CURRENT OPINION

Since the brand split, RAW has felt like the "A" show but Smackdown! Live has felt superior in the creative department. Which is similar to what it felt like in the first brand extension in the early 2000's.
The feud between Dean Ambrose and AJ Styles for the WWE World Championship has been quite entertaining. The inclusion of "jobber", James Ellsworth, has been great. The downside to all of this is that John Cena is also involved in the title picture, and has been "absent" as of late. Having Cena be the winner will make this feel pointless. Unless of course, WWE is thinking that Cena can turn heel with his 16th World title. It wouldn't be far fetched to think that it's possible. There are a lot of members of the Cenation, but there's all the haters which could grow to include those simply against Ric Flair's record being tied and/or broken.
Or it happens and everything basically stays the same. I am not against Cena winning, and has understood why he doesn't turn, I just don't see how it fits and works at this point in time. Ratings are mentioned a lot, and if you want those to climb, you have to do something new or something old with a new age twist. Hulk Hogan had the same reservations, and things worked out. Business exploded and he was able to return to the old and work with the kids and whatnot. But, like mentioned, the reason is understandable and valid. Rather a child have their wishes answered than entertain me. I can always find something else, or simply follow the opposite brand.

Guess we'll see how things play out. Opinion could change once John is more involved, but at this moment it would be horrible to have Cena win unless a turn is coming. Ambrose and Styles would almost lose value otherwise.

SIZE MEANS NOTHING

The WWE started their new era making some changes in the typical main event picture, now pictures. On Smackdown! Live we have Dean Ambrose as Champ, with Dolph Ziggler getting another long over due push. Then on RAW, when it appeared we would see Roman Reigns immediately back in the main title scene, we saw Finn Balor get the win and the right to face Seth Rollins at Summerslam for the new WWE Universal Championship.

Then things got ridiculous, and not even on WWE's part. The IWC, writers, legends, etc are all whining about Finn Balor being "too small". After years of seeing Vince McMahon's preference in bigger than life stars, we see a continuation of lessons learned a couple of years ago. And what does everyone do, sorry to those not doing this, they start to whine that Balor isn't big enough to be on top.
Sure, Finn is only 5'10" and 190 lbs. However, we've seen more than enough times, size doesn't mean anything. Not in sports entertainment. The obvious example is Rey Mysterio. How about Daniel Bryan, CM Punk, or the lost in history, Chris Benoit? This is professional wrestling, not MMA. If someone is taller and has a reach advantage? It means nothing. If size meant anything in this industry, then Andre would have died undefeated champion, Big Show, Mark Henry, Kane would still be champions to this day.
Finn is an amazing inring talent. His style can work with anyone else. It is quick, but carries quite the impact. There is even limited high risk to his aerial offense, which again has a lot of oomph to it. Add to that, his ability to entertain as well. The Demon stays dormant until special events, but it is quite the site to see. Rumor has it that The Undertaker helped him out when he came to NXT, to tell you how cool it can be. All of this equals to a top star within the WWE. So, why the immediate negativity? Is it simply a case of new fame, new haters? One person made a comment somewhere referring to Finn Balor as looking average or out of shape. I don't see how that matters as in all forms of sports and entertainment is that they are normal people with exceptional ability in either athletics or acting. It's just how it is. In regards to "looks", that is always a matter of opinion.

I guess we will see how all of this plays out. Obviously, I am "pro-Balor" so I would like to see him become the first ever WWE Universal Championship. Seth Rollins is just as good though, and not a "big guy". We are in for a hell of a match at Summerslam. A match better than Ambrose/Ziggler imo, and Ziggler is flawless in that ring.

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WWE BRAND EXTENSION 2.0

I enjoyed the early days of the initial brand extension. RAW was good, but Smackdown! was a bit better initially for me. Undertaker was the cornerstone, Rey Mysterio was exclusive, and many levels of stardom being reached by many performers. Top names like John Cena, Brock Lesner, Edge and Eddie Guerrero. But, also guys like Jamie Noble and even Matt Hardy's star shined a little brighter (I was a MFer back then haha). It really held its own, and really didn't feel like a taped show most times.
But, that was the early portion of the split. It slowly and simply outright obvious that RAW was their A-Show, and Smackdown! the B. If someone was really doing well on SD!, they were heading over to RAW at some point whether via the draft, a trade, or something. It made for some great moments and stories, like when Benoit won the Rumble and opted to go after the WWE World Championship on RAW at Wrestlemania XX. But, it general it only made Smackdown! fall further.
Even after the brand extension was dissolved, Smackdown! was almost viewed by the fans, as top WCW names looked at Thunder, a joke. It was pretty much a guarantee every episode of Smackdown! would consist of highlights from RAW, a minimum of four men in the ring as to inspire Teddy Long to make a tag-team match in some fashion. Sure, it was nice to see all the talent get on the show, as television is still television, but product wise it was just stagnant.

Here we are now in 2016 and about to enter another brand extension. This time around, both shows will be live every week. Evening the playing field. And they keep pushing that each show will have its own unique set of superstars. Which is making me wonder if we will see all the indy guys Triple H has brought in on one show, and Vince's "usual" on the other. Or if perhaps Smackdown! is possible another test for Triple H after the success of everything he has accomplished with both NXT and the performance center. Smackdown! going live just has me curious. After all this time, and clamoring about the cost to run a live show I am left wondering "why?".
Regardless of the why's, I am really looking forward to this. Other questions that come up are more about the products. The thriving Women's Division needs more room to showcase the superstars beyond the WWE Womens Championship and its holder. Will we see all the female talent on one show with more room, or will they be spread over both with the Champion bouncing back and forth. Title picture on one, while a separate story takes place on the other? If they stick to the current format of one story, it hasn't really changed beyond the title name. Too much talent sitting on the sidelines, and some ready to come up from NXT. Speaking of titles, it is safe to say that the WWE Intercontinental and WWE United States Championships will be separate. But, what of the WWE World Heavyweight Championship and WWE Tag Team Championships? Will there be two separate titles like the initial brand extension? If they were to split them like before, this time however I wouldn't go WWE and World titles. I would perhaps go RAW World Champion and Smackdown! World Champion.
Splitting all of the titles would help avoid there appearing to be an A or B show, if perhaps more people on RAW are "over" than on Smackdown! or if it is almost blatantly obvious who will be winning the title match. But, this also opens the door to perhaps have John Cena on one, and Roman Reigns on the other and it is simply two live squash shows.
Another thing that was great in the early days of the initial brand extension was the General Managers. The days of Stephanie McMahon, Eric Bischoff, and Paul Heyman were entertaining and added to each shows quality. It became lame and clear that the Smackdown! GM was always the runner-up given they were running the B-Show. Will we see McMahon V McMahon? Shane V Stephanie? Or will we see someone new or someone like Bischoff return to the roll? Hoping it isn't something lame like the Anonymous or majority of the Celebrity Guest General Managers (some were good when you knew they were legit fans too).

And what of NXT? Rumors are simply rumors, but at times they turn out to be true. Rumor has NXT being split as well. This is something I am hoping won't happen. Having NXT be one show that is the "farm system" for both RAW and Smackdown! adds to the "surprise" when call-ups happen. Even if we know someone is being called up to the main rosters, we won't know which one for sure until it happens.

Guess we will find out most things come July 19th on the now live Smackdown!. Being Canadian I need to make sure that Smackdown! will be aired live every Tuesday, and not on Wednesday or something. In a perfect world RAW and Smackdown! would air on the WWE Network, but Vince makes way too much money from the shows to be doing that anytime soon, if ever.

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WWE PAYBACK MATCHES & PREDICTIONS

TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP #1 CONTENDERS MATCH

The Vaudevillains V Enzo & Cass

Prediction: The Vaudevillains win.

-I am huge on Enzo & Cass, as are many others, so they are too obvious as well as being an over face team, which is an issue with The New Day being over as well. I can see The Vaudevillains possibly getting stale (unless the gimmick evolves over time), but would be a good opposition to The New Day given the difference in gimmicks. And, I see the Dudley Boyz getting involved and beginning a war with Enzo & Cass. Possibly taking the new team to yet another level.

Kevin Owens V Sami Zayn

Prediction: Sami Zayn with the win.

-Sami has been on the receiving end too many time for this not to culminate with a victory over his long time friend and antagonist, Kevin Owens. Regardless to who wins this or the main event, good chance the next Number 1 contender comes from this bout. Why? Both are over, and this is going to possibly be Savage/Steamboat at Mania 3 good.

Chris Jericho V Dean Ambrose

Prediction: Dean Ambrose defeats Y2J

-No offense to Jericho, who is a future first ballot Hall Of Famer, but after the beating Dean took at Wrestlemania 32 at the hands of Brock Lesner he deserves a win here. Jericho can make him look even better in the process like he does. Why not pass the torch of "talk shows" while they're at it too, Dean's Ambrose Asylum has been pretty decent in its infancy.

WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS

 The Vaudevillains V The New Day (C)

Prediction: The Vaudevillains are new Tag Team Champions.

-Hard to pick given the height The New Day has reached in terms of being over, and The Vaudevillains are rookies with no real exposure on the main roster beyond their matches. So the shock value plays in here, and also shows a start of the supposed change happening.

WWE INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP

The Miz (C) V Cesaro

Prediction: Cesaro as new IC Champion.

-The title doesn't make the superstar, the star makes the title. Time to see the Swiss Superman begin his ascension into the main event picture, starting by having a good run with the Intercontinental Championship. Plus, I am already bored with Maryse's return. I hate them mostly, but time for a battle with another couple. I am pretty sure the Cesaro Section agrees.

WWE WOMENS CHAMPIONSHIP

Charlotte (C) w/Ric Flair V Natalya w/Bret Hart

Prediction: Natalya takes the title.

-Slightly bias being Canadian, but also although we're not looking for a direct Ric Flair clone, it would be interesting to see how Charlotte handles a loss. Naitch is a sixteen time World Champ, but that means he lost it that many times as well. Plus, Flair Country is on Hart Land haha

WWE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

AJ Styles V Roman Reigns (C)

Prediction: Roman retains.

-Even though I want AJ Styles to win, I don't see the Roman Empire's reign ending so quickly. Again. I have this gut feeling Anderson and Gallows are going to screw over AJ, add rumors of Finn Balor making his debut soon adds to that. The actions on RAW in London simply added to that feeling. Or maybe they try to help and the Usos get involved and start a war...adding Balor and Samoa Joe (not "Dynasty" but Samoan regardless, and respect has got to be there).

It is really hard to call as of late, and like DDP of old would say, that's a good thing. With Wrestlemania 32 I went perfect on the pre-show, and then got only the one I wanted to be wrong on correct. The new additions and proposed "change" has things highly unpredictable right now. It feels much better making guesses based more on likes and dislikes, instead of predictability in recent years.

WWE NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS 2015-MATCHES & PREDICTIONS

Neville & The Lucha Dragons Vs Stardust & The Acsension
Prediction: Stardust & The Acsension win
-It will interesting to see how long this feud drags out. Stephen Amell is adding some wrestling workouts to get inshape...for a rematch? One-on-One with Stardust? 
 
Rusev Vs Dolph Ziggler
Prediction: Rusev wins
-Hard to see where this is all going really. A Ziggler heel turn isn't that far fetched really. And it seems as though Lana and Rusev will reunite one day. So, perhaps Rusev wins and Ziggler turns heel by dumping Lana for Summer (who obviously dumps Rusev), starting a reunion storyline later on.

WWE Tag Team Championship
The Dudley Boys Vs The New Day (C)
Prediction: The New Day retain with help
-Can't see Devon and Bubba Ray losing, but can't see them winning the titles right off the bat. And maybe we'll see Spike make a return to balance out the playing field in a rematch.

The Wyatt Family Vs Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns, and ???
Prediction: Reigns, Ambrose, and ??? win
-Hard to pick really, not knowing the mystery partner is the reason. If it is someone who is "worthy' then they win, if it is a person who is a borderline "jobber" then Wyatt's should win with Braun Strowman destroying everyone.

WWE Intercontinental Championship
Kevin Owens Vs Ryback (C)
Prediction: Ryback retains
-Still too early for Owens to win gold, despite Ryback's weak mic skills (good memory, as it sounds like he's remembering a script at times).

WWE United States Championship
John Cena Vs Seth Rollins (C)
Prediction: John Cena wins via DQ
-If it doesn't happen immediately, it will happen later in the match. Someone will mention Seth saving himself for Sting.

WWE Divas Championship
Charlotte Vs Nikki Bella (C)
Prediction: Charlotte wins Divas title
-Nikki passed AJ Lee as longest reigning champion, now it is time to give it to someone else and begin to develop story lines beyond this 3-on-3-on-3.

WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Sting Vs Seth Rollins (C)
Prediction: Sting
-Usually wouldn't opt for the legend to win the top title, but this is Sting. Add the fact that many feel WCW guys got screwed over and held back when they went to WWE. Even if a one night only type deal, it would be nice to see. Rollins hissy fit will be quite the sight as well.

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SUMMERSLAM 2015 MATCHES & PREDICTIONS

Cesaro Vs Kevin Owens
Prediction: Kevin Owens
-Hard to call really. But, with Owens coming off a loss in his rematch with Finn Balor for the NXT Championship and Cesaro only really getting over with his matches and not his promos, the obvious is KO with the win. Expect Cole to mention his loss at NXT often.

Stephen Amell & Neville Vs Stardust & King Barrett
Prediction: Amell & Neville
-Of all the previous celebs (minus Rousey) Stephen Amell is pretty athletic and agile. Will be interesting to see just how well he does in the ring for a match. Unless looking to extend this feud, look for Arrow to hit the mark.

WWE Tag Team Championship
Los Matadors Vs Lucha Dragons Vs The New Day Vs The Prime Time Players (C)
Prediction: The New Day
-The titles seem to change often, so why not go with The New Day given they really are working well as heels, despite being not what most expected.

WWE Intercontinental Championship
The Miz Vs Big Show Vs Ryback (C)
Prediction: Ryback
-This match was to take place awhile ago, but Ryback is finally back, and likely to retain. Otherwise, why didn't they strip him of the title, to at least add some "drama" to the mix.

Rusev Vs Dolph Ziggler
Prediction: Dolph Ziggler
-Perhaps we will see Rusev begin to treat Summer the same way he treated Lana. However, can't help but see a swerve where Lana turns on Ziggler and reclaims her spot from Summer as Rusev's woman.

Randy Orton Vs Sheamus
Prediction: Randy Orton
-Why not? This feud has felt a bit stale.

Roman Reigns & Dean Ambrose Vs Bray Wyatt & Luke Harper
Prediction: Bray Wyatt & Luke Harper
-Three options come to mind for the finish. First, Erick Rowan returns and The Wyatt Family is whole again. Second, Dean Ambrose turns on Roman Reigns, leading to a feud. And lastly, Roman Reigns finally turns heel and turns on Ambrose.

Team P.C.B. Vs Team B.A.D. Vs Team Bella
Prediction: Team P.C.B.
-This revolution has been great, but it is time for the trios to split. Here's hoping for some face and heel turns during and after this match.

WWE World Heavyweight Championship/WWE United States Championship
John Cena (C-US) Vs Seth Rollins (C-WHC)
Prediction: John Cena
-This was really hard to choose. Cena would then tie Ric Flair at 16 time World Heavyweight Champion. Which is more of a Mania moment, until you think of Cena passing Naitch and doing so on a Wrestlemania stage. Plus, it is time for Rollins to go a new direction win or loss.

Brock Lesner Vs Undertaker
Prediction: Undertaker
-Another one with a hard to determine outcome. Sure, Taker deserves the win, but there are other things that could lead to some feuds with perhaps Kane, or...Sting?

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WWE MONEY IN THE BANK-PREDICTIONS

Forgot to do this for the "Elimination Chamber" special event (yes, it is only "ppv" when you order it that way). So, best to get on this for this years "Money In The Bank" special event. Here are Non-Geeky Nerd's predictions...

R-Truth VS King Barrett

Prediction: King Barrett with the win.
-Truth has been very entertaining, but mostly on a comedic level. And well, we've seen what happens to the "class clown" in WWE.

WWE INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Big Show VS Ryback (C)

Prediction: The Big Guy beats The Giant.
-Don't see Ryback's feud with Bray Wyatt being fully finished yet. And would make much more sense for him to also drop the belt to Wyatt instead of Show. So, look for Bray to make an appearance at some point possibly.

Kevin Owens VS John Cena

Prediction: John Cena evens the series.
-Hard to really call. Owens is "in" with Triple H. But, John Cena has been making the US title "worth something". His open challenges have made for some really good matches. Showing both that up and comers have what it takes to belong on the main roster, and that John Cena CAN wrestle. So, why stop now? Being beat back to back would halt that.

WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS

The Prime Time Players VS The New Day (C)

Prediction: The New Day retains.
-It may not be what we all expected, but The New Day is making things work in their favor. And the tag titles have been switching hands too much.

WWE DIVAS CHAMPIONSHIP

Paige VS Nikki Bella (C)

Prediction: Nikki Bella wins.
-This one is hard to call also. If Nikki has surpassed AJ Lee for longest reign then Paige will win. If not, then look for Nikki to retain despite a failed "twin magic", and holds on until she sets a new record.

MONEY IN THE BANK LADDER MATCH

Roman Reigns VS Dolph Ziggler VS Sheamus VS Kane VS Neville VS Randy Orton VS Kofi Kingston

Prediction: Roman Reigns captures the contract/briefcase.
-Picking a winner was slightly hard to do, but figured WWE isn't done trying to push Reigns into a title run. Even though Kane winning actually makes sense given current situation, and of course Dolph Ziggler deserving another run. One thing is for sure, Neville and Kofi will likely do something to steal the show.

WWE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP-LADDER MATCH

Dean Ambrose VS Seth Rollins (C)

Prediction: Seth Rollins retains.
-Went with Rollins retaining the gold as either the problems amongst The Authority is a swerve, or Brock Lesner will get involved. Or both. Thinking that The Authority will get involved, Ambrose will over come them, only for Lesner to come out and attack Rollins. Which would mean once again that Dean would earn the "win" but not the title.

WE LOVE AND MISS YOU, DUSTY! THE DREAM WILL LIVE ON!

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WWE PAYBACK 2015-MATCHES & PREDICTIONS

The Meta Powers VS The Ascension

Prediction: The Meta Powers win. Too early for The Meta Powers to explode...yes, just went there...brother!....Dig It!!

Neville VS King Barrett

Prediction: King Barrett with the "W". Neville is amazing, but losing right out the gate would almost "tarnish" the crown. Unless they are looking to prolong this feud, in which case Neville is due to even up a possible series.

Tamina & Naomi VS The Bella Twins

Prediction: Tamina & Naomi beat Bellas. It was hard to pick a winner. The Bellas are the "faces" and the good guys...girls are "supposed to" win, but Naomi is filling the void left by AJ Lee quite nicely, and Tamina is fresh off a return from a lengthy injury.

Sheamus VS Dolph Ziggler

Prediction: Sheamus "wins". Was going for Dolph, but it is possible he gets himself DQ'd, and then makes Sheamus kiss his arse. Payback.

Bray Wyatt VS Ryback

Prediction: Bray Wyatt defeats Ryback. He might have "lost" to the Undertaker at Wrestlemania 31, but Wyatt "won" in his defeat. Ergo, deserves a win over Ryback.

WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS (2-Out-Of-3 Falls)

Kidd & Cesaro VS The New Day (C)

Prediction: The New Day retains. They are working better now that they are in "heel mode", and would like to see The New Day continue on as champs. Plus, another title change would make the tag titles almost tarnished in a sense (a non-PG word is a better fit, think about it).

WWE UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP ("I Quit" Match)

Rusev VS John Cena (C)

Prediction: John Cena retains title. If Rusev wins, it would be by using the audio he used on Smackdown! of Cena saying, "I Quit!". However, Lana is due to break free and we could see her using audio of Rusev, followed by Lana also saying, "I Quit!".

WWE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Randy Orton VS Dean Ambrose 

VS Roman Reigns VS Seth Rollins (C)

Prediction: Seth Rollins retains title or No Decision. Apologies for not picking just one, but with the upcoming WWE Network exclusive "Elimination Chamber" happening just 2 weeks later, makes it hard to pick one. Will Rollins retain and defend it in the chamber? Or will something happen that requires all of these competitors to have a rematch in the chamber? Adding the stipulation of Kane's future makes it extra difficult. Does he save his job, or does he attempt to "quit by force" and is the extra man in the Elimination Chamber? God, I love wrestling.

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WWE EXTREME RULES MATCHES & PREDICTIONS

The pay-per-view/special event that follows Wrestlemania (this year it is "Extreme Rules") is where old feuds come to a conclusion, new feuds are explored, and is also the first step on the "Road To Summerslam". Doesn't have the same ring to it, but none the less, WWE is beginning to plant the seeds to their second biggest event, Summerslam. Here is a list of matches and their NGN predicted outcomes...


WWE Tag Team Championship
The New Day Vs Tyson Kidd & Cesaro (C)
Prediction: Tyson Kidd & Cesaro retain the titles. Unless, WWE is looking to build off of the fans distaste of The New Day.

KISS ME ARSE MATCH
Dolph Ziggler Vs Sheamus
Prediction:Sheamus wins. WWE isn't going to "humble" Sheamus, but it would be nice to see Dolph somehow thwart the kissing of Irish arse tonight.

WWE Divas Championship
Naomi Vs Nikki Bella (C)
Prediction: Nikki Bella retains title. Naomi is "filling in" for the newly "retired" AJ Lee, so it is hard to see them putting the title on her so quickly.

CHICAGO STREET FIGHT
Dean Ambrose Vs Luke Harper
Prediction: Dean Ambrose with the win. Wrestlemania 31 saw Harper put Ambrose through a ladder, it is only fair that he be the one to take the dirty bump and the loss.

LAST MAN STANDING MATCH
Roman Reigns Vs Big Show
Prediction: Roman Reigns wins. WWE is still trying to "force" the push instead of just letting it play out. So naturally one is almost safe to assume they will have Show "do the honors".

RUSSIAN CHAIN MATCH
WWE United States Championship
Rusev Vs John Cena (C)
Prediction: John Cena retains. It might be possible to see Lana "lose" this one, and then cause a slight split between her and Rusev. If anything, a win keeps Cena away from going for #16.

WWE Intercontinental Championship
Bad News Barrett Vs Daniel Bryan (C)

Prediction: Bad News Barrett is new IC Champ. Daniel Bryan's health has been an issue again, and for the "sake of the title" perhaps best for someone else to carry it. Prediction may be Barrett, but the hope lays with a healthy Daniel Bryan retaining.

STEEL CAGE MATCH-RKO IS BANNED
WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Randy Orton Vs Seth Rollins
Prediction: Seth Rollins retains. The question to how he retains is tricky. Will Orton get caught delivering a RKO? Will Kane be involved? If so, will he attempt to cost Rollins the title and fail, or out right screw over Randy Orton?

Like stated before, now is when WWE begins to build their vision for Summerslam. Brock Lesner is still out on "suspension", will he return to cause havoc? Sting will most likely appear again in WWE and at Summerslam, will Extreme Rules be where he begins the story? And lets not forget someone who is missing from the card, Bray Wyatt. Will he reveal who he was talking about, and take action against them? Word has it that he has been referring to Ryback. Will things begin between them tonight at Extreme Rules? So many questions, and almost always a pleasure when they are answered.

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REIGNS IS OUT, WHO IS IN?

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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AND JUST LIKE THAT, THE TIDE CHANGED

The beginning of 2014 was looking to be amazing, despite the backlash of Batista winning the Royal Rumble. Even with the walk-out by CM Punk, everything was looking to be on the upswing. Things looked so bright, some were claiming this was the second coming of the Attitude Era. There were signs showing that they weren't wrong. Daniel Bryan was white hot, and receiving the same build-up as Stone Cold did when he first caught fire back in the day. The Shield and Wyatts, although not D-X, were definitely giving that same faction vibe that was occurring during the Monday Night Wars. There was even a slight Attitude Era resurgence with stars like Goldust, The New Age Outlaws, and others making appearances and in some cases performing well (most notably Goldie).
Fast forward to now. Daniel Bryan required neck surgery, was striped of the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, and now appears to need more surgery. The "YES!" chants still exist, but only when his name is rarely mentioned. The Shield broke up. So far, things are going very well for each former member. Only downside, is Roman Reigns is getting his push, while he's still finding his groove. Will he be ready for his rumored culmination at Wrestlemania 31 remains to be seen. After Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose finish their feud with each other, it will be interesting to see how both do on their own. Undertaker's Wrestlemania Streak was ended, and it is possible that we've seen the last of the Deadman, but Bray Wyatt is filling that void quite nicely. In his own unique way at that. Speaking of which, the man who conquered The Undertakers Undefeated Streak at Wrestlemania, Brock Lesner is likely about to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at Summerslam. Which will help those still in shock over the events of Wrestlemania 30, as it "makes sense" having Brock get a title shot for accomplishing what he did.

There are positives, as noted with former Shield members, and The Wyatts. Goldust is still here, and given us Cody Rhodes in a role he seems very comfortable in with Stardust. There's even a possible new faction very reminisant of The Nation Of Domination. But, the negatives just keep piling up. Daniel Bryan, will he be as over as he was before whenever he returns? CM Punk is officially finished with the WWE. Rey Mysterio seems to in process of being finished as well. There were quite a few cuts, and rumors of more coming to cover the WWE's losses this year. And although Reigns is rumored to be the guy come Wrestlemania 31, with Brock as Champ, who is he going to face? We've already seen him run through the roster, or at least the main event performers. Will we see Rusev, Big E, or Cesaro get a chance to shine with the Beast? Can they?
Always the hopeful fan, hoping that things will start to look like they did at the start of the year, and we see a new epic era in wrestling. With the recent Sting "activity" within the WWE, that hope is amplified.