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WWE has announced a 'WWE World Cup' to take place in their Crown Jewel event in Saudi Arabia. Now WWE will pretend like they are the first promotion to ever do something like this although WCPW, the now Defiant Wrestling, did it back in 2017. However, with WWE producing a tournament of this stature a lot more eyes will be focused towards it.
Nothing has been announced about the tournament. Whether it will start weeks prior to the event with the final few matches taking place at the event itself or if the entire tournament will take place in one night. Hopefully they stretch it out so that superstars can represent the maximum number of countries on their quest to become 'The Best in the World'.
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Given WWE's massive roster at this moment, which some consider to be the greatest Wrestling roster in history, several countries can make their mark in the tournament. Let us take a look at all the countries that can be represented by the current superstars in WWE.
#1 Albania - Rezar
Before joining the WWE, Rezar was a Mixed Martial Artist fighting for promotions such as Bellator MMA and Bamma UK. Back then he was known as 'The Albanian Psycho'. Rezar was born in the Netherlands but is a Kosovo Albanian by ethnicity. He became a professional kickboxer at the age of 15 and soon ventured into MMA.
Rezar joined WWE and was assigned to its developmental territory NXT in 2015. He was signed by William Regal after a successful try out in Dubai. He was teamed with Akam and they formed the Authors of Pain. Under the guidance of Paul Ellering the duo became one of the most successful tag teams in NXT history. They won the Dusty Rhodes tag team Classic once and are also former NXT Tag Team Champions.
Currently they are on the Raw roster and were recently paired with new manager Drake Maverick. Their Raw career hasn't really kicked off but they can get some more exposure if Rezar was to compete in the World Cup with Akam in his corner.
#2 Iran - Ariya Daivari
Ariya Daivari is an American-Iranian professional wrestler. Although he was born and brought up in America, he has been billed from Tehran, Iran his entire WWE career. He even represented Iran in WWE's Cruiserweight Classic back in 2016. Considering his history with the company, he can very well represent Iran in the World Cup.
Daivari performed across the United States independent circuit before joining WWE in 2016 after participating in the Cruiserweight Classic. Unfortunately he was eliminated in the first round by Ho Ho Lun. He then made his debut on Raw as part of the Cruiserweight Division. He has been a regular part of 205 Live since then even joining Enzo Amore's Zo Train for a while before Enzo was fired from the WWE.
Currently sidelined due to an unspecified injury, Daivari might be fit enough to return in time for the World Cup. He can provide more diversity as very few Asian countries will be represented in the tournament.
#3 Dominican Republic - No Way Jose
Born in the Dominican Republic, No Way Jose became the first Dominican wrestler to perform for the WWE. He began his career in independent promotions such as CWF-Mid Atlantic and OMEGA Championship Wrestling. His gimmicks always revolved around his Dominian origins.
Jose was signed by WWE in 2015 and made his NXT debut in mid 2016. He was quite a popular baby face in NXT and was even involved in some high profile feuds. He got called up to the main roster after Wrestlemania 34 but hasn't been able to replicate his NXT success ever since.
He can mount a career revival by participating in the World Cup although it is unlikely he will go much far in the tournament when the time comes.
#4 Netherlands - Aleister Black
Aleister Black is WWE's only Dutch superstar today. The former Tommy End had a successful career in the UK independent circuit. He has won several Championships as well including the Progress and ICW Tag Team Championships.
Black was signed by WWE in 2016 and he made his debut as a mysterious character who rarely spoke. He was an instant hit with the crowd and had an amazing feud against Velveteen Dream. He won the NXT Championship from Andrade Cien Almas and eventually lost it to Tomasso Ciampa earlier this year. He got injured before he could get his rematch.
Black recently returned from his injury and participation in the World Cup alongside a NXT Championship rematch can really do wonders for his career.
#5 Scotland - Drew McIntyre
The Scottish Psychopath Drew McIntyre is one of Raw's top talents today. He is also one of the only Scottish Superstars in WWE. He began his career in the UK independent circuit before being signed by WWE. His initial run saw him become the Intercontinental Championship but eventually he faded into obscurity and soon left WWE.
He returned to the Independent Circuit and using a new name of Drew Galloway became one of the biggest stars in the Independent Scene. He returned to WWE in 2017 and soon became the first Scottish NXT Champion in history. He debuted on the main roster again after Wrestlemania 34 and is one half of the current Raw Tag Team Champions.
McIntyre is one of the only Scottish superstars in WWE today. His participation will certainly add a lot to World Cup and he might even become a serious contender to win the entire thing. He certainly has a monster push incoming and a win in the World Cup is the best way to do it.
#6 India - Jinder Mahal
First things first, Jinder Mahal is Canadian. He is of Indian origin but he was born and bred in Canada. That didn't stop WWE from using him as India's biggest star in mid 2016. The former WWE Champion has been billed from India in his entire WWE career and if he is to participate in the World Cup, he will surely represent India.
Mahal has had two runs with WWE. In his first run he was nothing more than a jobber but in his second run he reached the top of the WWE card. As an experiment to branch into India, WWE put their top Championship on Mahal. Mahal held the Championship for quite a few months and finally dropped it. He also became the US Champion afterwards winning the title at WrestleMania 34.
Mahal will be a good addition to the World Cup as India is a big market for the WWE and a representative will gather a lot more viewers and interest from the subcontinent. He won't win the thing but can have some of the spotlight.
#7 Pakistan - Mustafa Ali
Much like Jinder Mahal, Mustafa Ali is an American Wrestler who is of Pakistani descent. WWE had him represent Pakistan in the Cruiserweight Classic as well and could very well have him represent Pakistan again at the World Cup. He currently wrestles on 205 Live and is one of the biggest star on the brand.
Ali was signed to WWE in 2016 and he participated in the Cruiserweight Classic. He was brought in as a last moment replacement and got eliminated in the first round by Lince Dorado. He moved on to the Cruiserweight Division on Raw where he immediately won over the crowd with his amazing moves. For his efforts, he got a WrestleMania match at WM34 against Cedric Alexander for the Cruiserweight Championship.
Ali can have some amazing matches in the World Cup against superstars from NXT or the Main Roster. His addition will bring a high flying style of action into the tournament..
#8 Germany - Alexander Wolfe
Alexander Wolfe is WWE's only German superstar today. He is one part of Sanity on SmackDown Live. Wolfe had a successful independent career working in promotions like wXw where he had main event feuds with the likes of Sami Zayn and Aleister Black.
Wolfe was signed by WWE in 2015. He joined Sanity a while after that. At TakeOver Brooklyn III, Wolfe became the first ever German champion in WWE history. He and his stable mate Eric Young won the NXT Tag team Championships from Authors of Pain. Sanity was called up to the main roster after WrestleMania 34 and they currently perform on the SmackDown brand.
An important country like Germany should be represented in the World Cup and considering Wolfe is the only person who is of that nation, he should be the one doing it.
#9 Philippines - TJ Perkins
Again, TJ Perkins is American by birth. But WWE has had him represent Philippines in the Cruiserweight Classic. He was a very successful independent wrestler and had success in TNA as well. He was finally picked up by WWE in 2016.
TJP performed in the Cruiserweight Classic and surprisingly won the inaugural edition of the tournament defeating Gran Metalik in the grand finals. He became the inaugural Cruiserweight Champion by doing so and became the Cruiserweight Division's first champion on Raw. But he would fade into obscurity once he lost the title.
A participation in the World Cup can rejuvenate his career as he can play off of the fact that he has won a big tournament before.
#10 Switzerland - Cesaro
The Swiss Superman or The Swiss Cyborg Cesaro is one of the best wrestlers in WWE today. He has had a massively successful independent career and won several titles throughout promotions like Chikara, Ring of Honor and PWG.
He came to the WWE in 2011 but came into his element in 2016. Once paired with Sheamus, the duo became one of the best tag teams in the entire roster. They were a crucial part of Raw and maintained an on screen presence throughout 2017. They were drafted to SmackDown earlier this year and has yet to gain any success on that show.
Cesaro is a must in the World Cup as he is an amazing wrestler. His representation of Switzerland will be a delight to watch and he will certainly have amazing matches. Who knows, maybe he will win the entire thing.
#11 Bulgaria - Rusev
Everyone's favorite Rusev is WWE's only Bulgarian wrestler in history. The founder of Rusev day is one of the most popular superstars in the WWE today. Initially he was billed from Russia but now he hails from his native Bulgaria and that is what he should represent.
Rusev came to WWE in 2010 and finally came to the main roster in 2014. He had an amazing undefeated streak where he was the US Champion. After losing the streak Rusev was lost in limbo in the mid card for a year before finally announcing it's Rusev Day. Once that gimmick came on board Rusev became the most popular person on the roster.
He recently broke up with Aiden English on SmackDown Live and if he were to participate in the World Cup, he surely will have a lot of fans rooting for him.
#12 American Samoa - Anyone from The Rock's family or Samoa Joe.
American Samoa has one of the richest histories in Professional Wrestling. Most of it is largely thanks to the Anoa'i family. The Rock's maternal grandfather Peter Maivia was the first Samoan superstar and from him several of his family
The current Samoan superstars in WWE include The Usos and Roman Reigns. But with these three there is also another Samoan superstar- Samoa Joe. Joe has had plenty of success all over the world and is currently involved in a WWE Championship feud with AJ Styles. All the Samoans have achieved great success in WWE.
The fact that Roman Reigns already has a match at Crown Jewel probably means he won't be in the World Cup. As Usos are a tag team, that leaves Samoa Joe to be the ideal participant in the tournament.
#13 Ireland - Finn Balor, Sheamus and Jordan Devlin
The Republic of Ireland has quite a few representatives in the WWE today. Becky Lynch is the sole female wrestler of Irish descent but there are 3 male wrestlers on the roster. Jordan Devlin, Finn Balor and Sheamus are the 3 Irish men on the current roster.
Devlin is signed to NXT UK and performs in other promotions as well while Sheamus and Balor are both main roster members. Finn Balor is the obvious choice here as he needs something to reignite his career. The Demon King was the very first Universal Champion when he won the title from Seth Rollins 2 years ago. He has maintained a presence on Raw ever since but hasn't done anything special.
If the Demon King is to participate in the World Cup he will surely be one of the favorites to win the entire thing and we will be glad if he does win.
#14 Japan - Shinsuke Nakamura and others
Japan is a gold mine of professional wrestlers and Shinsuke Nakamura is one of the greatest Japanese wrestlers of all time. He started his career in Japan where he was one of the biggest stars. He is a multi time IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Champion and one of New Japan's most celebrated wrestlers ever.
He signed with WWE in 2016 and had a cracker of a debut at NXT TakeOver Dallas. He soon became the NXT Champion and had a great run with the belt before being called up to the main roster after WrestleMania 33. His main roster debut was met with immense praise but Nakamura couldn't quite make his mark. He faced AJ Styles for the WWE Championship at this year's WrestleMania and is the current US Champion.
There are several Japanese wrestlers on WWE's roster like Akira Tozawa and Hideo Itami but if WWE wants to gain the attention of the Japanese fans, Shinsuke Nakamura is the man they want.
#15 Australia - Buddy Murphy
Although there are several Australian women on the WWE roster, there is but one man. Buddy Murphy who performs on 205 Live is the only male Australian wrestler in WWE today. However, Murphy should be more than enough to participate as he has had excellent character development since his NXT days.
After a brief run in Australia's independent scene, Murphy was signed by WWE. He had a very successful run in NXT as part of the tag team Blake and Murphy. Alexa Bliss was their manager but after Bliss was called up they fell flat on their faces. Murphy then began to lose weight and asked to be put on 205 live. Through his sheer dedication he then met the requirements needed and challenged for the Cruiserweight Championship failing to win it.
The character of Murphy fits perfectly with his inclusion and he will be a worthy participant in the World Cup.
#16 Puerto Rico - Lince Dorado
Another member of 205 Live, Lince Dorado is currently on the brand as part of the Lucha House Party faction. Dorado is of Puerto Rican descent. Although WWE has two more Puerto Ricans on their roster, those being Primo and Epico Colon, it is unlikely they get an opportunity to be at the World Cup.
Dorado was a very popular Luchador in the independent promotion Chikara. He spent several years there as a top star. Dorado represented Puerto Rico at the Cruiserweight Classic and was eliminated in the second round by Rich Swann. He then joined the Cruiserweight division on Raw and currently is in 205 Live.
An amazing high flyer, Dorado can certainly have a good match in the tournament as it is unlikely he will go much farther in the World Cup.
#17 Ghana - Kofi Kingston
Kofi Kingston is a veteran in WWE. He has been around for a long long time and has had main event pushes quite a few times in his career. But his best arguably came in 2015 when he teamed up with Xavier Woods and Big E to form the New Day. He is the only Ghanaian man on the WWE roster and he surely deserves to have a spot in the World Cup.
Kingston has been with the WWE for 12 years. He has won several Championships in his career including 8 Tag team Championships and 7 Singles Championships. He has never won a World Title however. Currently he is one half of the SmackDown Tag Team Champions - The New Day. The team is very entertaining and they will be on top of the tag team division for years to come.
Kofi can certainly add a lot to the World Cup. He can have amazing matches against the high flyers from 205 Live. Moreover, this will be a great addition to Kofi's already stellar resume.
#18 United Kingdom - Pete Dunne
UK is one of the fastest growing territories in world wrestling right now. WWE have capitalized on UK's popularity by forming a UK Division in NXT. There has to be a UK representative in the World Cup and who better than the NXT UK Champion to fill the role.
Pete Dunne has been NXT UK Champion since May of 2017 where he defeated Pete Dunne in NXT's match of the year at TakeOver Chicago. He has consistently had great matches regardless of his opponent. Prior to joining WWE, Dunne was the UK independent scene's biggest star. His participation will be a perfect representation of UK in the tournament.
Dunne can not only add flavor to the World Cup, but can also be a dark horse to win the tournament. Triple H is a huge fan of the guy and that can surely mean great things for his future with the WWE.
#19 Italy - Fabian Aichner
As far as Italian pro wrestling is considered Bruno Sammartino is the end all be all of the country. WWE has had almost no Italian superstars since Bruno but had made Santino Marella play an Italian character on TV although he was Canadian. Currently, only one NXT rookie is Italian in the WWE roster and he should represent his country in the World Cup.
Aichner was first used by WWE in 2016 when he was announced for the Cruiserweight Classic. He was eliminated in the first round by Jack Gallagher. He later signed a full time deal with them and now appears on NXT. He has gained a massive amount of weight since his CWC appearance and looks more imposing than ever before.
A country like Italy must be represented in the World Cup and due to a lack of choice, Aichner is the only choice WWE can rely on.
#20 Canada - A Lot
Canada has produced several top level wrestlers over the years. From Bret Hart to Kenny Omega, Canadians have ruled every aspect of Pro Wrestling. Currently there are several Canadian stars on the WWE main roster as well as NXT. A representation is obvious in the World Cup, it is to see who is chosen by WWE.
Of all the available superstars, Kevin Owens is my choice. Sami Zayn is currently injured and he doesn't do Saudi Arabia shows anyways, so Owens is the logical alternative. WWE can also bring back Chris Jericho as they did for the Greatest Royal Rumble but that is unlikely as Jericho probably has other commitments elsewhere.
Whoever represents Canada will automatically become one of the favorites to win the tournament. Whether it is Kevin Owens, Chris Jericho or someone like Bobby Roode.
#21 United States of America - Literally anyone
This had to come sometime, so here it is. WWE has about 50+ superstars on their roster who are American. That is excluding all the Americans who are made to portray foreign figures. A choice among them will be really hard. But we can be assured someone good will be participating.
As to who it should be, it can be anyone really. Any American wrestler who isn't booked on the show can take part. My choice however, is Daniel Bryan. WWE used the tag line, "..to determine the Best in the World." Daniel Bryan has gone on record several times to claim he is the Best Wrestler in the World. So a good story line is inevitable if Bryan competes.
Whoever competes on behalf of USA will be favorites to win the entire thing naturally. If Daniel Bryan does compete, he might just win it all considering he has suffered quite a few defeats at the hands of The Miz.
#22 Poland - Babatunde
We were all surprised when a man named Babatunde made an appearance at the Greatest Royal Rumble. We were even more surprised when he stood at about the same height as Braun Strowman. But did you know Babatunde is Polish? As a matter of fact he is the only Polish superstar in WWE today.
Currently a trainee in NXT, Babatunde was a former American Football player. However, he never made it to the NFL as he was released from the Minnesota Vikings roster as part of the pre-season roster cuts. He joined WWE and got his debut at the Greatest Royal Rumble. Most recently he was seeing acting as Lio Rush's bodyguard at NXT Live events.
It is unlikely Babatunde even makes it to the World Cup but he just might. He will probably be eliminated in the first round but he can provide an entertaining match if paired with someone really agile and small.
#23 China - Tian Bing
Chinese pro wrestler Tian Bing was marketed as WWE's first ever superstar from Mainland China. But that is not actually true as a wrestler named Kenny Li was the actual first Chinese in the WWE ranks. However, Tian Bing should be good enough to represent China.
Bing was signed by WWE in 2016. He wrestled for Antonio Inoki's IGF promotion prior to signing with WWE. After he came to WWE he participated in the 2016 Dusty Rhodes Tag Team classic teaming with Ho Ho Lun. He famously participated in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 33 where he eliminated Tyler Breeze and Fandango before being thrown out by Dolph Ziggler.
China should have a representative as, like India, it is a huge market for WWE. Tian Bing has had great marketing in China already and his participation should be enough to attract Chinese interest in the World Cup.
#24 Mexico - Rey Mysterio
Mexico has one of the richest Wrestling heritages in the world. Although not actually Mexican, Rey Mysterio is perhaps the biggest star in Mexican history. The high flyer revolutionized Lucha Libre style and brought the entire world's attention to it. He is the best possible person to represent Mexico in the tournament and he should.
Mysterio has had a very successful pro wrestling career already. He started in Mexican indie promotions but was signed by WCW in the late 90's. He was a 5 time Cruiserweight Champion in WCW and then moved on to WWE. He became a 3 time World Champion in WWE before leaving to join the indies again. He was successful in the indies again and finally decided to return to WWE recently signing a 2 year deal with the company.
Mexico can make his long awaited return at the World Cup and if he does he will become an instant favorite to win the tournament.
#25 Northern Ireland - Killian Dain
We already covered Republic of Ireland, let's get to their Northern neighbors. Current Raw producer Dave Finlay is arguably the most popular Northern Irish wrestler in history. Currently Killian Dain is the only Northern Irish man on the main roster.
Dain had a very successful career in the UK independent circuit under the name of Big Damo. He signed for WWE in 2016 and joined Sanity. As part of Sanity, Dain is a one time NXT Tag Team Champion. He was also part of a Meltzer rated 5 star match at TakeOver New Orleans. He debuted on the main roster on the Smackdown brand.
Dain was one of the most popular stars in the UK scene and will attract massive fan following if he makes it to the World Cup.
That's 25. Now I know I have left out some countries even though they have some representatives in the NXT or WWE roster.
Leave your thoughts below and let us know how excited you are for the WWE World Cup?
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