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Roman Reigns opened Raw this week and left the WWE Universe in shock after he revealed that he is battling Leukemia, and would require some time off to heal and be back better than ever.
This left the fans hoping that this was just a storyline or something else, but the way WWE Superstars started pouring their support using #ThankYouRoman and The Shield members Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose came to the ramp to hug 'The Big Dog' it was confirmed that this is real and not a storyline.
The fans weren't expecting this, and that is why they booed him when he walked down that ramp, but when he went up to it, there were 'Thank You Roman' chants in the arena. This clearly confirmed the statement that whether fans love or hate him, they just can't ignore the most dedicated workhorse in the WWE.
Roman Reigns is loved for his work ethic, and now with him out of the competition due to a battle with Leukemia there are many people ready to take his spot as the next Universal Champion.
With that in mind, let's take a look at the 5 WWE superstars who should be the next Universal Champion:
#5 Dolph Ziggler
Dolph Ziggler is a talented wrestler and if you wish to see his skills watch his performance as a member of Team Cena versus The Authority. His work made him a fan favorite, and it looked like he would be given the relevant push, but instead, he became obscure again and was given some of the weirdest storylines.
When he relinquished the U.S. Title on Smackdown, it felt like he has left WWE or would return for a better title, he instead returned at the Royal Rumble and has been involved in some simple storyline.
The 'Dogs of War' storyline did no good to him, but now with 'The Big Dog' out of action, he would be a worthy contender for the Universal Championship and a great champion.
#4 Elias
Elias is a performer that is loved by fans, and despite his gimmick being the same every week, he is still the most loved wrestler on the Raw Roster. He worked without any storyline for most of his main roster career, but his performance against John Cena and other performers confirms that the wrestler has all the skills of a great performer, and if given the right opportunity he can be the best universal champion.
His gimmick is the best, and so the company can continue that while they make him the crowned champion of the red brand. This would also start a series of storylines, and if The Rock really answers Elias' challenge, we may be in for an electrifying performance at any show or pay-per-view.
This crowning of a new champion will be a 'Best for Business' idea, and the company shouldn't delay this at any cost.
#3 Bobby Lashley
Bobby Lashley is 'The Dominator,' and he is a powerhouse inside the ring. The power of his performance can be felt by wrestlers inside the ring and also at home because this powerhouse has been a part of WWE programming on various including Raw and ECW.
He has performed well out of the WWE, and when he returned in the WWE, it was hoped that he would outshine other performers before taking on Brock Lesnar. While the same never happened, it is a possibility that he may become a Universal Champion and then Brock Lesnar comes for the champion.
A match between them is on the dream wish list of all fans and journalists, and the company should try to make it happen. This is also a match that will draw the company the most ticket sales and doesn't require any buildup because their names are good enough to entice fans.
#2 Drew McIntyre
Drew McIntyre is the chosen one, and he has all the skills to be the most loved superstar. His in-ring work, promos, and his physique all speak Champion, and if the WWE wishes to make someone a Universal Champion, he must be one that should be the next hire to the throne after the winner of the match at WWE Crown Jewel.
'The Scottish Psychopath' is a former Tag Team Champion, and after he and Dolph Ziggler lost the tag team titles to Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins this week on Raw, it makes sense for him to go as a singles competitor, and win the most coveted title as a singles competitor.
The journey for the same started when he attacked Braun Strowman last week and this week he went into an all-out brawl with the Monster. This is good competition, and it would elevate his career, and when Braun becomes the next Universal Champion he could be the next #1 contender for the coveted title.
#1 Braun Strowman
The country of Saudi Arabia has been very gracious to Braun Strowman, and it is the same place where Braun won the first ever 'Greatest Royal Rumble.' He was already called a Monster, but after he won the Rumble his value skyrocketed, and since then he has been on a roll.
Brock Lesnar is headed to UFC, and Roman is out of the match at WWE Crown Jewel, so it is a simple equation that the WWE would put the title on the shoulders of their most loved superstar instead of a part-timer and bring some relevancy to the championship and the product in general.
He is the most loved superstar in WWE right now, and after a devastating relinquish by Roman Reigns due to his fight with Leukemia, it is only fitting that one of his biggest adversaries becomes the rightful owner of the Universal Championship.
This would ensure that he gets another opportunity down the line, as he hasn't cashed his MITB briefcase yet.
What makes Sting special? His first AEW opponent opens up RIGHT HERE.
