Weighing each superstar's WWE World Title chances at Survivor Series

Who would capture the vacant WWE World Heavyweight title?As everyone in the WWE Universe knows, Seth Rollins had to vacate his WWE World Heavyweight Championship a few weeks back after a brutal knee injury sidelined him for the next six to nine months.Since then, a 16-man tournament has been whittled down to four semifinalists for the vacant belt – Dean Ambrose, Alberto Del Rio, Kevin Owens and Roman Reigns.Those four men will meet in the semifinals of the tournament at Survivor Series on Sunday, with Owens facing Ambrose and Del Rio facing Reigns. There are reasons each competitor would make the ideal choice for champion, but some have better odds than others.

#5 Alberto Del Rio

Alberto Del Rio has been a pro wrestling star in multiple promotions.

Now in his second stint with the WWE, Alberto Del Rio is easily the most experienced performer left in the tournament with regards to WWE action. Not only that, but he has an incredibly loyal fan following despite his heel status.

That said, he just returned to WWE action at Hell in a Cell last month and won the U.S. title in his first match back. While that shows the WWE trusts him, it also makes it highly unlikely he wins another belt this soon. Since Reigns is his first opponent, the odds aren’t even good that he makes it to the final match.

Championship Odds: LOW

#4 Kevin Owens

Kevin Owens was the NXT champion when he started his run on WWE programming.

Kevin Owens is the current Intercontinental Champion, and he’s made the most of every match the WWE has given him. Especially with Rollins out, Owens is the best pure heel in the company, especially on the microphone.

In the ring, his agility is impressive particularly given his build.

Still, Owens has been on the main roster for just a few months and has already gained a singles title. It doesn’t seem very likely that Owens would come out on top Sunday, but WWE’s important people are clearly very high on him, and that could make a difference.

Championship Odds: Decent

#3 Dean Ambrose

Dean Ambrose already held the world title once when he took it after a match with Seth Rollins.

In reality, Dean Ambrose might be the safest choice for WWE creative, despite his Lunatic Fringe character. He shines in almost any feud, and fans absolutely love him. For that reason, putting the belt on him makes all the sense in the world.

For some reason, though, WWE didn’t pull the trigger on Ambrose even after hearing the fan reaction when he appeared to win it at Elimination Chamber. A victory for Dean can’t be ruled out, but neither can a heel turn or some other story surprise.

Championship Odds: HIGH

#2 Sheamus

Sheamus won the Money in the Bank briefcase earlier this year.

Sheamus has already surprised the world once this year when he won the Money in the Bank briefcase after Bray Wyatt destroyed Roman Reigns’ chances to win that match. Since then, fans have had to keep him in the back of their mind any time the world title belt made an appearance.

Sunday is no different, and with no existing champion to consider, it would seem like a prime spot to have him cash in. The only issue would be whether or not fans would accept him as new champion at this tricky juncture.

Championship Odds: HIGH

#1 Roman Reigns

Roman Reigns was already set for a world title match at Survivor Series before Rollins’ injury.

Love him or hate him, fans have to realize that Roman Reigns has been destined for a title reign ever since The Shield broke up last June.

He’s had his chances, but none have felt as clear for him to win the belt as Survivor Series, even before Seth Rollins went down, when Reigns won another tournament to become No. 1 contender.

Now, the booking and storyline suggest that Reigns will get his hands on the title Sunday, with the only real drama being whether or not a cash-in or heel turn cause him to come up short again.

Championship Odds: VERY HIGH