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AJ Styles is the current WWE Champion and has beaten all opposition. However, his most recent challenge is Shinsuke Nakamura. They will compete at Money in the Bank in a Last Man Standing match. Regardless of the outcome, a challenger will be waiting.
Throughout history, there have been classic WWE Championship matches. Moreover, some of the biggest names have been champion, names such as; Bret Hart, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and CM Punk. However, at present, the WWE roster is at its hottest, consisting of excellent performers.
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With Money in the Bank on its way, someone will secure a guaranteed championship opportunity. However, they have a whole year to decide. Therefore, what can we expect in the meantime? There are many candidates to challenge Styles. Nevertheless, only a few are deserving.
Here are five potential challengers to dethrone AJ Styles.
#5 Daniel Bryan
Daniel Bryan and AJ Styles have competed on SmackDown in recent months, and it was an excellent showing. However, they have fought many times on the independent circuit. Reviewing AJ Styles' championship reign, it has been eventful and dramatic. Thus inserting Bryan would immensely benefit the championship.
Bryan has been WWE Champion three times in the past. Moreover, he was arguably an underdog champion. Following his return, Bryan has been in minor storylines. Most notable amongst them is his current feud with Big Cass, see the video below. Historically WWE has invested in 'Big Guy' types such as; Diesel and Roman Reigns. However, this notion seems to be changing.
Ultimately, Styles versus Bryan would blow the roof off any venue. Moreover, it would elevate the WWE Championship. Not since CM Punk's reign has the championship been so highly regarded. Therefore, booking a match between Styles and Bryan would be highly lucrative for WWE.
#4 Andrade 'Cien' Almas
Andrade 'Cien' Almas has progressed immensely since joining WWE. He started in NXT and became the NXT Champion. Now he has landed on SmackDown Live. With the addition of Zelina Vega, Almas will shine. However what has WWE got in store for him?
Joining SmackDown Live in the last month Almas deserves a decent challenge. The last few weeks he has been involved in squash matches. Although new to SmackDown he has credentials. Plus Vega always lurks in the background. Could that be a factor?
Effectively booking this match requires a decent build. Almas needs to look credible. Whereas, AJ Styles must maintain his popularity and momentum. Overall, Almas can match Styles with high flying ability. Moreover, he has an aggressive nature which could pose a threat. Just watch his attack on Aleister Black, see the video below.
#3 Rusev
Rusev debuted for WWE in 2013 and would dominate in NXT. At the Royal Rumble in 2014, he made his main roster debut. Since then his career has progressed steadily, until recently. At present Rusev's popularity is soaring.
Every week Rusev and Aiden English received immense cheers, see the video below. Together they have created Rusev Day. It is impossible to watch an event without seeing their merchandise.
In recent months chants of Rusev Day have dominated areas around North America. Moreover, Rusev continues to perform in excellent matches. Most notably he faced off against AJ Styles. This match cemented Rusev's position to challenge for the WWE Championship. It just depends on when WWE wish to pull the trigger.
When will Rusev become WWE Champion?
#2 The Miz
The Miz defended his WWE Championship way back at WrestleMania against John Cena. However, that was a very different Miz character. Since then he has exponentially reinvented himself. Moreover, he has become a multi-time Intercontinental and Tag team champion.
Being the closest to defeating Chris Jericho's extensive Intercontinental championship accumulation, it would seem WWE would head in that direction. However, The Miz has performed brilliantly in recent years helping to elevate the Intercontinental championship and both Curtis Axel and Bo Dallas in the Miztourage, see the video below.
Effectively The Miz is ready to challenge once again for the WWE Championship. He has the experience and credentials. Moreover, he has an excellent ability to perform with any individual. The Miz defeating AJ Styles would elevate his career and legitimise the championship.
Will WWE play out this scenario?
#1 Samoa Joe
Avid wrestling fans will know Samoa Joe from his extensive career. He has worked for almost every major promotion. Debuting in 1999 Joe paved his career with dominance. He now performs in WWE. Overall, he is a multi-time champion.
At Money in the Bank Joe will participate in the Money in the Bank (MITB) ladder match, and his chances are exponential. With a victory, he will secure a guaranteed opportunity at the WWE Champion. An opportunity such as the MITB contract would be a scary prospect in the hands of Samoa Joe.
Joe has dominated in every promotion, most notably Impact (formerly TNA) and Ring of Honor (ROH). His ring style is aggressive using a blend of high impact moves and submission wrestling. In previous years he has competed with AJ Styles, see the video below. However, their careers have dramatically improved. Therefore, a rematch would potentially be rated Five-Stars.
Will WWE provide this epic match?
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