The One Wrestler WWE Need To Push In 2019

Cesaro Section
WWE.com

Cesaro wasn't pushed because while he has always been among WWE's best in-ring technicians, he lacks the physical and verbal charisma to carry a product. His current role as a high-level tag team specialist is perfect for him.

Dolph Ziggler was never given top guy status because even at his best, he often resembled a Shawn Michaels tribute act, and his concussion history doesn't encourage trust.

Damien Sandow wasn't pushed because he wasn't built to flourish as anything other than a novelty act, as proven by his disastrous post-WWE run as Impact Wrestling pseudo-shooter Aron Rex.

Zack Ryder wasn't pushed because he's Zack bloody Ryder.

The list goes on.

Being a great wrestler isn't enough; if it was, Cesaro would be main-eventing WrestleMania. It's the least important part of WWE's 'top star' blueprint, in fact. Cutting awesome weekly promos isn't enough either, hence why The Miz is currently farting around with Shane McMahon. Physical charisma, verbal charisma, a good look, Presence, showmanship, smarts: these things are important, but not on their own.

An effective WWE main eventer must possess a combination of the above, or, ideally, all of them. It's a tough balance. WWE can help develop these traits in their performers, but only to a certain extent. Much like Roderick Strong will never cut a promo like Adam Cole, you can't teach EC3 to wrestle with Daniel Bryan's fluidity.

WWE aren't looking for great pro-wrestling acts, but great Sports Entertainment acts, and while their search for headliners has delivered countless near-misses and all-out flops over the years, one rising star is more than worthy of an opportunity to crack the big time.

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Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.