Predicting the next 5 potential WWE Champions

Daniel Bryan won the WWE Championship last year when he defeated AJ Styles, ending AJ's 371 day reign by pulling out a low-blow. Since then, the so-called "The New Daniel Bryan" is holding the WWE Championship, by the looks of his current booking, it seems that he's not going to lose WWE Championship anytime soon, though nothing can be said for sure.

Regardless, Bryan is set to defend his title against AJ Styles at the end of this month. Moreover, there is a strong possibility that the former might lose the title to the latter (after the recent character change of Styles).

But enough talking; let's run through a list of those superstars who might become WWE Champion in the near future. Before we get started, just remember this list is written from the time scale of Royal Rumble 2019 - SummerSlam 2020.

#1 AJ Styles

AJ Styles is a two time WWE Champion. His last reign as the WWE Champion ended after 371 days, which was the eighth longest reign in the history of the WWE Championship.

Also, Styles is currently scheduled to take on "The New Daniel Bryan" at the end of this month at the Royal Rumble PPV for the WWE Championship.

Earlier, the chances of him regaining the title were meager but due to this new-found more aggressive character of Styles, referred as "The Real AJ Styles", the chances of Styles holding the WWE Championship for the third time has increased and if WWE wants to push him again then Styles needs to defeat Bryan at Rumble.

Therefore, we can see WWE pulling out all the stops at the Rumble.

Moreover, WWE has recently advertised matches for SmackDown Live after WrestleMania 35, one of them is Styles vs Bryan. Therefore, this could be an indication of Styles winning the WWE title from Bryan at the Rumble, as the former has come up short too many times at grabbing the title since losing it to the latter.

Honestly, I think, this is the only way to extend Bryan vs Styles feud if WWE has plans to make the two men quarreling until this year's WM.

#2 Finn Balor

Although Finn Balor has spent almost two-and-a-half years on the main roster, he has never held any major or minor title there except the Universal Championship. And since returning back from the shoulder injury he sustained a few years back at SummerSlam 2016, he has stayed on sidelines.

But, honestly, I believe his time on the sidelines is over.

I think when the next Superstar Shake-Up happens (or when the brand-split comes to an end), Balor will be one of those superstars who will get drafted to SmackDown Live from Raw. This move of "The Demon King" could potentially land him into the WWE title picture.

Moreover, we could possibly see a Balor vs Styles matchup for the WWE Title. Maybe Balor could even become the WWE Champion.

Just imagine two former Bullet Club leaders squaring off against each other one more time. Honestly, the whole WWE Universe will be on their feet to see these two going against each other.

#3 Samoa Joe

Having a list of future WWE Champions and not mentioning Samoa Joe on it is a foolish mistake.

Samoa Joe has accomplished so many things, not only in WWE, but also outside of it.

Joe has already held the NXT Championship a few times in the past, and though "The Samoan Submission Machine" hasn't been able to capture a title on the main roster as of lately, I think the year 2019 could possibly do wonders for him.

As Joe is one of the finest superstars WWE have, there's no doubt in mentioning that Samoa Joe is definitely going to get a hold of WWE's top prize, the WWE Championship.

That being said, I think, as soon as the SummerSlam PPV is in the rear view mirror, Joe will be the next challenger for the WWE Championship. Just imagine Finn Balor and Samoa Joe feuding over WWE Championship. It's worth every single penny.

Also, expect his reign as the WWE Champion to be a longer one.

#4 John Cena

This man needs no introduction. He has already held the World title 16 times, tying Ric Flair's record, and I believe he's going to set a new record soon by winning the WWE Championship for the 17th time.

As you already know, John Cena will only work on major PPV's in WWE, same as The Undertaker, therefore I think he will win the WWE Title at one of the big four PPV's.

Considering all this, I think John Cena will probably return around next year's Royal Rumble PPV to set up his match with Samoa Joe at WrestleMania 36 for the WWE Championship. He might even win the Men's Royal Rumble and then challenge Joe at WM, possibly winning the title from him.

That being said, this could only happen if John Cena's schedule is clear at that time because if he wins the Royal Rumble match then he needs to appear regularly on WWE program for almost three months.

#5 The Miz

None of us can deny that The Miz is a future World Champion. The A-Lister is sure to win the WWE Championship in the near future.

Moreover, it's been a long time since we've seen The Miz getting involved in the WWE Title picture, therefore I think we could possibly see a rivalry between The Miz and John Cena following WrestleMania 36.

However, if Cena somehow manages to win the WWE Championship for the 17th time, don't expect him to hold the title longer. If he wins the title at WrestleMania 36, I believe he's going to lose it to The Miz at Money in the Bank or SummerSlam.

That being said, we could possibly see The Miz winning next year's MITB briefcase, and then cashing it later at the MITB PPV or later at SummerSlam. Just Imagine what wonders would it do for The Miz's career.