The Superstar Shakeup took Raw by storm. Many fresh faces found themselves on the red brand. The likes of Baron Corbin, Mike Kanellis, Zack Ryder, and many others are in unfamiliar territory. With unfamiliar territory, though, comes opportunity, Which superstars, both old and new, could become Universal Champion?
Baron Corbin
Yes, the Lone Wolf was one of many who left Smackdown behind. Like him or not, he’s easily one of the biggest names to jump to Monday Nights (unless you consider Jinder Mahal and Bobby Roode big names). While Corbin was never able to claim the WWE Championship during his stint on Smackdown, he’s no stranger to big matches. He’s a former United States Champion and a former Mr. Money in the Bank. He’s been in four different WWE Championship matches.
Many people don’t like Corbin (I personally think he’s great), but rumor has it that Vince McMahon likes the guy. It’s not hard to see why. He understands his character, and his moveset is pretty impressive.
If it’s true that he moved to Raw to get a big push, then perhaps we could see Big Baron become Universal Champion.
Bobby Lashley
Bobby Lashley returned to WWE after nearly a decade away from the company. Lashley made his name in Impact, where he refined himself and improved. The Lashley who returned is miles above the Lashley who left WWE.
Lashley is exactly the kind of powerhouse that could believably dominate Raw. He’s built, he’s fast, and he has legitimate MMA experience.
On a roster with the likes of Bobby Roode, Baron Corbin, Elias, Seth Rollins, and Finn Balor, Bobby Lashley still manages to stick out. He is a specimen, and he could dominate Raw and become Universal Champion.
Imagine the matches he could put on with the likes of Roman Reigns, Elias, and many others. Those would be must-see. There are so many people Lashley hasn’t fought yet.
Elias
Elias is one of the biggest successes to come from NXT. He’s one of the most entertaining people on Raw’s roster. He’s a despicable heel who uses shortcuts to win. Worst of all, he plays the guitar. What a monster.
Elias has been floating in the upper reaches of the card for a while. No one really batted an eye when he was in the Elimination Chamber. He has shown he can hang with some of Raw’s elite superstars.
His unique blend of power and technique could help Elias claim the top spot and become the Universal Champion. There is no one else like him. He could probably break through this year. Maybe 2018 is the year of Elias.
Seth Rollins
Despite the Superstar Shakeup, Raw is still very much Monday Night Rollins. Even though United States Champion Jinder Mahal moved to Raw, Rollins remained where he was. The Intercontinental Champion stayed on his brand, and he is one step closer to becoming Universal Champion.
After show-stealing performances against Finn Balor and in the Gauntlet Match before the Elimination Chamber, Rollins has to be on the radar of the people in the back. He is exactly the kind of superstar who could be the face of Monday Nights. He’s built, he’s great in the ring. His initial face turn was all sorts of iffy, but he’s since found his stride.
WWE’s placed a lot of faith in Rollins before (he held the WWE Championship for more than 200 days), so there’s no reason to believe they won’t do the same. Rollins will be Universal Champion one day.
