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Five may just be too short a number of wrestlers fans want to see duke it out with Seth Rollins. Despite what may seem like an up and down trajectory, Rollins has possibly had the best competitive calendar year on the main roster of the WWE.
Whether Becky Lynch agrees or not (sorry Becky) but Rollins is 'The Man' and it has shown from a stellar gauntlet run early in the year, to his 1000th match against Dolph Ziggler this past RAW.
The Intercontinental championship and challenge should have also provided a breath of fresh air and more for Rollins to do. Its surprisingly been the low point of a high year for him, where he's seen nothing but an endless stream of Dolph Ziggler matches.
As such, despite a heated rivalry with Dean Ambrose, it would be equally fun to see this open challenge play out against a myriad of competitors across the board. Seth Rollins is such an adaptable competitor that he gels with a variety of opponents, so it'd be interesting to see who else answers the challenge.
This is specially made potent by the fact that his feud with Ambrose doesn't necessarily require the championship, giving his open challenges an edge lacking in earlier iterations.
In that case, lets consider five powerful and intriguing challengers fans want to see take on Seth Rollins for the Intercontinental Championship, along with some honorable mentions.
Honorable mentions
Elias: A formidable challenger who gave Rollins a run for his money prior to the Summer feud with Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre. Babyface Elias versus Seth could literally burn it down.
Matt Riddle: The latest big get for NXT, the former EVOLVE and PROGRESS Atlas Champion has been a quick rising sensation in the indies. The Bro versus The Man is an undeniable dream match.
Kyle O'Reilly: It doesn't seem that WWE sees Kyle O'Reilly as much beyond the tag team division. Yet O'Reilly has unbelievably improved his mic and character work since he entered the yellow brand. The heel turn as part of Undisputed Era has seen the classical technician amp his game considerably - imagine that up against Rollins.
Buddy Murphy: A juggernaut of a competitor, Murphy is a stellar lightning rod for the cruiserweight division, and seeing him finally collide with main roster talent is a treat. However, the question is if it would devalue the 205 Championship.
Tommaso Ciampa: In a hilarious tweet, Tommaso Ciampa has made it clear that unlike Cena and Rollins, people need to earn a shot at his gold. Yet for him to challenge Seth would be a treat, a refresher of the Kevin Owens vs John Cena feud from years ago.
#5 Pete Dunne
The British champion of WWE is the longest reigning title holder of the modern era, an unbelievable wrestling specimen at the ripe age of 25. A mat technician with brute force, The Bruiserweight provides a fascinating challenge for Seth Rollins.
He made one undue stop on RAW during the company's UK tour, challenging the horribly inept Enzo Amore, and thankfully destroyed him. Here the bout would be a move to move with both men proving themselves as equals in more ways than one. Their varied styles meshing with their systematic similarities.
This is a match that not only could be won by Dunne, but also would be the final push in sending him up to the main roster. Sure, Pete Dunne is the lynchpin of the NXT UK division, yet The Kingslayer is the perfect opponent to introduce a fresh-faced star to unfamiliar audiences.
#4 Andrade 'Cien' Almas/w Zelina Vega
Since it is an 'open' challenge, why not have some SmackDown superstars answer the challenge. After all, this would bolster the simmering rivalry between the two brands, especially for the blue one still marinating in unbelievable defeat during Survivor Series.
Not only that, if he could manage a win, then Almas might finally find a form of vindication with what has been an unfortunate main roster run. He has put on spectacular matches with some fantasy opponents, only to often come out on the losing end.
With his value dropping, a victory in such a match and the fight between two brands to keep him could instantly push Almas the way it was rumoured not so long ago.
Even if he were to lose, then once more Almas would have given the viewers another thrilling ride. Who best to do that against than Seth Rollins, and still look supreme in a loss, the true best in the WWE (maybe even the world).
#3 Adam Cole
A sensational confrontation between WWE and NXT Superstars on Xavier Woods gaming channel provided a litany of fun moments. Among them was the return of Seth Rollins' heel laugh, made popular during his obnoxious 2014-2015 run at the top. This directed towards the NXT side of the face-off, especially a confrontational Adam Cole.
The two are fascinating mirrors especially considering their individual journeys as well, and of course the physical appearance. A face-off between the duo would have had fans salivating just a few months ago, considering their brethren by their sides back then. Unfortunately now Seth Rollins would have to go it alone, but that would just mean adding three more dream confrontations for the price of one.
Rollins versus Cole is a surprisingly never before seen match from the indies. Around the time Tyler Black (Rollins) saw his greater rise, Cole was still breaking through. Even if we didn't get it out there, then it could be a highlight reel in the WWE.
#2 Ricochet
In 2016, Ricochet versus Will Ospreay at the Best of Super Juniors pit two sensational high flyers in an iconic match. The two men put on a clinic that was both absurdly meta as it was a thrilling standoff. High flyers often get out a stellar match against one another, and Ricochet is the best at doing so.
A bout against a more subdued Seth Rollins shall provide a variant on the formula, yet undoubtedly give us a high-flying spectacle for the ages. The two are so well versed in new age wrestling storytelling, especially of the fast-paced variety, yet Rollins' experience could add the right tinge to give Ricochet a nice learning curve, and shoot him straight to main roster relevancy.
At the same time, if permitted for the match, then Rollins could easily portray a heelish edge and elevate the dramatic stakes. All in all, with his flashiness, Ricochet doesn't necessarily need a boost to thrill the WWE Universe. Yet, this contest will see the ever dependable Rollins help put over the young man for the management behind the scenes.
#1 Mustafa Ali
For some odd reasons, this is the grand dream match fans have waited to see for Seth Rollins and his Intercontinental Championship open challenge. This is no knock on Mustafa Ali, as there are variable opponents in dream scenarios Seth, and fans have wanted him for ages.
It is a testament however to Ali's unbelievable rise on the 205 brand in WWE. The former understated indie star has made a smooth position for himself on the cruiserweight division, and he would be a perfect companion to Rollins in the ring. It helps of course that the two men have intriguingly similar costuming.
Ali versus Rollins could become a star-studded high-flying fight. Unlike the Ricochet match, these two could mesh much better thanks to their shared experience of the WWE style, added with their very intensely similar styles and unique personalities.
Once more, Rollins playing the bigger overpowering foe adds just the right spice to a confrontation that sees Mustafa Ali become a star even in a loss.
