5 Wrestlers That Should Grab the Brass Ring (But Won't)

The brass ring is a seemingly mythical concept in the WWE. It's one that Vince McMahon loves to talk about as the reason why our favorites become the big stars that they do. John Cena, Randy Orton etc. are all wrestlers that Vinnie Mac has said have 'grabbed the brass ring'.

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However, the recent struggles of establishing new mega-stars have also been attributed to wrestlers not grabbing the brass ring. Even though it is convenient narrative that WWE uses to cover it's tracks, there are a whole bunch of wrestlers that have come close to grabbing the said brass ring. Let's look at 5 wrestlers that should grab the brass ring, but WWE's reluctance mean they probably never will.

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#5 Rusev

The sun never sets on Rusev Day?

How has Rusev not become a main eventer already is something that is unfathomable to most people. Rusev, and the current Rusev Day gimmick is so over with the crowd, all WWE need to do is give him a few wins and hotshot him into the main event. It's not like they haven't done that before (Jinder Mahal).

The problem seems to be Rusev's past indiscretions. He has always been a finger tip away from the brass ring, but it is constantly taken away from him. He could have become a massive star back in 2015 only, but John Cena stood in his way. Today, it seems like Rusev will never be more than a mid-carder, even though everyone is behind him and his skills.

#4 Cesaro

The Swiss Superman may never be what we all see him as.

This is a fact that most people have become acutely aware of, but WWE management don't think too highly of Cesaro. Even though he is a former US Champion and part of one of the most entertaining tag teams in recent memory with Sheamus. However, whether his trajectory is upwards or downwards after he is done with the tag team, we can be sure that he will never hit the heights expected of him.

Vince McMahon has addressed this issue before on the Stone Cold podcast, after which he went on a tirade about the brass ring. However, Cesaro is easily one of the best performers in WWE. He was one of the most respected members on the independents as Claudio Castagnoli and, much to the dismay of all wrestling fans, hasn't been able to get that same respect in the WWE.

#3 Elias

The Drifter is drifting.

Elias seems tailor-made for the WWE. Triple H himself had said that Elias wasn't made for NXT, but for the main roster. Right now, he is one of the most engaging heels on the roster, but that seems to be his ceiling. His gimmick, even though it's so interesting and fun, will probably be the end for him.

Elias is just a recent call-up, but his booking is all over the place already. Doomed rivalries against John Cena, Braun Strowman, Bobby Lashley and Bobby Roode have characterized his run on the main roster till now. Even though he deserves so much, considering how much he has been growing, it seems like he will always be behind a whole host of people in pecking order.

#2 Finn Balor

Maybe the Balor Club should give up.

Finn Balor seemed poised to be the next big thing. Drafted from to Raw NXT before wrestlers like John Cena, Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar, he also became the first ever Universal Champion. However, a shoulder injury derailed all his momentum instantly. His return from injury seemed so promising, and he seemed primed for another push and a match against Brock Lesnar eventually. Vince McMahon nixed that plan, and essentially gave Balor the dark mark.

Even though Balor is exceedingly talented and can do whatever is asked of him, he just will never get over the blow delivered to him by Vince McMahon. Being squashed by Kane, and no commitment to his character from the creative team, it seems Balor will always be one who reaches for the ring but can never get his hands on it.

#1 Sami Zayn

El Generico wouldn't be too happy.

It pains me to write this, considering what a big Sami Zayn fan I am, but it is the truth. Sami Zayn will not grab the brass ring. He has done a fantastic job of whatever he has been given up until now and is making TV more interesting. His heel character and his silly shtick is captivating audiences, but when has Zayn not captivated audiences? He has been doing it since his NXT days, but he has never been given his due.

I was tempted to put Kevin Owens in with Zayn, but a new 5 year contract for him and a lengthy Universal Championship reign behind him speaks otherwise. Zayn is yet to hold a single belt on the main roster, and has only come close to the main event. He is currently being sacrificed for Bobby Lashley. After that is done, what are the chances that Zayn actually becomes the star he should be? Very slim. Very slim indeed.