'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Roman Reigns burst onto the scene with a Superman punch and a signature snarl, a howling Samoan madman who, along with his Shield brothers, would smash anyone and anything in his way in the WWE.
Then the Shield disbanded, as many knew it eventually would, and the three men went their separate ways. Roman Reigns was positioned in the enviable role as the WWE's next John Cena; A tough, no-nonsense good guy who always battled through and won, no matter what the odds.
Only Sportskeeda gives you the latest Wrestling News, rumors and updates.
For whatever reason--speculations have been many -- Roman Reigns hasn't quite clicked in this role. It begs the question, if WWE does decide to put someone else in the top babyface position, who would it be?
Here are ten men who might replace Roman Reigns as the top challenger on Raw.
#1 Kevin Owens
The former ROH alum had a legion of fans behind him when he first debuted in WWE. He has recently been placed in a comedy act with real-life friend Sammi Zayne, but Owens is a singles wrestler first and foremost, and that is where he shines.
If you see AJ Styles's match with Brock Lesnar, you will see that certain wrestlers can bring out good performances from the Beast. Like AJ, K.O. has the wrestling chops to make a main event title match worth watching.
#2 Jinder Mahal
Jinder Mahal reminds us of two of the James Bond films...Never Say Never Again and You only Live Twice.
Many believed that Jinder Mahal would never hold a world title, and yet he did just that. Then there's the fact that this is his second go around in the WWE, with the last ending with the humiliating 3MB gimmick.
Jinder is a leaner, meaner stack of muscle than he was on his first run, so there's nothing that says he couldn't be the one to be the top guy on Raw.
#3 Bobby Roode
Bobby Roode was once figured as a long shot to ever join WWE, but then he arrived with great pomp and circumstance.
His technical wrestling ability, a wealth of experience, and unbridled charisma make him a logical choice for the top spot if WWE does decide to replace Reigns in that role.
#4 Dolph Ziggler
Will he or won't he? That's the question being asked of Dolph Ziggler, as in will he sign a new WWE contract.
The hardest working man in Sports Entertainment has dazzling agility, top-notch wrestling skills, and tons of charisma. If WWE wants a draw that can generate heat AND wrestle, they need look no further than Dolph Ziggler...if they can convince him to stay, that is.
#5 Drew McIntyre
Several years ago, Vince McMahon himself stood in the ring with Drew McIntyre on his debut and guaranteed that one day Drew would be world heavyweight champion.
It was a bold declaration and seemed like folly after Drew fizzled and wound up first being a comedy character, and then released.
But Drew McIntyre didn't become discouraged. He worked hard on his physique and wrestling skills and made a name for himself elsewhere. After re-signing with WWE he quickly captured the NXT title before injury derailed his momentum. Now that he's healed and on RAW, the WWE might be ready to throw their weight behind him as the number one guy on the show.
#6 Finn Balor
The chiseled high flying technical whiz was the first Universal champion, and despite injuries and talent re-shuffling he still wound up on the 'main' brand of Raw.
Finn is a great wrestler and has legions of fans. If the WWE wants to push an athlete into the top position and have guaranteed success, they should look no further than Balor.
#7 Braun Strowman
WWE management didn't know what they were getting when they signed Braun Strowman. Initially, they wished to use him in a gatekeeper role, much like Kane has done for years. A gatekeeper is a wrestler who is booked strongly but never in the world title picture who mid carders have to 'beat' in order to be elevated to the main event.
However, Braun Strowman did the impossible and got over with the crowd, who love their big, hairy, violent giant. If WWE pushed Braun to the top of the card he might be a good replacement for Reigns.
#8 Matt Hardy
Matt Hardy is a creative genius. He successfully re-invigorated his career when many thought he was on his way out of the business, and did so in grand style. His innovations have been imitated, but never duplicated.
Though Hardy is definitely in the position where more years are behind in his career than ahead, he could still have a decent run or two as the top guy left in him. His surging popularity and unique persona would be a refreshing change of pace from the 'never give up' guys like John Cena and Roman Reigns.
#9 Bobby Lashley
The powerful MMA fighter and amateur wrestler stepped away from WWE for a number of years, but now that he's returned people are already talking about a dream match against Brock Lesnar.
Lashley has been the top guy for TNA/GFW in the past, so he is familiar with the role. However, in spite of his athletic acumen he's not the greatest presence on the microphone, so WWE may want to assign him a manager (Paul Heyman?) if they want to make him the top guy instead of Reigns.
#10 Leakee
Before he was the whitewashed character Roman Reigns, he was Leakee, a proud Samoan warrior who boldly displayed his culture and tattoos.
If fans don't respond to Roman Reigns, it may be because he's portraying a watered down character instead of one that embraces his roots and ancestry. Leakee's colorful garb and personable demeanor would perhaps resonate with fans better than the drab black tactical garb and snarls.
There you have it: Ten men who might just be able to claim Roman Reign's spot as the top guy on Raw. Please be sure to comment and let us know who you think should be the top guy.
