For the past few years, there have been all sorts of rumours regarding possible big names heading to the WWE. While we have seen some phenomenal Superstars join the company, there is still plenty of top-notch, superior talent left in the wrestling world. Regardless of whether they are across the pond in one of the UK promotions or delivering 5-star quality matches for Pro Wrestling Guerilla, there are many talented wrestlers who have the talent to make an impact in WWE.
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WrestleMania 33 was turned up to a whole new level when Matt and Jeff Hardy made their entrance and won the WWE Raw Tag Team Championships. When Cameron’s favourite sons returned home, it brought new hope that the tag team division would surge like it once did.
There are a number of TNA’s top stars whose contracts expire at the end of the summer. With that said, some have already expressed that they have no desire to re-sign with the promotion. While some of them will likely wander off into the independent scene, there is a strong possibility that several could make a run for a WWE contract. If you consider this along with the many who are simply unsigned fee agents, WWE officials will have plenty of stock to evaluate by year’s end.
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But who will be the chosen few to join the likes of Drew McIntyre and Kurt Angle? Who will make their long awaited trip back home and who will make their lifelong dream come true by signing a WWE contract?
After searching through the “rest” of the available talent, here's a look at 10 top stars that I believe could still make a surprising WWE debut in 2017.
#10 Carlito
Not too long ago, it appeared that Carlito would be making a return to the WWE. However, both sides were unable to come to an agreement on contractual specifications, which ultimately resulted in a stalemate, so-to-speak. Since then, Carlito has openly expressed a desire to return to a WWE ring, alleging that he could not agree to their terms because of a financial fallout. Essentially, it all comes down to some of these guys feeling they are worth more than what the company is offering.
With this in mind, there are several factors to consider now, as far as why 2017 makes perfect sense for a Carlito return. One reason being his age. He turned 38 years old this past February, and while the company may be getting younger by the day, there is still plenty of work left for a 38-year-old veteran, especially one with the charisma Carlito has.
The other reason for a possible Carlito return would be family. Primo and Epico have undergone a plethora of gimmick changes, but now they are simply going back to their roots as “The Colons.” If WWE officials want to take a chance on creating a tropical stable, they could add Carlito to the mix as the group's leader. Will it work? Only one way to find out!
#9 Ivelisse
While most fans know her primarily for her work with Lucha Underground, you may be surprised to learn that Ivelisse actually has a very impressive resume, which includes time with TNA and WWE.
In 2011, Ivelisse was a participant on season five of WWE Tough Enough. Unfortunately, after a couple of months competing, Ivelisse was sent home due to a leg injury. However, her short amount of time on the show was enough to impress someone who matters because soon after recovering from the injury, she was signed to a developmental contract. Roughly a year later, Ivelisse was released from her WWE contract.
Ivelisse has really honed her craft since then. If WWE is in search of a highly talented veteran who can be a leader in the locker room, Ivelisse is your prime candidate.
#8 Mike Bennett w/Maria Kanellis
Both Bennett and Kanellis left TNA several months ago, along with a number of other stars. This happened during TNA’s own sort of shakeup when Anthem Sports came into the picture, and for one reason or another, they could not come to terms with acceptable offers for several of their mainstays.
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Maria left the WWE back in 2011, following a seven-year stint with the enterprise. It has been known for some time now that Maria has had problems with Nikki and Brie Bella. While this may seem like unnecessary drama to most of us, WWE may find it beneficial in the long-run to create something interesting for television, especially considering the company’s involvement with reality tv.
#7 Shelton Benjamin
Shelton Benjamin has been an interesting story to follow lately. Just as recent as the beginning of April, it appeared as if he was a lock to return upon fully rehabbing from a torn rotator cuff. In fact, just before sustaining the injury, Shelton was being advertised as the newest member of the SmackDown LIVE roster. Unfortunately, it appears things have changed somewhere along the way. In recent social media posts, Shelton described himself as a free agent, making it seem as if WWE was no longer a sure deal.
Benjamin would be a welcome return to the company and would likely help a lot of younger guys get over. Another key attraction for Shelton to return would be the possibility of a feud with his friend Brock Lesnar. You may recall that Shelton and Brock were part of a tag team in developmental.
If either side plans on making something happen, it needs to be sooner, rather than later. WWE is a young man’s sport, and even though Shelton Benjamin could probably still compete at the highest level, he is now over 40 years old.
#6 reDRagon
When fans think of top independent tag teams, most think of The Young Bucks, or even recently, IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions War Machine. But, there is one team that has been just as historically successful as any of the others on the scene right now, and that team is reDRagon.
Bobby Fish and Kyle O’Reilly have been one of the most exciting teams of the last decade. Most of their success has come by way of Japan or Ring of Honor, but the duo has shown they have the ability and skill level to compete anywhere.
One of the most interesting things about reDRagon is how versatile they are. Recently, the two have spent a lot of time apart, working the indie scene as singles competitors, and they have been incredibly good at doing so. Both have won singles titles in recent years, highlighted by Kyle O’Reilly winning the top prize in Ring of Honor, the ROH World Championship.
#5 AJ Lee
This pick might come as a shock to many of my readers, and I do believe this is a longshot, so-to-speak. However, I also believe that she still has a strong desire not only to return but to come back to the WWE.
Also read: 10 Superstars that will lead NXT into a new era
AJ Lee is in a unique spot, being the spouse of someone who loathes the company as much as her husband, CM Punk does. While it is worth noting that Punk has stated more than once that he would support any decision his wife makes, I have a strong feeling that Punk would fight a decision that would land her back with the company he harbours so much animosity towards.
It’s probably safe to say that had it not been for her relationship with CM Punk, AJ Lee would very likely still be a top women's wrestler in the WWE. Despite this being a long shot, it is still a possibility and if for whatever reason there was some sort of heartwarming mutual forgiveness, you never know what might happen.
#4 Jay Lethal
Coming in at number four is someone who has been one of my favourite performers of the past 20 years. One day, when wrestling history books are re-written, there will be a section devoted to just how underrated Jay Lethal was.
Lethal is someone who has the versatility to work on a direction for an extended amount of time, then completely turn on a dime. There are very few stars today who can match this guy's level of charisma, heart and overall ability in the ring. Lethal has consistently been one of the best talkers in the business for several years. One of his most memorable pieces of work was his feud with Ric Flair, while the two were still with TNA. Lethal was also very well received and remembered for his Black Machismo angle, which was his play on Randy Savage.
Jay Lethal is someone who deserves to get a shot on a bigger stage, with the most major company, WWE. Lethal has found success in every company that he has worked for, and this is quite simply the next step for him.
#3 Adam Cole
As we get towards the top of the list, we begin to see some of the most prolific talents on the planet. Among those perennial Superstars, we have three-time Ring of Honor World Heavyweight Champion Adam Cole.
The year 2016 belonged to Adam Cole. Along with carrying the ROH Word Title for a significant portion of the year, Cole also joined the most destructive and infamous stable in wrestling today, The Bullet Club.
Cole would have a tremendous opportunity to become a massive star in the WWE. He has the talent; now he just needs the direction. WWE would be the obvious next step for this top star, and the ceiling could be very high for him as well. He just needs the opportunity, which could very well come his way soon.
#2 Kenny Omega
He is the current leader of The Bullet Club and one of the most in-demand wrestlers of the last decade. Chances are, you have heard a lot of good things about this guy, but no matter what you know, he’s that good and probably even better.
Kenny Omega is a 33-year-old megastar with 17 years experience and what some fans fail to realise, is that Omega actually spent some time in the WWE developmental system after being discovered by John Laurinaitis. Unfortunately for WWE, this was too early in Omegas career, and he had a lot of learning left to do. One year after signing his developmental deal, Omega was released, and the rest is history.
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Kenny has since shown the world what he's capable of, and I feel like we still haven't seen his best. Kenny Omega is ready to turn his game up to another level, and there's only one place where he can truly flourish the way he really needs to, and that place is the WWE.
#1 Ricochet
2016 was a breakout year for Ricochet. Don't get me wrong, this guy has been putting on wrestling clinics for a while now and actually has been wrestling professionally for nearly 15 years. But, for one reason or another, the stars aligned for him in 2016; and finally, the entire world came to know and respect Ricochet (Prince Puma).
Ricochet has not only been lighting it up in Japan for years, but Lucha Underground also became a catalyst for him to become an even bigger and more popular star.
Last year was a year of title wins, 5-star matches and acclaim beyond belief for the man also known as Prince Puma. 2016 was also the year when people began asking the million dollar question- “when will Ricochet sign a WWE contract?” Many believe that question is close to becoming a reality.
It may also be worth noting that Ricochet is currently involved in a relationship with Tessa Blanchard, daughter of WWE Hall of Famer Tully Blanchard, and Tessa has been getting a lot of action with NXT. Tessa will likely sign a developmental deal soon, and that could sway Ricochet to join the giants of sports entertainment.
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