5 Things to look forward to in 2016

Apart from a strong push for Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns, there are a plethora of other reasons to look forward to 2016 as a WWE fanHaving finally managed to book Roman Reigns in a manner that has turned the tide of fan opinion in his favour and capitalised on Dean Ambrose’s popularity by bestowing the Intercontinental Title on him, the WWE has ensured that the duo will enter 2016 with a burgeoning outlook for the year ahead.However, after suffering an injury crisis of sorts, the company would be hopeful for an elongated run without any additions to the list as they enter into a new year that they would anticipate, is more consistent in yielding good ratings as well, than compared to a topsy-turvy 2015.One of the cornerstones of the WWE has always been that regardless of the direness of the situation, the show must always go on.So, while it may be harder to sustain heightened viewership due to the absence of a number of regular faces – all from in or around the main event scene – 2016 still represents a clean slate for the WWE to put forth refreshing storylines and riveting feuds to keep the audiences hooked on.Keeping that in mind, here are 5 things for the WWE Universe to look forward to in 2016.

#5 Layeth the Smackdown!

Mauro Ranallo has been hired by the WWE in an effort to shake up the Smackdown brand

While it is of common acceptance that Smackdown’s relevance in the scheme of things has stooped from the days of The Rock as its marquee Superstar or Paul Heyman as its general manager, the WWE may have finally seen fit to buck the trend in 2016.

Having signed Smackdown to the USA Network from January 7th, which already telecasts its flagship show Monday Night Raw, the WWE could well be signalling their intent to promote both brands on a more even footing going forward.

The fact that the company has also brought former New Japan Pro Wrestling commentator Mauro Ranallo on board, presumably to assume play-by-play responsibilities, likely points towards a complete re-packaging of the Smackdown brand and its programming alike.

With fans, long clamouring for the second longest running weekly episodic to be more than a footnote to Monday Night Raw, this move to the USA Network could ideally denote the initial markings of that change.

#4 x16?

Will 2016 be the year when John Cena finally scales Ric Flair’s record of 16 World Titles?

If Jon Stewart’s intervention in the Champion vs Champion match between John Cena and Seth Rollins was any indication to go by, the WWE was certainly not going to let John Cena capture his record-equalling 16th World Title without a proper build leading up to the iconic event.

With Ric Flair also likely to play a part in the storyline – especially since it’s his record that stands to be equalled – it is quite probable that Roman Reigns would be allowed an extended run with the Title before it eventually ends up with John Cena once again.

While the nitty gritties aren’t quite apparent yet, members of the Cenation can be optimistic as the Title is expected to change hands sometime in 2016 – either through means of a transitional heel champion or by ptting Reigns and Cena against each other in a babyface vs babyface superfight dynamic, not unlike the consecutive Wrestlemania encounters between The Rock and John Cena a few years ago.

#3 Seth \"Freaking\" Rollins

Seth Rollins could make his comeback from injury in the second half of 2016

Although Seth Rollins’ return to the WWE may not actually materialise until the latter months of the year, it is nevertheless an event worth looking forward to as far as an expectant fanbase is concerned.

Given his supreme ability in the ring and the frequent comparisons with Shawn Michaels that it gives rise to, the Architect’s job in holding forth through much of 2015 while Roman Reigns was being readied to assume the mantle of top dog in the company, was nothing short of phenomenal.

Limping out on crutches to accept his highly deserved Superstar of the Year Slammy Award, it was painfully obvious to the on-looking WWE Universe that Seth Rollins was still far from a complete recovery and return to the ring.

However if the man’s instagram post immediately after sustaining the injury that read “Redesign. Rebuild. Reclaim” was anything to go by, it is highly likely that 2016 could feature a returning Seth Rollins eager to pick up exactly where he left off.

#2 End of an Era

Wrestlemania 32 could signal the end of one of the greatest performers of all time

For a quarter of a century, The Undertaker has enthralled the WWE Universe like only he can; undead both in character as well as a pro-wrestling context, there are few Superstars in the history of the WWE that can lay claim to have produced one of best the matches of the year with a wrestler like Brock Lesnar in their 25th year of service to the company.

It speaks volumes about the legacy of the man that despite having his streak broken by the Beast Incarnate, his presence at Wrestlemania or the interest levels that it generates amongst fans hasn't been invalidated to say the least.

However, with father time hot on his heels, there is a widespread notion that Wrestlemania 32 could indeed feature the Phenom’s last bow inside of the squared circle.

For the multitude of fans that grew up watching the Undertaker assert his dominance over the WWE, 2016 may well be the year of one final hurrah and a felicitous goodbye befitting a timeless legend.

#1 Wrestlemania 32

If all goes to plan, Wrestlemania 32 is expected to break the all-time attendance record for an indoor event

Ever since Wrestlemania 32 was announced to be held at the AT&T Stadium in Texas – which is capable of housing over 100,000 fans, every indication has lent itself towards the idea that the WWE was hell bent on creating an extravaganza that would justify shattering Wrestlemania 3’s long held attendance record of 93,000.

While having The Rock announce his involvement with the event 4 months prior to it has further fanned the flames, the build-up to the much-anticipated mega-show is likely to only snowball from here on in.

With a bevy of other legendary names including Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Undertaker, Sting, Triple H and until the ignominious racist diatribe precluded him, Hulk Hogan, all touted to be in the mix, Wrestlemania 32 could arguably be the most iconic show put forth by the WWE thus far.

From starry-eyed dream match scenarios to teary-eyed retirement speeches, the possibilities to look forward to are endless for both the WWE and indeed its fans in the year 2016.