They call it the showcase of the immortals. WrestleMania is the one event that fans always pay the most attention to because the entire year builds towards the event. For a number of WWE Superstars, their WrestleMania fate appears certain.
Seth Rollins, AJ Styles, Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns, Kevin Owens and (when he returns) Finn Balor are all certain to be focused on, moving towards this particular event. However, while they may be the most notable people to receive a push, they aren't the only ones who should.
There are several talented performers whose skills dictate that they should be elevated as well. These Superstars are the ones who cannot be denied their opportunity to rise the top, Superstars who do so much that fans can see just how good they are.
These are the performers that deserve to be given a chance to shine and thus, here are five WWE Superstars who should get a push at WrestleMania 33.
#5 Sami Zayn
He battled Braun Strowman to prove that he could stand up and take the monster's best shot, and if there is anything Zayn is capable of doing, it's being able to overcome adversity and showing fans that he isn't weak.
This leads to 2017, and the push that Zayn without question deserves to have. Throughout 2016, Zayn was tied to Kevin Owens as their longstanding rivalry continued. When they had a blowoff match to finally settle the score, Zayn came out victorious.
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What would have been ideal after this, was to have Zayn springboard into a feud with Chris Jericho, but although they briefly had differences with one another, their “feud” simply felt underwhelming. These two could have put on a series of highly competitive matches leading to an ultimate winner, but that never materialised.
A push for Zayn leading to WrestleMania 33 is well deserved because the former NXT champion is capable of putting on great matches and creating compelling stories in the ring.
A mid-card feud would probably work best for him, whether that means a series of matches against Strowman or Rusev or competing for a title such as the United States championship, would be up to the WWE.
In any event, Zayn is more than deserving of being featured.
#4 Apollo Crews
An apparent victim of cruel circumstances, Apollo Crews seemed to be stuck in wrestling limbo on the SmackDown Live brand until his altercation with Dolph Ziggler happened. While many believe that he is simply doomed to a career of mediocrity in WWE, we'd like to think otherwise.
When we take into consideration his size, strength, agility and mobility, it is impossible to deny his potential if used properly. Unfortunately, in order for him to dance towards WrestleMania, he needs a dance partner, which is where Ziggler comes to play.
Their matches against one another have the potential of being so much better than the little we've seen so far, but as it stands, fans haven't been drawn to Crews in the slightest.
His athleticism and skill set suggest that he is deserving of a push, and seeing as the face side of the SmackDown Live brand isn't that deep, it is as good an option as any to push the talented Mr. Crews.
Here’s hoping that a feud with Ziggler and a strong program between them will help all involved.
#3 Neville
If there was ever a heel turn that fans didn't see coming, it was the recent turn by Neville. When Neville appeared at the Roadblock: End of the Line pay per view, fans believed he was there to congratulate Rich Swann on retaining the title.
However, they quickly became aware that Neville had done a complete 180-degree turn in both character and personality. It appeared as though he felt that he was being pitied for his achievements and that the support of the fans for him wasn't sincere.
He attacked his former friend, and with each punch, kick and stomp, Neville showed more personality than he ever had in his time in NXT.
Why the turn? It was quite simple; fans were well aware of Neville's incredible high flying skills and aerial assault, but what he always seemed to lack was an edge, and that lacked edge may have held him back. He has certainly proven a number of people wrong.
After capturing the Cruiserweight title, Neville appears headed for a major push and build towards WrestleMania and is certainly the most deserving person for the same.
#2 Samoa Joe
The Samoan submission machine has achieved all he possibly could in promotions all over the world.
When he came to NXT, the story told about him was slow, but progressive. Eventually, he turned on his friend Finn Balor and demonstrated how much being the focal point of the promotion was important to him.
His career has included long, successful stints in Ring of Honor, TNA, and overseas, but it was clear that capturing the NXT championship was a priority for him. However, after he rose to the top and held that distinction, the question became, what else can he achieve?
It’s quite simple: he needs to be pushed towards a major program as part of the Raw brand. After appearing the night after the Royal Rumble and attacking Seth Rollins, Joe proved that he was set to make an impact.
He is someone that without question needs a big program moving into WrestleMania 33. The possibilities of whom he could feud with are plentiful, if Rollins doesn't return in time. Joe could resurrect his rivalry with Finn Balor (if he returns from injury) or develop a program with Roman Reigns.
The options are certainly out there for the veteran.
#1 Luke Harper
Since arriving on WWE’s main roster alongside Erick Rowan and Bray Wyatt, this former Intercontinental champion and Wyatt family member has been considered a threat for everyone in the locker room.
He is a talented worker and his in-ring abilities stand out due to the many years that he has spent developing his craft. JBL, who once had the hardest clothesline in wrestling, has called Harper's the stiffest today.
With Harper splitting from the Wyatt family and coming to blows with both Bray and Randy Orton, one has to wonder what will eventually come of it.
Often considered underrated in the ring, Harper's clear and coherent segments suggest that he is just as comfortable expressing how he will bring pain and suffering to his opposition. A split from Wyatt may be exactly what he needs, as he shows everyone what he can achieve without the aid of the Eater of Worlds.
He is without question someone that has overcome the odds, worked hard, and warrants a push at WrestleMania 33.
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