Which mega stars could surprise us at Survivor Series

The go-to guy in the moment of crisisWhat in the world will WWE do now that the Survivor Series has lost what little luster it had before Seth Rollins tore his knee all to hell?We all know what the outcome will be in Atlanta, with Roman Reigns walking out as champion, no matter how the creative team tries to write a compelling finish to a storyline that had been gaining steam the past month.Ideally, this would have been the changing of the guard and the creation of another storyline involving all three former Shield members. WWE had finally gotten its legs back on writing a script that made sense. Who doesn’t love an angle where former band members turn on each other?Ratings might be down right now, but an angle with Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins rocks any arena’s roof off.What does WWE do? Who picks up the crumbled pieces? There is no star power with this event. The McMahon’s counted on Rollins – not just for the upcoming pay-per-view, but because he has worked himself into a poor man’s Shawn Michaels, there was a chance for 2016 to become a continuation of a very solid 2015.Who bails this company out and saves the day? Which veteran can get the pop Rollins has gotten that is not named John Cena.It is said that there is a belief big names will need to come to the company’s rescue to save this event – one that needs something more than the traditional Survivors Series match. Will there be a surprise or two now that WWE knows what it isn’t working with? Possibly.Here are the names of some heavy hitters the company could look to save this event. This is conjecture and nothing is confirmed. A wrestling fan can dream, can’t he?

#1 Brock Lesnar

This makes the most sense for several reasons, most notably because he just ended a white-hot program with Undertaker and could save WWE from itself.

Lesnar is the larger than life character the company could use right now. What if he comes to Undertaker’s aid wouldn’t only be epic, it would burn down Atlanta. The best thing about Lesnar coming to Atlanta is when you have The Beast Incarnate, you get Paul Heyman as well.

And we all know, Heyman is must see television. In this case, it’s must-see pay-per-view. Brock Lesnar saving WWE is a storyline that could do well for ratings. Everyone wants to take a trip to Suplex City and see who the next victim is.

#2 John Cena

I am sure there was a phone call placed to Cena once the company learned of the Rollins injury. Cena may not be able to return to the company yet because of his obligations to is current project.

Who knows how that conversation went and if it went well.

Cena has been the glue that has held WWE together and this time would be no different. But don’t expect him back anytime sooner than the middle of December.

When he does return, out of necessity, Cena should be elevated to the main event and could challenge Roman Reigns for his belt. Should there be a swerve and it is not Reigns who walks out of Phillips Arena with the strap, then Cena comes back as a top contender for whoever that is.

The only problem I see with this might be a backlash from the fans if Vince McMahon and company ask Cena to bail them out again. First, he cannot do it on his own this time.

Second, we have already seen this play out before. There is going to be a time when Cena will not be enough to change the fortunes of the company. This might actually be the time.

#3 Daniel Bryan

It’s high time Bryan makes his much anticipated return

Daniel Bryan cannot save WWE on his own, nor should he be asked to do so. But a return to action would go a long way toward solving the issues of viable face characters where the numbers are dwindling.

Bryan’s injury history has to be of great concern to everyone involved. But if he is healthy and can perform at a high level, then he will be welcomed with open arms. WWE needs Bryan, just like it needs Cena and Orton. My only concern is that his injuries will ground him and force him to slow down a bit – which means he will not be as effective in the ring.

The fans would eat it up if he came back and joined The Undertaker and Kane. Finally, a step in the right direction. Whether Bryan becomes a player in the main event picture can determine on a match-by-match basis.

#4 Sting

This is one move I think happens at the event. After Night of Champions, we all talked about how Sting’s injury from his match with Seth Rollins could be career ending.

Now, there is speculation he could get in the Survivor Series match. An epic event seeing Sting and Undertaker in the ring together, this time as teammates, not foes.

If it is true Sting’s injuries are healed and he can get in the ring, then this probably happens. How effective will he be and he effective are three wrestlers (include Kane) pushing middle age and the downside of their careers against the Wyatt’s.

Sting made a living out of defending the honor of both WCW and TNA and could do the same thing here. That takes the pressure off Cena, but it also creates the same kind of storyline fans have seen over and over again. Do they really want to see that kind of plot play out?

Who knows, but it will be something awesome to watch.

#5 Stone Cold Steve Austin

There is nothing to see here. Not happening. Move on.

Austin has gotten a lot of air time of late on the WWE Network with his podcasts. There has been mention of him appearing at WrestleMania 32 and there has been talk of a match with Brock Lesnar. I say all of that is hogwash.

Austin will never close the door on returning to the ring. The great ones never do. But he is more effective as a voice of reason for the company than he is as a performer in the ring.

If Austin somehow is used in a general manager’s role or even on commentary (kick Byron Saxton’s ass) – it would be better than what the company already has in place.

#6 The Rock

If you smell what The Rock isn’t cooking? What’s his role? How would he fit in a traditional Survivor Series match? Does it make sense to have him show up, save the pay-per-view and then leave again? Probably not.

Here’s the issue with Rock coming back – there has to be a real purpose. Asking him to come and bail the Undertaker out would be disrespectful to the Dead Man. It does not lead to anything, and I am not sure fans want to see a potential Rock/Undertaker confrontation.

An angle with Triple H and possibly Ronda Rousey makes more sense and should happen in Dallas in April. Then and only then can we all smell what the Rock is cooking.

This will not happen.

#7 CM Punk

There are zero chances of a Punk return; but what the heck – never say never.

The shock of all shocks would be if Punk came out of nowhere and came to Undertaker’s aid. WOW!

There is no chance in hell of this happening, as we all know. But in the spirit of the mega surprise. I could not resist.

Punk is entrenched in MMA and his new career. His departure is still a sticking point and the drama it created for the company. His exodus plus the sudden retirement of his wife AJ Lee have created a void that has not been filled and probably won’t for some time.

No doubt a return by the “Second City Saint” would create a buzz bigger than any other return by a WWE superstar. But we also know the writing on the wall. This is certainly not happening.

CM Punk isn’t coming back to professional wrestling.