The WWE Raw brand has become synonymous, creating exceptional wrestlers. Throughout the 'Monday Night Wars' both WWE and WCW battled to produce the best wrestling quality. That was only possible due to the excellent performers both companies afforded. In WWE names like; Triple H, Stone Cold, and The Rock garnered huge acclaim in the '90s. Whereas, in later years names included; John Cena, Batista, and Edge, to name but a few, (watch the video below).
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In modern times, WWE Raw has afforded excellent and lackluster moments. Unfortunately due to poorly designed storylines. However, let's not forget all wrestling promotions suffer from this problem. Just think back to the memorable debut of the Shockmaster in WCW. Nevertheless, it is the performers who fans pay money to watch. Ultimately they provide the entertainment value. Therefore which WWE Raw wrestlers will standout in 2019?
#4 Finn Balor
Finn Balor has garnered fan admiration since his debut in 2014 and faced Bobby Lashley at WrestleMania 35 for the WWE Intercontinental Championship.
Previously at SummerSlam 2016, Balor faced Seth Rollins to determine the inaugural WWE Universal Champion. Unfortunately, following his victory, a sidelining injury forced him to relinquish the championship. In April 2017 Balor returned to WWE Raw television, going on to contend for the WWE Universal Championship.
Last year during WrestleMania 34 Balor narrowly missed out on capturing the WWE Intercontinental Championship. However at WrestleMania 35 this year he walked out a two-time WWE Intercontinental Champion, by defeating Bobby Lashley, (watch the video below).
With Balor as champion, there are a plethora of lucrative opponents for him. Notably, opponents such as; Elias, Apollo Crews, or EC3 all deserve better storylines. Notwithstanding Balor will be a crucial element for WWE in 2019.
#3 Ronda Rousey
Ronda Rousey would debut for WWE in 2018. However, let's not forget her exponential success in other disciplines. Rousey is a Judoka and former UFC Fighter, of which she attained a plethora of successful accolades. Notably, a Bronze Medal at the 2008 Olympics in Judo, and becoming the inaugural UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion.
At Royal Rumble 2018 Rousey shocked the world when she debuted. Since then her success has been ever increased. At WrestleMania 34 Rousey teamed with Kurt Angle against Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. In mere months at SummerSlam Rousey would defeat Alex Bliss to become Raw Women's Champion. Ever since Royal Rumble 2019 Rousey's title reign has been in jeopardy. With Becky Lynch and Charlotte jockeying for contention; things became to take shape, (watch the video below).
Rousey made history alongside Lynch and Charlotte, during the main event of WrestleMania 35. However, after a gruelling contest, Lynch took advantage and secured a pinfall over Rousey. She would earn both Raw and SmackDown women's championships. Regardless of upcoming events, Rousey has cemented her credibility as a mainstay performer for either Raw or SmackDown. Could we witness Rousey on the SmackDown Live brand??
#2 Drew McIntyre
Throughout 2007-2009 the former WWE Intercontinental Champion was handpicked for success by Vince McMahon. However, it was a stretch from his current character portrayal. It is debatable that anyone would recognize him now from his previous WWE tenure. Nevertheless, his departure in 2009 and return to WWE in 2017 was crucial. Ultimately it provided fans with the present iteration of Drew McIntyre.
The former NXT Champion made his Raw debut on April 16th, 2018 alongside Dolph Ziggler. Together the duo progressed to become WWE Raw Tag Team champions and was embroiled in a feud with The Shield, (Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, and Seth Rollins). However, his partnership with Ziggler ended on December 3rd, 2018.
Since his betrayal of Ziggler fans has sporadically witnessed McIntyre on Raw. At Royal Rumble 2019 McIntyre looked dominant however would be eliminated by Ziggler. In the following weeks, McIntyre would seek revenge. Moreover, he would eventually become embroiled in a feud with Roman Reigns, (watch the video below).
McIntyre's tenure with notable independent wrestling promotions including; Impact Wrestling, Evolve, and Insane Championship Wrestling, provided an excellent platform for his development. Ultimately all McIntyre needs is a new platform in WWE. Considering his efforts at WrestleMania 35 against Reigns, it is evident his future is bright. Therefore what could we expect going forward?
#1 Seth Rollins
Since his victory, Rollins has seemingly been pushed as the next performer to dethrone Brock Lesnar. Strangely enough, Lesnar possesses a championship which has eluded Rollins. At SummerSlam Rollins narrowly lost his opportunity to become champion losing to Finn Balor. Nevertheless, following a sidelining injury and a plethora of awesome moments throughout 2018 he will return to the world championship scene.
At WrestleMania 34 Rollins became WWE Intercontinental Champion. In subsequent months he helped elevate the prestigious championship. However, in previous months Rollins has cemented his focus on Lesnar, (watch the video below).
At WrestleMania 35 Rollins shocked the world by defeating Lesnar and becoming WWE Universal Champion. Much like his previous championship reigns, fans should expect the highest quality of entertainment from Rollins. Moreover, the championship will appear more regularly. What can we expect from Rollins?