Dean Ambrose got his wish in facing AJ Styles in an attempt to regain the WWE World Title he lost at Backlash. The only problem is the former champ is not the only taking aim at the new face that runs the place. Enter John Cena in what could be a historical night in October.
Based on booking and the sudden insertion of Cena in the feud between Styles and Ambrose – which was Cena’s fight at SummerSlam – it looks like WWE wants to flirt with history a bit. If Cena wins in the Triple Threat Match, it would give him 16 world titles, tying Ric Flair for the more of any champion of all time.
We all know what will most likely happen, which also leaves Ambrose on the outside looking in. Booking Smackdown Live superstars is somewhat of a challenge since the roster isn’t top heavy and based more on the future than anything else.
Ambrose has held the title longer than most of us expected, which speaks well about his popularity and how he has been able to retain the belt while his former Shield mates, Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns, are still searching to regain the strap.
After No Mercy and the dust has cleared and Cena or Styles stands atop the mountain raising the gold, what happens to the Lunatic Fringe? How does WWE book him moving forward? Is there another title run in his future? Here are five booking options moving forward.
#5 The Miz
The Intercontinental Title is finally getting some respect thanks in part to a solid run by The Miz and his lovely wife Maryse. Because of the current situation of the roster, Smackdown Live has no true mid-card, which should make this a main event match.
I would pay good money to see the two unorthodox wrestlers tangle in the ring and verbally joust in promos. The Miz is better in the ring than many give him credit for and would sell for Ambrose, especially since both are about as unpredictable as any superstar on the WWE roster.
#4 Shelton Benjamin
When Benjamin arrives on the blue team, which side will he stand on? Better yet, does he get thrust into the title picture right away? While the news of Benjamin’s impending move to WWE has us all excited, we don’t know what we will get once he appears on television.
Benjamin was an unfulfilled star in his first run with the company – a package of success that was never given a chance at the top belt. This might be a chance, but first he must be built up again. I like the potential of this match-up.
#3 Bray Wyatt
While this has been done before, it is still a solid option. If WWE wants to make this interesting, why not have a future title stipulation on a match between these two? WWE’s biggest mistake this year has been the slow play of Wyatt’s talent.
I know injuries have played a part in it, but Wyatt has never competed for a title while he has been on the roster. That has to change. If for some reason Ambrose wins at No Mercy, you can be sure Wyatt might be the first guy to challenge the new champion to a match.
#2 Randy Orton
Another matter of no place to go. Orton should be the guy who is the MVP or the go to wrestler – much like Chris Jericho is on Raw. Orton’s veteran presence should always be perceived as the guy who can, at any moment, move into the title picture.
A solid veteran program might go over with the fans as well and give the creative team a chance to catch its breath and decide what to do next with Ambrose’s character. Orton has had some solid matches with Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns. This program could top them all.
#1 John Cena
Of course he is on this list. Should Cena win the title, why would Ambrose be one of the first to get a title shot? I know Styles will be in the mix as well – as will all the other wrestlers on the roster. This one is fairly intriguing to me.
Wrestling Cena puts Ambrose over once again and gives The Champ another feud he isn’t familiar with. We all wanted to see Cena and Daniel Bryan once more, but it never materialized. This one could be just as good, and would give Smackdown Live another showcase main event to hype.
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