Rob Van Dam was one of the most popular wrestlers from 2001-2004 – so much that he got cheered by the WWE Universe while competing as a heel against the likes of Jeff Hardy and later the likes of Stone Cold Steve Austin.
But the WWE Creative never chose to cash in on Van Dam’s popularity during that time period and the opportunity to make him the next breakout main event star was lost. Van Dam did win the world title in 2006, but the reign was short lived and even though still popular, he was not on the popularity wave as he was during 01-04.
Van Dam remains a classic case of the WWE Creative failing to strike the rod when it is hot – so who are the current WWE Superstars who should be a Champion right now and are pushed back by the company??
P.S: This list takes a look at each title in the WWE and who are the best candidates for the same.
1. Sasha Banks – Women's’ Champion
Was Wrestlemania not a missed opportunity to elevate Sasha Banks??? The fans have been rooting for her to win the Divas title ever since she made her WWE debut and when The Boss had Snoop Dogg accompany her to the ring, everyone assumed that she would be walking out of Texas with the title.
However,that did not happen and now Charlotte finds herself defending her title in a feud with the suddenly relevant Natalya.
Will Sasha once again have such a great moment to win the title?? She might be the one to beat Charlotte after all, but after the months of anticipation, the victory should have come at ‘Mania!!
2. Cesaro – Intercontinental Champion
A number of superstars can have claims to become Intercontinental champion, but nobody needs it as much as Cesaro. Despite being hugely popular, Cesaro has never won a title as a baby face in the WWE and now is the time to set the record straight.
The Miz is a great worker and the fact that he has managed to remain relevant five years away from his WWE title reign with various gimmick tweaks is certainly admirable. While The Miz is indeed a great heel champion, Cesaro needs a singles title now.
Else, Cesaro might be the next one joining Dolph Ziggler on the ice cold superstars list soon enough.
3. Alberto Del Rio – United States Champion
Ever since his triumphant return to the WWE after getting fired from the company for standing up to a racist colleague, Alberto Del Rio has displayed a more vicious side to his character. Gone are the smiles and the big car entrances, Del Rio has become a quieter and more serious heel – with a great physique to boot.
Having won the US title by beating John Cena in the US Open challenge was a huge step for Del Rio and even losing the title to a then red-hot Kalisto wasn’t such a letdown, considering the fact that the League of Nations seemed destined for big things.
But the stable has floundered and seems to have finally broken up. It was quite clear that Del Rio was the most charismatic of the quartet of Sheamus, Barret and Rusev and playing second fiddle to the Celtic warrior wasn’t ideal for Del Rio.
Since he has a chance to go solo again, he should have a title on his waist again – and the US title seems to be the best bet. Kalisto’s push has waned and there is no logical explanation for a bland Ryback to win the title. It should be Del Rio’s.
4.The Dudley Boyz
This might be a controversial option, considering how popular the New Day are as tag team champions. But the return of the Dudleys to the WWE was treated with great fanfare and even though they have floundered as of late, with the confusing and inconsistent ‘No more tables’ campaign, it remains true that fans still want to see the Dudleys win the tag titles once again.
The Vaudevillains and the team of Enzo & Cass might be the new teams on the block and the Usos and Los Matadores have faded away, but a face Dudley Boyz winning the tag team titles will surely result in a great pop, especially if it is in a tables match.
Dudleys need the tag team title win before the novelty of their return wears thin on the fans.
1. Dean Ambrose – WWE World Heavyweight Champion
I was torn between awarding this to Ambrose or Kevin Owens, but Ambrose gets the nod as he has been on the roster longer and has been in PPV WWE Championship matches multiple times.
Ambrose was the only member of the Shield showing heel tendencies while the trio teamed together and it was unfathomable to think then he alone would remain without a WWE World heavyweight title win following their split. However, Ambrose has shown great resilience to remain relevant in the company and have more than a sniff at the World title too.
He is the most popular of the trio and the fans have been begging for him to be given a chance with the title. The chants may be falling on deaf ears, but Ambrose cannot continue not to win the big matches and still expect to be relevant in the eyes of the WWE Universe.
The WWE Creative needs to give the title to Ambrose – and it would be ripe for an Ambrose vs Reigns feud to happen for the first time ever during the course of the same.
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