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WWE announced the first ever one-night only 8-man tournament titled WWE World Cup to determine the best superstar in the world. The 8 men scheduled to compete in the tournament are- John Cena, WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle, The Miz, Intercontinental Champion Seth Rollins, RAW Tag team champion Dolph Ziggler, Rey Mysterio, Randy Orton and Jeff Hardy.
While the company confirmed John Cena's entry via a video segment, the other participants won their respective qualifiers on RAW and SmackDown Live episodes. Initially, the fans speculated that the World Cup might be an event where international superstars would compete against each other. However, out of the 8 participants, 7 are Americans which has left a sour taste in the mouth of the WWE Universe.
Despite giving preference to the American competitors, the WWE Creative have booked themselves in a corner by announcing so many legends of the past and present in a tournament. This draw could have been way better if it had the following changes-
#1 Should've been in the World Cup -Finn Balor
The extraordinary man who does extraordinary has received less than ordinary booking from the WWE Creative. Crowned the first ever Universal Champion of the company, Finn Balor's career had been derailed due to an unfortunate shoulder injury.
Ever since his return on the night after WWE WrestleMania 33, fans have been waiting for Finn Balor to recapture the title he never lost. However, WWE have booked him in a weak manner by having him take part in meaningless and filler feuds.
Balor has proven himself repeatedly in his matches against AJ Styles, The Miz, Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns. His demon king gimmick is still undefeated in the main roster and one of the most protected ones in the company.
Balor is currently fighting with the irrelevant Jinder Mahal on RAW in filler matches. He wasn't a part of any WWE World Cup qualifiers as the writers completely ignored him. The Irish superstar would have brought the much needed international flavor in the World Cup.
#1 Should've not - Intercontinental Champion Seth Rollins
Seth Rollins' first reign as the Intercontinental Champion was one of the most memorable title reigns in recent times. His ever readiness to defend the title raised the prestige and relevance of the IC title.
He lost the championship to Dolph Ziggler on an episode of RAW to kick off a blockbuster feud for the title. But after the feud culminated with Rollins emerging as the winner, the WWE Creative team altogether ignored the Intercontinental Champion.
There's a plethora of mid card talent being wasted on RAW in the form of Elias, Bobby Lashley, Jinder Mahal, Finn Balor to name a few who would do much justice to the title.
The WWE Universe expected the Kingslayer to defend his title at WWE Crown Jewel. However, the Creative team have booked him to take part in the World Cup.
#2 Should've been - Andrade Cien Almas
Andrade "Cien" Almas not long ago was considered the next big heel in the company. His in-ring performances and the mic work of Zelina Vega empowered El Idolo to the top of the blue brand's mid-card.
However, the Mexican superstar wasn't a part of WWE Super Show Down in Melbourne, Australia and has been absent from the WWE programming for a long time.
He deserved to be a part of the WWE World Cup as it would have given him the exposure and in-ring time he needs. Andrade "Cien" Almas wasn't even a part of the qualifiers on SmackDown Live.
With Rey Mysterio entering the US title picture and AJ Styles and Daniel Bryan involved in a feud for the WWE Championship, Almas may find it difficult to make it to WWE Crown Jewel.
#2 Should've not - Dolph Ziggler
One half of the RAW Tag team champions, Dolph Ziggler qualified for the WWE World Cup after defeating Dean Ambrose in a qualifier on RAW. However, this would leave Drew McIntyre without a meaningful match on the card as his partner would take part in the WWE World Cup.
WWE had teased a future feud between Braun Strowman and Drew McIntyre on the latest episode of the flagship show.
The best thing that the WWE Creative can do here is to add the Scottish Psychopath to the triple threat Universal Championship Match at WWE Crown Jewel and gift the fans a spectacle. Not only all the 4 superstars would blow the arena's roof down, it would help in increasing the prestige of the Universal Championship.
However, that seems unlikely as a RAW Tag team championship defense would have been the ideal way to book Ziggler and McIntyre.
Do you think the WWE World Cup would be better if the above changes are made? Share your views in the comments box below.
