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WWE will return to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia with yet another live event WWE Crown Jewel, which will take place on November 2, 2018 at King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The event will mark the in-ring return of Shawn Michaels, who retired in 2010.
It will also feature a dream match between AJ Styles and Daniel Bryan for the WWE championship, and a triple threat for the Universal Championships among Roman Reigns, Braun Strowman and a returning Brock Lesnar.
Apart from these big matches, the event will also feature an eight man tournament for the World Cup. Contrary to expectations, the tournament has not featured any younger talent who could use the rub from winning the World Cup. Instead, all the four participants are from the days of the past.
The event is a glorified live event and the Saudi fans probably look at it as a chance to re-live the past. With a main event consisting of four of the pillars of Attitude Era, and four out of eight qualified participants for the tournament being the flag bearers of the Ruthless Aggression Era, expect this tournament to be star studded from top to bottom.
Since, there is no limitation on nationality of the wrestlers too, expect more wrestlers from USA making the list. Let us go through the possible superstars, who could feature in the tournament.
#4 Rey Mysterio
The masked Luchador arrived in WWE after a stint in WCW and became a household name with his underdog character. He is a 2 time World Heavyweight champion and 1 time WWE champion among his various accomplishments.
Rey Mysterio vs Shinsuke Nakamura has been announced for the 1000th episode of Smackdown, with the winner qualifying for the World Cup. Even though, Shinsuke Nakamura is the current US champion, chances of him coming out as victor are very slim. Expect the high flying sensation securing the fifth spot.
#3 Batista
Batista is one of the four OVW rookies who embarked on their journey with the Ruthless Aggression Era. He became a mainstay after his stint with the Evolution. At one stage, he could have become the face of the company, but John Cena eventually took that position. He is a six time World champion and a two time Royal Rumble winner.
An Evolution Reunion has been announced for the 1000th episode of Smackdown which would mark his return after he left the company on RAW, which is mostly remembered for Seth Rollins' betrayal. Like Rey Mysterio, this tournament could be a great way for Batista to start another run with the company.
#2 Chris Jericho
Chris Jericho is currently the IWGP Intercontinental champion in NJPW, but he isn't bounded by the company. Jericho has made sporadic appearances outside NJPW, he recently appeared on the ALL IN event and there are rumors of him making appearance at IMPACT wrestling as well.
Jericho is currently scheduled to be at his Rock N Wrestling Rager at sea four-day event on a cruise ship which would end on October 31 and then he would defend his title for the fist time against EVIL at NJPW Power Struggle on November 3. Jericho has previously appeared during RAW 25 and Greatest Royal Rumble, and there is ample time for him to join the event if he agrees.
#1 The Miz
The Miz might look like a surprise pick, but actually he is the only credible participant who could go on to win the World Cup. With veterans like Big Show and Samoa Joe losing the qualifying match, Shelton Benjamin with not enough momentum, Kevin Owens on the sidelines and, AJ Styles and Bryan already been booked, Miz is the most experienced wrestler with enough star power to win the whole tournament.
The Miz lost out to Daniel Bryan at Super Showdown in around two minutes, which propelled Daniel Bryan to the championship picture leaving Miz without a direction. Winning the World Cup would give him something to brag about which can become the catalyst to rekindle his feud with Bryan at a later stage.
