The breaking news coming out of World Wrestling Entertainment tonight that Seth Rollins has suffered a torn ACL, MCL and medial meniscus, has sent shockwaves around the sports entertainment world. The man who had been the centerpiece of the company's television and headlined live events across the globe for the last year was suddenly forced to the sidelines, his championship reign brought to a halt far sooner than expected. The injury, suffered in a match against Kane during WWE's tour of Europe, forces the company into an unenviable position of re-booking its annual Survivor Series pay-per-view on the fly. Now, instead of a huge Rollins-Roman Reigns title bout that has been hyped for weeks, the company has announced a tournament for Rollins' vacated title that will unfold on November 22. Rollins' unfortunate circumstances open up the possibility for another deserving Superstar to reach the promised land, to hold the championship and potentially become a breakout star for a company desperately in need of its young roster to step up and seize the opportunities before them. With one of the deepest rosters in company history in terms of talent, any number of Superstars could stake their claim to the title. There is an argument to be made for numerous competitors. Which eight are most deserving, though, and which one is the best choice to pick up where Rollins left off as the face of WWE's bright future?
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
