Hey, anyone else hear about the potential brand split coming up? Sure you have. Now, you know what that means, right? Draft!
From the NFL to the NBA (not so much MLB) and now, once again, to WWE--this country is pretty draft-crazy. Maybe it's the fantasy aspect, maybe it's the weeks of buildup or maybe it's just the pure debate aspect of drafts that makes us love it so much.
In any event, a draft will presumably be in the works if WWE is headed towards a schism between their Raw and Smackdown brands. And if that's the case, who goes where and when in the selection process do they go?
Well, here's my shot at it--the Parts Unknown's 2016 WWE Big Board.
Some ground rules first:
- Superstars are ranked from 1 to 59 based off a number of factors including drawing power, entertainment value and upside as a performer.
- Superstars ranked below are all "full-timers" listed on the current roster on WWE.com. This board does not include guys like The Rock, Brock Lesnar, Undertaker or any NXT talent.
- Superstars currently nursing long-term/career-threatening injuries are not included. (i.e. Nikki Bella, Tyson Kidd)
Good? Cool.
Ok, here we go:
1. John Cena
Sure, he’s not a spring chicken anymore. And yes, recent injuries may be of considerable concern. But if we’re talking pure star power, John is still the best WWE has to offer. You want credibility, viewership and top-flight matches? Then you want Cena.
Despite a few underwhelming matches with Brock and Y2J, Dean's appeal and connection across all demographics is undeniable. His style is very different, somewhat fresh and should be slam dunk to write for. With a big boost of momentum, the demented Ambrose (3:16?) can eventually serve as the unhinged anti-hero of the people.
3. Seth Rollins
As an irksome heel or eventual babyface, Rollins can work at a top level from both sides of the spectrum. He’s improved considerably since his debut in 2012 and continues to develop into the entire package.
4. Bray Wyatt
Speaking of the entire package, Wyatt is basically it. He’s a special character than can talk, work and connect with the audience. The only ingredient missing is a gung-ho build to catapult him to superstardom.
5. Roman Reigns
Say what you want about The Guy, but Roman has shown out his current title reign. He’s now registered an outstanding main event at WrestleMania with Triple H and a few nice gems with AJ Styles.
6. Kevin Owens
Owens has undoubtedly been one of the most valuable players for WWE dating back to last summer. With his relatively incredible athleticism, in-ring storytelling and old school swagger, KO is just scratching the surface here.
7. The New Day
Kofi, Big E and Xavier took an empty slate of a gimmick and turned it into the most entertaining act in wrestling today. They're fun, charismatic and are always spicing up the presentation with their own unique touch.
8. AJ Styles
They don't want none? Nah, we do. Even at 39 years old, the Phenomenal One has shown us he still has some great wrestling left in the tank. Given his talent and freshness to WWE, Styles will be in line for a handful of intriguing programs we never thought we'd see.
9. Randy Orton
Injuries aside, The Apex Predator should remain a major piece for the company. Like Cena, Orton can bring legitimacy to a roster as well as solid in-ring work every time out.
10. Sasha Banks
The Bo$$ is the most complete female superstar WWE has had in some time. Her storytelling in matches, as is just about the case with a few other up-and-coming ladies, is remarkable. Her personality, charisma and technical chops could see her spearhead this revamped women's division.
11. Sami Zayn
Exciting and uplifting performer most can get behind. His wear and tear on the independent circuit may exceed his age (31), but Zayn's best days are clearly in front of him.
12. The Miz (w/Maryse)
WWE's resident Hollywood star does his job just as well as about anyone in the company. He's genuinely annoying and garners the right degree of heat on a consistent basis.
13. Enzo and Big Cass
Besides being able to name a myriad of cheeses, Enzo and Cass have a knack for connecting with the WWE Universe. Their chemistry as a duo in the ring and on the mic have plenty of the viewers deeply invested.
14. Rusev (w/Lana)
Even with a recent road bump, Rusev still has plenty of room to improve credibility-wise. Perhaps he evolves into the (hopefully silent) ass-kicking machine that terrorizes the roster as the quintessential monster heel.
15. Cesaro
The WWE Universe, contrary to certain beliefs, definitely embraces the Swiss Superman. Can he breakthrough, however, into a main-event type personality?
16. Apollo Crews
The guy has "freak" written all over him. If his promo work gets anywhere near his look and ridiculous athleticism, we're looking at a flat out juggernaut.
From one freak specimen to another. Neville is a special athlete with promising appeal despite not having the greatest of verbal skills.
18. Chris Jericho
Y2J is easily amongst the greatest performers to ever grace a wrestling ring and his unparalleled combination of in-ring and promo work still has fans interested. But at 45 years old and with no major title feuds in the last four years, how much is left?
19. Dolph Ziggler
Whether Dolph has already hit his ceiling or not, he remains as one of the more appealing names on most cards.
20. Kalisto
An exciting move set has fans thinking Kalisto could be a lite version of the great Rey Mysterio.
21. Sheamus
The Celtic Warrior can provide viability as either a heel or a face. Based off recent reactions, he'd likely be better off, however, as a smug baddie.
22. Alberto Del Rio
Del Rio is essentially the hispanic version of Sheamus. Their peak may be behind them, but they're useful to have at your disposable given their flexibility up and down the card.
23. Charlotte
WWE has weened Charlotte of Ric at just the right moment. Time for the current Women's Champion to fly (and win) on her own as the capable performer she is.
24. The Usos
Jimmy and Jey often draw the curtain jerkers for pay-per-views. And you know what? They've never failed at producing an entertaining opener. The Usos are consistently solid.25. Luke Harper
There's so much untapped potential with Harper. He has the ability to stick with the Wyatt Family as the second fiddle and eventually branch off into his star.
26. Braun Strowman
27. Becky Lynch
28. The Club
29. The Dudley Boyz
30. The Vaudevillians
31. Paige
32. Erick Rowan
33. Zack Ryder
34. Baron Corbin
35. Kane
36. Big Show
37. Titus O'Neil
38. Jack Swagger
39. Bo Dallas
40. Tyler Breeze
41. Ryback
42. Mark Henry
43. Goldust
44. R-Truth
45. Sin Cara
46. Curtis Axel
47. Emma
48. The Shining Stars
49. Dana Brooke
50. The Ascension
51. Naomi
52. Natalya
53. Heath Slater
54. Fandango
55. Darren Young
56. Tamina
57. Summer Rae
58. Eva Marie
59. Alicia Fox
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