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We are currently in the last week of 2019, and to be honest, this has been quite an eventful year for WWE. From pay-per-views like WrestleMania 35 and Crown Jewel becoming huge successes, to WWE SmackDown moving to FOX - the year has been quite fruitful for the company from a commercial point of view.
However, it has not been all sunshine and roses, as the company has struggled throughout the year when it comes to viewership and rating so much that Vince McMahon had to resort to his part-timers for the umpteenth time to bring in those numbers.
Nonetheless, with Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, and Ronda Rousey featuring in a first-ever women's main event in WrestleMania history, and CM Punk finally returning to WWE albeit on Backstage, there's no denying the fact that it has been a good year for WWE.
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Given the promise the company has shown in the last couple of months, the WWE Universe eagerly looks forward to the new year. And as we draw curtains on the year 2019, here are my 5 huge predictions for WWE in 2020.
#5 Tyson Fury and Brock Lesnar collide at WrestleMania 36
Ever since defeating Braun Strowman in his WWE debut match at Crown Jewel, Tyson Fury has made his intentions clear that he's willing to face Lesnar at WrestleMania 36.
According to recent reports, WWE is weighing up whether to have Cain Velasquez or Fury as the potential opponent for Lesnar at The Grandest Stage of Them All. However, Cain is likely to clash against The Beast at Royal Rumble 2020, given the recent rumors.
Thus, Lesnar colliding with Fury in an epic matchup at WrestleMania 36 could be on the cards.
#4 John Cena becomes a 17-time World Champion
Let's make this clear - John Cena surpassing Ric Flair to become a 17-time World Champion is inevitable.
While it should have happened way back in 2018, next year might very well be the one Cena creates history. I mean, WWE owes it to the man who carried the entire industry on his shoulders for nearly a decade.
While this may seem a bit far-fetched now, given Cena has transmitted himself into a part-timer, I could see WWE having him win that elusive 17th title in the fall of 2020 (SummerSlam, maybe). The Leader of Cenation could then go on to drop the title against a Superstar like Drew McIntyre or Andrade.
Furthermore, according to recent reports, John Cena wants to do something substantial at WrestleMania 36. Thus, WWE could use this as an opportunity to lay down the breadcrumbs for a potential title run for Mr. Hustle, Loyalty and Respect in the latter part of 2020.
#3 Shayna Baszler ends the Becky Lynch era
Shayna Baszler dropped the NXT Women's Championship to Rhea Ripley last week, however, according to reports, the Queen of Spades is in line for a huge push on the main roster in the upcoming weeks.
Rumor has it that Shayna is the hot favorite to win the Women's Royal Rumble on January 26. Thus, one could see WWE setting up a blockbuster matchup between the former NXT Champion and Becky Lynch for the RAW Women's Championship at WrestleMania 36.
And rightfully so, as given how things unfolded between the duo leading up to Survivor Series, a high profile match at the marquee event of the year makes total sense.
Furthermore, given her stature and credibility, expect WWE to push Shayna as a legit force on the main roster. I would not be surprised if WWE plans to have the former NXT Champion create history by defeating The Man on April 5, 2020, to become the new RAW Women's Champion.
#2 Roman Reigns dethrones Bray Wyatt as the new Universal Champion
While Shayna Baszler is a hot favorite to win the Women's Royal Rumble, Roman Reigns is rumored to win the 30-man Royal Rumble match.
With Brock Lesnar likely to face Cain Velasquez or Tyson Fury at WrestleMania 36, expect The Big Dog to challenge Bray Wyatt for the Universal Title on April 5, 2020.
On another note, Wyatt is currently involved in a feud against Daniel Bryan, however, he seems very likely to carry on with the title till WrestleMania 36.
Reigns vs 'The Fiend' Bray Wyatt would be a fascinating feud if WWE books it right. Furthermore, given WWE has been building The Big Dog as the face of the Blue brand ever since his return, plus Vince McMahon's affinity with him, expect Reigns to prevail over The Fiend in an epic heel vs babyface storyline.
#1 CM Punk returns to action
One of the ground-breaking things to happen this year in WWE was CM Punk returning to WWE via Backstage on Fox. While technically he is only involved with Fox, it has not stopped his hardcore fans from speculating and predicting a potential in-ring return for the former WWE Champion.
Furthermore, given how things have been unfolding between Seth Rollins and Punk, a WrestleMania matchup between the duo does not seem a far-fetched idea. I mean, from Rollins calling out The Best in the World to Punk not showing up to The Architect's interview backstage, it seems WWE has something huge planned.
Punk vs Rollins at the Grandest Stage of Them All has the capability to blow off all charts. Given the fan following Punk enjoys, it would not only be best for business, but it would also be a celebration.