10 Most Important Superstars On The Road To WWE Summerslam 2014

6. Evolution

There have been mixed-feelings among fans about the 2014 return of Evolution, but there can be no doubt that the combination of Triple H, Randy Orton and Batista has been rejuvenated in order to create credible and respected opponents to take The Shield to the next level. With a potentially defining match between the two factions about to take place at Payback, what is the future for the members of the recently reformed group? Triple H's role since Summerslam last year has seen him prioritise keeping the WWE World Heavyweight Championship out of the hands of fan favourite Daniel Bryan. The Authority, like any power-yiedling wrestling faction, need numbers, which is why the timing of Evolution's return fits nicely with the story line direction WWE have taken for just under one year. What is different about this incarnation of Evolution, however, is that Randy Orton and Batista are now established main event stars and multiple-time WWE Champions. Only Triple H was during the first run. The question this raises relates to how long these three stars will be happy to remain a part of Evolution once the main event programme with The Shield is no more. If the group is to eventually disband of its own volition, where will the future lie for these competitors? If WWE chooses to do this sooner rather than later, a likely bet for Summerslam could well be the Wrestlemania XXX main event that never was: Batista vs Randy Orton. It would not be unreasonable to suggest that one of the current Evolution members will emerge from the current role as a fan favourite. With Triple H firmly cast as heel authority figure, and Batista roundly rejected as a face by the WWE audience ever since he won the Royal Rumble in Daniel Bryan's absence, it may be the case that The Viper makes the turn less than one year after he and Triple H swerved Daniel Bryan at last year's Summerslam.