5 Best World Champions from 2020-2024

These four years have been mixed, with some being good and some being bad. But the men on this list are WORLD Champs and have carried the industry if they were bad or good years…

#5 Gunther (World Heavyweight Champion)

The Ring General could HIT

Gunther's reign as World Heavyweight Champion, which began at SummerSlam 2024, solidified his status as a dominant force in WWE. His "Ring General" persona and unforgiving, hard-hitting style brought a sense of legitimate combat to the championship. He consistently delivered compelling matches against a variety of opponents, showcasing his technical ability and physical intensity. This reign, following his record-breaking Intercontinental Championship run, cemented his place as one of the best and physical champions in recent memory.

#4 Drew McIntyre (WWE Champion and World Heavyweight Champion)

Great champion throughout the pandemic

Drew McIntyre was a great wrestling champion in the 2020s because he worked hard and showed up strong, even when there were no fans watching. He held the WWE title with great pride, always putting on good matches against the best wrestlers. Drew's time as champion proved how tough he was and how much he had grown as a performer. He really stepped up when WWE needed him, often starting shows and giving powerful speeches that fans everywhere felt. Even without a crowd, Drew's time as champion was very important and showed he was a top star in the 2020s.

#3 Cody Rhodes (WWE Champion)

Fan favorite for more than a year, and had a TON of great matches

Cody Rhodes' WWE Championship reign has been absolutely electrifying! He finally "finished the story" at WrestleMania, conquering Roman Reigns in an epic showdown that had the entire world buzzing. Every time Cody steps into the ring with that title, you feel the passion and the weight of his journey. He's a champion who truly connects with the fans, making every defense feel like a must-see event and proving he's the face of a new era!

#2 Seth “Freakin” Rollins (World Heavyweight Champion)

Rollins was the best babyface champion in a LONG time

Seth Rollins' reign as World Heavyweight Champion from 2023-2024 was nothing short of phenomenal! He was the perfect inaugural champion for the new title, bringing his incredible athleticism and flamboyant persona to every single defense. Rollins truly elevated the championship, making it feel like the most important prize on Monday Night Raw with his non-stop, show-stealing performances against challengers like Finn Balor, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Drew McIntyre. He absolutely carried the brand on his back, proving why he's one of the most exciting and consistent performers in WWE today!

#1 Roman Reigns (WWE Champ and Universal Champion all in One Reign)

INCREDIBLE heel, held the championship for over 1,300 days!

Roman Reigns' time as the "Tribal Chief" in the 2020s was a notable period for a heel world champion. He transitioned into a dominant figure, holding the championship for an extended duration, which made each title defense feel significant. Reigns brought a certain prestige to the championship through his consistent presence and calculated approach. His long reign was a central storyline, demonstrating how a well-executed heel character can be a major draw in professional wrestling.