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Night One of 2020's WWE Draft changed the landscape of the company as several top stars like Seth Rollins, AJ Styles, Murphy, Rey Mysterio, and Dominic Mysterio switched brands. Moreover, WWE also separated top tag-teams like Heavy Machinery, Lucha House Party, and The New Day. However, it was Lars Sullivan's stunning return that caught the WWE Universe by surprise.
'The Freak' Lars Sullivan had been out of action for 16 months due to knee injury. Before his re-emergence, fans had last seen him in early June of 2019. During his hiatus, however, he made headlines for the wrong reasons. The public learned of his controversial past, and rumors were running around that he had fallen out of favor. Nevertheless, Sullivan returned this past week and put the locker room on notice by viciously assaulting Matt Riddle, Jeff Hardy, and The Miz.
Before his injury, Sullivan was a prized commodity; he was a star in the making. There were plans for him to face John Cena at WrestleMania 35, but that didn't happen as Sullivan suffered from anxiety issues. After making his debut on the RAW after WrestleMania 35, he quickly ran roughshod over the RAW and SmackDown rosters.
Now that he is back, it's time for him to return to active competition. He would need some rivals, and this slideshow will explore the options available for Lars Sullivan.
Note: As Sullivan is included in the draft pool for Night 2, this list contains members from the current RAW and SmackDown rosters.
#5 Lars Sullivan could face Ricochet
Speaking of members of the RAW roster, Ricochet is still a member of the Red brand, which means that Lars Sullivan would have to jump ship to Monday nights if it happens.
'The One and Only' Ricochet is one of the most criminally underrated and under-utilized Superstars of the current roster. He possesses phenomenal in-ring prowess and undeniable charisma. The former United States Champion would serve as a fair rival for Sullivan.
Ricochet has worked successfully with men twice his size like Samoa Joe, Bobby Lashley, and Brock Lesnar. He could certainly prove to be a tough challenge for Sullivan. The two squared off in a Ladder match at NXT TakeOver: New Orleans to determine the inaugural NXT North American Champion. They even fought on an episode of NXT, where Sullivan emerged victoriously. Hence, they do have some history together.
Ricochet has stood up to bullies in the past, and thus it makes total sense for him to challenge the maniacal Lars Sullivan. Sullivan would likely emerge from the feud as the victor.
#4 Lars Sullivan could face Jeff Hardy
If Lars Sullivan remains on the Blue brand, Jeff Hardy is the perfect opponent for The Freak. A skilled veteran in Hardy could bring the best out of Sullivan and could work a great match too. Defeating a former WWE Champion and future Hall of Famer like Jeff Hardy could catapult Lars Sullivan's rise.
These two stars are no strangers to each other. When Sullivan debuted on the main roster in April 2019, he went after The Hardy Boyz quite a few times. He was even blamed, in storyline, for Jeff Hardy's leg injury. The leg injury cost Hardy almost a year. Furthermore, Sullivan also attacked Hardy when he returned to television this past week. Therefore, Hardy has a bone to pick with The Freak.
The Charismatic Enigma recently lost the IC Championship to Sami Zayn, which allows the veteran to face other WWE Superstars. Also, he would be looking to redeem himself. Not only would Hardy be seeking revenge, but he would also love to teach The Freak a lesson in respect.
#3 Lars Sullivan could face Matt Riddle
Another victim of Lars Sullivan's heinous assault on SmackDown last week was Matt Riddle. Sullivan decimated the Original Bro and landed his finishing maneuver, The Freak Accident, on a weakened Matt Riddle. It was the first time fans had seen Riddle overpowered so effortlessly on the main roster.
Even though Riddle's nonchalant, flamboyant attitude doesn't make him look very intimidating, the former NXT North American Champion can do some severe damage when he is out for revenge. Fans saw a taste of how dangerous Riddle could be during the Original Bro's feud with King Corbin. Hence, it is safe to assume that Riddle would likely be out for revenge against Lars Sullivan.
Lars Sullivan and Matt Riddle never crossed paths in NXT, which comes as a surprise as they were on the same brand for some time. However, if the two top-caliber athletes end up on the same brand, they will probably battle each other in the ring. It all depends on Riddle's feud with King Corbin. If Riddle is finished with Corbin, then a match with Sullivan seems inevitable.
#2 Lars Sullivan could face Keith Lee
When it comes to sheer strength, there are very few individuals who could match Lars Sullivan. The Freak is a monstrous beast who possesses immense power, strength, and insane agility for a man of his size. However, there is another behemoth who is just as powerful and agile as Sullivan -- The Limitless Keith Lee.
Keith Lee and Sullivan were fierce rivals in NXT; they faced each other in November 2018. At that time, Lee was new to the NXT roster, and Sullivan was as dominant as ever. Hence, Sullivan emerged victorious from the match-up.
However, Lee put up a great fight and earned the respect of many fans. Now that both of these goliaths are on the main roster, it is time for them to have a full-fledged feud with each other.
These two titans could create magic within the ring. They have undeniable chemistry and could provide fans with a string of in-ring classics. Lee has been directionless on RAW and Lars Sullivan needs a credible opponent to take him to the limit. If the two Superstars end up on the same brand after Monday Night RAW, expect these two monsters to resume their rivalry from their time in NXT.
#1 Lars Sullivan could face Drew McIntyre
WWE Champion Drew McIntyre has quickly ascended the mountain to become one of WWE's biggest attractions. He is one of the breakout stars of 2020, and he has excelled in the pandemic era. No one has been able to subdue McIntyre until now. Randy Orton, Seth Rollins, Dolph Ziggler, and Bobby Lashley have tried, but McIntyre persevered through them all. However, if Lars Sullivan gets drafted to RAW, McIntyre's days at the top of the mountain could be numbered.
McIntyre will take on Randy Orton once again inside Hell in a Cell at the namesake pay-per-view. Still, if history is any indication, McIntyre will probably retain the WWE Championship. If and when he does, Sullivan should be next on the WWE Champion's list.
If WWE wants to pull off a major upset, they could have Lars Sullivan, a rookie, take the title off the dominant champion in Drew McIntyre. That would instantly make Sullivan a force to be reckoned and could lead to some intriguing angles in the future. Even if McIntyre drops the title to Orton, a match with Lars Sullivan would be a sight to behold.
