2014: Cesaro after WrestleMania
WrestleMania XXX was a significant show for many, with Daniel Bryan conquering the world and Brock Lesnar ending The Undertaker's undefeated streak at 21-1. Another Superstar who had a tremendous outing at the Superdome was Cesaro.
He broke away from Jack Swagger and Zeb Colter on the Kickoff Show, following a loss for the Tag Team Titles. Cesaro proceeded to win the first-ever Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, after slamming the Big Show over the ropes. It looked like a new babyface star was born.
However, the next night, Cesaro declared that he was a Paul Heyman Guy. This ensured that he would remain a heel. It turned out that the partnership with Heyman was primarily used to keep the Advocate on TV so he could remind the fans that Lesnar had ended the Deadman's WrestleMania streak. Following the Beast's return in the summer, the Swiss Cyborg was quickly disposed of. This should have led to the ultimate face turn for Cesaro, challenging Lesnar to a fight so he could try and avenge Heyman for wasting his time.
When 2014 began, Cesaro looked to have a breakout year but it ended with Vince McMahon publically stating that he had failed to grab the "brass ring". The former United States Champion remains in the same mid-card heel position he was in five years ago, having tasted Tag Team success with Sheamus in between.
What other major opportunities do you think WWE missed in the first half of the decade? Stay tuned for Part 2, covering 2015 to 2019, coming in the next couple of days!