With the new year fast approaching, minds everywhere turn to fresh beginnings and changes aplenty – not least in professional wrestling.
2019 has been an action-packed year in WWE, with another blockbuster WrestleMania featuring the first-ever women’s Mania main event and the arrival of the likes of Caín Velasquez and Tyson Fury to name just a couple.
But while so many Superstars and storylines have knocked it out of the park in 2019, there have been times where fans have been left wanting a little more from what they see on screen.
With WrestleMania season about to launch with January’s Royal Rumble, it’s the ideal time for WWE to implement changes and make some big waves.
New Champs in WWE! More RIGHT HERE
So, with 2020 looming on the horizon, we’ve compiled a handy wish-list of 5 big changes we’d like to see in WWE for the new year.
#1 Put The Revival on top and keep them there
There’s no doubting the talents of Dash Wilder and Scott Dawson as one of WWE’s top tag teams. As former two-time RAW Tag Team Champions and previously SmackDown Tag Team Champs, the duo have had their moments in the spotlight.
Yet there will be many who feel that they’ve yet to truly establish themselves since their migration from NXT a couple of years ago, where they'd arguably been two of the strongest talents on the roster and regularly produced Match of the Year candidates.
In aligning themselves with the likes of Randy Orton and Baron Corbin, as well as their fleeting runs as champions, they have had dalliances with WWE’s top tier, but they’d benefit massively from an extended run.
Can 2020 be the year of The Revival?
#2 Give King Corbin more gold
This one may divide some fans who feel King Corbin is an acquired taste but hear me out on this.
Corbin is undoubtedly one of WWE’s top heels; physically excelling in the ring being almost peerless when it comes to aggravating his fellow talent and the WWE Universe on the microphone.
Even his own online social media platforms have become a personal playground for the 35-year-old, where he’ll regularly antagonize fans who criticize his placement in the company and the increasing amount of television time he gets.
How angry would the world be, then, if Corbin was again a champion? If WWE found a way to put the Intercontinental or United States Championship around his waist, the pure fury it would elicit would only do Corbin good and further his status as one of the company’s most hated heels.
#3 Sometimes less is more
It’s easy to hark back to the past and remember how things were better – even when they weren’t!
It has to be said that the 2019 incarnation of WWE is without compare in many respects; their production value is arguably beyond compare, their reach is truly global and the level of athleticism on show is truly unbelievable.
That’s not to say that incorporating some of what has gone before wouldn’t be of benefit – particularly when it comes to what we see on screen. For instance, back in the day, you wouldn’t always see your favorites each and every week, and it kept you wanting more.
For a case in point, see WWE’s use of The Fiend character. He certainly doesn’t feature every week, and, in fact, you never know when you’re going to see him next. It only serves to add to the anticipation. Granted, it wouldn’t work if you implemented that with every member of the roster, but wouldn't some stars find benefit in featuring a little less frequently and as a special attraction?
#4 Make Velveteen Dream's return worth one to remember
Admittedly, this isn’t one WWE can necessarily control, but it’s a biggie, nonetheless. For me, pound for pound, there are few bigger or more impressive Superstars in all of WWE than Velveteen Dream.
The charismatic, enigmatic show-stealer was once again enjoying a stellar year in NXT before sustaining what is believed to be a back injury in autumn. He hasn’t wrestled since and is not expected to return until we're well into 2020.
WWE could make a huge splash by ensuring his return is impactful and special, whether that be on RAW, SmackDown or still on NXT. Whatever he does and whenever he does it, it’s time again to ensure Velveteen shines more brightly than ever. Undoubtedly there would be a home for him on any three of WWE’s brands – a surprise entrant into the Royal Rumble if his injury allows, perhaps?
Either way, I cannot wait to see him back.
#5 Bring back an authority figure
Whether they be face or heel, ever-present or only occasional, WWE have always excelled at presenting leadership figures on their television programs. One thing lacking on RAW or SmackDown right now is a dedicated, go-to figure for talent looking to settle scores or earn a championship opportunity.
With such a rich and diverse roster of active talent, injured Superstars, brand ambassadors, Hall of Famers and more, surely one could be selected to steer the shows `on a weekly basis? Such a name can act as a real focal point for fans watching, and a logical way to establish and maintain storylines.
Who wouldn’t want to see CM Punk laying down the law on RAW? (unlikely, I know!) Why can’t Trish Stratus or Lance Storm oversee SmackDown? Those are two examples plucked out of thin air but in truth, the possibilities are endless.
An authority figure needn't be a tyrant or a crowd-pleaser necessarily, but having someone in the breach might just give the weekly content from WWE a boost.