Someone that fans dearly miss as of late has been Wyatt Family member Luke Harper. Harper has been out of action for several months due to a serious knee/ACL injury. It has been reported this week that Harper has been cleared to return to the ring. However, it will be some time before we see him on the main roster.
Which brings me to another topic: Where will Luke Harper go? Harper was one of the names who has been undrafted in July’s draft for the brand extension. Could Harper make the jump to Raw or will he remain loyal to the Wyatt Family by signing up with SmackDown? Harper is a well-rounded wrestler with the potential to become a main eventer. After all, he does have an Intercontinental Championship reign to his name.
The latest discussion on the blog is what could be the booking options for Harper? Assuming he should sign with SmackDown, I came up with five options to use Harper in storylines.
5. The Wyatt Family
I’m one of many fans who feel that The Wyatt Family has been underutilized. Smackdown is real hot right now, and should it happen, the Wyatt’s could benefit from the blue brand. Bray Wyatt’s feud with Randy Orton is finally getting on the right path with the aid of Erick Rowan.
There is hope of a Wyatt Family reunion being on the cards. Wyatt vs Orton has the potential to be a great program, and adding in Harper adds more substance and depth to the feud. If Harper returned, it would be great to see him sneak attack Orton much like Rowan a couple weeks ago on Smackdown.
4. Quest for Tag Team gold
Can you believe that the team of Harper and Rowan has never captured the Tag Team Championships? The Wyatt Family looks like the team that dominates and instills fear in their opponents. However, as most of us know, that has been anything but the case. This stable as a whole has so much potential. The fact that the Wyatt Family members have nothing to show for it is frustrating at best.
Even though the tag team scene is stacked, establishing Rowan and Harper as a team to beat is a good start with an eventual run for the gold. Or silver.
3. Two-time Intercontinental Champion
As I’ve said before, Harper has had a taste of gold with the Intercontinental Championship. While this option would have to wait before it can be thought of, it can’t hurt to have Harper in the running for it when the time is right.
A run for singles gold can only aid The Wyatt Family in addition to their reincarnation going hand in hand. It would push The Wyatts to the forefront of Smackdown, placing the much needed focus on them. If the Wyatt Family is given the deserved second chance, they should be able to take the ball and run with it.
2. Feud with Randy Orton
I’d like to think of this option as an extension of the feud with Wyatt. As I’ve stated before as well, the addition of Harper adds more substance and depth to the feud. The Wyatts excel at mind games, with Harper being no exception to that fact.
There is nothing wrong with prolonging this program between Orton and the Wyatts as a good secondary feud is just as good as a main event feud. An Orton loss could very well give the Wyatt Family the push they need to become the faction that they were supposed to be all along.
1. #1 Contender for WWE World Championship
This scenario would be a complete surprise. Harper did say one of his goals was to become the WWE World Champion. What if that came sooner than later? The Wyatts, including Harper, have main event experience when it comes to big matches. Regardless if Harper wins or loses, he can very well hang with the main eventers and it isn’t the first time he would be highlighted in his singles run.
If Harper can stay healthy then we could possibly see more of him as the brand extension is now finding its groove. He would have a much better chance on Smackdown than Raw. Let’s hope WWE makes the right call upon his return.
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