kurt Angle for the WCW Championship under the WWE banner. This was his fifth overall reign with the championship, but his sole reign under World Wrestling Entertainment. Booker T held the championship for 20 days until he lost the title to The Rock at Summerslam 2001.

On the September 25, 2001 edition of SmackDown, Booker T and Test defeated The Brothers of Destruction to win the WCW World Tag Team Championship. Booker T's name is strongly attached to these championships with his ten other reigns alongside his brother Stevie Ray. This is his one reign under the WWE banner. Booker T would hold this belt for 13 days, losing it to The Hardy Boyz on RAW.

On the October 30, 2001 edition for SmackDown, Booker T and Test defeated Chris Jericho and The Rock for the WWE World Tag Team Championship. The Hardy Boyz would defeat Booker T and Test on RAW to end the reign at 13 days. Booker T and Test should really stop facing The Hardy Boyz.

On Insurrextion 2002, Booker T pinned Steven Richards to win the WWE Hardcore Championship for the first time. Immediately afterward, Crash Holly pinned Booker T for the WWE Hardcore Championship. The same night, Booker T pinned Crash Holly for the second time, winning the title. Directly after, Steven Richards rolled up Booker T for the three-count. Booker T loses the WWE Hardcore Championship twice in one night.

At Armageddon 2002, Booker T and Goldust defeated Christian and Chris Jericho for the WWE World Tag Team Championship. Booker T and Goldust dropped the straps 22 days after winning them in a match against William Regal and Lance Storm on RAW.

Keeping in line with Christian and Booker T's never-ending feud, on the July 7, 2003 edition of RAW, Booker T defeated Christian for the WWE Intercontinental Championship. Booker T held the championship for 34 days before dropping it back to Christian on a house show.

On the February 16, 2004 edition of RAW, Booker T and Rob Van Dam defeated Evolution's Batista and Ric Flair for the WWE World Tag Team Championship. Booker T and Rob Van Dam dropped the championships to Batista and Ric Flair 35 days after winning them.

In the midst of a "best of seven series," on October 18, 2005, Booker T defeated Chris Benoit for the WWE United States Championship. Booker T would hold the belt for 35 days, but would not officially lose the championship in a sanctioned match. After a match against Chris Benoit ends in a double pinfall, the WWE vacated the belt. On January 10, 2006, Booker T defeated Chris Benoit to regain the WWE United States Championship. Benoit would defeat Booker T for the WWE United States Championship at No Way Out 2006.

On the May 21, 2006 edition of SmackDown, Booker T defeated Bobby Lashley to become the 2006 King of the Ring winner. From this point on, he would become King Booker. One month later, King Booker would defeat Rey Mysterio at The Great American Bash 2006 for the World Heavyweight Championship. Booker T would hold the title for 126 days before losing it to Batista at Survivor Series 2006.

In 2013, Booker T was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by his brother, Stevie Ray. In 2019, Booker T was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame for a second time as a member of Harlem Heat alongside Stevie Ray.

Booker T is one of the most iconic professional wrestlers in the industry today. Whether it is as one half of Harlem Heat, his King era, a sketchy Hulk Hogan promo, or his trademark spinaroonie - Booker T serves as an incredible example of controlling your own destiny. Booker has gone on record to admit that he, at one point, was heading down a dangerous path in life - but Booker T grabbed on to the opportunities he was given and made the most out of them. As the only black two-time WWE Hall of Famer, Booker T locks his spot into our list at number three.

Number 2: The Rock

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson needs no introduction, ladies and gentlemen. The Rock made his debut in the WWF as Rocky Maivia. Rocky made his debut on November 4, 1996, as a member of Marc Mero's entourage. His official debut match occurred at Survivor Series 1996 in an eight-man tag team match - a match where he would be the sole survivor, last eliminating Crush and Goldust.

On the February 13, 1997 edition of RAW, The Rock (then known as Rocky Maivia,) defeated Hunter Hearst Helmsley for the WWF Intercontinental Championship. Rocky held the belt for 74 days before dropping the belt to Owen Hart on RAW.

On the December 8, 1997 edition of RAW, Stone Cold Steve Austin handed the WWE Intercontinental Championship to The Rock, who went on to hold the belt for 265 days. The Rock dropped the belt to Triple H in a ladder match at Summerslam 1997.

At Survivor Series 1998, The Rock defeated Mankind in a WWE Championship tournament after the belt had been vacated prior to. The Rock held the WWE Championship for 44 days before dropping the belt to Mankind on RAW. At Royal Rumble 1999, The Rock defeated Mankind in a WWE Championship "I Quit" match. This match was so brutal that parts of the match have been edited out of future replays. The Rock held the championship for 7 days before dropping it back to Mankind at Halftime Heat 1999. On the February 15, 1999 edition of RAW, The Rock defeated Mankind for the WWE Championship. This is his third WWE Championship reign, where he would go on to hold the belt for 41 days. The Rock dropped the WWE Championship to Steve Austin at WrestleMania XV.

On the August 30, 1999 edition of RAW is War, The Rock and Mankind defeated Big Show and The Undertaker for the WWE World Tag Team Championships. They held these belts for 8 days before dropping them back to Big Show and The Undertaker. Two weeks later, The Rock 'N Sock Connection defeated Big Show and The Undertaker to earn a second reign as WWE World Tag Team Champions. This reign lasted 1 day, where they lost the titles to the New Age Outlaws the next night. Under a month later, The Rock 'N Sock Connection defeated The New Age Outlaws for their third tag team championship reign together. Mankind and The Rock held the titles for 6 days before dropping them to Crash Holly and Hardcore Holly.

At Backlash 2000, The Rock defeated Triple H for the WWE Championship. The Rock held the title for 21 days before dropping it back to Triple H at Judgment Day 2000. At King of the Ring 2000, The Rock defeated Triple H to regain the WWE Championship for the fifth time. The Rock held the WWE Championship for 119 days, losing it to Kurt Angle at No Mercy 2000.

On the December 18, 2000 edition of RAW is War, The Rock and The Undertaker defeated Edge and Christian for the WWE World Tag Team Championship. The next day, Edge and Christian defeated The Rock and The Undertaker for the titles.

At No Way Out 2001, The Rock defeated Kurt Angle for the WWE Championship. The Rock held the WWE Championship for 35 days, dropping the belt to Stone Cold Steve Austin at WrestleMania X-Seven.

At Summerslam 2001, The Rock defeated Booker T for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship. The Rock held the championship for 61 days, dropping it to Chris Jericho at No Mercy 2001. The Rock then won the WCW World Heavyweight Championship on RAW and held the belt for another 34 days. The Rock dropped the WCW World Heavyweight Championship to Chris Jericho, where the belt was unified with the WWE Championship.

On the October 22, 2001 edition of RAW, The Dudley Boyz lost the WWE World Tag Team Championships to The Rock and Chris Jericho. Jericho and Rock then lost the titles to Booker T and Test on SmackDown.

At Vengeance 2002, The Rock defeated The Undertaker and Kurt Angle for the WWE Championship. The Rock held the WWE Championship for 35 days and dropped the belt to "The Next Big Thing" Brock Lesnar at Summerslam 2002.

11 years later, at Royal Rumble 2013, The Rock defeated CM Punk for the WWE Championship, ending Punk's historic "Summer of Punk" reign. The Rock held the WWE Championship for 70 days, dropping the title to John Cena at WrestleMania 29. This is The Rock's eighth and final championship in WWE.

I do not believe that The Rock needs any explanation for his placement on the list. I will not take any Dwayne Johnson slander today, or any other day. As one of the most prominent stars of the Attitude Era, the most must-see star in Hollywood today, and the most era-defining enigma that WWE has ever encountered - The Rock lands his spot on this list at number two!

Honorable Mention: Shelton Benjamin

In 2000, Shelton Benjamin signed a contract with WWF and was sent to the development system Ohio Valley Wrestling. He originally formed a tag team with Brock Lesnar christened the Minnesota Stretching Crew. He made his official main roster debut on a post-Christmas edition of SmackDown! in 2002. On this episode, Benjamin aligned with Charlies Haas and Kurt Angle to form Team Angle. His official debut match was on January 2, 2003's SmackDown where they faced off against Edge and Chris Benoit.

On the February 4, 2003 edition of SmackDown, Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin defeated Chavo Guerrero and Eddie Guerrero for the WWE Tag Team Championships. Benjamin and company would hold the titles for 103 days. Team Angle dropped the belts to Eddie Guerrero and Tajiri at Judgment Day 2003. 2 months later, Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin defeated Eddie Guerrero and Tajiri for a second tag team championship reign. They would drop the belts back to Chavo Guerrero and Eddie Guerrero on SmackDown after 77 days.

At Taboo Tuesday 2004, Shelton Benjamin defeated Chris Jericho for the WWE Intercontinental Championship. Benjamin dropped the belt to Carlito on RAW after holding the belt for 244 days. On the February 20, 2006 edition of RAW, Shelton Benjamin defeated Ric Flair to win the WWE Intercontinental Championship for the second time. Benjamin dropped the belt to Rob Van Dam at Backlash 2006 after 69 days (Nice!) Shelton Benjamin then defeated R.V.D on RAW, dropping the belt after 41 days to Johnny Nitro at Vengeance 2006.

At Great American Bash 2008, Shelton Benjamin defeated Matt Hardy for the WWE United States Championship. Benjamin held the belt for 240 days before dropping the belt to Montel Vontavious Porter on SmackDown.

Shelton Benjamin rolled up R-Truth backstage on the July 20, 2020 episode of RAW winning the WWE 24/7 Championship in the process. Benjamin lost the belt to Akira Tozawa in a triple threat match on RAW after 14 days. On August 13, 2020, Shelton Benjamin rolled up R-Truth for a second WWE 24/7 Championship reign. This reign ended as soon as it started after Cedric Alexander rolled up Benjamin directly after. Later that night, Benjamin rolled up Alexander to become a three-time WWE 24/7 Champion. Benjamin holds the belt for 11 days before dropping it back to Akira Tozawa in a fatal four-way match also involving R-Truth and Cedric Alexander.

After joining The Hurt Business, Shelton Benjamin has found new success in the tag team division. At TLC 2020, Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander defeated The New Day for the WWE RAW Tag Team Championships. They currently hold those titles as of this writing.

Shelton Benjamin is placed on this list as an honorable mention because he is currently in the midst of a WWE RAW Tag Team Championship ring with Cedric Alexander, and I believe that the conclusion of this championship reign would have influenced his placement in this list greatly. However, I am of the belief that Shelton Benjamin is an incredible worker, is a personal favorite superstar of mine, and he is the embodiment of what a professional wrestler should hope to be as a member of the WWE roster. Whether it's in tag team competition, singles action, or any other facet of professional wrestling - Shelton Benjamin is a surefire Hall of Famer, and that is why he is on our list as an honorable mention.

Number 1: Kofi Kingston

In September 2006, Kofi Kingston was signed to a developmental contract with WWE, where he was sentenced to Deep South Wrestling. One year later, Kofi had his first exposure to the main roster WWE product where he worked dark matches throughout March. On the December 6, 2007 episode of ECW, vignettes began to broadcast hyping the arrival of the first "Jamaican to wrestle for WWE (despite Kingston lacking any Jamaican industry.) Kingston debuted on January 22, 2008 on ECW where he defeated local independent wrestler David Owen.

At Night of Champions 2008, Kofi Kingston defeated Chris Jericho for the WWE Intercontinental Championship. Kingston dropped the title to Santino Marella at Summerslam 2008 after 49 days.

On the October 27, 2008 edition of RAW, CM Punk and Kofi Kingston defeated Ted DiBiase Jr. and Cody Rhodes for the WWE World Tag Team Championship. Punk and Kingston held the titles for 47 days before dropping them to John Morrison and The Miz on a house show.

At Over the Limit 2010, Kofi Kingston defeated Drew McIntyre for the WWE Intercontinental Championship and held the belt for 66 days. Kingston dropped the WWE Championship to Dolph Ziggler on SmackDown. On January 4, 2011, Kingston defeated Dolph Ziggler won the WWE Intercontinental Championship for the third time in his career. Kingston held the belt for 77 days before dropping it to Wade Barrett.

At Extreme Rules 2011, Kofi Kingston defeated Sheamus for the WWE United States Championship. Kingston held the belt for 49 days, dropping it to Dolph Ziggler at Capitol Punishment 2011.

On August 22, 2011 at RAW, Evan Bourne and Kofi Kingston defeated David Otunga and Michael McGillicutty for the WWE Tag Team Championships. Kingston and Bourne held the straps for 146 days, dropping the championships to Primo and Epico on a WWE Live Event. Kofi Kinston then began a partnership with R-Truth, where the tandem captured the WWE Tag Team Championships from Primo and Epico. The tag team held the belts for 139 days, dropping them to Daniel Bryan and Kane at Night of Champions 2012.

On the October 16, 2012, edition of Main Event, Kofi Kingston defeated The Miz for the WWE Intercontinental Championship. This was Kofi Kingston's fourth WWE Intercontinental Championship title reign. Kingston held the strap for 74 days before dropping it to Wade Barrett on the December 29, 2012 edition of RAW.

On the April 15, 2013, edition of RAW, Kofi Kingston defeated Antonio Cesaro for the WWE United States Championship. This was Kofi's third U.S title reign. Kofi dropped the championship to Dean Ambrose at Extreme Rules 2013.

We've already recapped the seven WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship reigns and three WWE RAW Tag Team Championship reigns, so we will not be going back into detail on that again. However, the biggest reason for Kofi's placement as number one on our list is this:

On April 7, 2019, Kofi-Mania was realized as Kofi Kingston defeated Daniel Bryan for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 35. Kofi Kingston held the belt for 180 days before losing the belt to Brock Lesnar on the 20th Anniversary of SmackDown.

If you have watched WWE throughout the past decade, you have no doubt witnessed the greatness that is Kofi Kingston. Is Kofi Kingston placed at number one on this list from a piece of recency bias? Potentially! Does that make it any less valid? Not at all! Kofi Kingston stands as an incredible influence and showcase for black excellence in professional wrestling. Kofi Kingston has showcased a breaking of the barriers. Kingston is living proof that African American professional wrestlers can make it to the pinnacle of the industry without utilizing your race as a gimmick. Kingston entered the company a caricature of Jamaican descent in which he did not truly have. However, as a legitimate Ghanian-American professional wrestler, Kingston embodied his true spirit and aura with the "Power of Positivity" and the raw love in which Kofi Kingston is capable of drawing out of fans and capture the WWE Championship. Kofi Kingston captured the WWE Championship, ladies and gentlemen, and I absolutely love it. Recency bias is real, but the reality is true - Kofi's reality as a figurehead in professional wrestling and a role model for people of color around the world, Kingston lands his spot at number one on our list.

We here at Blade Job Pro Wrestling hope you celebrated Black History Month alongside us! With all of the love and adoration one can muster, we thank you for being dedicated followers of professional wrestling and social justice alongside the #BladeJobBrand.

Did I miss something? Do you agree/disagree with a take of mine? Let me know in the comments below or reach out on Twitter @BladeJobPW!

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