5 wrestlers who need 2015 to end now

The feud that dragged along for way to longThere is a term in sports known as “No Man’s Land” which is the state where a wrestler has no place to turn and is stuck in the moment.For whatever reason, the star has become slightly dimmer or they are in the dog house with corporate (see Rusev).They may have won titles before, stood on top of the mountain and even teased fans with their brilliance, but in the end, they may have peaked too soon or never reached their full potential. Sometimes, a new character, a new role or even a new year is all they need.For these wrestlers, they cannot get out of 2015 soon enough and pray 2016 is only a moment away.

#1 Stardust

You can’t question Stardust’s dedication for his gimmick, but is it worth it?

The younger of the two Rhodes sons is a solid performer. His Stardust gimmick is just that – gimmicky. And if he were in the 1980s, he would fit right in with Vince McMahon’s host of cartoonish characters.

To say Stardust is a wrestler on an island is being kind. He needs a life raft or better yet, to be packaged much like his brother – Goldust – was in the 1990s. His potential might be bigger than his older brother, but for now, he is not being booked the way he should be.

Say what you will, the idea of making Cody Rhodes the heir apparent to his brother might have been a wrong move by creative. Rhodes is a two-time Intercontinental Champion and a six-time tag team champion (three World Tag Team Championships and three WWE Tag Team Championships.

His talent is being wasted. Does he ever turn the corner, sees the error of his way and becomes a fan favorite again, or is he destined to live in the time warp of days go by where he will never be considered a serious title contender?

#2 Wade Barrett

I’ve got some bad news for you and every other Barrett fan.

He isn’t getting out of this doghouse anytime soon.

When Barrett came to WWE from NXT as the leader of The Nexus, he was the bully in the schoolyard who was dominating John Cena and every member of the company roster. Injuries have derailed any chance he had of being a WWE World Champion, because if he was healthy, he would have already won the title a few times over.

Barrett is a classic brawler who reminds me a lot of Ole Anderson. He is no-nonsense and he can beat the hell out of any opponent. Right now, he is nothing more than a jobber who once held the Intercontinental Title.

What happens in 2016 is anyone’s guess, but realistically, I’d like to see him move over the tag team division with Sheamus where they just beat the living hell out of their opponents. This is one of those cases where a move like this helps his career. If not, it could be a while before we see him really make a move up the company food chain.

#3 Dolph Ziggler

With Ziggler, you know what you are going to get in the ring. He is one of the most consistent performers on the roster and is a threat to grab any title on the board.

It’s how the company has booked the former world champion that is such an issue.

In a perfect world, Ziggler is the perfect opponent for Alberto Del Rio or Kevin Owens. He is also a good bet to be cast in another awful story line that ends badly and hurts his credibility as a performer.

Like we have talked about in the past, everything Ziggler does has a purpose and he sells for his opponents like few do in WWE. I also believe if given a chance, he could still be a WWE World Title contender, but it seems like that ship has sailed. Too bad, because the company does know a thing or two about burying talent.

Let’s see what happens the final two pay-per-view events and how they book him, especially since he was so instrumental in the storyline at HIAC with John Cena last year. Nothing like that will take place this year, but here is hoping he will not remain a jobber or caught in six-man tag matches for much longer.

#4 Daniel Bryan

Oh, we could all use a bit of the “YES!” movement right about now.

As John Cena departed, I held out a glimmer of hope that the man with the beard would come out of the back and assume the role the former US Champion held until Roman Reigns was ready to grab the lead.

It did never happened. When Bryan returns is anyone’s guess, but if you all think it will be another situation where he turns and wins the Royal Rumble, I have two words for you… No Way. Bryan’s injury concerns are just that and even if he returns to the ring, will he be the same wrestler he was before the injuries mounted?

Does the company want to try and invest time with a title program that could lead to another injury and more down time? That would not be fair to either Bryan or WWE or the fans. If he comes back and is healthy, does Bryan do better in the mid-card, fighting the likes of Sheamus, Cesaro and Kevin Owens?

I hope a new year will bring back the old Bryan because WWE could sure use him right now.

#5 Any Divas other than Charlotte

It was supposed to be the biggest story of 2015. The women of WWE were supposed to get the respect they deserved.

The Bella’s stronghold on the division was supposed to be crushed and a new generation superstars born.

Well, part of it happened – but by doing so, Charlotte has become the focal point of this “Revolution” while Becky Lynch and Sasha Banks aren’t getting the love they deserve. Charlotte and Paige are so vital to the storyline right now, it is a shame that talent like these women is being wasted.

And I mean wasted.

Does a new year mean there will be new opportunity for the nine other major players in the Divas ranks? Maybe, but it could also mean more of the same. Fans accept the notion everything will revolve around Ric Flair’s daughter (as it should be) but when will we see more singles competition on the pro level and not just in NXT?

Don’t forget at some point, Bayley will make her WWE appearance and then all hell could really break loose. That might be what is best for this division in the long run.

How did Ric Flair spend $1500 at a pizza place? More details here