Post Mania WWE landscape

[CyberPunk]

Here we are, 3 weeks away from Mania with many eyes on what'll pan out the biggest show of the year. While Mania build has been underwhelming for me, the card still looks solid. Reigns vs Lesnar, HHH vs Sting, Cena vs Rusev, Wyatt vs Taker, IC title ladder match are all but set to happen at Mania (unless something untoward happens). However, if we look at this card, and as I have seen in many threads, the three biggest matches on the card have part timers in it. Once Mania is over, Taker, Sting and Lesnar may not be seen around. While Lesnar may be done with WWE, Taker and Sting are more likely going to disappear from our TVs for the time being. This leaves the full time roster and as I see it, more unpredictable in what might come of it. So how do you see WWE shaping up after Mania? Who will be the top talents and what may/should they be doing? Here's my take on it.

Roman Reigns: If all the predictions are true, he'll become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. There's a possibility Rollins cashes in at Mania; however, I feel that this happens after Mania. It still remains to be seen how fans will react to this, but I think it's absolutely necessary for him to feud with Rollins post Mania. Per me, that's the most logical choice. Rollins is one of the most (if not the most) over heels at this time, and with history behind these two, this could become a hot feud in almost no time. The need an engaging main event story for Reigns which leads me to...

Seth Rollins: Right alongside Reigns. He should absolutely finish his program with Orton at Mania, go over him and move on. He is ready for a run as the top heel of the company and if Lesnar leaves, he must take that mantle upon him. I have this funny feeling that Heyman might get involved if this feud comes to fruition. A feud between Reigns and Rollins could absolutely elevate Reigns to the point WWE wants him at. But let's not forget...


Daniel Bryan: In my mind, he's Vince's new Chris Jericho. He can drop down the card, put guys over, have meaningful feuds in the midcard and then slip into main event without any problems. He may or may not win the IC title (surprisingly the only title missing from his resume), but he's that talent that absolutely needs cashing on. If IC title is put on him, I can see him continue feuding with Barrett and Ambrose. If he doesn't win it, he can easily reignite his feud with Reigns (with Rollins involved) over the World title. He's the joker in this pack of cards. But what about....

John Cena: Here's your guy, the face of WWE, possibly walking out of Mania with the US title. So what does he do with it? Does he drop it back to Rusev at the next PPV and goes back up the card? Does he keep the title for sometime and try and work with other guys in the midcard? If he does the latter, who are worthy of feuding with him? If the former happens, what does he do at the top of the card? Personally, I see a lot of unpredictability in Cena's direction after Mania. And then there is:

Randy Orton: He's on a slow burn face turn since returning. However, I don't want to see his feud with Rollins going past Mania. But if it does, should it not be for the WWEWHC? He never got his one o one rematch for the title since losing it. If it doesn't, should he do a Cena and drop down the card for the time being while the next gen main eventers fight it out at the top? He is now at a point where his presence in the main event is not required, but if he's there, he can easily help put guys like Reigns and Rollins over. And while these are your current prominent players, let's not forget the wildcards:

Dolph Ziggler: As over as he has been over the last few months, I just don't see him moving up the card. He's a fantastic guy to put in your IC and US title feuds with occasional taste of main event, a la Survivor Series. I presume he continues fighting for IC belt post Mania, but somewhere, I see this guy in his future program:

Bray Wyatt: Seemingly primed to take on Undertaker at Mania, and possibly even win the match (I highly doubt it). However, if he loses, where does he go? Insert Ziggler. These two worked two fantastic matches on RAW without any real story. Imagine the story they can tell in a real feud. But what could be the premise? Why should he even fight Ziggler if he's already beaten him clean twice? Because may be it's Ziggler who's coming after him. But if not Ziggler, what does he do after this? Go after Reigns? His character would need some direction. But speaking of IC title:

Dean Ambrose: If Barrett doesn't retain, I see Ambrose winning the title. He's over enough and can make for an unusual but entertaining champion. He can go into a program with anyone, literally, and make it worth watching. At this time, his moving up the card remains an improbability; however, never say never.

While I see these as the main players post Mania, I also have feeling that people like Sheamus, Ryback and Luke Harper would remain in the mix, provided something meaningful is planned for them. And then there are NXT stars waiting to come up. As the year progresses, I see at least Adrian Neville, Sami Zayn and Finn Balor making the move to the main roster. They can easily start in the IC and US title programs, giving even more options.

So what do you guys think? How do you see things playing out after Mania? Who'd be your main players and what kind of programs/roles?

 

[Elchicano15]

Roman Reigns I think he'll only be champion for under 24 hrs as his first reign. (no pun) Rollins will cash in the night after on RAW. I'm not too sure when Roman will regain but I can seem him through the spring/summer be in the World Heavyweight title picture he may not necessarily win it but he'll be fighting for it.

Seth Rollins He'll cash in and be champion the night after on RAW. Brock will destroy Roman in the fit of rage allowing Rollins to cash in. Rollins will be champion well into the summer. I also think once he loses he's going to have some issues with the authority.

Randy Orton I see him becoming champion by the end of this year. He really didn't lose the title and never got his one on one rematch. I see RKO later on defeating Rollins and getting his revenge. Orton will perhaps be champion going into WM 32.

John Cena I think it's time that Cena will be out of the title hunt and start getting into various feuds to help give the rub and put over guys that need it. Axel, BNB, maybe Roman Reigns.

Bray Wyatt 2015 MITB winner. He's been used very well in the last few months and it would be cool that this year they build him up to get into the main event. Maybe a feud with Sting later on.

Brock Lesnar I think he'll sign a new deal which allows him to appear 3 times a year, and maybe UFC. If WWE is flexible with it. Of course he won't have the title, but a match at Wrestlemania, Summer Slam and possibly Royal Rumble 2016.

Curtis Axel Every Mania since 2012 the fans have helped elevated young stars with new types of chants. In 2012 it was DB with the "YES!" chant, 2013 was Fandango's year with the dancing number, and last year was Bray Wyatt's "He's got the whole world in his hands" chant. I think this year will be Axel's, what with the whole Axel mania thing. The fans are going to make him face this time, but Axel will not yet be in the world title picture, mid card title yes. Maybe he'll be the 2016 Royal Rumble winner but part of me feels they may give it to a heel next year. I just find it would go good with the whole "Axel's never been eliminated" idea.

Rusev His streak is eventually going to end and he'll drop the U.S title. I'm not sure if it'll be Cena to be the one. Maybe. But I can see Rusev for sure winning the 2016 Rumble.

Daniel Bryan As much as it pains me to say this I see him floating around in the mid-card for most of the year. He'll be put into feuds with Sheamus, Rusev, BNB, DZ, Samoa Joe (should he sign with WWE). If it were up to me I would have Reigns in the mid-card and throw DB in his place. Switch them around.

Dolph Ziggler I think turning him heel will happen. IT'll be a fresh change and honestly, their's not much heels at the moment. Put him in feuds with Orton, Axel, DB, Samoa Joe (if he signs)

Sheamus Returns as a heel, or in the transition of it.

Mizdow Finally parts ways with Miz and comes out on his own.

The Authority On the verge of crumbling. Maybe new member will join to keep it fresh.

For now that all I can think of right now.

 

[Max Headroom]

In the case of Reigns and Lesnar, I'm hoping that Lesnar does indeed stay with the company, and he retains at WM. It would be better for both people involved, really. Reigns can then go on to actually show people why he deserves the spot. Have that be his year-long story. If he ends up garnering the respect & acceptance of everyone, he gets another go (and win) at WM32, against either Lesnar or whomever defeats him between now and then.

That brings me to Seth. His contract is only valid until MitB (right?), so I'd say have him get involved in the title picture some point soon after WM. Him vs. Reigns at next years Mania would be a great match, as well. Not sure about Orton, maybe have him retire Big Show? People would love that.

With Cena, I'm really torn 50/50 on him winning the title. On one hand, it really elevates the title. But on the other hand, it's not like beating Rusev will get Cena any more over than he already is. Regardless, I hope that whomever DOES win, goes on to feud with the winner of the Intercontinental Championship match. In which whomever won that match would go on to win a unification match against either Cena or Rusev. The merged title and the wrestler whom holds it will both get over greatly, since beating either Cena or Rusev cleanly is a big deal.

That person could be either Dean, Daniel, or Dolph, doesn't bother me which one. I'd say Daniel Bryan will end up feuding with Sheamus, and even though I like both others, I personally feel Ambrose needs this win much more, and would be able to make more out of it, so hopefully he gets it and goes on to defeat either Cena/Rusev.

As for Wyatt, hopefully he goes over Taker very strongly at WM. Then he & Dolph can feud afterwards, perhaps? Or maybe Luke Harper can go after him, if they plan on giving him any sort of main story.

 

[Jack-Hammer]

Roman Reigns: If all the predictions are true, he'll become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. There's a possibility Rollins cashes in at Mania; however, I feel that this happens after Mania. It still remains to be seen how fans will react to this, but I think it's absolutely necessary for him to feud with Rollins post Mania. Per me, that's the most logical choice. Rollins is one of the most (if not the most) over heels at this time, and with history behind these two, this could become a hot feud in almost no time. The need an engaging main event story for Reigns which leads me to...

Yeah, it's all but written in the stars at this point for Reigns to be the one to beat Lesnar. Whether someone likes it or not, that's just how it's gonna be. I can see Reigns feuding with Rollins and it'll quite possibly happen immediately after Reigns beats Lesnar. It's entirely possible Rollins cashes in, wins the WWE World Heavyweight Championship and feuds with Roman Reigns culminating in a match at Survivor Series.

Daniel Bryan: In my mind, he's Vince's new Chris Jericho. He can drop down the card, put guys over, have meaningful feuds in the midcard and then slip into main event without any problems. He may or may not win the IC title (surprisingly the only title missing from his resume), but he's that talent that absolutely needs cashing on. If IC title is put on him, I can see him continue feuding with Barrett and Ambrose. If he doesn't win it, he can easily reignite his feud with Reigns (with Rollins involved) over the World title. He's the joker in this pack of cards. But what about....

I've said for a few years that Daniel Bryan would ultimately be the next Chris Jericho as he has so much in common: He's arguably the top in-ring guy on the roster and is among the top in-ring guys in the world. He's known to be unselfish when it comes to putting over other wrestlers. He's extremely over with fans whether they be hardcore smarks or more casual viewers. He's someone that can be counted on consistently for quality.

John Cena: Here's your guy, the face of WWE, possibly walking out of Mania with the US title. So what does he do with it? Does he drop it back to Rusev at the next PPV and goes back up the card? Does he keep the title for sometime and try and work with other guys in the midcard? If he does the latter, who are worthy of feuding with him? If the former happens, what does he do at the top of the card? Personally, I see a lot of unpredictability in Cena's direction after Mania.

I'm not really sure what happens here. If Cena wins at WrestleMania, which I think is most likely, then he's United States Champion. Arguably, this could be the best thing to happen for the title because John Cena is NOT going to be booked as an irrelevant mid-card champion. That's not to suggest that Rusev hasn't been a good champ, he's been a really good one in my eyes, but Cena is probably the one guarantee on the roster to not be booked like a chump. If he doesn't win against Rusev, I'm not really sure. I wouldn't be at all surprised if Vince tried to put him right back in the main event picture, which of course flies completely in the face of logic and that's really why I think it could happen. We've seen far too many instances of Vince sacrificing continuity and plain logic, so Cena going up against Reigns even though he lost to Rusev is consistent with Vince's inconsistency.

Randy Orton: He's on a slow burn face turn since returning. However, I don't want to see his feud with Rollins going past Mania. But if it does, should it not be for the WWEWHC? He never got his one o one rematch for the title since losing it. If it doesn't, should he do a Cena and drop down the card for the time being while the next gen main eventers fight it out at the top? He is now at a point where his presence in the main event is not required, but if he's there, he can easily help put guys like Reigns and Rollins over.

Personally, I have no interest whatsoever in Randy Orton being in the WWE World Heavyweight Championship picture. Orton being such a fixture in the main event scene is a big part of why people have gotten so tired of him. I think Orton's great at what he does; like John Cena, Orton's earned everything he's gotten in WWE. However, a lot of people find the guy's schtick to be tired and part of the reason is that he's done sooooooooo much. Before Randy Orton was 30 years old, he'd won the Royal Rumble, he'd been Intercontinental and Tag Team Champion and a 6 time World Champion; so what the hell do you do with someone that's still so young and in his physical prime when he's already done everything? Even if it meant another feud with Cena, I wouldn't mind seeing them feud over the United States Championship as it's exceedingly rare for to wrestlers of such powerhouse star power to feud over a mid-card championship. I wouldn't mind if he went after the IC title either as guys as lofty as Cena & Orton chasing after or wrestling as mid-card champions guarantees relevant attention for said titles.

Dolph Ziggler: As over as he has been over the last few months, I just don't see him moving up the card. He's a fantastic guy to put in your IC and US title feuds with occasional taste of main event, a la Survivor Series. I presume he continues fighting for IC belt post Mania, but somewhere, I see this guy in his future program:

While it's pretty obvious that Ziggler won't be in the WWE WHC situation anytime soon and another run as IC champ probably won't lead to much, I honestly wouldn't mind him as a tag team. There were reports a little while back suggesting that the pairing of Dolph Ziggler & Ryback wouldn't be a one time deal, though it's possible those reports were totally inaccurate or the idea has been scrapped. Nevertheless, I feel they'd make an interesting team and bring a nice dynamic to the tag team scene as they both bring different qualities to the table.

Bray Wyatt: Seemingly primed to take on Undertaker at Mania, and possibly even win the match (I highly doubt it). However, if he loses, where does he go? Insert Ziggler. These two worked two fantastic matches on RAW without any real story. Imagine the story they can tell in a real feud. But what could be the premise? Why should he even fight Ziggler if he's already beaten him clean twice? Because may be it's Ziggler who's coming after him. But if not Ziggler, what does he do after this? Go after Reigns?

I could easily see Wyatt rekindling his feuds with either Bryan or Ambrose over the Intercontinental Championship.

Dean Ambrose: If Barrett doesn't retain, I see Ambrose winning the title. He's over enough and can make for an unusual but entertaining champion. He can go into a program with anyone, literally, and make it worth watching. At this time, his moving up the card remains an improbability; however, never say never.

I'd be perfectly fine with Ambrose winning the title. However, since he's been walking around with it after repeatedly stealing it from Barrett, it gives me the feeling that he won't win it. Of those who're in the match, or at least are looking like they'll be in the match at this point, Ambrose & Bryan are really the only two guys I think have a good chance of having a good run. Barrett retaining is pointless as being IC champ has done less for him than damn near anyone in the title's history, R-Truth is irrelevant and he's played the role of clown so far, Luke Harper strikes me as someone that's headed down the same road as Erick Rowan as of right now and Ziggler's ultimately gotten all he's gonna get from being champion.

 

[LuckyLouie]

Everything about me said better then I could have. So I dont really need to point out more about the people. The only thing that has me kinda worried that Vince might be making the wrong move. So far it doesnt really feel like Wrestlemania, for me at least. Being about a month away, there is only 3 set matches, and only one actually set. That being the WHC. Everything really depends on what they will do with the next month. They can make a brand new set of stars with Ziggler, Berrett, Harper, Cesaro, Sandow, Kidd, Ambrose, Rolling, Rusev, Rowan, and Ryback. Sorry if I am missing one or two other guys. But if they can put half of them over at WM, they can let some top guys time to rest. Like Kane and Big Show, and Henry. There is a really good roster here, but the guys just need the right time to shine. And it seems like they could be given that chance. And if everything comes out as planned, we can move into a new WWE 'era'. A wrestling being the 51% and entertainment 49%.

 

[L@RISANO]

how do you see WWE shaping up after Mania? Who will be the top talents and what may/should they be doing?

Interesting topic, and I feel given that this Mania can be a sort of a 'coming out party' for those up and comers who have been pushed this year, and even some who have been 'rebooted' like Zigs and Ryback which hopefully will signal the start of the new generation of WWE Superstars supplemented by those of the last generation,etc. who remain active.

Roman Reigns: If all the predictions are true, he'll become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. There's a possibility Rollins cashes in at Mania; however, I feel that this happens after Mania. It still remains to be seen how fans will react to this, but I think it's absolutely necessary for him to feud with Rollins post Mania. Per me, that's the most logical choice. Rollins is one of the most (if not the most) over heels at this time, and with history behind these two, this could become a hot feud in almost no time. The need an engaging main event story for Reigns which leads me to...

It is unpredictable if he will be a Face or Heel coming out of Mania. Given his situation, I'd love a heel turn for him and possibly an alignment with Heyman, and it will give him a chance to bide his time before a hopefully more 'organic' face turn at some point later on.
IF he stays face, even though I was amongst the first on this forum to suggest a Rollins cash-in at Mania, I'm a bit skeptical of it happening to Reigns given his current lack of overwhelming fan support required for a Rollins cash-in to be a 'heel' move. Feudwise, Reigns-Rollins makes sense, but the lines will surely be blurred if the majority of fans haven't accepted Reigns(as a Babyface) when Mania is all finished. That said, I think he will feature regularly in the Main Event scene for the entirety of the next year.

Seth Rollins: Right alongside Reigns. He should absolutely finish his program with Orton at Mania, go over him and move on. He is ready for a run as the top heel of the company and if Lesnar leaves, he must take that mantle upon him. I have this funny feeling that Heyman might get involved if this feud comes to fruition. A feud between Reigns and Rollins could absolutely elevate Reigns to the point WWE wants him at.

His brilliance as a Heel this year, ensures his Main Event status next and hopefully, a glorious Face turn at some point later on when his Heel 'options' have been exhausted. Enough said.

Daniel Bryan: In my mind, he's Vince's new Chris Jericho. He can drop down the card, put guys over, have meaningful feuds in the midcard and then slip into main event without any problems. He may or may not win the IC title (surprisingly the only title missing from his resume), but he's that talent that absolutely needs cashing on. If IC title is put on him, I can see him continue feuding with Barrett and Ambrose. If he doesn't win it, he can easily reignite his feud with Reigns (with Rollins involved) over the World title. He's the joker in this pack of cards.

Meh, Bryan is someone who I took a while to 'warm' towards. I was never fully invested in his angle going into Mania last year(even compared to his mini-Wyatt programme which I found fascinating). However, he has grown on me since his return(regardless of how much his fans have tried to undo it), and I hope that he can be the new Shawn Michaels, rather than Chris Jericho. HBK came back from an injury and had a second wind in loads of programmes away from the Main Event, and I think that DB can do the same once his neck problem allows him to. Oh, and assuming Reigns can fulfill the WWE's backing of him, surely the WWE saw the undeniable chemistry between him and Bryan post-Rumble. That was a Money feud that can happen again at some point, and assuming Reigns continues to improve, It will be Glorious!

John Cena: Here's your guy, the face of WWE, possibly walking out of Mania with the US title. So what does he do with it? Does he drop it back to Rusev at the next PPV and goes back up the card? Does he keep the title for sometime and try and work with other guys in the midcard? If he does the latter, who are worthy of feuding with him? If the former happens, what does he do at the top of the card? Personally, I see a lot of unpredictability in Cena's direction after Mania.

IF Cena wins the US title at Mania, then that title gets elevated. If he loses, then Rusev gets hugely elevated as a Top Heel going forward, and Cena loses nothing, lMO, because he is a living legend in the WWE and isn't even 40 yet.
Indeed no.16 and beyond is there to conquer, but WWE really should have a plan for those title wins to be something truly special and memorable. Thus, I feel Cena can spend sometime in some lower card feuds after a loss to Rusev at Mania, and really have a true overcoming the odds story that all fans can relate to, and when he returns to the Main Event, it will be something that everyone appreciates!

Randy Orton: He's on a slow burn face turn since returning. However, I don't want to see his feud with Rollins going past Mania. But if it does, should it not be for the WWEWHC? He never got his one o one rematch for the title since losing it. If it doesn't, should he do a Cena and drop down the card for the time being while the next gen main eventers fight it out at the top? He is now at a point where his presence in the main event is not required, but if he's there, he can easily help put guys like Reigns and Rollins over.

Like Cena, Orton can afford to lose to Rollins in a feud that will establish the latter, and bide his time in lower feuds, and maybe even take some time off again at some point later down. I hope there is a Viper vs the Eater of Worlds feud setup at some point within the next year.

Dolph Ziggler: As over as he has been over the last few months, I just don't see him moving up the card. He's a fantastic guy to put in your IC and US title feuds with occasional taste of main event, a la Survivor Series.

Like you, I don't really see Dolph going any higher. Maybe, he gets a Main title shot at a "B" PPV at some point, but I think he floats around in the upper-midcard most of all.

Bray Wyatt: Seemingly primed to take on Undertaker at Mania, and possibly even win the match (I highly doubt it). However, if he loses, where does he go? Insert Ziggler. These two worked two fantastic matches on RAW without any real story. Imagine the story they can tell in a real feud. But what could be the premise? Why should he even fight Ziggler if he's already beaten him clean twice? Because may be it's Ziggler who's coming after him. But if not Ziggler, what does he do after this? Go after Reigns? His character would need some direction.

I can't see him going after Taker, and given he should be 'recruiting' someone by now, I really hope the Viper, Randy Orton is in his sights come post-Mania. I think that would be a great lengthy feud to have, and he could even recruit him also. Stardust is also another guy that might provide a good match given his "I'm not Cody" stuff going on...

Dean Ambrose: If Barrett doesn't retain, I see Ambrose winning the title. He's over enough and can make for an unusual but entertaining champion. He can go into a program with anyone, literally, and make it worth watching. At this time, his moving up the card remains an improbability; however, never say never.

Hopefully, he wins the IC title at Mania and builds from there towards a Main Event push in late 2016. That will be the icing on the cake in terms of the SHIELD trio push. Also, I'd love to see an Ambrose-Cena feud No.2 at some point. I thorougly enjoyed their chemistry leading into HiaC last year. Oh, and there is still unfinished business with one Seth Rollins as well.

While I see these as the main players post Mania, I also have feeling that people like Sheamus, Ryback and Luke Harper would remain in the mix, provided something meaningful is planned for them. And then there are NXT stars waiting to come up. As the year progresses, I see at least Adrian Neville, Sami Zayn and Finn Balor making the move to the main roster. They can easily start in the IC and US title programs, giving even more options.

So what do you guys think? How do you see things playing out after Mania? Who'd be your main players and what kind of programs/roles?

Going through all these names, we can only hope that with so much talent on the Main Roster, and quite a few to come from NXT, the WWE Top Brass really pulls up their socks creatively and provides some compelling TV come post-WrestleMania 31. The tools are there, now they have to use it!

 

[John McCass]

Whatever comes after Mania, I swear it is going to be awesome yet again. But, they should stop those part timers. I just don't like part timers. They should be used only for promos and NOT for wrestling. It makes me sick whenever a part timer comes back. Though, it seems great to see legends come back but defeating them doesn't mean anything as for now. So, lets back to the topic.
Roman Reigns : The way he is being pushed, I'm sure he will headline 4 to 5 PPVs this year. One thing for sure is coming namely, Roman Reigns vs Seth Rollins and I think Roman Reigns vs John Cena will also approach some time. Either way, he will be in limelight this year.
Daniel Bryan : Who can stop him from coming into the Main Event. No doubt, whatever comes from him, its gonna be interesting. Whether it be Seth Rollins, Dolph Ziggler or whatever. He will float in the midcard for a while and back in the main event scene.
Seth Rollins : He will probably be the top heel after mania when Lesnar leaves and he will also be in the Main Event after he cashes in on the Champion. After Orton program, we are about to see Rollins vs Reigns for sure.
Dean Ambrose : He will probably win the IC title at Mania and he will float in the midcard as for the ongoing year and will be elevated into the main event scene later in 2016. But, I can see his heel turn coming this year.
John Cena : He may probably get along with Flair's 16 championship reigns this year and I don't think he is surpassing Flair this year. He should feud with some midcarders after mania to elevate the prestige of title. I think he should take a short break this year to let other guys shine and his return is going to be awesome.
Randy Orton : He should also come along with John Cena in the midcard scene. Randy Orton vs Cody Rhodes is gonna be stellar and it also has some backstory. He also has many things to show us.
Bray Wyatt : The way his push is going, he will also be involved in the title scene. I can't imagine what performance he is going to put after us this year. His spot in main event is I think set in stone.
Sheamus : Perhaps, he is going to be the successor to Brock Lesnar and yes, he can play that role. He has the looks, has the ability and the strength to preceed the Brock Lesnar trend.
Rusev : Rusev is going to float in the upper midcard and he will also be pushed into the main event scene as 2016 comes only if he is booked correctly.



So far I have 3 top heels - Seth Rollins, Sheamus and Rusev.

3 top faces - Daniel Bryan, Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose [Excluding John Cena]

Wyatt will end up being a tweener.

So, the main eventers for this year are (according to my thoughts) Roman Reigns, Daniel Bryan, Seth Rollins, Sheamus and Bray Wyatt.

 

[kadroan]

Reigns - Wins the title from Brock. Faces a returning Mark Henry at ER and Payback and wins but loses the title at Payback due to a cash in by Rollins.
Rollins - Loses to Orton at WM, wins at ER, loses to Orton at Payback but cashes in the same night and feuds with Reigns through Summerslam.
Bryan - Loses his match at WM but feuds with Sheamus. Sheamus wins the feud, meanwhile, him and Ziggler finally face off at Summerslam.
Cena - He beats Rusev for the title at WM but loses the title back to Rusev at Payback after Bray interferes and they feud through Summerslam.
Orton - He beats Rollins at WM then have a rematch at ER where Rollins wins thanks to interference from J & J, Kane and Show then wins the final match at Payback.
Ziggler - Loses match at WM, tags with Ryback, turns heel and faces Ryback at Payback, fails to win the MITB and finally faces Bryan at Summerslam.
Bray - He beats Taker at WM and disappears but then returns and goes after Cena and feuds through Summerslam.
Dean - Wins the IC title at WM. Successfully defends the title against BNB at ER then faces random opponents from here on out.

 

[Hem]

ROMAN REIGNS: I see him beating Brock Lesnar for the WWE WHC championship. The next night on RAW, Brock comes out and beats him down and says he's leaving the WWE. Post-Beatdown Paul Heyman comes out and introduces his newest client, Seth Rollins, who cashes in and wins the title. The final image of RAW being Lesnar, Rollins and Paul Heyman standing together. After that Roman feuds with Rollins for 3 months and end their feud at Money In The Bank. For the rest of the year Reigns feuds with Sheamus, Orton, Ziggler, Bryan (either Bryan or Reigns must turn heel for the match)

SETH ROLLINS: After winning the title and joining sides with Paul Heyman as the new Paul Heyman Guy while being the face of the WWE for the Authority, Rollins is on fire. He beats Reigns for the title. Goes on to face Bray Wyatt at Battleground but that ends in a DQ loss for Rollins. He loses the title to Bray at Summerslam. After Summerslam, Rollins tries to invoke his rematch clause at the next ppv and loses. He feuds with Daniel Bryan, Sheamus and John Cena for the rest of the year.

JOHN CENA: I want him to win the US Title at Wrestlemania. It ends Rusev's undefeated streak but freshens up feuds and storylines for both Rusev and Cena. Cena goes on to hold the title the whole year and finally loses it at WM next year to a guy like Sami Zayn. During the year he feuds with Daniel Bryan(heel), Dolph Ziggler, Adrian Neville during the year for the title.

RANDY ORTON: After his feud with Rollins ends at Wrestlemania I can see him stepping down to a mid card title like Cena did with the US Title. Randy feuds with Dean Ambrose for the IC title and wins it from him at Summerslam. He takes the title and holds it till Royal Rumble. He loses it to Damien Sandow at that show. After that Randy moves onto feud with Kevin Owens at Wrestlemania.

Triple H: After his match, I can see HHH and the authority disband. If that does not happen then he will feud with the next rising superstar of the year and face him at Wrestlemania.

DANIEL BRYAN: With all the greatness destined for Bryan, I see this year being one where he just floats around. He will probably turn heel after his Yes Movement starts to die out. After a heel turn, feuds with Orton, Ziggler, Rusev, Reigns, Cena are all open to him.

RUSEV: Once he drops the title to John Cena at Wrestlemania, he turns down his rematch clause because he does not want to fight for a dumb tainted US belt. He will go above that and fight for the intercontinental championship. He feuds with Dean Ambrose but somehow Ambrose keeps getting the better of him. Lana leaves Rusevs side and says she has been called to Russia for a conference and Rusevs constant losing (thus allowing her to shoot her film). Rusev goes onto win the Money In The Bank ladder match and cashes in to become the champion the night after Fastlane. Setting up a triple threat for the title at WM.

BRAY WYATT: After losing at WM, Wyatt still puts the Undertaker to rest as niether man can walk out of the ring after the match. Bray goes onto feud with Daniel Bryan because Bryan wants to protect true wrestling from monsters like Wyatt. After the MITB ppv, Wyatt faces Seth Rollins for the WWE championship which he wins at Summerslam. Goes onto face Reigns, Rollins, Ziggler during the year and defends the title against Rusev and the Rumble Winner who is......

DOLPH ZIGGLER: My wild card main event guy for this year is Dolph Ziggler. Every year there is a guy who pops into the main event feuds and I think it is FINALLY Zigglers turn. Ziggler goes on to face Ambrose for the IC title, feuds with Bryan (and wins), feuds with Rusev, Orton etc., and goes onto win the Royal Rumble.

 

[Dave]

I think, when you look at it objectively, the WWE have did a decent job of building it's talent to a good level. Of course more work can be done to get more people on that level but at least the WWE can't be faulted for actually trying. In this thread alone, 10 or 15 wrestlers have been named consistently as a potential main event talent post WrestleMania. And certainly, going forward, the WWE has a really good chance of making these guys the future of the company. WrestleMania might come too soon for people like Dolph Ziggler and Dean Ambrose. But the future certainly looks bright for them in the future. When the likes of Cena and Orton begin to step away from the company, the WWE is going to rely on these guys. And they will make it work.

In terms of who will definitely be in the main event post WrestleMania, the likes of Rollins, Reigns, Cena and Orton will invariably be there. Those four guys are the four who will be consistently in the main event for the next couple of years certainly. But other talents like Rusev, Wyatt and Bryan should definitely be around those spots. I'd be shocked if they didn't play a supporting role to the four I have previously mentioned; getting a championship opportunity from time to time but never really getting to the top brass.

Of course, the WWE is a fluid system that means everything can change. But certainly the names mentioned in this thread give me hope, and should give you all hope that the WWE are getting it right in some respects. Their roster is starting to come together now with the addition of NXT, the future looks bright.

 

[Mustang Sally]

Roman Reigns: If all the predictions are true, he'll become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion.

Presuming he does win the title, how long he keeps it will depend how fast he can move along the upward learning curve he's plainly on now. I truly believe he's improved in the past couple months and if he can keep it up.....and win over the fans who clearly see how he's progressing.....his title reign may be longer than seems apparent. I think he'd be hurt career-wise if he drops the belt quickly, but as the champion, if he can't impress WWE management, they might take the title off him and.......well, I'm not sure exactly how far they would let him drop. It all depends on his improvement.

Seth Rollins: Right alongside Reigns. He should absolutely finish his program with Orton at Mania, go over him and move on.

As things stand, I believe the Authority will launch Rollins to the title, perhaps by MITB cash-in at WM31.....if not, a few months after. He's got too much on his side to fall short, in the top level of management (Triple H & Stephanie) plus four able-bodied enforcers.....all of whom want nothing more than to get Seth installed as the Authority's champion. Whether Randy Orton can prevent the whole schmear is a storyline in itself.

Daniel Bryan: In my mind, he's Vince's new Chris Jericho. He can drop down the card, put guys over, have meaningful feuds in the midcard and then slip into main event without any problems.

What happens to Daniel is a big question; how much is his being left out of the main event at WM31 and thrust into a battle royal-type match intended as a demotion, albeit one that might be temporary? If he's in the Ladder match and wins it, I suppose he's still in the top echelon, but I was surprised they had him lose to Roman Reigns at Fast Lane; undoubtedly disappointing tons of "Yes!" chanters who wanted to see him as world champion. It's hard to accept they're dropping Daniel to "talent enhancement" level this quickly. Maybe management wants to see if fans are as excited about him (and/or if the chant is losing steam) as they were when he was fighting for the world title.

John Cena: Here's your guy, the face of WWE, possibly walking out of Mania with the US title.

He's the black marble in all of this. If he wins the US belt, I doubt he'll keep it for long, if for no other reason than after being world champion 637 times, it seems like too much of a drop in status to parade around with the US belt for too long. But the bigger question is how the company is going to use Cena in the future. He's too much of a potent force in the company to be used as enhancement fodder, yet many people seem to feel he's been on top so long that he's run the course. I've been saying the best thing to do is turn him heel.....but I've been saying it for a long time and we've yet to see it.

 

[Wald]

I think WWE have fallen ass backwards in to the perfect way to test the waters with Reigns' as champion whilst keeping their two top babyfaces occupied and also whilst reigniting their midcard titles.

Here's how I'd like to see the post-Mania landscape look with its two top feuds.

WWE Champion Roman Reigns takes on Seth Rollins, it's the feud that is waiting to happen and even though I'd be hesitant about it, due to my belief that a sizeable section of the fans will back Rollins over Reigns, it's the one I think they have to go with. Rollins is a great heat seeker so if anyone can get the fans to turn on him than it's Seth. He's also the number one heel now so it's the most logical pick for Reigns to feud with. The obvious elephant in the room is that half the fans don't want Reigns as their champion and number one babyface and this could backfire to the extent that Reigns' title run is DOA. I figure the benefits outweigh the risk on this one though.

US Champion John Cena builds to a unification match with Intercontinental Champion Daniel Bryan . Easiest way of protecting Reigns in terms of ratings is to have a secondary hot feud running alongside his one that they can switch in in important segments. A Cena v Bryan feud with eventually unification match would be just the way to reignite the importance of the midcard belt(s) as well. Build them to an eventual ladder match that could headline a PPV, have Bryan win (to further set up a Cena v Bryan world title match some day with the idea that Cena can't beat Bryan) and go on a lengthy title run of defending against Harper, Wyatt, Rusev or whoever. Obvious flaw to this is that Bryan v Cena would probably overshadow Reigns but that's really Reigns' problem to solve.

 

[Navi]

I can't really say anything that no one else has said. Depending on the reaction from the crowd at Mania itself, the RAW the next night might be very interesting and I can't wait to see it.

I'm wondering what will happen to Wyatt if he defeats Taker, or how badly his career will suffer if he loses to Taker. Taker won't be around for a continuing feud, so where does it leave Wyatt. I guess we'll find out on RAW.

The IC title picture could go in many directions depending on who wins, and there are some very strong contenders in the bunch. Hope Ambrose walks out with the belt.

If the main event at Mania crashes and burns, as it might, then expect a Rollins cash in as soon as possible. I figure if Reigns get's booed out of Levi Stadium then they'll take the belt off him quickly. Other than that everything else is shaping up to be a meh Mania, and I'm not really looking forward to it.

 

[That N Word]

Roman Reigns- I say he wins the world title at WrestleMania 31 and after the match Seth goes to cash in when Heyman comes back on stage with him post-match. Heyman directs Lesnar to F-5 Roman but Lesnar doesn't so Heyman yells at him and Brock F-5's Seth and tells Roman he respects him. He then shakes his hand raise it up and get out of the ring and throws Heyman in the ring to get speared and walking up the ramp smiling at Reigns as he smiles back celebrating. The next night Roman calls out Seth for a title match without the briefcase on the line. Roman beats Seth by DQ and Seth goes to cash in, but Ambrose holds to his promise and stops it before it happens. Dean get's in the ring to celebrate with Roman and raises his hand before turning heel leading to a feud between the two. At ER, it is a double count-out Payback, Seth cashes in on Roman following a DQ that Dean causes. Seth then cashes in after that match. At MITB Dean wins the briefcase and cashes it in following match with Seth/Roman that ends in a double pin. At Summerslam we get a Shield triple threat for the world title. At Summerslam, Reigns regains the title and Dean/Seth feuds with each other with Seth being babyface. The next night on Raw, Reigns begins a feud with a heel Sheamus and defeats him clean at NOC and at HIAC (in the cage.) Reigns then began's feuding with Rusev in a match where we unify the US title with the world title for Survivor Series. Reigns defeats Rusev ending his streak as we see Cena (who is backstage visiting), watching on the tron looking frustrated. At TLC, Reigns defeats Rusev again to retain. At RR, Wyatt defeats Reigns to take the title in a no-DQ match following a re-united Wyatt Family attacking him in the match. Cena walks down with no-salute and makes the save before AA'ing Reigns turning heel and standing there looking angry as Wyatt pins Reigns. This would lead to Reigns vs Cena I at WrestleMania 32.

John Cena- Loses his first "I Quit Match" against Rusev at Mania after uttering the word "quit" as he slowly passes out to the accolade with the stipulation "If Cena loses, He has to retire." Cena then does his "retirement" speech the next night on Raw. In reality, Cena is taking time off to do some movies and TV shows, and letting the younger stars advance into their new roles. Cena returns for match #3 with Rusev at Summerslam and loses again. The next night Cena say's "he failed the Universe and will be back when he finds his mojo." Over the course of the next few months we see Cena studying Rusev's matches in hopes for Match #4. Cena then witness as Rusev takes his first loss to Reigns frustrated. Cena comes out the next night for a promo, but drops the mic before saying a word and walking back down the ramp and disappears until RR 2016. At RR 2016 Cena returns in the middle of a no-dq title match turning heel on Reigns leading to a match between the two at WrestleMania 32 build as "The Torch." Basically, Cena is pissed of Reigns doing with he failed to do (beating Bryan,Lesnar,Rusev,etc. on his first try.)

Seth Rollins- Rollins beats Orton, but his cash in get's stopped before it happens when Brock F-5's him and the next night when Dean stops him. Early in the night on Raw after Mania, Seth turns on Triple H and sneak attacks him with the sledgehammer and beats him with it brutally. With all of Orton's trying to get Rollins to turn on The Authority tatics lately and Triple H's rumored Mania face turn, it would makes sense. The two facing off at ER and Payback with H going over at ER and Seth going over at Payback taking out Triple H. Seth cashes in at Payback and him and Reigns double pins each other at MITB,but Dean cashes in after the match. At Summerslam, Dean & Seth let's the tempers get the better of them and they wind up losing to Reigns at SS. Post- SS, Seth now performing as a face feuds with Ambrose. At Survivor Series, Kevin Owens debut and attacks Seth taking him out for a while. At RR Seth returns and goes after Owens, and the two faces off at Mania.

Rusev- After beating Cena twice takes on a legend killer gimmick. Post-Mania feuds with Orton at ER,Payback. At MITB dominates the MITB ladder match but a returning Cena cost him the match. Rusev calls out Cena the whole month. Cena returns again at Battleground and brawls with Rusev after his match with Orton where he beats Orton brutally. Cena and Rusev agrees to "one more match" in which Rusev wins again. Rusev then moves on to feud with a returning Jericho defeating him at NOC,and HIAC. At SS, he say's now that he took out the past it's time for the present and future. Reigns interrupts and challenges him to a title vs title match at Survivor Series. At SS, Reigns snaps Rusev streak holding both titles up. The next feud would be Ryback in which Rusev rebounds and wins at TLC,Loses at RR, Wins at Fastlane and then who he feuds with a Mania- TBD.

Dean Ambrose -(See Reigns & Rollins), After SS he feuds with Bryan for a bit and then Triple H leading into WrestleMania 32.

Daniel Bryan- Feuds with Sheamus after Mania, before facing a heel Ziggler for the IC title at SS, NOC,SS. He moves on to feud with a heel Ambrose trading wins and losses before winning the RR match and moving on to feud with Wyatt leading into WM 32.

Randy Orton Loses to Rollins at Mania, before going on a losing streak against Rusev and being taken out by him at Battleground. Orton returns when The Rock makes his return and announcing at Mania he will wrestle his final match. Rock makes jokes about who is facing before Orton sneaks up making his return RKO'ing Rock turning heel leading to the two legends clashing at WrestleMania.

Bray Wyatt and Family Wyatt beats Taker at Mania before feuding with and beating Rowan post Mania and then Harper as part of his plan to get them to re-join them so he can re-fix them. He then feuds with Triple H (face) at SS beating him and losing to him a NOC, before beating him in HIAC. Wyatt then moves on to feud with someone else for SS,and TLC before winning the world title at RR 2016 (see Cena,and Reigns.) Bryan defeats Wyatt to take the belt at WrestleMania 32.

Dolph Ziggler Wins IC title at Mania, feuds with BNB post-Mania,before moving on to turn heel and feud with Bryan leading into SS. Ziggler then moves on to feud with Ryback afterwards and then someone else leading into Mania.

Kidd & Cesaro Dominates the tag scene before losing the belts at TLC and tension between the two leading to a Cesaro face turn and the two facing off at Mania with Cesaro winning and his push completely restored. Both Cesaro & Tyson advance to the top of the card by 2017.

Miz & Mizdow- Feuds for a while and Mizdown becomes a jobber again shortly afterwards. Miz ends up restoring his failed push from 2010/2011 but not world title level though.

The Uso's and New Day- Jobber teams of 2015.

 

[Johnny Flash]

I would love to see Rollins cash and miss or cash and only keep it a while. Then in an attempt to make him feel better J&J break into to WWE headquarters and steal all the defunct titles from a basement storage room, and give them to Seth. The you can have Seth coming out draped in gold and delusional about his place while being introduced as the European, hardcore, cruisierweight, T.V. title ect. You could still keep him toward the top but IDK i can just picture this in my head and it amuses the hell out of me. Especially Jamie and joey sneaking around WWE headquarters