The go-home episode of Smackdown before Survivor Series had a lot of twists and turns. The first twist was to know that 'The Man' will not be able to compete inside the ring at Survivor Series, and the next one was to see her pick up her best friend and currently a foe Charlotte Flair as a suitable replacement for the match at Survivor Series.
While this segment and replacement ensure a feud between these two wrestlers down the line, the next shocking thing at the go-home show was the attack by Daniel Bryan on AJ Styles. This really kept us perplexed about which way the match at Survivor Series between Brock Lesnar and AJ Styles would end.
The next shocking thing was the impromptu match made by Shane McMahon between AJ Styles and Daniel Bryan for the WWE Championship. While the announcement confirmed that the championship would change hands, no one expected that the same would happen at this episode.
We all expected an interference or disqualification to end this match, and keep fans enticed about this match in weeks to come. The fact that the company decided to change the owner of the WWE Championship right before Survivor Series took the fans by surprise, but the most important shock was yet to come.
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After winning the WWE Championship due to a low-blow, the leader of the 'Yes Movement' turned heel and attacked the former WWE Champion until the referee intervened. He didn't answer the questions asked by the interviewer backstage, and it seems like 'Heel Daniel Bryan Era' has finally begun on Tuesday Nights.
This also raises a lot of questions including the next possible contenders for the WWE Championship, and in this article, I take a look at 5 possible options from Smackdown:
#5 Samoa Joe
Samoa Joe was involved in a feud for the WWE Championship with the former WWE Champion, and if the company wants to continue that storyline, with Joe's focus being around the WWE Championship irrespective of the owner, he can be a worthy contender for the title.
We may see him attack Daniel Bryan in the weeks to come and with a Heel vs Heel match happening at Survivor Series, a Heel versus Heel match in future isn't out of question.
#4 Rey Mysterio
Rey Mysterio is over with the fans, and the Mexican sensation is known for his high-flying moves inside the ring. He has enthralled audiences with his work, and as he returned after a hiatus at the Royal Rumble in January of this year.
After brief appearances at Royal Rumble and the Greatest Royal Rumble earlier this year, Mysterio signed full-time with the WWE, and it would be a treat to watch 'The Ultimate Underdog' win the WWE Championship.
He did win the WWE championship against all odds during his previous run in the company, and it is about time that he grabs the gold to create some amazing storylines on Tuesday Nights.
This would be a great way to create new stars, and also the company would get an opportunity to add value to the Mexican heritage by making him a WWE Champion again.
#3 Randy Orton
If the wrestler in the previous slide becomes the WWE Champion, we may see the Apex Predator Randy Orton attack him to claim his chance at the WWE Championship.
Orton has been in the business for a long time and has made a name as a heel, and it seems that Rey Mysterio is the next man he will target.
It also confirms that if the babyface Rey Mysterio becomes the WWE Champion, we may see Randy Orton strike at any moment with an RKO thus causing the new champion a moment to regroup, as well as lay down the challenge for the most coveted title on Tuesday Nights. The wrestler plays the heel to perfection, and it would be great to see him take down Mysterio or any new WWE Champion to become a 14-time Champion.
#2 The Miz
The Miz is arguably the most talented wrestler in the WWE. He who was an afterthought during his initial days, and would either be part of bikini matches or be involved in some irrelevant storyline, but he has made his way up the list and is considered an important factor on any show he appears.
Miz has become a great heel with his work both on the mic and in the ring improving significantly over the years.
The Miz always hypes feuds and with his segments on Miz TV. With the current WWE Champion Daniel Bryan, this match will definitely happen down the line as the two share a mutual hatred for each other.
While a heel vs heel match could be out of the question previously, it doesn't seem to be impossible now.
#1 Andrade Cien Almas
Andrade Cien Almas is a talented performer, and his work has been applauded by fans and wrestling experts equally since his days in NXT. The wrestler knows how to play a heel, and his work is of top-notch both in the ring and on the mic.
With a heel manager, his character has become even more powerful, and it is about time that the WWE gives this powerful performer an opportunity at the WWE Championship. He is known for his amazing moves, and his match with AJ Styles was loved by fans during the initial days.
With The Phenomenal One most likely out of action due to an injury, and a heel WWE Champion taking over the blue brand, it is about time that he faces off against a suitable competitor that has the mic skills and is also the most talented on the roster.