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WWE in the end stands for World Wrestling ENTERTAINMENT. Noticed how the word 'entertainment' was highlighted? Well, that's because it is the one point WWE focuses on most.
Stories provide entertainment, and for that the characters need to be interesting. The audiences should buy into a person's character and story to get thoroughly entertained. In wrestling slang, it's called 'getting over'.
In most cases, the superstars 'over' with the fans are pushed, regardless of their pure wrestling skills (see Braun Strowman). While there are anomalies such as Zack Ryder, the criteria more or less remains the same.
In today's scenario, getting over in the WWE is a big task, thanks to the dreaded 50-50 booking. However, there are a few superstars who despite this, have gone on to make a connection with the fans.
In this article, we take a look at the 5 most over WWE Superstars today.
PS: No part-timers are included on this list, and this is not a countdown. All the superstars listed are deemed equal.
#1 Ronda Rousey
Rowdy Ronda Rousey transitioned to pro wrestling from MMA after crushing defeats. While always a WWE fan, Rousey made her name in the Olympics, as well as UFC, where she became a mainstream star.
After transitioning to pro wrestling, she has set the world on fire with her matches. She looks made for the occupation, and the audience let her know everytime she comes out to the arena.
Generating deafening pops every time, almost all Ronda's matches have the most audience investment than other matches on the card. Now enjoying a World title reign, Rousey has had one of the most successful rookie years in the history of the WWE.
Just check out the electric atmosphere during her debut match at WrestleMania.
#2 Seth Rollins
Seth Rollins had a roller coaster ride to babyface glory. Originally dubbed the breakout babyface star of The Shield, Seth shocked everyone by turning heel the night after they defeated Evolution.
It was one of the most shocking moments in WWE history, as everyone expected Dean Ambrose to turn heel whenever required. What followed was a tremendous heel run, which ended only due to a serious knee injury.
On returning at MITB, the crowd went nuts for Rollins as he pedigreed Reigns to end the show. However, instead of using this opportunity to execute a double turn, WWE turned Rollins heel again.
He became a babyface again in his program with Triple H, but failed to find his groove as a crowd favourite. Then, he won the Intercontinental Championship.
Regularly hosting open challenges, Rollins won hearts the John Cena way - holding regular open challenges and having cracking matches against everyone. Soon the arenas started resonating with the chants of "we want Rollins", and "burn it down". WWE had found their next top babyface after Reigns.
While concerns were raised later when The Shield re-united and Rollins stopped defending the title regularly, they seem to be squashed now that Ambrose has ended The Shield.
#3 Becky Lynch
After Becky Lynch became the first SmackDown Women's Champion, everyone thought that she'd be a constant presence in the championship picture. Everyone thought that after being one of the least highlighted Horsewomen of the WWE, she would finally get her deserved push. But it was not to be.
After losing her title to Alexa Bliss, Lynch was out of the title picture for a long, long time. While she was consistently one of most over stars on the entire roster, she was left playing second fiddle to her best friend Charlotte Flair.
All this changed when Charlotte was out of action due to an injury. Becky started stacking up wins, and finally challenged for the SmackDown Women's Championship at SummerSlam. Unfortunately for her, Charlotte inserted herself into the match and won the title. This led Becky to turn heel - supposedly.
The WWE has desperately tried to make the audience boo her. She was made to cheat to win, and given promo material insulting audiences, but it was all in vain.
The WWE Universe didn't mind the cheating, nor the barbs aimed at them. They simply love Becky Lynch, and prove it every single week, chanting her name loudly. You wanted an anti-hero WWE? Well, you've got her. And her name is Becky Lynch. Please don't screw it up.
#4 AJ Styles
AJ Styles is the current WWE Champion. The TNA stalwart has now become a part of the longest reigning WWE Champions.
In today's age where wrestling ability is respected more than the entertainment side of the business, AJ Styles was always assured of a certain level of popularity. Why, you ask? Well, because he is probably the best wrestler in the world right now.
It also helps matters that the WWE have booked him strongly throughout, with his angles being one of the best on both brands.
Such is his popularity, that the crowd have never turned on him even once during his almost year long reign. He has beaten a slew of fan favourites, but has never received the flak others would have received almost immediately. Every time he steps out into the ring, he is greeted by only adoration and chants of 'AJ Styles'.
Styles has really been (forgive the pun) PHENOMENAL. And now, it seems that the WWE is making him the longest reigning WWE Champion of the modern era.
While it may be due to WWE's campaign to erase CM Punk from the history books (which is a bit petty), Styles deserves every accolade coming his way.
#5 Randy Orton
The transformation of Randy Orton from an unmotivated bland face, to ass-kicking and mutilating hardcore heel has been fun to watch. First turning heel against Jeff Hardy, Orton breathed new life into his career. He was back in his comfort zone, playing a dastardly heel.
Suffice to say, he plays the role with gusto. Gone are the plodding matches, which have been replaced by stimulating and exciting affairs. Orton has upped the intensity to a whole new level, and the audiences have responded appropriately.
He is getting genuine kayfabe heel heat, which is an achievement itself in today's wrestling scenario.
Orton has become a perfect example of full time WWE legend, using his veteran experiences to improve the product. SmackDown has never felt more important, and a lot of credit for that goes to him.
What makes Sting special? His first AEW opponent opens up RIGHT HERE.
