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Welcome to the first edition of Superstar Stock Report. In this section, we talk about who gained, who lost and who shook the WWE Stock Market.
The one whose status has been elevated is called a 'Gainer.' There were many superstars who impressed us in April. But, who all made the list? Here are top 10 'Gainers' of April 2018.
#10 Cedric Alexander
After months of being the #1 Contender, Cedric Alexander finally got what he deserved. A shot at the Cruiserweight Title. Though it came when the championship was vacant, the significance of the victory can't be undermined.
He took out Mustafa Ali in the finals of the Cruiserweight Classic in scintillating fashion. Their match was filled with high flying moves as they showcased their athletic abilities. Finally, Alexander hit the Lumbar Check to win the championship.
The Cruiserweight Champion is virtually the leader of sixteen other superstars. Neville played the role brilliantly and Enzo Amore brought the division into the limelight.
How will Cedric Alexander fit into the role? Only time will tell but he has got important responsibilities on his shoulders. As long as he is the champion, one thing is sure. We will be treated to breathtaking high-flying action.
#9 Carmella
Carmella surprised everyone when she cashed-in her 'Money in the Bank' contract after the IIconics attacked Charlotte. Baron Corbin's fortunes didn't follow her as she became the new Smackdown Women's Champion.
She has to be one of the biggest winners of April. She wasn't involved in any storyline in her 'Road to WrestleMania.' Now, she has the championship and the entire women's division is after it.
The Princess of Staten Island has displayed amazing mic skills. If her title run isn't cut short by the Queen, she could go on to become one of the greatest women heel champions of all time.
#8 Matt Hardy
Matt Hardy eventually found the right tune in April. The Woken storyline is finally paying off in what was starting to be a disastrous one. He won the Andre the Giant Battle Royale and kicked-off WrestleMania 34 in a splendid fashion. Not only that, Bray Wyatt was also "reincarnated" and helped Matt continue his 'Expedition of Gold.'
Actually, this move prevented Matt Hardy from getting lost in the shuffle. If the alliance didn't come to the rescue, he would have followed the footsteps of Baron Corbin and Bobby Roode. But, now he is one-half of the Raw tag team champions.
#7 Nia Jax
Perhaps, one of the most underrated stories of WrestleMania weekend was that of Nia Jax. Alexa Bliss body shamed her and made Nia Jax look the pitying babyface. It might look comical for a six feet tall and 260-pound woman to play the role but she donned it perfectly.
She hasn't done much following her WrestleMania victory. But, we are set for a rematch between them. The short 'Moment of Bliss' promo by Alexa adds more fuel to the fire. Who knows? She might even be one of the top winners of May as well.
#6 Seth Rollins
Seth Rollins is on a roll. At the final Raw before WrestleMania, the Architect defeated Finn Balor clean. In that way, he gained much-needed momentum and carried it forward to WrestleMania. Even his successful title defense at the Greatest Royal Rumble proves why he is important to the WWE.
Right now, "Monday Night Rollins" is one of the top-selling merchandise. Saying that he is just "over" will be an understatement. What does May have in store for the Kingslayer? We have to wait and find out.
#5 Braun Strowman
April was like a roller-coaster ride for Braun Strowman. Who would partner with him at WrestleMania? This question kept the fans guessing and names from Bobby Lashley to Rey Mysterio cropped up. However, his choice (or rather WWE's choice) brought a lot of heat from the Internet Wrestling Community.
Thankfully, the drama didn't last long and he relinquished the title quickly. His partnership with Bobby Lashley is starting to be a fruitful one. We don't know if it will be a permanent one or WWE will cut it brief.
Moreover, his triumph in the first ever Greatest Royal Rumble shows the faith WWE has in him. They can't bury the first-ever champion of such a historic event.
#4 Daniel Bryan
April was like December for Daniel Bryan and his fans. They finally got what they waited for. The G.O.A.T. was finally cleared to compete and made his return at WrestleMania 33.
He took out Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn in a tag team match also featuring Shane McMahon. WWE could have made the heels win it but they didn't want to spoil Daniel's night. Two nights later, he would face AJ Styles before being abrupted by Nakamura and Big Cass.
WWE is taking the long route in his feud with The Miz by making Bryan face off against Big Cass first. The hype has been created perfectly for a resurgent, aggrieved and egoistic Big Cass versus an underdog Daniel Bryan.
#3 Ronda Rousey
The Road to WrestleMania wasn't great for Ronda Rousey. Many critics questioned her in-ring ability and mic skills. While the latter needs some improvement, she has done a formidable job in improving the former.
The mixed tag team match gained the highest rating from Dave Meltzer. Despite Stephanie not being a frequent competitor, she worked well with Rousey. Even her chemistry with Triple H can't be disputed. If you still doubt her abilities, then please go and check a doctor!
#2 Brock Lesnar
The main event of WrestleMania 34 was similar to that of Wrestle Kingdom 12 in many aspects. The fans thought the lengthy title-runs would finally come to an end but the creatives had other plans.
It means that the management is yet to find a suitable candidate to hold the championship. WWE creative expected that Roman Reigns would be over with the fans by WrestleMania but they failed.
When will the reign get over? As of now, no one has any idea. But, one thing was made clear that day. The only winner coming out of it was Brock Lesnar!
#1 NXT
It would be unfair to put all the wrestlers in separate entries and compile it. Thus, we decided to put the entire roster as the top entry. The main roster has gathered heavy criticism from pro-wrestling analysts. But, one roster which isn't giving us anything to complain is the NXT.
Like every year, this year too NXT Takeover overtook WrestleMania as the better show of WrestleMania weekend. If it wasn't for them, the fans who traveled thousands of kilometers would have gone home disappointed.
The Unsanctioned match and 6-man Ladder match even garnered a 5-star rating from Dave Meltzer. The credit should go to all of the bookers, producers, referees, and the competitors. Believe it or not, Triple H is doing the job perfectly.
