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On May 25th, 2019, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) initiated their official journey into the professional wrestling industry, offering their diverse selection of talent and entertainment. With names such as Chris Jericho, Cody Rhodes, and Jon Moxley (formerly Dean Ambrose) delivering epic moments for the history books. However, can AEW match WWE?
Not since the Monday Night Wars between WWE and WCW has professional wrestling had a sense of competition. Notable promotions such as Ring of Honor (ROH), Impact Wrestling (formerly TNA), and New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) have provided an alternative to WWE, but not a challenge.
Therefore, with a new age for wrestling on the horizon, which wrestlers will standout? Who will win the war for their respective promotions?
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#4 Triple H
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As a professional wrestling fan, what are your favourite moments from professional wrestling? Regardless of whether you supported WWE, ECW, or WCW, all three promotions warred with each other and provided arguably the best competition since the days of the NWA territorial promotions, and it was awesome to be a fan. Nevertheless, key individuals were responsible for the success of these promotions, names such as Eric Bishoff, Paul Heyman, and Vince McMahon.
However, since 2019 and the inception of AEW, those individuals have evolved. Those names are Triple H and Cody Rhodes. Triple H is arguably one of the greatest wrestlers to step into a ring and has recently entered the WWE Hall of Fame. However, outside the ring, he has earned a different reputation, as the creator of WWE NXT and WWE NXT UK. The success of both brands has skyrocketed and seems only to continue.
Therefore, imagine the possibilities with Triple H controlling Raw and SmackDown Live. With Vince McMahon having sold a plethora of stock to relaunch the XFL, Triple H taking the reigns seems more likely. At AEW Double or Nothing, Cody Rhodes sent a clear message to WWE, perhaps Triple H directly.
On Raw this week, WWE sent a clear response they were ready for AEW, (watch the video below). With consideration to recent events, it seems Triple H could be destined to rule WWE creative sooner than we think.
#3 Paul Heyman
Paul Heyman is synonymous with professional wrestling and once owned and controlled Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW). Throughout its tenure, ECW spawned classic hardcore wrestling moments and brought a fresh alternative to WWE and WCW. Arguably without ECW, names like The Dudley Boys, Tommy Dreamer, Sabu, and Rob Van Dam would likely not have entered the limelight. Moreover, ECW provided platforms for veterans such as Stone Cold Steve Austin, Chris Jericho, and Chris Benoit.
However, without Heyman, none of it would have happened. Throughout the years Heyman has garnered success in every aspect of his career, whether as a manager, promoter, producer, writer, or booker. Paul Heyman is highly lucrative to the wrestling industry. Therefore, WWE would be sorely mistaken if they did not utilise Heyman's knowledge.
Presently working with Brock Lesnar, Heyman has managed to generate interest in Lesnar not seen since his return a few years back. On Raw, the Money in the Bank holder teased which champion he would face, and Heyman lapped up heat from fans (watch the video below). Considering the recent jabs from AEW at Double or Nothing, it would seem WWE needs experience and talented employees, not just within the ring. The perfect tool they could utilize is Paul Heyman. Who better than someone who battled WWE in previous years?
#2 The Miz
The Miz is arguably the most lucrative prospect WWE has to offer its fans at present. Moreover, he quite literally can succeed at almost anything he undertakes. Since 2006, Miz has progressed on WWE television, becoming a multiple time champion. Nonetheless, his success did not end within the wrestling ring. The Miz has garnered success in films and television, specifically with the recent reality show, Miz and Mrs.
With the war seemingly heating up between WWE and AEW, The Miz would be highly lucrative to WWE. Moreover, he is a loyal attribute. Considering the length of his tenure and commitment to WWE events, it would be damaging if WWE under-utilized him. Arguably, The Miz prints money whenever he appears on television.
On Raw recently, The Miz lost an opportunity at the WWE Universal Championship, having been defeated by Baron Corbin (watch the video below). Therefore, suggesting what direction has WWE got left for him? Regardless of what WWE sets for him, his actions always provide lucrative outcomes. An epic way to send a message to AEW would be breaking Chris Jericho's record.
The Miz has had eight WWE Intercontinental championship reigns and is merely two reigns from surpassing Chris Jericho. Just imagine the possibilities of this story should WWE choose to create it.
#1 Bray Wyatt
Ever since 2010, Bray Wyatt has progressed to become arguably the next macabre character within WWE. Throughout the year's fans have witnessed The Undertaker, Mankind, and Papa Shango, but it appears their efforts are nothing compared to Wyatt's recent character iterations.
Since April 22nd, 2019, Wyatt has appeared in vignettes titled Firefly Fun House, and they have been epic none the least. Regardless of the crazy nature, each weekly episode affords, the fact remains that Wyatt's new character is going to be awesome (watch the video below). Could fans be witnessing a character to surpass The Undertaker?
There are a plethora of reasons why Wyatt is highly valuable to WWE. Firstly, Wyatt has a creative mindset and has never failed to intrigue wrestling fans. Secondly, his character portrayal is just short of an Oscar Award-winning performance, should it be a horror movie. But finally, Wyatt quite literally has the potential for any direction. This new persona is both macabre and comedic. It is the perfect fit to entice fans to watch WWE programming. Ultimately, WWE must utilize Wyatt strategically and productively.
