Dolph Ziggler made news on Smackdown Live this week when he laid out an open challenge to the entire Raw roster, for the Intercontinental Championship that he now holds, at Survivor Series in 3 weeks.
Not only is this a great development in the Miz-Ziggler rivalry; it also enhances the whole brand war storyline that WWE is trying to build at the moment. We are curious to see who will step up to the plate from the red brand, and take Dolph on, in our first inter-brand championship battle since the roster split. But let’s lay some ground rules here before we make our picks.
WWE is almost certainly not going to repeat anyone who’s part of their Survivor Series teams in either the Tag Team or Singles divisions, so let’s rule them out for now. While Seth Rollins hasn’t been picked as the 5th member of The Survivor Series singles team, he’s most likely to be chosen, so let’s rule him out.
Same with Big Cass, who’s likely to team up with Enzo in the Tag Squad. These are the top 5 contenders who could challenge Dolph Ziggler at Survivor Series, for the IC title:
Notable mention: Cesaro/Sheamus
This was exactly the kind of break that both Cesaro and Sheamus needed. However, considering how weak the Tag Team Division on Raw is, outside of The New Day, Enzo & Cass and The Club; we predict that this twosome will be part of the Survivor Series tag team lineup. Alas! But still, let’s move on with our picks. Read on.
#5 Bo Dallas
What’s the best way to make someone look dominant? Book them in a match with the master of selling- Dolph Ziggler. Considering how much of a push, Bo Dallas has received since his goofball, motivational speaker gimmick was shelved for good, we are certain that WWE has plans for him.
While he’s the most unlikely of the names that we’ve chosen in this list, he’s working heel right now and this is a perfect opportunity for him to ascend the card. If Dallas is booked in a singles contest with Ziggler, the former NXT Champion would also get the opportunity that he’s been lacking so far. Does WWE Bo-Lieve in Bo? We’ll know in just 3 weeks.
#4 Neville
From one former NXT Champion to another! Neville is a star who can do things in the ring, that are thought humanly impossible by most. However, he’s not been in an active program for a while now. This is baffling especially considering that there’s a Cruiserweight Division in the show, that is full of talent who aren’t getting over.
So why has Neville been kept from joining the division, when others like Sin Cara have moved? The answer is maybe WWE has this angle in mind, to bolster the current mid card. In any case, we are rooting for the dude.
#3 Sami Zayn
Let the following facts sink in, before you react to this choice. Zayn stole the show on Wrestlemania weekend, in a contest against the debuting Shinsuke Nakamura. And then at the actual show too, in the IC Title multi-man ladder match. Thereafter, he put on incredible contests against Kevin Owens, Cesaro And The Miz.
Yet, he finds himself languishing in the mid-card, while his own arch rival Kevin Owens has ascended to the top of the Raw roster, currently. Every single time he makes his way to the ring, Zayn is not only over with the crowd, he also puts on a show to remember. Who better to challenge a performer like Ziggler in his native country of Canada?
Considering he’s the local there, he’s certain to drown in a chorus of ‘Ole Ole’ chants. What a match that will be.
#2 Big E
Sure, The New Day is definitely confirmed for The Survivor Series Tag Team match. But let’s tell you a story. When Triple H was pushing for Roman Reigns to be the next top guy, Vince McMahon wanted Big E to take his spot.
Even without repeating members, New Day can still participate in both matches. This will be quite a contest between two men who know each other very well indeed.
It’s certain that The New Day will lose their championships after they break Demolition’s record. Furthermore, we’re certain Vince has big plans for the man. One idea could be to make him your
#1 Rusev
Rusev is the perfect foreign heel. The Bulgarian Brute even got a– ‘let’s go Rusev, Rusev sucks’ chant going during his Hell in a Cell match last weekend. While he did have a rivalry with Dolph Ziggler that is best forgotten, this match could be a fresh start for their rebooted careers.
After Rusev’s lengthy US Championship reign, and subsequent program with Roman Reigns, where he lost the title, he currently has nothing to do at the moment (except get beaten up by Goldberg). We’re sure the two men ie. Ziggler and Rusev will put on a modern day classic if given the opportunity, on the right stage.
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