Rumors were rampant, and it was somewhat obvious that WWE has been giving former Shield member, Roman Reigns, the proverbial "push". Which was to culminate at Wrestlemania 31, with the young Samoan beating "The Beast" Brock Lesner for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. That was the supposed plan, but plans change, especially in pro-wrestling. Roman Reigns recently underwent emergency surgery on a hernia, that will take a long period of time to fully heal.
So, let's assume that Reigns is out of the main event picture, now we are left with the question of "Who's Next?" No, that wasn't a set up for a Goldberg return. Although his match with Lesner at Wrestlemania XX needs to be revisited (if not, erased). Who should WWE get behind and give a push? Should the person be a new superstar looking for his first shot? An established star that is waiting for their first real push? Or one of already established main event players? Opinions will vary on what type and most definetly in regards to who. But, here are some examples of who we think should step into Reigns boots....
Cesaro
Someone who could fill the void quite easily. Although it isn't a straight to the top type of push, Cesaro has been getting primed for one. Having won the initial Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal at Wrestlemania XXX, and being in the mix for the mid-card titles he has shown he is ready for WWE to at least see where he can go. Also, add the fact that he is another powerhouse, as well as a former Heyman Guy, it would make sense for him to face off against Brock Lesner for the strap.
Dean Ambrose
Still waiting to see just how well he does on his own, but for storyline purposes, he would possibly be a great choice. Also a former member of The Shield, he could either have Seth Rollins cash in on him the moment he wins the title, or begin a feud with a returning Roman Reigns. Although at the moment, I see Ambrose being more of a top mid-carder.
Randy Orton
I can't remember ever seeing this before. Orton vs Lesner. I can remember Lesner vs Cena back when they were all main roster rookies. I would be on the fence though as to whether I think Orton would be the right choice. Randall is an amazing performer, and perhaps under rated in some ways, however, with Lesner being the "heel", Orton would have to try and go "face". Something he doesn't like, and is clearly better when playing the villain. It would present him as the legend killing badass that he hasn't been portraying as of late.
Damian Sandow
Probably not the first name to pop into your head. And hard to blame you given how WWE has chosen to use him. However, Sandow has been over achieving with the crap hand he has been dealt. Although they are meant to be comedic, he is taking all these different roles and making them entertaining. His current work as stunt double for The Miz has been top notch. It would actually be nice to see him rewarded for it. He is similar to Triple H, when he was being punished for the MSG Kliq Send-Off.
Daniel Bryan
Like with Orton, this would be more of a run than a push. In Daniel Bryan's case, it would be a continuation of the run he was having with the WWE World Heavyweight Championship before also being taken down by injury. The lack of "YES!" chants is all due to him not being on television, as crowds do tend to light up with that chant whenever his wife, Brie Bella, is on. Like with Roman, we aren't sure of DB's return date, but would it not be perfect for a Royal Rumble return and once again capturing the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in Wrestlemania's main event? Especially after last years lack of Bryan in the Rumble.
The list is endless, and really a matter of opinion. Guys like Dolph Ziggler, Kofi Kingston, amongst many others are all due for a push to the top. With Roman Reigns out of action, and with no time table set up for his return, WWE may be best to at least try and start pushing any and all of their stars. The Rock and Triple H really shined through after Austin and Undertaker were on the shelf back in 1999/2000. And they're in the same situation right now without names like Daniel Bryan, CM Punk, Rey Mysterio, etc on the active roster (or under contract in regards to Punk).
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Cesaro
Someone who could fill the void quite easily. Although it isn't a straight to the top type of push, Cesaro has been getting primed for one. Having won the initial Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal at Wrestlemania XXX, and being in the mix for the mid-card titles he has shown he is ready for WWE to at least see where he can go. Also, add the fact that he is another powerhouse, as well as a former Heyman Guy, it would make sense for him to face off against Brock Lesner for the strap.
Dean Ambrose
Still waiting to see just how well he does on his own, but for storyline purposes, he would possibly be a great choice. Also a former member of The Shield, he could either have Seth Rollins cash in on him the moment he wins the title, or begin a feud with a returning Roman Reigns. Although at the moment, I see Ambrose being more of a top mid-carder.
Randy Orton
I can't remember ever seeing this before. Orton vs Lesner. I can remember Lesner vs Cena back when they were all main roster rookies. I would be on the fence though as to whether I think Orton would be the right choice. Randall is an amazing performer, and perhaps under rated in some ways, however, with Lesner being the "heel", Orton would have to try and go "face". Something he doesn't like, and is clearly better when playing the villain. It would present him as the legend killing badass that he hasn't been portraying as of late.
Damian Sandow
Probably not the first name to pop into your head. And hard to blame you given how WWE has chosen to use him. However, Sandow has been over achieving with the crap hand he has been dealt. Although they are meant to be comedic, he is taking all these different roles and making them entertaining. His current work as stunt double for The Miz has been top notch. It would actually be nice to see him rewarded for it. He is similar to Triple H, when he was being punished for the MSG Kliq Send-Off.
Daniel Bryan
Like with Orton, this would be more of a run than a push. In Daniel Bryan's case, it would be a continuation of the run he was having with the WWE World Heavyweight Championship before also being taken down by injury. The lack of "YES!" chants is all due to him not being on television, as crowds do tend to light up with that chant whenever his wife, Brie Bella, is on. Like with Roman, we aren't sure of DB's return date, but would it not be perfect for a Royal Rumble return and once again capturing the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in Wrestlemania's main event? Especially after last years lack of Bryan in the Rumble.
The list is endless, and really a matter of opinion. Guys like Dolph Ziggler, Kofi Kingston, amongst many others are all due for a push to the top. With Roman Reigns out of action, and with no time table set up for his return, WWE may be best to at least try and start pushing any and all of their stars. The Rock and Triple H really shined through after Austin and Undertaker were on the shelf back in 1999/2000. And they're in the same situation right now without names like Daniel Bryan, CM Punk, Rey Mysterio, etc on the active roster (or under contract in regards to Punk).
For more things Wrestling, Comic Book, Movie, TV, and Video Game related, head on over to Non-Geeky Nerd and check things out! Stay Nerdy!
