'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
No, we do not hate Roman Reigns. The fact of the matter is that while the WWE Universe longs for a reunion of the most dominant faction of the modern era- The Shield, Vince McMahon has laid out a very different path for The Big Dog. One that seemingly leads to Brock Lesnar and The Universal Championship at Wrestlemania 34. We do not think this is cause for despair as it presents a very real opportunity to launch a new star and/or repackage a star whose career is currently headed nowhere.
A run with the Shield guarantees that the star in question will be a part of the main event picture, and will be part of the mix at the top. Who then are the likeliest contenders to bump fists with Ambrose and Rollins, and potentially kick start what could be a new wrestling boom, if booked in the right manner? The nominees are...
#5 Drew McIntyre
We all believed that Drew McIntyre was destined for great things when he first made his WWE debut. Unfortunately, that wasn't his time to shine. He looks far more confident on NXT right now, and we are certain, he will ascend the roster must faster, this time around, making many waves immediately.
Trending
However, WWE has not always been able to translate the momentum of NXT champions and make them break out in the main roster.
To make McIntyre a certified main eventer, they could align him with Ambrose and Rollins. He has the look to be the 'muscle' of the unit, much like Roman Reigns was. Inside the squared circle, he is at par with Roman Reigns, if not a better performer all around.
Also, think about it this way. McIntyre was once dubbed as The Chosen One, a man who was handpicked by Vince McMahon himself and called a future world champion by the boss. Now, it's clear that Roman Reigns is Vince McMahon's Golden Boy. So if The Chosen One were to replace Roman Reigns, that would be a huge story to tell. Reigns and McIntyre could even have a great feud with this in mind.
#4 Finn Balor
It is clear that WWE does not know where to go with Balor. After becoming the first ever Universal Champion, Balor's career has never really soared to such heights again. He's always been a man in the upper mid card, but without direction, without purpose, without a real program, ever since he made his return from injury. Balor may be best served by replacing Reigns as the third member of The Shield when the time comes.
Everyone expects Balor to form 'The Club' with Finn Balor and Anderson, but if this swerve were to happen, it would set the WWE Universe on fire. Balor would not look out of place, entering the arena from the crowd with Ambrose and Rollins, and his deficiencies on the microphone could be covered by these two veterans. When you think about it, this idea does make total sense.
#3 Dolph Ziggler
It is hilarious when you think about it. Less than a year ago, Dolph Ziggler and The Miz were in a program that was described as the 'feud of the year' on SmackDown Live. Not long before that, he was part of the title mix, contesting against Dean Ambrose at SummerSlam 2016. Somewhere along the path, he lost his way and has never managed to recover.
His current gimmick of being a 'complainer' about other talents who are 'over', certainly seems rather stale and uninspired. The only way to resuscitate his career may be to make him part of a clique, such as The Shield, and put him into the mix again.
Ziggler is far too talented an individual to not be booked on TV like he is right now. Yes, they are on different brands, but it's not like Ziggler is integral to SmackDown Live programming.
#2 Kassius Ohno
Before you question our pick, let us tell you a little story about The Shield. The original incarnation of the unit was supposed to have Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins and Kassius Ohno. The idea, proposed by CM Punk, was shot down by Triple H, who wanted Roman Reigns in the group. The rest, as they say, is WWE history.
Ohno could be brought back to become the third member of The Shield, and potentially start a rivalry with Roman Reigns about the same. Ohno is a great worker and is also fantastic on the microphone. Without this gimmick, he may just get lost in the shuffle, in the long run.
Ohno does not have the physique that Vince McMahon likes. To get over, he needs a strong stable, to support him. This could be a way to benefit all concerned.
#1 Luke Harper
Do not question our sanity. Beneath the many layers of facial hair, lies a genuinely talented sports entertainer. Between the ropes, Luke Harper can hang with the best of them. Of course, he cannot join The Shield in his current avatar. He will need a shave, new ring gear and a shower. Or ten.
Harper is far too talented a performer to not be featured on television, on a weekly basis. If aligned with The Shield, hopefully under a different name, he could potentially restart his career afresh. Much like Husky Harris did with the Bray Wyatt character.
WWE has a potential goldmine in their hands, with Harper. We've heard that he was due for repackaging, but we do not know what the long term plans are, for him.
What do you think of our picks, dear readers? Let us know in the comments!
Send us news tips at [email protected]
