As we head into a new decade WWE will be looking to establish some new names on their roster. With the landscape of the company shifting and younger talent making their way to RAW, Smackdown and even NXT there's going to be opportunities to showcase a faster, hard hitting style with more of an 'independent' influence coming from the likes of Ricochet, Ali, Aleister Black et al.
With the new decade comes also the opportunity for new Champions. WWE has in the past used the likes of the Money In The Bank match to elevate a mid card Superstar into the main event scene quickly and in a somewhat natural way. With this in mind I'm going to be looking at 3 potential WWE Superstars who can become WWE Champion next year. My main criteria is that the Superstars have never been WWE Champion previously and are somewhat likely to be given the opportunity, so as much as I like Chad Gable I do not see it happening unfortunately.
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So, here's my 3 Potential First Time WWE Champions In 2020.
Aleister Black
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The dark and mysterious Aleister Black has huge upside potential on the WWE roster. It seems as though the company have been looking for that 'mythical' character to lead on from The Undertaker and take the company onwards in that direction. Black represents a modern take on the 'Taker-esque character. The former NXT Champion is a brutal striker, with an acrobatic ability that belies his size and stature. These are qualities that would make Aleister Black a perfect Champion heading into the next decade for WWE. Giving Black the opportunity to rise the ranks on Smackdown or (as previously mentioned) win the MITB match would not be seen as 'forced' by the WWE Universe. Black is a legitimate force in the company and well respected by fans, hardcores appreciate his independent work as Tommy End for the likes or PROGRESS as much as some causal fans enjoy the spectacle of his entrance and mystique.
When looking at the current WWE Champion Brock Lesnar I do ask myself if Black would be a legitimate contender to him, if this was a legitimate fight. Honestly, considering Black's credentials as a kickboxer and his speed I could easily see him at least being competitive with Lesnar, and that is something that FOX seem keen to have on their show. The Network are clearly loving having the MMA backgrounds of Cain Velasquez and Brock Lesnar at the top of their show so why not bring a tenured pro wrestler to the forefront who could really hang with these guys?
Bobby Lashley
It is fairly incredible to think that Bobby Lashley has never held the top title in WWE. The former 2-time ECW, Intercontinental and United States Champion has had two spells with WWE over his pro wrestling career.
The current Lana and Rusev love triangle storyline that Lashley is embroiled in will need to be distant in the memories of fans by the time he gets close to a WWE Championship match. However, with Lashley's legitimate MMA record in Strikeforce and Bellator he has the credentials to pose a 'real' threat to WWE Champion Brock Lesnar.
Although both Superstars are on RAW it's clear that WWE are looking to push into more of a 'sports orientated' product, especially with SmackDown. So if you have one of the biggest names in MMA history (Lesnar) and a stallion like Lashley why not build to a blow away feud that could easily top the card at a Royal Rumble, SummerSlam or WrestleMania?
Samoa Joe
We have already seen a feud over a top title between Samoa Joe and Brock Lesnar, but 2020 could be the year that the 'Samoan Submission Machine' finally gets his chance to play top dog on the 'main roster.'
Joe is currently seen as one of the most severely underrated performers in pro wrestling. With Joe's unbelievable history in ROH, TNA and beyond he is lock for several hall of fames when his career is over. With the Samoan working at a slower pace these days he has massively upped his game in terms of promo work, delivering some of the most impressive lines and cuts of 2018/19.
With a full time Champion like Samoa Joe ruling the roost it would bring a different dynamic to Monday Night RAW. Brock Lesnar does work as a special attraction however the possibility of having a tenured and full time star like Joe helping to push up and coming talent could be too good an opportunity to miss.
