Future World Champions Of 10 Wrestling Brands
Which competitors are the leaders-in-waiting around the pro wrestling world?
The big wide world of professional wrestling is more connected than ever, with fans able to enjoy product from every corner of the globe. When encountering a new wrestling show, the first place we naturally look is at the top of the card. The company's World Champion often sets the tone for the show itself, expected to put on the best matches and represent the company in the greater wrestling world.
Fans love to debate whether a booker has made a good or bad choice for their company's standard-bearer *enter Jinder rage here*. Perhaps a more constructive debate is to look further down the card, in an attempt to identify who may one day claim that top prize.
Sometimes a company will make a concerted effort to build their future poster boy. Other times they go completely overlooked, slogging away in the mid-card to the bemusement of the fanbase. Therefore, identifying a future World Champion can often be wildly frustrating when the bookers don't pull the trigger.
Hopefully the brands on this list will be aware of what they have in their stars of tomorrow.
10. SmackDown Live! - Shinsuke Nakamura
Shinsuke Nakamura's arrival on SmackDown had fans giddy for a whole host of reasons. At the forefront was the presence of exciting potential opponents like Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, and most importantly, AJ Styles. Our collective imagination started whirring at the thought of Nakamura and Styles renewing their rivalry from their New Japan days, only this time on an even bigger stage.
Much to the relief of his pre-NXT followers, Nakamura was treated as the mega-star he is by both WWE officials and the WWE fanbase upon his arrival at TakeOver: Dallas. Similarly, AJ Styles has been shown huge respect by his new employers, rightfully capturing the WWE Championship last year.
Nakamura's time could come sooner rather than later, with WWE looking for a potential out from the Jinder fiasco. It should be considered a success if Shinsuke pulls a good match out of the WWE Champion, but failing to win should only be considered a momentary setback.
The upward trajectory that the Japanese talent is on won't be derailed by a loss to Jinder, or a cashing-in Baron Corbin. His connection with the fans is remarkable given his limited English, and WWE are proving they know how to handle international wrestling sensations. Whether it's at SummerSlam or not, Shinsuke is a future WWE Champion.