The WWE main roster has some heavy-hitters on it. From AJ Styles, down to Seth Rollins and beyond, the list of potential candidates to win one of the various singles titles is as long as it gets.
There has always been a definitive line in the sand, however, when it comes to the separation between wrestlers at the top of the card and those in the mid card, finishing off with the guys at the very bottom, the enhancement talent.
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With that in mind, it's obvious that guys at the top like Styles and Cena have a huge fan base of loyal followers. However, there's always going to be that irresistible love for the underdogs.
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As far as the Superstars on the roster that would be considered underdogs go, most, if not all of those guys will likely never win a singles title in the WWE. That's simply stating the obvious.
But, then again, what if a sudden shift in the program forced the WWE creative powers that be, to think outside of the box? What if someone suggested putting a major title on one of the lower, mid-card superstars? Is this unlikely?
Of course, but considering the level of talent in the mid card, there are indeed some that could easily get over with a title. Again... fans love an underdog story.
Is there someone on either the Raw or maybe the Smackdown roster that you feel should get a shot at a singles title? Perhaps it's someone who no one would have ever expected to see win a major championship, but you know they have tremendous potential.
Well, that's what we've done today. After studying both of the main rosters, we have compiled a list of 5 superstars who would make great "unexpected" champions in 2017.
#5 Apollo Crews
If you've read some of my previous columns, there's a good chance that you know how high I am on Apollo Crews. I had a chance to watch this guy prior to his WWE tenure, when he was known as Uhaa Nation.
I was amazed at his raw strength, insane agility, as well as his technical skills. Apollo also possesses the gift of charm when it comes to engaging with the fans. He has always had a strong following, no matter where he's landed.
Also read: 5 Unlikely WWE Superstars who could win the 2017 Royal Rumble
There was a lot of hype surrounding Crews upon his signing with the WWE. The problem I've seen so far, has simply been the creative team not knowing what approach to take to get him over.
To be honest, I somewhat understand the delay, if you will. The worst thing that could happen right now, would be rushing him into a title situation where someone else was more deserving at the time. However, the time is quickly approaching for Apollo Crews.
The brief feud with The Miz was a hint of things to come. It won't be long now, so don't be shocked to see Crews be the one to take the United States title off of Jericho.
#4 Tyler Breeze
This is a case of the "WTF's?!" It was not too long ago that Tyler Breeze was one of NXT's top guys, even during a time when the yellow brand was home to some incredible talent, some of whom are title holders on the main roster today.
There was a lot of excitement surrounding Tyler’s promotion to the main roster. In fact, his first month or so was pretty entertaining. Unfortunately, Breeze would soon succumb to piss poor booking.
Since being paired with Fandango, Breeze has fallen victim to what's become a joke of a tag team. Both Tyler, as well as Fandango, deserve much better. Anyone who has watched Breeze for a while now, they know all too well what he's capable of.
Now that things are beginning to get sorted out in the tag team division, maybe... just maybe Breeze can get reverted back to the singles life, where he is much more valuable.
#3 Big Cass
It's been reported by multiple sources that Vince McMahon is very high on Big Cass. Anyone who has seen how far Cass has come would know all too well why Vince offers high praise for the seven footer.
Enzo and Big Cass have done exceptionally well since arriving on the Raw roster. While Enzo is currently one of the best talkers in wrestling, he does have a tendency to catch the injury bug. With that said, it's quite possible that Big Cass will soon be spending much more time as a singles competitor.
This doesn't necessarily spell a demise for the team, however. Enzo could be a fantastic mouthpiece for Big Cass.
Cass has already tested the waters as a solo act, being thrown into various singles situations, even main eventing Raw in singles action. 2017 could very well be the year where things get shaken up a bit and Enzo goes to the corner as a support source for his partner in crime.
#2 Luke Harper
Big Rig Brodie Lee...does that name sound familiar? Long before the birth of the Wyatt Family, Luke Harper was travelling the world as Brodie Lee. During his independent run, he began to gain a lot of attention from some very important people in the wrestling industry, most notably WWE officials.
Dean Ambrose and Cesaro were the two guys who lobbied to get Harper a shot in the WWE. When he first arrived, Harper impressed a lot of onlookers, including Triple H and Vince McMahon.
Once The Wyatt Family debuted on the main roster, Harper was able to display his talents in front of a lot more sets of eyes. Harper has already captured the Intercontinental Championship once, that's a title that he would love to win again, I'm sure.
But, Harper could have his sights set even higher. Could he be a dark horse for the WWE World Championship?
#1 Big E
If you think back to when Big E first arrived on the main roster, he was a very intimidating force, an absolute monster.
He would spend his first several months aligned with AJ Lee and Dolph Ziggler, primarily as the muscle of the trio. It wasn't long until Big E began looking out for himself, which was also when he won the Intercontinental Championship.
Big E has spent the majority of the past couple of years as a member of one of the most successful tag teams in WWE history, The New Day.
However, there's been rumblings within the group ever since they ended up losing the tag titles. While it may not happen right away, the team will likely split soon. If so, look for Big E to make a run at one of the singles titles.
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