Thanks to a memorable performance at The Royal Rumble, Randy Orton has his ticket punched for the main event at Wrestlemania 33. Initially, most people assumed that we would get another rematch between Orton and Cena at Wrestlemania.
However, that might not be the case depending on what happens at The Elimination Chamber. In fact, the odds are stacked heavily against John Cena, considering that there will be five other superstars locked inside the Chamber, all with the intention of headlining the biggest show of the year.
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Realistically speaking, there could be an argument made for each of the six combatants in the Chamber, as to why they deserve, as well as how they could very well be the last man standing this Sunday night.
The real question remains, which superstar makes the most sense from a competition perspective, as well as a money perspective?
Baron Corbin, Dean Ambrose, AJ Styles, The Miz, Bray Wyatt and John Cena will all collide inside the Elimination Chamber, all with the desire to not only win the WWE Championship but to also defend that very title on the grandest stage of them all, Wrestlemania 33.
So, who will it be? Who makes the most sense? Which superstar poses the biggest threat to The Viper?
Let’s take a look at each potential opponent, and decide which superstar has the best chance of coming away with the WWE Championship this Sunday at The Elimination Chamber pay-per-view.
#6 Baron Corbin
Baron Corbin is someone who I nearly gave up on in NXT. He just had this pitiful chip on his shoulder, and couldn't seem to get over the hump. For whatever reason, Corbin just couldn't retain any of the training he was being provided with.
However, something drastic happened. Corbin got drafted from NXT up to the Smackdown roster and suddenly, everything seemed to change for The Lone Wolf. It seemed as if he had a growing up experience, so to speak.
Regardless of what it was, it couldn't have come at a better time.
Also read: WWE Rumors: WWE Planning Randy Orton vs. Bray Wyatt for "Wrestlemania 33"
Since arriving on the main roster, Baron Corbin has improved by leaps and bounds. His in-ring skill set has gotten tremendously better, along with his mic work, as well as his ability to develop a degree of chemistry with any and everyone he has faced. Needless to say, Corbin has evolved into a much better performer.
When it comes to The Elimination Chamber – sure, he could win the match, thus walking away as the new champ, and could even secure his spot in the main event at Wrestlemania. But, despite how far he has come... he is just not ready for that weight.
He might not be ready at the moment, but he will be. Baron is a main event calibre performer, but this situation throws too much onto his plate way too soon. His time will come, just not right now.
#5 Dean Ambrose
Dean is such a dynamite talent. It’s no secret that he is already a main eventer in every way and has been so since arriving with The Shield. Ambrose is one of the participants in this match that could sneak up in the closing moments and steal a victory.
Honestly, I don't think anyone would have an issue with Ambrose going into Wrestlemania with both the Intercontinental Title as well as the WWE Championship. The only question is, would this victory diminish the Intercontinental Championship in any way?
The obvious answer is probably not. But, The Miz put a tonne of work into making that title what it is today. With that said, whoever is the keeper of the belt should be able to devote 100% of their attention towards maintaining the image of the title.
Sure, the WWE Championship is the higher level prize, but for the time being, I just think it makes the most sense to have Ambrose focused purely on his Intercontinental Title run, as well as on another possible battle with The Miz.
#4 The Miz
The Miz is absolutely the most underrated, under-appreciated wrestler on the planet. This guy is the best example of what “sports entertainment” means.
The problem The Miz has been forced to deal with is the fact that he was pushed way too prematurely when he had his Wrestlemania bout against John Cena at Wrestlemania 27. Following that title run, it seemed like the company just tossed him aside.
It has taken The Miz quite some time to get back to the level he is competing at today. In fact, I would go as far to say that his most recent Intercontinental Title reign was much more significant than his time with the WWE Championship.
Together with his wife Maryse, this duo has been having one of the best runs of anyone in this era.
If you consider the options, a main event contest between The Miz and Randy Orton, with The Miz being the defending champion, that scenario does not sound too bad. But, will the powers that be really pull the trigger on this option?
It’s probably not the most likely outcome, but it would be a match that fans would certainly enjoy, there's no question about it.
#3 John Cena
This is the match that is probably still the heavy favourite going into The Elimination Chamber. History simply proves that John Cena typically comes out on top in these type of situations.
Another clue would be that he only recently won the WWE Championship, after defeating AJ Styles at The Royal Rumble. It’s just hard to believe that they would use Cena as a transitional champion.
I realise that there are a lot of fans who really don't want to see another Cena vs. Orton rematch, especially at Wrestlemania. To be honest, many don't want to see Cena in the main event at Wrestlemania at all, regardless of the opponent.
For whatever reason, the WWE Universe turned on Cena a long time ago. I get it, you’re tired of seeing the same matches, the same superstars and so on. But, it is important to understand that there is a very real possibility that John Cena retains his title at The Chamber, resulting in a date with The Viper.
Personal feelings aside, if this match does, in fact, come to fruition, you can rest assured that both Cena and Orton will deliver a main event calibre performance.
#2 AJ Styles
It took a long time for AJ Styles to finally land in the WWE. Unlike most, Styles took the road less travelled and while doing so, he became a global phenomenon. Pound-for-pound, AJ Styles is one of the most gifted professional wrestlers alive.
With a laundry list of championships from major promotions all over the world, Styles made a name for himself long before signing a WWE contract.
In 2016, AJ proved to the WWE Universe that he belongs there. For 140 days, he was indeed “the champ that runs the camp.” Now that he has lost that title, AJ could be hungry for revenge, making him even more dangerous than before.
When you consider the options, AJ Styles vs. Randy Orton is an extremely attractive match for the Championship. The two have yet to have a true rivalry against one another, despite having a lot of similarities.
Wrestlemania 33 could prove to be one of the biggest in recent memory, as long as the booking is carefully planned out and executed perfectly. AJ Styles could be the one needed in the main event to put Wrestlemania over the top.
#1 Bray Wyatt
He is The Eater of Worlds, The New Face of Fear and for several years now, he has been trying to prove to the entire world that he is ready to carry the torch. If there was ever a perfect time for Bray to be elevated to the top, it’s now.
Randy Orton was probably the last person I ever expected to see join The Wyatt Family, but once he did, I expected a quick turn, something similar to what Daniel Bryan did. However, Randy has proved to be extremely loyal to Wyatt, to the point of helping him win the Smackdown Tag Team Championships.
They have been an unlikely, yet productive and successful combination, but we all knew that eventually, the two would have to collide.
If you take a look at how things have played out over the past six months, this match makes the most sense. It is time for a season of change in the WWE. Bray Wyatt personifies true change. No one has worked as hard through gimmick changes, various angles and multiple setbacks as Bray Wyatt has.
Having Bray win the WWE Title at the Elimination Chamber would serve as proof that Vince is committed to the future of the industry and that he has faith that someone like Bray Wyatt can carry the weight of the company.
After all, he’s got the whole damn world....in his hands.
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