Predicting the next 5 WWE Universal Champions

The WWE Universal Championship is regarded by most as the premier title in all of sports entertainment. With the company being currently split into two separate rosters, the Universal title is exclusive only to the RAW roster, at least for the time being. Personally, I think it's beyond time to merge the rosters back into one main roster, but that's a completely different topic, for a different discussion.

Brock Lesnar - that is a name that alone speaks fear into the hearts and minds of anyone and everyone who dares to challenge him for his WWE Universal Championship, which he has.

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#1 Braun Strowman

The Monster among us looks to tame the Beast at No Mercy

There has never been a big man come along with absolutely zero wrestling experience, and completely dominate the industry the way Braun Strowman has done. Since making his debut as The Wyatt Family's monster henchman, Strowman has evolved into a nearly unbeatable force that even Brock Lesnar is having difficulty figuring out.

Braun is currently involved in an intense, intriguing feud with the current WWE Universal Champion, Brock Lesnar.

After months of this incredible rivalry going back-and-forth, it appears now that Braun may very well be in the driver's seat and ready to capture the elusive Universal title at the upcoming No Mercy pay-per-view.

#2 Finn Balor

Finn Balor wants what he never lost!

WWE's resident Demon King is the very first Superstar to ever put the Universal Championship around his waist and he did so after defeating Seth Rollins at the 2016 SummerSlam pay-per-view. However, just as quickly as he captured the title, Balor was forced to relinquish it due to an injury he suffered during the title match.

Ever since Finn returned to action, his eyes have been firmly fixed on regaining the title that he never actually lost. Balor is currently entangled in a bizarre, yet intriguing feud with "The Eater of Worlds" Bray Wyatt.

With the culmination likely coming at No Mercy, Balor will probably use this current run with Bray as a catalyst for a program with whoever holds the Universal Championship after No Mercy.

When the dust settles and the cream rises to the top, look for Finn Balor emerging soon as a two-time WWE Universal Champion.

#3 Bray Wyatt

Wyatt wants the whole world back in his hands...

There are some who would have you believe that Bray Wyatt's ship has sailed, or that his best days are far behind him. Not so fast, my friend...

I have mentioned before in previous articles that I believe Bray Wyatt is the most underrated Superstar in the entire company today. Not only that, Bray has the potential to carry the entire company.

As I said, some fans may have counted Bray out after his underwhelming run as WWE Champion. But, I have a difficult time believing that the book is closed on the story of Bray Wyatt. There's simply too much money left on the table and Wyatt still has the ability to captivate fans and convince them to get behind him, especially as a champion.

#4 John Cena

Can Cena reclaim his status as "the Champ that runs the Camp?

This will probably be the least popular pick of the entire list. Fans don't dislike John Cena because he's a horrible performer. Fans just don't like Cena, and to be honest, there's no real reason behind their hatred.

The bottom line is simple - John Cena is a winner, has always been a winner and for the remainder of however much time Cena has left, he will continue to be a winner. There comes a time in any sport when fans simply want to see the winner fail. Unfortunately, John Cena has reached that point in his career where fans just do not want to see him win.

Cena turned 40 this past April, and even though that's well beyond the "desired" age in today's wrestling, Cena is still capable of performing at the highest level, with all of the younger guys.

#5 Jason Jordan

The foundation has been laid for Jordan, now it's time to execute

When I first saw Jason Jordan in NXT, I was blown away by his raw athletism and overall in-ring presence. It was clear that this guy had the look of a superstar and if he continued to improve, he was going to be something special. Well, he did improve and now thanks to the attention from the Kurt Angle storyline, Jason has the perfect opportunity to step his game up to the next level, which is main event status.

The look is there, the skill is there, and all of the other intangibles are firmly in place. Now all that is needed is an opportunity. An opportunity that Jordan needs will involve him somehow getting in the mix for a top-tier title.

Luckily for Jordan, that very opportunity comes in just a couple of days at the No Mercy pay-per-view when he goes head-to-head with The Miz, with the Intercontinental Championship on the line. If Jason can succeed against The Miz and move forward with a strong IC run, the clock will then start ticking for his future shot at the big red belt.