10 WWE Superstars who will define 2018

#9 Roman Reigns

This time, he'll be holding up the red belt.

Every franchise player in WWE has had his peak year. For Hulk Hogan, it was 1987. For Stone Cold Steve Austin, it was 1998. For John Cena, it was 2007. For Roman Reigns, it will be 2018. The pattern is almost mechanical in its regularity. It seems particularly uncanny given that the attempts to establish Reigns as "the guy" failed in 2015 and 2016.

But Reigns wasn't ready then. He is now. Largely just out of the main event in 2017, he's been preparing for the year to come. Improving his character work and notching some showcase matches under his belt, including his highly-regarded feud with Braun Strowman, he's as prepared as he'll ever be.

When he dethrones Brock Lesnar in New Orleans, he'll stand at the top of the mountain, and like it or not, he'll stay there for a long time. Reigns will likely hold his title late into 2018, if not longer. We can only hope we'll see some fresh opponents and creative feuds for him. Regardless, RAW will be the "Big Dog's" yard next year.