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The WWE Championship is considered the biggest prize in the wrestling industry. It has been held by the biggest and best names such as; Hulk Hogan, Bret Hart, The Rock and Daniel Bryan. However, as wrestling has evolved so too has the potential to become WWE Champion.
Wrestlemania 34 is taking shape and fans begin to dream about the remainder of 2018. Who will be WWE Champion? Who will debut? What will happen? All these questions are fresh in fans minds so it falls to WWE to provide excellent entertainment.
So with AJ Styles set to defend his WWE Championship against Shinsuke Nakamura at Wrestlemania 34, what does the future hold for this illustrious championship?
Here are 5 possible WWE Champions in 2018.
#5 Rusev
Rusev debuted in NXT in 2013 and remained there for one year. However, in 2014 he would debut on the main roster eventually becoming WWE United States Champion. At Wrestlemania 31 Rusev would lose his championship to John Cena in a stellar match-up. Subsequently between 2015 and 2016 Rusev would flounder as part of the stable; League of Nations.
At Extreme Rules 2016 Rusev would seem to return to prominence becoming a two-time United States champion. His reign would continue until being defeated by Roman Reigns at Clash of Champions 2016.
His reign lasted 126 days. In recent months Rusev has paired with Aiden English and their "Rusev Day" gimmick has become immensely popular with fans.
Conclusively Rusev's popularity has afforded the opportunity to participate against Shinsuke Nakamura on SmackDown and WWE Fastlane. Reviewing his performance, it is evident Rusev is ready for the main event scene. So who could Rusev defeat to become WWE Champion?
#4 Kevin Owens
Kevin Owens began his wrestling career in 2000, signing with WWE in 2014. Owens would wrestle for Ring of Honor (ROH) and Pro Wrestling Guerilla (PWG). Since joining WWE Owens has become; United States champion, Intercontinental champion, NXT champion and Universal champion.
Recently WWE fans have seen perhaps the best heel work from Kevin Owens. However, it is his current feud involving; Daniel Bryan, Shane McMahon and Sami Zayn, that holds intrigue. Therefore, with Bryan now medically cleared to wrestle by WWE doctors, what could the future hold?
Well, with Owens and Zayn lacking a Wrestlemania 34 match, it would seem beneficial to book a tag team match including; Owens & Zayn versus McMahon & Bryan. Moreover, with Owens gaining victory it could springboard him into the WWE Championship picture.
Kevin Owens versus Shinsuke Nakamura or AJ Styles for the WWE Championship would sell tickets. So could WWE play it out this way?
#3 Sami Zayn
Sami Zayn is signed with WWE on the SmackDown Live brand and debuted in 2013. His debut in NXT would eventually lead to an NXT Championship reign after defeating Adrian Neville. Furthermore, Zayn's time in NXT would cement his popularity with the WWE Universe.
In recent months Zayn would turn heel by assisting Kevin Owens to defeat Shane McMahon in their Hell in a Cell match. Consequently, this would lead to a rivalry between, Zayn, Owens, McMahon and Daniel Bryan.
Their rivalry will culminate at WrestleMania 34. Therefore, with Zayn embroiled in a heated rivalry and his career on the line should he lose, the prospect of becoming WWE champion seems distant.
However, considering the draft usually follows WrestleMania, the options are still lucrative. Moreover, Zayn may yet still win at WrestleMania. Summarily whatever decision WWE has for Zayn, he certainly has credentials to be WWE champion in 2018.
#2 Bobby Roode
Formerly the longest reigning TNA Champion in history at 256 days, Bobby Roode is currently making waves in WWE. Debuting for NXT in 2016 he would become NXT Champion. On August 22nd 2017 he debuted on SmackDown Live and his story began.
Recently Roode was defeated by Randy Orton, thus losing his United States Championship. However at Wrestlemania 34 he will challenge alongside; Rusev and Jinder Mahal to once again become champion. Conclusively whether Roode wins or not his success story advances each month.
Therefore with his excellent performance alongside Charlotte in the Mixed Match Challenge and his ability to work brilliant matches, he certainly seems ready for main event success. Moreover, considering that Shinsuke Nakamura has the potential to become WWE Champion at Wrestlemania 34, could we see Nakamura and Roode renew their NXT feud? Either way fans should expect to see Roode as WWE Champion in 2018.
#1 Daniel Bryan
Formerly known as the 'Founding Father' of Ring of Honor (ROH)', Daniel Bryan has finally been cleared to compete in WWE. Debuting in 2009 he performed in NXT before progressing to the main roster. Bryan became a multiple time World Champion before his original retirement in 2016.
Recently Bryan has been acting as General Manager of SmackDown Live embroiled in a feud with Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens. At WrestleMania 34 Bryan will compete alongside Shane McMahon against Zayn and Owens. However with Bryan now cleared to wrestle, who becomes General Manager?
Conclusively this prediction could seem bold, but considering the level of popularity Bryan holds within the WWE Universe, it seems almost certain he will become champion. Moreover, it is evident he has the ring credentials and experience. So, who could Bryan face to become WWE Champion? Perhaps Shinsuke Nakamura.
