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The 2018 FIFA World Cup is officially underway and while that may not mean anything to most people reading this, it's still a pretty big deal. There's an argument to be made that it's the single biggest sporting competition on the face of the planet, and we tend to agree - which is why so many different sports gravitate towards it through marketing.
Professional wrestling falls into that category with many promotions capitalising on the hype surrounding the World Cup, and when it comes to WWE, there are a handful of superstars who will be keeping a close eye on the tournament. Beyond that, however, we've actually discovered that some of the guys on the Raw roster have doppelgangers in the form of competing countries in Russia.
So with that being said, here are five World Cup teams who resemble Raw superstars.#
#1 John Cena - Germany
While many people don't like John Cena, it's difficult not to admire his work ethic. The guy is an absolute machine in and out of the ring, and we admire the tenacity and determination that he's had over the last two decades of his career. However, the underdog tag that he once had back in the day certainly doesn't apply to his current situation.
Cena is the guy who is expected to pick up big-time wins, and more often than not, he delivers. In the same way the Germans are considered to be one of the most consistent teams in world football, and of course, they deliver. Both Cena and Germany are organised, focused, and they're the source of much jealousy from their rivals.
#2 Bobby Roode - Belgium
Down in NXT, Bobby Roode was the man. He talked the talk and walked the walk, and nobody could even touch him - kind of like Belgium during qualifying for major tournaments. Now, since Roode has been called up to the main roster, he's suffered courtesy of being booked as a babyface, and the only thing keeping him going is his entrance.
While 'booking' didn't come into play for Belgium, they're certainly similar to Roode in that they're all style and no real substance. They have a golden generation of players at their fingertips, and they're unable to move beyond the first few knockout stages of the Euros or the World Cup. Something needs to change for both, and fast.
#3 Curt Hawkins - Saudi Arabia
This one really doesn't need all too much of an explanation if you're an association football or 'soccer' fan.
In short, Curt Hawkins just isn't very good right now. Sure, he deserves way better than what he's got at the moment, but he's on a 200-match losing streak and it shows no signs of changing anytime soon. Sure, there's a degree of potential there, but we may never get a chance to see what he can really do when given a sustained push.
Then, on the other hand, you've got Saudi Arabia. They've certainly got a great deal of heart and they'll run their socks off for the team, but beyond that, they aren't really able to produce the goods. Both Hawkins and Saudi Arabia are suffering in environments they just don't belong in, with the Saudis' ineptitude being showcased for all to see during their 5-0 humiliation at the hands of Russia last night.
#4 Finn Balor - Argentina
Finn Balor has the style, the character and the work ethic necessary to rise to the top of WWE, and that's not exactly a shocking statement to make. Balor could be one of the all-time greats if he's given the ball to run with, but at every available opportunity, it feels like he constantly falls short prior to reaching that next level.
In many ways, the same can be said of Argentina - and more specifically, Lionel Messi. When they're on form their attack is quite literally unstoppable, despite their defensive problems. However, on the big stage at the World Cup and Copa America, they're never able to see it through until the very end.
#5 Seth Rollins - Spain
Not only is Seth Rollins one of the greatest wrestlers of his generation, but he's also one of the most well-rounded superstars we've seen in a long, long time. Every single night he goes out there and puts his body on the line, and once the event comes to a close, 95% of the fans are suggesting that he was the show-stealer of the evening.
He sets the standard for everyone around him, and the same can be said of the Spanish national team. They play with such style and elegance that it's difficult not to compare them to the teams they compete against, and at times, they're in a whole different league of their own.
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