Top 5 opponents for Sheamus at WrestleMania 30

Who should Sheamus face at WrestleMania XXX?

The Celtic Warrior Sheamus made his return to WWE, entering the annual Royal Rumble match at the No. 17 position. The Celtic Warrior had been sidelined with a torn labrum, missing the second half of 2013 and losing a great deal of momentum as well.

In Sheamus’ case, the character actually felt more refreshed than out of place. Fans were given a break from his one-note babyface character. Back and re-invigorated, he should most certainly play a major role in the upcoming WrestleMania XXX event.

However, the upper card of the PPV already seems filled thanks to the returns of major stars. It leaves Sheamus without a major feud heading into the last weeks of WrestleMania. But with so many talented Superstars on the roster, even a mid card match for someone of Sheamus’ caliber could result in a potentially show-stealing performance.

Who could the former WWE and World Heavyweight champion compete against at WrestleMania?

Let’s take a look at some of the more intriguing as well as likely candidates.

5. Wade Barrett

Bad News Barrett seems like a person who can go places if given the right push. Wade Barrett was always great on mic and can work a good promo. His work as a heel was good as a leader of Nexus. And he is technically good enough to compete against the very best in the business.

A feud with the Great White can therefore be hugely beneficial for Barrett and can lead to a good storyline as well for both the characters.

4. Ryback

Ryback showed some good chemistry together during his brief encounter with Sheamus in a recent tag match. This feud can help benefit Ryback get back at least some amount of the massive momentum which he had this time last year.

With the build that Ryback has and given his size he is good in the ring, it certainly would look like a decent option to put him in the feud with a force like Sheamus. Sheamus in turn would find an opponent who is equal in size, if not stronger than him.

3. Alberto Del Rio

In 2012, Sheamus and Del Rio engaged in a rivalry that stretched from May until September. They fought one another in four World Heavyweight Championship matches in different PPVs. While Sheamus missed a lot of 2013, Del Rio reigned as World champion for the majority of the year. After losing the title to John Cena last October, he has been engaged in a mess of a feud with the animal Batista.

The history is there and throwing together a story for Sheamus and Del Rio would be relatively simple. They also have solid chemistry with one another. Their matches were typically very good. With both growing as in-ring performers, the likelihood that those matches would be improved is high.

2. Kane

The Big Red Monster appeared poised to feud with CM Punk prior till what seems like Punk’s departure from the company. Sheamus has replaced Punk in advertisements for upcoming live events, so why not go the distance and have him replace Punk in his current angle.

It would not be difficult to build up. Sheamus may be projected to be a rebel along with Bryan against the authority with Kane coming in to set things straight.

Neither wrestler has anything better to do currently, and both are deserving of a spot on the biggest card of the year.

1. Antonio Cesaro

The level of stardom that Sheamus enjoys, coupled with the success he has achieved over the previous years, makes him a perfect candidate to help elevate Superstars who have the potential to find themselves in a similar position. One of those Superstars with great potential is the Swiss-born, former United States champion Cesaro.

It would be a relatively fresh match, despite a few wins for Sheamus over the former U.S. champion on free Television. A feud between the two would instantly elevate Cesaro, and a match with Sheamus would have great potential to be one of the more physical matches in WrestleMania history. Zeb Colter could even point out Sheamus’ Irish nationality.