THE CRIPPLER CHRIS BENOIT
World Champion
May 4, 1997 - May 1997
It was only the second day of the OWF's existence when its very first champion was crowned in a battle royal featuring every wrestler in the promotion. However, this was no ordinary battle royal. It was similar in style to a Royal Rumble, but with a twist ... every two minutes, five men entered the ring, instead of one. Due to these "Five-Man Rushes," the active field of competitors had to deal with even more fresh entrants than they normally would. In the end, it was the Crippler who stood triumphant, as the very first World Champion of the OWF.