So in the final WWMD of 2016 we look toward 2017. There are plenty of thoughts out there on the web about what could go down in 2017; AJ Styles vs John Cena, a Shield Reunion and more amazing NXT shows. However, I’m shunning those and looking at the current rosters in WWE and looking at the current talent on the rosters and who could have an amazing 2017. So without any further ado, let’s get going!
#5 Carmella
When Carmella was drafted to SmackDown in the draft and separated from Enzo and Big Cass I wasn’t sure how she would fit in. She had a very definitive character and styling in NXT and I wasn’t sure how it would translate on the Blue Brand. So far though, she’s done well for herself – a decent feud with Nikki Bella helped her no end. She’s now found her feet and starting to dabble more with her character and I can see a title run for Carmella in 2017.
#4 Sami Zayn
Sami Zayn can wrestle. He could wrestle anyone, anywhere, anytime. When he first appeared on Raw in 2015 after a successful stint in NXT I was really happy for him. Then he got injured and had time out and reappeared in NXT before heading to the Royal Rumble this year. I hope that 2017 gives him an injury free year and also the push he deserves – there was a massive buzz around him when he may have been “traded” to SmackDown but it hasn’t materialised into anything for him. Put the US Title on him and give him a chance to shine and show what he can do.
#3 Mojo Rawley
I hate it when someone gets injured, it hurts the wrestler, it hurts their fans and their work in the ring. However, when someone gets hurt who’s in a tag team it can go one of two ways. When Enzo Amore was injured, Big Cass took the chance he was given with open arms and it has paid off for him in gold. There are times however, when tag teams get side-lined completely. I’m hoping that Mojo gets a decent singles run and the chance to show what he can do – he could have an amazing 2017 if he gets booked properly and I’ve got a lot of stock invested in The Hype Machine. For me he brings everything together for a family friendly, larger than life character who can sell both merchandise and in the ring.
#2 TJ Perkins
When the Cruiserweight Division was announced I was genuinely happy for both Crusierweights currently in WWE and those around the world who got the chance to ply their trade, one of them being TJ Perkins. He has the experience (PWG, Ring of Honor, TNA to name a few), the skills and the determination to drive forward a Cruiserweight Brand built around him. Needless to say, when he won the Cruiserweight Championship I was crazy happy for him. With 205 Live, the Cruiserweights get their own show and own spotlight which will help build his brand and following immensely. I could easily see Perkins make the step up from Cruiserweight to Main Event in a similar fashion to the Mysterio’s, the Guerreo’s, the Benoit’s of the past and become the focal point of WWE. 2017 will be the first step to this happening – enjoy it TJ!
#1 Big Cass
As I mentioned earlier, Big Cass got a lot of motion when Enzo was out injured. He’s big, he’s tall and he has the look that Vince likes. Saying that, he has a bit of work to do before he is a consistent Main Eventer but again, I see that happening quite easily. Working with Enzo gives him a mouth piece, similar to Brock Lesnar’s use of Paul Heyman. I’m calling it already – Big Cass will win the Andre the Giant Battle Royale at WrestleMania and have a singles title run by Survivor Series in 2017.
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