Top 3 Stars You See Dominating Raw A Year From Now

[ryan86]

Now this is an extreemly hard descision but I have picked my top 3.

1 Cena (this is not going out on a limb, but some might find his need to step aside (for Punk) as did HHH for Cena almost 7 years ago. He could play the "brand credability" role for SD Like UT did for so many years. But I'm afraid that the WWE has at least 3 more years of major plans for Cena (including heel turn), so he will remain Raw's #1 star a year from now)

2 Cody Rhodes (This was the hardest pick of all and common wisdom would put punk in this spot. If WWE were to move Cena to SD, Punk would have been in my #1 spot but I cant see both of them on the same show a year from now,so Punk will be world champ on SD. As for Cody, Ive placed him in this spot B/C his rise on SD will be complete in a year. If groomed slowly, and carefully, a year from now he gets the green light to take that rise to the flagship show and compete for the WWE title. This kid is truely special and the crowds are already sold on him.)

3) Dolph Ziggler ( PURE GOLD)

 

[oldhamandy1]

1) Cena is an obvious choice and really needs no explanation

2) Punk is the number 2 guy on RAW if not the whole of WWE and that seems unlikely to change

3) Miz the guy is the top heel and no doubt will be back in the title frame soon

I know my three may be boring but it a year is a long time and I don't think any will dominate, but if the question is thrown out there these have the best chance. Come the end of 2012 I think Ziggler will have had a title shot, Rhodes may be on RAW and doing the same. Hell anyone could it only takes one speech or an injury to a top guy and they have a chance, all I know is that this year isn't over yet and I'm enjoying it.

 

[IHW]

Cena- no brainier. Maybe he will be a heel by then... doubt it.

Randy Orton- i just have the feeling that he will be drafted back to Raw. SD! has benefited from him so far, but WWE will want to keep Randy as Big of a star as possible. So i see him on back Raw around June.

I want to say a new main-event face/heel but...

3. CM Punk- he would lose a lot of momentum going to SD!. So, i say he will remain a big star on RAW.

But. Who knows with this New Network coming. Its hard to say.

 

[Brahma Bull]

Cena- Will always be top guy on Raw. Probably for the next 5 years at least.
Orton- Will be moved to Raw and CM punk will move to Smackdown
Sheamus- I also think moved to raw.
These 3 will be the top 3 faces on raw with Rhodes, Barrett, and ADR as the top heels on Raw. Smackdown will have punk as the top face, followed by Show, then rey rey. The heels will be The Miz, R-truth (i dont think they are going to turn him face), and Kane (with the mask if thats what the commercial is saying).

 

[Rey]

Cena, Punk and Ziggler or maybe Ryder. The first two are no brainers imo. And Ziggler is pretty awesome and hopefully creative doesn't drop the ball. Ryder is a pretty big "maybe". He's over now but can he keep it up?

As for Rey Mysterio (as mentioned above), I don't think his knees can take 3 more years sadly. :/

 

[brochester8]

1) CM Punk - I think he's where he needs to be and will only get better. I also think that Cena will finally be drafted to Smackdown to change it up a bit and that will make Punk the face of Raw.

2) Miz - I think Punk vs Miz will be a major feud in 2012. Miz has proved himself and I don't think he's going anywhere any time soon.

3) Dolph Ziggler - Monday's match proved once again why Dolph is so much like Curt Henning. He's awesome in the ring. I think he's made his mark and is ready for the main event and that that's where he'll be in 2012.

now if we go to smackdown I'd say Cena, Orton, and Cody Rhodes.

 

[bxviper]

Almost all of you guys have gone the safe route with the obvious guys like Cena, Orton and Punk. For me they have already established themselves as main eventers and should be around for at least another 7 to 10 years barring any injuries. I assume these 3 will eventually take the place of a retired 'taker, triple h, Kane, Y2J. With that said my 3 would be:

1. Sheamus - Honestly i hated this guy and hated his quick route to the championship belt which hindered him a bit once his feud with H was over, his move to smackdown and subsequent face turn has made this guy a force to contend with, i see him being up there with the likes of Cena, Orton and Punk. In essence replacing Triple H.

2. Cody Rhodes - It seems like years ago when we were shitting on this guy and claiming Ted to be the next big thing, oh what a couple of years have done to this guy, again the move to smackdown has re-established him as a main event player if creative doesn't do anything stupid and turn him face anytime soon he will be gold and will hold gold very soon. This is one guy that should never or hardly ever be turned face, he is gold as a heel. Essentially replacing Kane

3. Dolph Ziggler - I hate him as a heel and his character but the only reason i hate him is because he has done a great job to get the wwe universe to not like him. His matches are gold and his mic work is on point, if he keeps this up he will probably out succeed every person i listed. He unlike the other 2 mentioned didn't wait to move to smackdown to shine, he waited his turn on Raw and has been gold ever since, i just want to see what happens when they break him off of Vickie. Replacing Y2J

4. I know you only said 3 but this is my honorable mention, the WWE have always liked the big monster big muscle type guy, so don't shoot me for this but if they tweaked Mason Ryan character a bit, maybe give him a baldy or give him a military cut work on his mic skills and give him a decent 5 moves of doom he could be your next Kane/big show/ taker just please don't make him Batista Jr. yes they are similar but do not tweak his character to be him. And turn him heel Monster/Big Guys do better as heels when they start their careers only for the simple fact is they don't have to do much mic work just show up destroy everyone and leave a path of destruction.

 

[HBK_EDGE]

To me you have 8 potential Main Eventers for 2012. Not including Daniel Bryan, and Mark Henry (both guys need a last name). If Bryan isn't even appearing on Survivor Series it is hard for me to get behind him and this feels like one last hurrah for Henry and I don't see him staying where he is at for a long time.

Ziggler (keep him right where he is on Raw and push him as one of your top heels should be in the title picture. I'd feud him with Cm Punk for a good while.)

Rhodes- (I'd keep him on Smackdown for 2012 and give him a run with the belt through the summer months and up to Survivor Series next year see how it goes.)

Sheamus- I bring up back over to Raw and have him as the top face behind Punk.

Cena- If you turn him heel he has to stay on Raw. But if he continues to go face I'd move him over in the role Orton was occupying as the brand carrier for Smackdown.

Orton- If you Cena face I would move Orton over to Raw heel and have him do some feuding with Sheamus maybe even do something with a then face Miz.

Miz- I turn him face and risk of him wearing out the heel role. Plus you haven't really ever let him play a face at the main event level be interesting to see how he would do there. Have to keep him on Raw something about Miz on Smackdown just doesn't seem right.

Wade Barrett- Im huge on this guy he is top level Raw heel material (along with Ziggler) I think those two could carry the heels on Raw wouldn't mind at all seeing Barrett given a stable to work with again.

Punk- Top face on Raw and a good title reign. I hope he carries at least up to Summerslam next year.

So to sum it up what I would do is this

Raw (Faces)
1. Punk
2. Miz/ Shameus

Raw (Heels)
1. Barrett
2. Ziggler/Orton

Smackdown(face)
1.Cena

Heel
1. Rhodes.

 

[#1Dobz92]

I won't go the easy route of including Cena because we all know he'll stay huge no matter whether he does so as a face or a heel.

1. CM Punk - a bit on the easy side but he isn't as protected as Cena so still worth using a choice for him. Will be a huge face and will make it easier for Cena to turn heel.

2. Dolph Ziggler - He's almost ready. And with his #Heel schtick he's starting to forge a bit of a gimmick for himself. Splitting him from Vickie would probably be a good move because Dolph needs to prove he can get over by himself, something I don't think he'll have too much trouble doing if his rate of improvement is something to go by.

3. The Miz - 2012 should be the year WWE realize this potential goldmine and turn The Miz face. He has genuine mainstream appeal and is different to Punk, a lot like the dynamic Stone Cold and The Rock had (I'm not comparing abilities just gimmicks). Plus, with Punk and Miz as RAW's top faces, the path is clear for Cena to turn and more importantly stay heel.

With the draft though I'll include the Smackdown guys who I think could dominate on RAW, and again, I'll start by saying while Orton may lose much more often than Cena, sometimes WWE goes out of their way to protect him so he's too easy a pick.

1. Cody Rhodes - I'll admit it, I'm a mark for the guy. And why not? Guy's come so far since being punted in the skull @ Wrestlemania 26. From 'Dashing' to 'Grotesque' to just plain badass, Rhodes is gold as a heel. BUT, if Orton, Punk, Sheamus etc. as well as his reception at MSG is anything to go by, Rhodes may be forging a gimmick that could work as a heel, tweener AND face. Heel's where the money is though.

2. Wade Barrett - I'll put this simply, Wade Barrett has 'it'. It can't be 100% defined but Wade's got it. His presence and mic skills alone make him look like a main event heel. His in-ring work is improving every day and he'll be main eventing by 2012 no doubt.

3. Sheamus - As a face, this guy is popular simply because he has the combined traits of Orton and Cena. He's badass but the guy can put on a smile too. If he went to RAW, he would be HUGE. He'd likely get a title run very quickly too.

 

[Azane]

Cena - No Brainer, if he's still on RAW (which he probably will be) he'll be dominating. Outside of injury, there's no way his face won't be on every ticket.
Kane - He's set to return, the big red machine having 1 last go on the red brand would be a good way to finish his mostly backseat career.
Punk - I think he peaked in popularity, but we could be surprised. I think he'll be stale if he doesn't reinvent himself, can only hear pipebomb so many times before I put him in the same category as Cena.

 

[Dragonslayer]

While I agree with most people mentioning guys like Barrett, Rhodes, Ziggler among the logical choices of Cena, Punk and Orton... it strikes me as quite interesting that NO ONE has yet mentioned Alberto Del Rio.

I personally was never too much into him, for while his in ring work and look are great, to me he has been lacking in the mic department. Interesting to see though, since he's been so heavily pushed (and also successfully pushed, judging by many of the comments from the IWC about six months ago or so), that ADR, who has already been WWE champion, doesn't even get a mention over guys like Ziggler, Rhodes or Barrett, who until now have essentially been Mid-Card Material. Seems ADR's quick push is fading quickly again... or how do you guys see that?

 

[brody11]

instead of a top 3, ill do top 3 faces/heels from each brand

Raw faces
Cena-im not a big fan of the guy but i will admit he works his ass off and deserves everything he's got so far, just waiting for that heel turn
Punk- his gimmick makes him the most likeable guy unless your under 10 years old
Sheamus/Orton- one of these two will be traded over and both could re-establish themselves as main players in the WWE

Heels
Miz- I love this guy, his mic skills are phenomenal and has so much charisma! if he could turn face though it would earn WWE millions in merch
Ziggler- enough said
Orton- I just want to see him back to his old ways, i understand ill probably be criticised for this but he is getting boring to me :/

Smackdown
Faces - Daniel Bryan- 2012 big improver
Kane- if he returns with the mask, the crowd is going to go crazy no matter if people think it is stale or not
Mason Ryan - If he gets traded to smackdown, i can see domination much like batista when he first started to be noticed

Heels
Rhodes- Amazinf in ring, and his 'psycho' gimmick suits him perfectly
Barrett - will be champion some time in 2012

 

[JayBob82]

Okay this is a tough choice. Most say Cena is an obvious choice, but did any of you see the last couple of RAWs? Or Survivor Series? I never thought I'd see the day that his boos would drown out his cheers. ow this may be just a part of the Rock/Cena rivalry angle for WM nest spring. The Cenation now consists of young children and undersexed housewives. Unless he makes a Heel turn which I would love, but I feel is unlikely I dont see him being the major player he has been. So that leaves a literal void of power to be seen.
The three I think should be big are:
1) CM Punk. He has the potential to be the face of this new PG era. And his in you face style very familiar of attitude era tweeners. (Can anybody say Rock or Austin... hell DX for that matter)
2) Zack Ryder. We want Ryder is the chant du juor. IDK if its canned heat or legit but I like it. Plus if you have ever seen Long Island Iced Z then you know hes getting legit respect from not only his contemporaries but also some of the Legendary players in the Biz.
3) Del Rio. Heel or not he is a sound technical fighter ad there is something about his whole Intro that just get me jakked. The song. Diaz (the puke that he is) doing his own thing and just the whole Over The Top Feel that he puts out.
How its gonna be though is probably like this:
1) Cody Rhodes. Hes dropped the mask gimmick which was never over with the fans and it seems to me that hes due for a big push.
2) The Miz. Without R-Truth he has the capability to expand into another push for the Gold and with obvious fueds upcoming with both Truth and Cena hes gonna get some ring time. just depends on how hes booked.
3) Cena. I hate it but the WWE has a habit of pushing wrestlers that are past their prime. Theyll ride this horse until Cena is a joke.

 

[S.J. Maximus]

For all the idiots putting Rhodes and Ziggler on their list, where do you think guys like Punk, Orton, Miz, Truth, and Sheamus are going? They're not all going to SD, and they're simply too over to just lose all the momentum next year, especially with the pushes they're getting.

the list should start with Cena, and then continue with any 2 of the aforementioned stars that may or may not be on RAW. I'm going to guess Orton and Sheamus, but who knows it could be Punk and Miz, or Orton and Punk, it's all up in the air. But Ziggler? Sorry he has no charisma and can't get a reaction by himself. Rhodes? Clearly the future of the WWE but someone has to step down before he can step up, who's going to step down?

 

[rocksaviour]

I reckon that these three will be making the biggest impact on RAW this time next year:

1. Wade Barrett - They will move him full time over to RAW possibly after a World title win in the post-Mania season.

2. CM Punk - Will get the continued rise to the top and be the number 1 face in the WWE, once they have turned Cena heel for Cena/Rock II at Summerslam.

3. The Miz - For him it will be the second coming in terms of a singles push. He may beat Punk for the WWE title to setup a Punk win at Mania to take the title back. I'm glad they finished Awesome Truth now and not have them continue for months and winning the tag titles and have the big breakup over that, instead as it turned out they had to end now which is good for the Miz's rebuilding for the top.

 

[Midnite Express 2009]

First of all, for those who think John Cena will be dominating Raw in a year is dreaming. Cena will be a top player of course, but honestly, he's not dominatiing Raw right now and I seriously doubt he'll be doing it this time next year. With that said, here are my top 3 major players/dominators on Raw this time next year.

#1. Cody Rhodes. Rhodes is certainly coming into his own and barring injury or some foolish wellness policy suspension, I only see nothing but green pastures in this young man's life. He's young, cocky, athletic and has both of the intangibles that it takes to be great for years to come. Those would be in-ring ability that's second to none and also he's a great talker/mic worker. I certainly hope they don't bury him with this angle with Booker T. but I don't see why that would happen anyway, but I also don't get why he's in this angle unless it's to be a new "legend killer" but even still, been there/done that. Overall, I think he's gonna go back to the tradition of being great I-C champions that transitions into being great WWE Champions. Cody Rhodes=Platnium Status.

#2. CM Punk. Punk's work has been incredible here lately, and just like Rhodes he has the two intangibles that's key. In-ring ability and great mic work. While Punk's feud with Alberto Del Rio pales in comparison to that with John Cena, it shows that Punk, in somewhat of a Ric Flair, early to mid 80s way, can work with anyone, any style, any time and make those matches interesting, no matter the situation. I also think Punk will continue to domintate due to a lack of certain star power at the moment. It's no secret that Raw is a little on the thin side of life, when it comes down to superstars, and I think Punk will capitalize on this and continue to be a major player in the next 12 months. A big feud with perhaps a returning Chris Jericho will solidify Punk as the guy of the WWE and can only help to enhance his status. CM Punk=Diamond Status

#3. Dolph Ziggler. Does Dolph need Vickie? Right now, yes. But just like Edge, he'll find his way away from Vickie and he'll head straight to the top, while still being a tremendous heel and worker. The one thing that Dolph doesn't really have right now that the two before him does is the mic work. But that's teachable. He can get it if the right person works with him (and no, I don't mean Michael Cole becoming his manager). Dolph's match with Punk on Raw last Monday was incredible and showed that WWE has some rough gems right now. Perhaps one of the best matches Raw has had in quite a long time and one of the top matches of the year on Raw. I like Dolph's style. He's entertaining, even with what appears to be limited mic skills but overall, Dolph's development is paying off as his in-ring work is a throwback to a young Shawn Michaels & Curt Henning. I see him winning a major title in the next 12 months, maybe even having a run with the WWE title. I'd love to see him as WWE Champion vs. another reign for Del Rio, who is floundering in two reigns so far. We shall see what the future holds for Ziggler but I know it's going to be one helluva year. Dolph Ziggler=Gold Status

 

[dman1373]

top three are too easy so i will do the top 5.

1.Cm Punk-Right now the only thing stoping him from being the top guy is the rock cena fued. Once thats gone he will have the spotlight again.

2.Randy Orton-I could easily see him coming over to raw in the draft and either being the number two face or number 1 heel

(by the way i have a feeling that cena is going to smackdown.)

3.Cody Rhoads-he has really made the mid card matter. He is probably the only mid carder ready to be a main eventer.

4.miz-he is one of the top heels but i just don't think he has the momentum that cody rhoads has.

5.daniel bryan-i could see him being drafted and then turning heel and cashing in his briefcase on punk. Or heel just hold on to his briefcase forever.

 

[NotoriousWWE]

First off, great idea of a thread. This is very interesting because we have to think logically and not with our usual predictions. Here's my top 5 which was one minor fault I had with the thread as it shouldn't have just been 3. Other than that great idea:

CM Punk - Easily going to be the face of WWE for a very long while including next year. He won't obviously be holding the WWE Title all throughout 2012 but still will be extremely dominant and help push other young talent.

Dolph Ziggler - Talk about a talent that deserves a push, this guy can seemingly do nothing wrong. The Current US Champion will definately lose the title to Ryder sooner rather than later and we will see him challenge Punk for his WWE Title on numerous occasions.

Cody Rhodes - Another young and promising talent, the current IC Champion is on fire, his new look, theme and well.... attire is bringing so much love from the IWC fans and so look for him to be main eventing PPV's such as Vengeance and Night of Champions come next year.

Wade Barrett - The winds of change will finally blow in WWE and will result in Barrett becoming World Champion come next year. I have a feeling he'll be put in a long fued with someone like a returning R-Truth who will be a babyface on Smackdown.

The Rock - Do you think Vince will simply have Rock just go away after WrestleMania? I don't, in fact I have the strongest feeling that we could see a heel Rock take on CM Punk at next years Summerslam. I know people are like where's Cena? Where's Orton? Vince finally realises he can't rely on those two to bring in ratings he's needs to shift talent around. I see Cena and Orton working with young talent in order to put them over more.

Lastly and a random 6th, Sheamus - Sheamus other than Punk will be the biggest face in WWE in 2012 in my opinion. World Champion without a doubt deserves a new theme in my opinion.

 

[Ellye]

A year from now, on RAW:

John Cena - Not as dominant as those last few years, but still the main star of WWE.
Randy Orton - As a heel, I feel that his face run is growing even more stale than Cena's.
The Miz - Will probably hang around in the Main Event for a long while starting now.


CM Punk, I think, will perhaps have phased out a bit of the Main Event scene. Not because he does not belong on it, but I can't see him staying there permanently with his body type, unfortunately.

 

[ryan86]

My 6 year old nephew, who is a second generation wrestling fan, after me, wanted to make his input known, so if the great moderaters on this forum will allow me some room here (please guys, go with me here), let his little voice be heard to:

He says:

1 Cody Rhodes ( I guess B/C I have enfluenced him on that..er..he thinks he's the coolest.)

2 John Cena (come on, 5 million little eyes tune in to see this guy every night and he's got a great message for the kids, My nephew is no different on this. Ya he's a mark, what 6 year old isn't?)

3 Randy Orton (because he has real cool tattoos and can beat up anyone, (in his own words) ).

So guys, my nephew (Logan) has been heard. I hope the mods will allow some room for this, thanks.

 

[lilnev2009]

You have to keep in mind what the question is. Cena, Punk, Orton and Sheamus are already dominating wwe right now so three years from now, you have to figure there will be new faces in these positions. So,

1) Brodus Clay- He's big, he's nasty and for some reason they are hyping the hell out of him....even though didn't he already debut when he was with Del Rio? I think that if sheffield doesn't get hurt then he is recieving this push. Me personally, I don't like clay but someone seems to..

2) Daniel Bryan- Am I the only one who realises he has the MITB case? also, if Ryder can get over strictly based on a popularity contest, I have to believe that bryan will also since he is the IWC's favorite wrestler. Don't believe me, watch smackdown this friday...I was there...WWE will take notice..

3) Ted Dibase JR- Here me out on this. WWE ruined him with the whole Maryse thing but he still has an opportunity to achieve that main event status. Who didn't believe that he was better than cody rhodes before the maryse angle? With Rhodes most likely headed to raw at some point, sin cara now injured and morrison gone, there is an opportunity for him to do exactly what rhodes did. Take the IC title or the US title and bring it back to prominance. Ziggler doesn't need the strap because everyone knows he is maybe a year away from holding the main title.Wrestling wise he is years ahead of Ryder, if he works on his mic skills, he could become a top face or heel on smackdown

 

[#1Dobz92]

You have to keep in mind what the question is. Cena, Punk, Orton and Sheamus are already dominating wwe right now so three years from now, you have to figure there will be new faces in these positions. So,

1) Brodus Clay- He's big, he's nasty and for some reason they are hyping the hell out of him....even though didn't he already debut when he was with Del Rio? I think that if sheffield doesn't get hurt then he is recieving this push. Me personally, I don't like clay but someone seems to..

2) Daniel Bryan- Am I the only one who realises he has the MITB case? also, if Ryder can get over strictly based on a popularity contest, I have to believe that bryan will also since he is the IWC's favorite wrestler. Don't believe me, watch smackdown this friday...I was there...WWE will take notice..

3) Ted Dibase JR- Here me out on this. WWE ruined him with the whole Maryse thing but he still has an opportunity to achieve that main event status. Who didn't believe that he was better than cody rhodes before the maryse angle? With Rhodes most likely headed to raw at some point, sin cara now injured and morrison gone, there is an opportunity for him to do exactly what rhodes did. Take the IC title or the US title and bring it back to prominance. Ziggler doesn't need the strap because everyone knows he is maybe a year away from holding the main title.Wrestling wise he is years ahead of Ryder, if he works on his mic skills, he could become a top face or heel on smackdown

I heard you out. I just can't see it. Dibiase may have been just about ruined with the 2010 stint on RAW but the guy just isn't good enough to main event. Very good wrestler but has midcard written all over him. Doesn't stand out gimmick-wise, mic skills show no sign of improving. As to the comparison with Rhodes way back when, I always preferred Rhodes. Dibiase was admittedly closer to his peak, but I always believed Rhodes had much more potential. I did however think Dibiase would be pushed further than Rhodes because of his look. Nowadays though Rhodes has just as good a look as Dibiase so that's out the window for the guy. Now he has a 'tailgate' gimmick, he's face, is getting some reaction which is good but the reality imo is that he'll be a midcard staple.

 

[ryan86]

Now, I will try and remain as objective as possible, and leave personal subjective conclusions aside. As I will be posting an asesment, not an article for popularity.

The current "experiement" stars will not be on this list as they will be after thoughts with-in a year, IE: Daniel Bryan/Zack Ryder

The WWE is in a period of transition, trying to acclimate new "REAL" stars to the produc, that will carry us through the decade. This time period is simular to '97 and '04.

Punk: He will not be another Cena in pure drawing power, but he is 33 years of age and peaking, and his styaing power is questionable. One thing is for sure though, he has 5 good years left, maybe only 3 as a top 2 draw.

Dolph Zigger: He will be a solidified main-event top heel with-in a year and will be a 5 or 6 time WWE champion by the end of the decade.

Cody Rhodes: His progression will be simular to Dolph's, but he will take his rise through the "lesser" brand, untill he is World Champ. 3 or 4 time WWE champ by decade's end.

 

[RicoLen]

That, I can more or less agree with.

I'm no where near so sure about your experimental stars, but you may very well be right. I think however that Zack Ryder will probably be around. All you have to do in pro-wrestling is look like a wrestler and talk on the mic. Bobby Heenan said that years and years and years ago. He was right then, and it's never changed.

I agree that 2011 was similar to 1997. 97 was a good year that got better as the year went along. I would go as far as to say 2010 was similar to 96 too, in that it started out as a crap year that got better and better as the year went on too.

I don't know about Punk's staying power. I think Punk is in good shape, and he is supposedly clean, being straight edge and all, so you'd hope he'd at least be able to last as long as WWE's most unclean mega star, Shawn Michaels, who did basically every drug under the sun and lived (for a time) a very reckless and unhealthy life.

Ziggler has just shown his ability on the mic (to me at least) as someone that can hold his own, and that was the final piece of the puzzle for him to be ready for the main event. So yeah, I fully agree with your assessment with him.

Rhodes is a guy where I have to look at him with as much objectivity as I can muster. I don't like his gimmick one little bit, and I don't like his look. He reminds me of Randy Orton's mini-me. That said he IS good on the mic in his own way, and he is a talented wrestler. So I'm sure he'll have a comparable career to Ziggler.

I would go a step further and look at a few other young guys that have been around 5-ish years or more.

The Miz IS the main event. He's the guy that can pull in outside viewers and expand WWE's viewership. He'll never have the hardcore wrestling elitist fans behind him, but then that's why you also have CM Punk around, because those two will pick up the slack for each other.

Hate to say it but R-Truth is on his way out the door. He's about 40 years old now, and he's only got a few more years he'll be able to go. He hasn't gotten his world title run, and I think he deserve a 'tribute' run for his hard work and dedication to the business, but aside from that he'll be gone in a few years time.

Wade Barrett, ADR and Sheamus all are noobs, but with huge upside to them, and loads of potential. I hope to see them having strong mid-card title runs and feuds for the next few years before finally getting elevated to the main event. It's already too late for Sheamus, but it would be a big mistake to push Wade Barrett to the main event too soon. Flip either him or Rhodes to face, and give Barrett the intercontinental championship after a lengthy and well booked feud and all is well with Barrett.

With Sheamus, I really don't know what to do with him to keep him relevant. He's already been WWE Champion, and he and ADR both were not ready YET, but in 3-5 years time they both will be, after paying their dues, getting over with the crowd year in year out in under/midcard feuds. Pushing them to the main event too soon is just bad booking.

 

[Thepiedpiper]

Now, I will try and remain as objective as possible, and leave personal subjective conclusions aside. As I will be posting an asesment, not an article for popularity.

The current "experiement" stars will not be on this list as they will be after thoughts with-in a year, IE: Daniel Bryan/Zack Ryder

The WWE is in a period of transition, trying to acclimate new "REAL" stars to the produc, that will carry us through the decade. This time period is simular to '97 and '04.

Punk: He will not be another Cena in pure drawing power, but he is 33 years of age and peaking, and his styaing power is questionable. One thing is for sure though, he has 5 good years left, maybe only 3 as a top 2 draw.

Dolph Zigger: He will be a solidified main-event top heel with-in a year and will be a 5 or 6 time WWE champion by the end of the decade.

Cody Rhodes: His progression will be simular to Dolph's, but he will take his rise through the "lesser" brand, untill he is World Champ. 3 or 4 time WWE champ by decade's end.

I agree with you and the other person above, though I would have to add in Drew Mcintyre to the mix! he HAS the talent and not too long ago he had just as good a presence as Rhodes. People are overlooking him because he is not on tv and is jobbing on SS. I for one believe he has a bright future ahead of him and if not with the WWE then with TNA!! Also if people can get behind someone like Zack Ryder then they sure can get behind Big Mac. When the WWE IWC truly see his full potential(Which alot of people already do) then they will back this under-dog who truly IS having an American Nightmare!!

PUSH DREW MAC!!!!