For years, JBL competed in WWE as a member of one of the toughest teams in tag team history—the APA. However, very few people thought that a successful singles career was in his future. Those people were wrong. In the early parts of 2004, JBL revealed to the sports-entertainment world that he was a successful businessman outside the ring. He then used his riches to purchase a white stretch limo with bullhorns on the hood, and began wearing expensive suits. He broke away from his longtime partner Ron Simmons and started a winning streak like no other. It wasn’t long after going single that WWE officials were forced to give him a shot at the WWE Championship. JBL took full advantage of his opportunity at The Great American Bash Premium Live Event when he defeated Eddie Guerrero in a Texas bullrope match.

JBL would hold onto the WWE Championship for more than nine months, becoming the longest-running WWE Champion in more than a decade. JBL’s time ran out at WrestleMania 21, when John Cena hit an Attitude Adjustment to claim the title gold.