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This week on Raw and SmackDown Live the McMahon family shook up the roster. Fans witnessed the removal of both General Managers, (watch the video below). Moreover, a multitude of new match-ups. Following the outcome of Raw and SmackDown, things have shaped nicely for 2019. Moreover, it seems the wishes of fans are being adhered by WWE management.
Both brands needed changes, and it's clear the direction WWE are taking. Ultimately everyone gets an opportunity. Considering the immense talent within WWE, the future looks bright. However, what could we expect in 2019?
The SmackDown Live brand has names like Randy Orton, Rey Mysterio, The Miz, Daniel Bryan, and AJ Styles. Quite literally their brand is stacked with talent. Unfortunately, until now, it has been misused. Therefore, who will receive championship opportunities in 2019?
Disclaimer: The article includes spoilers for the SmackDown tapings for next week.
# 4. Luke Gallows & Karl Andersen (SmackDown Tag Team Championship)
Between 2013 and 2016 Karl Andersen and Luke Gallows were members of Bullet Club in NJPW. Throughout their tenure, both men made an impact. Whether in singles or tag team wrestling they garnered a plethora of accolades. They earned multiple championships, notably three reigns as IWGP Tag Team Champions.
In 2016 Gallows and Andersen debuted in WWE. Since then they have worked for Raw and SmackDown. During their tenure, the team earned the Raw Tag Team Championship. At present they perform on the SmackDown brand. However, until recently they have been misused.
On this week's SmackDown episode (December 18th) they received a match with The Usos, (watch the video below). This match turned out interesting, with Sanity and The Bar interrupting. There was no clear victor. Nevertheless, it proved all teams had credentials to be champions. Nonetheless, Gallows and Andersen need direction. Moreover, they need a championship opportunity. Could this happen in 2019?
# 3. Eric Young & Sanity (United States Championship)
Sanity performs on the SmackDown live brand. However, their performance on NXT outweighed their current performance. Nevertheless, the group has the exponential potential to be successful. Regardless of which member becomes a future champion, Sanity collectively benefits.
During their tenure within NXT Sanity garnered success, earning NXT Tag Team championships. Moreover, they participated in the first-ever WWE WarGames match at NXT Takeover: WarGames 2017. Earlier this year Sanity was expected to make an impact on the main roster. However, it took until this week's episode of SmackDown for this to happen, (watch the video below).
With the tag team division receiving a shake-up more wrestlers were given opportunities. In this case Luke Gallows and Karl Andersen. However, Sanity and The Bar intervened. The recent usage of Sanity made the group lool dominant. Moreover, highlighting their power. They deserve a championship opportunity. Nevertheless, the leader Eric Young should receive it. Just imagine the interaction between Sanity and Shinsuke Nakamura, could Young become United States champion?
# 2. Rusev (WWE Championship)
The current United States champion Rusev has been extremely popular in recent years. He and Aiden English were responsible for the creation of the craze; Rusev Day. However, Rusev has received minimal championship opportunities. Not since his early days has Rusev felt legitimate, until recently. Bleacherreport cited that Rusev defeated Shinsuke Nakamura on pre-recorded tapings, (see picture below).
With Rusev as champion again the future looks bright. However, what lies ahead for him? Ultimately one championship has eluded him, the WWE Championship. Therefore, considering his popularity and ring credentials, only time will tell when he becomes champion. Potentially Rusev could become a dual champion.
The current WWE Champion Daniel Bryan has been successful. Moreover, his new heel character is interesting. With Rusev now portraying a good guy character, he has the potential to match well with Bryan. The ring chemistry between them would be fantastic. Just imagine Rusev's power versus Bryan's technical abilities. What could we expect?
# 1. The Miz (WWE Championship & SmackDown Tag Team Championship)
The Miz has achieved a plethora of success within his WWE tenure. Debuting in 2003 he has progressed exponentially. As a former; WWE, Intercontinental, United States, and Tag Team champion there is almost nothing the Miz has earned. Perhaps a Royal Rumble victory?
In recent years The Miz has elevated the Intercontinental championship to heights never before seen. During some months it effectively replaced the Universal Championship as the main accolade. Additionally, his success reached outside the ring. The second season of Miz and Mrs is upcoming, (watch the video below).
Since WWE Crown Jewel Miz has been working closely with Shane McMahon, trying to form a tag team. As a team, they could be awesome, no pun intended. Regardless, whether Miz wins tag team championships or not, he deserves another main event push. The best way to achieve that is another WWE Championship reign. Considering their history, Bryan and Miz would match perfectly.
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