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In WWE’s recent heavyweight title reign history, you may be surprised that there are less than 10 different nationalities represented. Out of that, you will find 4 in North America, 3 in Europe, 2 in Asia, one in the Middle East, and surprisingly no countries represented from South America or Africa.
For WWE fans, seeing their highly rated compatriots grace the top spot in the WWE can be seen as a greater win than the World Cup. So as times change and WWE expand their market ever further forward into the global hub, it seems only right to highlight the 10 countries that deserve the highest of accolades. Some countries are well represented in the current ranks, yet other nations may feel hard done by that they have no representation at all, let alone a champion in the midst.
#1 The Netherlands
With a population of 17 million and a huge WWE following, it is an easy assumption to find a wealth of extraordinary talent lying in wait. Well, it seems the WWE has only just tapped into it.
Aleister Black is the one hope for the Dutch. With huge experience behind him, he is tearing up the opposition in NXT. It won’t be long before the Tattooed enigma fires straight into the heavyweight title scene in the developmental territory. Ultimately, this could see his popularity grow and allow him to accomplish the equivalent feat on the main roster.
#2 South Africa
South Africa has more than itself to live up to as the first African country to have a national competing for professional wrestling's ultimate prize. Currently they don’t seem likely to be the first.
The hopes of the nation dipped after the departure of Justin Gabriel and Adam Rose. With Ghanian, Kofi Kingston the only African within the current roster, it looks like the prize is well up for grabs
There seems to be little hope at present, but you would imagine WWE would try to rectify this, as South Africa has on occasions been one of the largest audiences outside of the US. Would the character of Leo Kruger, instead of Adam Rose, have been a better servant to this nation's golden goal?
#3 China
One of the largest and fastest growing markets in the world, a yearning to look outwards for new entertainment, and an audience that could see the WWE potentially double their viewership or even more.
The potential is too much for the WWE to turn down. That being said, China had little to no representation within the organisation. So as of September last year, WWE sought out and recruited a few Chinese nationals that could represent the nation in the squared circle.
The only problem the WWE have now, is deciding whether a Chinese wrestler at the top will cripple the current fan base through neglect of their existing market, or will the lure of a global audience be too much to resist? Tian Bing, who was part of that recruitment drive, even made it to the Grandest Stage of Them All, as he competed in the Andre the Giant Battle Royal. Could Bing be the boy for China?
#4 Mongolia
Not what you were expecting? Not many others would either. However Mongolia has its own right to be competing for the ultimate coveted title. Mongolia is steeped in unique history, one that showed that a small remote nation could conquer the world.
Part of this country’s culture is its national sport of Mongolian wrestling, which Genghis Khan saw as a staple requirement for the fitness and discipline of his army. What does this have to do with WWE you may ask. Well, just imagine a gimmick of a nomadic Mongolian wrestler looking to reclaim his nation’s sport.
#5 Bulgaria
Not a large nation, nor one with a caliber of talent waiting in the wings. It is a nation more reasonably known now to WWE fans thanks to the flag waving Brute, Bulgaria’s own Rusev.
It is because of Rusev that Bulgaria is on the list. Once a dominating force in the WWE, Rusev was almost certain to be a champion within his first year on the main roster. This didn’t happen, and hr subsequently got mixed up in the League of Nations. There is still hope, however, as less likely mid-carders have ended up as WWE Champion.
#6 Switzerland
A nation nestled in the mountains, again has a superstar bearing the nations weight for anticipation of gold. The Swiss Superman, Cesaro, has spent 5 years on the main roster, and he has gone from strength to strength.
Switzerland won’t have to bear this stress alone, much of the WWE universe is crying out for the Swiss national to swing the gold around the ring!
#7 Greece
Similar to Mongolia, Greece has a reputation for wrestling. The Greco-roman or ‘flat-hand wrestling’ is known as a cornerstone and a massive influence on modern day wrestling styles.
Certainly less likely than many of the others on the list, it would be an interesting angle to see a Greek looking to compete amongst the best to restore an ancient glory.
#8 Germany
Germany has to go on the list based on its large audience, rich history and a fairly reputable independent scene. It seems this is somewhere the WWE could focus their efforts on. After all, realising that Heidenreich wasn’t actually German annoyed the fans, so it only seems fitting that the WWE do it right.
Currently gaining momentum in NXT is Alexander Wolfe of Sanity. From Dresden, can we expect Wolfe to soldier on and grab the belt? Perhaps it’s a step too far for the current NXT tag-team champion.
#9 Russia
Thinking of Russia in the WWE, you can certainly see why many think it is an opportunity missed. Many will remember or at least know the name of Nikolai Volkoff, unfortunately for Russia, he wasn’t actually Russian, nor did he capture the top title.
More recently, Vladimr Koslov will appear in WWE minds. Perhaps wasted, Vladimir would have made the perfect stereotypical villain had he been allowed to carry on with his initial gimmick.
Regardless of this, Russia is so vast, and the potential for a championship reign must only frustrate the Russian people. The common love or hate relationship between the western audiences and the Russian federation could be what defines the future of a Russian champion.
#10 United Kingdom
Nobody will feel more oppressed than the United Kingdom. The pure pedigree of wrestling talent graces the island nation, yet it has yet to see a Brit crowned champion. To add to the agony, there have been many close to the grail.
The British Bulldog has often been thought of as the best that never won the title. Then the ultimate Villain, William Regal could have seen himself holding the magnate of power from either of his two impressive singles competition runs that came both sides of the millennium.
Finally the less said about Wade Barrett’s promising run in the WWE, the better. Injury and poor carding found Wade struggling to find an opportunity to gain a constant place in the main event.
However, there is every reason why the future looks promising. With the successful creation of the WWE UK championship, the world has been given foresight to spot the next best talent from old Albion to claim a spot at the top of the WWE pyramid. Could the Bruiserweight, Pete Dunne, gain enough momentum to push him to the top? Time will tell.
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