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The WWE Championship is widely recognized as the most prestigious championship in WWE. Exclusive to the blue brand, the title was held by John Cena, Bray Wyatt, Randy Orton, Jinder Mahal & A.J. Styles in 2017.
The current WWE Champion, AJ Styles is set to defend the title in a 2 on 1 Handicap match with Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn at the Royal Rumble and, is likely to enter the Super Dome as the WWE Champion on April 8, 2018.
Let's see who is likely to win the WWE championship this year
#1 Shinsuke Nakamura
"The King of Strong Style" is a terrific performer. The man's magnetic persona with his dangerous skill set makes him a unique performer on the blue brand. But, his main roster run has been unexciting, to say the least. Nakamura has not looked like a main event threat to other superstars in the locker room.
Despite the poor booking, 'the Rockstar' still continues to be popular with the WWE Universe. He was originally rumoured to win the Royal Rumble and, scheduled to face AJ Styles at WrestleMania 34. So, if the match is likely to happen, there is a possibility that 'the King of Strong Style' will emerge victorious in the Royal Rumble match. A Royal Rumble victory could revive his position on the blue brand and, would ignite a 'blockbuster' feud with 'The Phenomenal One'.
Expect Shinsuke Nakamura to topple the current WWE Champion at the Super dome and, acclaim the most coveted prize on SmackDown Live. Shinsuke Nakamura Vs AJ Styles is a dream match for fans all over the world and, with WWE Championship on the line, it would make the match far more interesting and captivating.
#2 Kevin Owens
Now, Kevin Owens has been one of the most consistent 'heels' from the younger lot. He is constantly trying to reinvent himself all the time. His feud with AJ Styles & Shane McMahon last year was the focal point of the show every week and, his recent partnership with Sami Zayn has elevated both of them to the top.
He is currently scheduled to face AJ Styles in a 2 on 1 Handicap match with Zayn on his side for the WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble. It is highly unlikely that 'the Prizefighter' will win the belt on January 28th,2018 but, might be the kickstart of his incredible feud with his best friend, Sami Zayn. They are rumoured to face each other at the Super Dome this year which is likely to dominate 2018.
Expect Kevin Owens to move forward and, collide with Nakamura after Wrestle Mania which could lead 'the Prizefighter' to win the WWE Championship and, turn SmackDown Live into 'the Kevin Owens Show'.
#3 Sami Zayn
'The Underdog from the Underground' has been on a roll in 2017 and, still continues to be the top tier guy on SmackDown Live. Sami Zayn is the most underused performer in WWE today. The guy has all the aspects to become the 'next big thing' and, is currently rumoured to be in a monumental match at the 'Grandest stage of them all' with his best friend, Kevin Owens.
If the duo clash at WrestleMania, it could be another fascinating chapter in their rivalry that has always entertained the WWE Universe. With Kevin Owens going on to become the WWE Champion later in 2018, it could be Zayn who tries to take it away from him.
This feud has all the ingredients to be a classic and, with the history they share, it would be fair enough to let Sami win the feud and, go on to win his first WWE Championship. It would surely be a historic moment to see 'the Underdog' win what he deserved since day one.
#4 Finn Balor
Now, with Finn Balor's recent team up with his Bullet club buddies, it seems inevitable that the man is possibly turning 'heel' and, forming the 'Balor Club'. It is likely that he will be involved in a marquee match at the Super Dome this year with the 'Good Brothers'. But, 2018 must focus on getting Finn Balor to the top of the food chain.
A superstar shake-up could see Finn & his partners land up at SmackDown Live. With the man turning heel, it is likely that he could be the next challenger for Sami Zayn. Finn Balor Vs Sami Zayn would be a match that could really excite the wrestling fans and, with the First ever Universal Champion having backup this time, he will emerge victoriously and take the WWE Championship from the Underdog. The match could be a potential 'Match of the Year' candidate.
The Demon winning the WWE Championship makes sense for the successful continuation of his heel persona. He could walk in as the WWE Champion at next year's WrestleMania and, could get into a blockbuster feud with 'The Phenomenal One'.
#5 John Cena
'The 16- time World Champion' is, unfortunately, a 'part-timer' now. But, it does not rule out the fact that he still continues to get the crowd on its feet whenever he arrives. John's persona is magnetic and, whether you like him or you hate him, he has earned everything in the WWE.
The man is scheduled to face the Deadman at Wrestle Mania 34 which is likely to be Undertaker's final outing. A win for 'Big match' John seems inevitable at the Super dome but, the next major step forward for him would be to break Ric Flair's record. 'The face that runs the place' would eventually get his hands on the gold and, there would be no better place for him to win the WWE championship than WrestleMania 35.
A potential Finn Balor Vs John Cena Vs AJ Styles for the WWE Championship at Wrestle Mania next year could be a monumental way to let Cena overcome the two superstars and, break Ric Flair's record to cement his legacy as 'the greatest of all time'.
