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Vince McMahon still knows a thing or two about writing a wrestling program that works. Monday night’s RAW program was proof that the creative genius and owner of WWE needs to become more involved in plot lines, story building and creating an environment that keeps fans in the seats and glued to the television.In one of the final Monday night shows of the year, McMahon did the unthinkable by challenging Monday Night Football with of all things a WWE World Title change. Leave it to McMahon to push all the right buttons, feed off the Philadelphia crowd and do what is best for business by putting Reigns over as the new face of the company that was built on change when Hulk Hogan replaced Bob Backlund as the company champion over 30 years ago.The fact Reigns was able to get over with the fans in Philadelphia, the same town that booed his Royal Rumble victory 12 months ago is nothing short of a miracle.Now, with Reigns as the lead dog and his best friend Dean Ambrose as the Intercontinental Champion, look for McMahon to keep his foot on the accelerator heading into the Royal Rumble in six weeks and on the road to WrestleMania 32 in Dallas.Sheamus and his cronies in the League of Nations should have something to say about Reigns and how he disposed of the faction Monday night. Who becomes the next challenger to Reigns and his new found title is the next step in the process of building the perfect beast.Here is a list of contenders who could make things interesting over the next four months.
#1 Dean Ambrose
This is the penultimate dream scenario for fans and the wrestling world.
In order for it to happen, a few things have to take place. The brotherhood or bromance has to end with these two superstars. Ambrose would have to turn heel. The story would have to build where the “turn” needs to happen right after Royal Rumble and after Ambrose wins the right to go to the main event at WrestleMania 32.
It’s not as dramatic as other heel turns and friendship turns, but it could be done in such a way that the fans get behind both favorites.
It could also be a situation where both babyfaces face off in an epic three-match series.
#2 John Cena
My money is on Cena to win the Royal Rumble and build the eventual confrontation between the past and present face of the company with the future – as McMahon wants it.
There are so many subplots that can be played with this storyline, the most notable would be the 16th title reign for Cena, which would tie Ric Flair for the most title runs ever in the business.
A storyline involving Flair would be a nice touch, especially since he has been quoted as saying he supports Cena tying and possibly breaking his record.
Flair has also praised Reigns as his “main man” on several occasions.
#3 Brock Lesnar
The fact the two did not finish their business at WrestleMania last season because Seth Rollins cashed his Money in the Bank contract is a storyline to follow.
Somehow, I do not see Lesnar and Reigns locking it up again in the ring, especially since there are rumors about a program for the Beast Incarnate with Alberto Del Rio for the United States Title.
At some point, WWE should consider another script where Lesnar seeks to get revenge and claim a title he never lost in the first place.
#4 Kevin Owens
He just lost the Intercontinental Title, but that does not mean Owens should be eliminated from title consideration. The current program between Owens and Ambrose could be one of the better feuds in 2016, but it cannot last forever.
Owens ability and agility versus Reigns power and intensity is a battle fans would get behind and split their support behind both future superstars.
Given the fact Owens has worked well in high profile matches since coming up from NXT makes him a solid opponent for Reigns coming out of the gate.RT
#5 Triple H
There is always the theory that the current champion should face his boss after the beating Triple H took at TLC. This was a program that had been rumored to take place between Seth Rollins and Triple H when the former champion left the Authority.
We all know how that fell apart.
Triple H has been involved in the last two WrestleMania events and fared well against Daniel Bryan and then against Sting. If the company sticks to form and follows the storyline, then Triple H is a solid opponent for Reigns at the Royal Rumble.
