5 superstars that could be World Heavyweight Champion if the WWE were 'real'
If one errant knee could cause this, what would happen if the WWE were to promote real violence?While the social media outburst following Dana White’s ill-adviced and disrespectful comments about pro-wrestling being fake was largely embodiment of the intensity with which pro-wrestling marks defend the integrity of the industry that they love, it cannot be denied that one of the WWE’s prime objectives is to veritably produce a product that is as physically engaging as possible without actually compromising on the safety of the performers.This facet of the WWE is further heightened and highlighted with the amount of stick and ill-will that “stiff” performers receive from their colleagues as well as the smart fans that follow the inner rumblings of the industry studiously. Either way, we can concur that the WWE’s complexion would hardly be what it is now had the company sanctioned their performers to not hold back and to go full throttle in the ring. For one, this invisible ceiling that so unfairly truncates the “push” of certain performers may be laid to waste, with charisma and mic skills taking a back-seat as opposed to the ability of the wrestler to actually hold his own in a real fight.It would hardly matter if babyfaces thrived or if heels were beaten down as all the unique rules that currently govern and streamline the product would likely go out of the window, presenting a scenario where only the truly tough would be left standing.Would it turn out to be a mouth-watering prospect, or simply serve to prop up the bucket load of failed ideas that the WWE has experimented with over the years?As in the case of any fantastical supposition, you are free to make your mind up, as we put forth a list of the most possible and likely World Heavyweight Champions were the WWE to substitute their safe-ish working environment with a situation where all bets, and indeed gloves, were off.
#1 Rusev
The Bulgarian Brute, now a potent member of the newly formed heel faction the League of Nations, remained undefeated for a year into his WWE career before duly being fed as Wrestlemania fodder to John Cena (any surprises there?) under the banner of nationalistic sentiment.
Thereafter, also taking into consideration that some of his thunder was stolen by Lana, Rusev has found both momentum and authentic heel heat comparatively harder to come by.
In what seems like a career destined for the ambiguity of the mid card, Rusev could direly do with a face-lift and what better way to provide it than by evening out the playing field for the burly Bulgarian.
Having a powerlifting and rowing background, added to a stint in Thailand to gain exposure in Muay Thai, Rusev is arguably one of the more athletic and talented big men in the company and could well thrive, perhaps on a wholly different level than now, were the WWE to sanction real action within the squared-circle.
Armed with lethal kicks and athleticism that belies his frame, the combination of speed and power that Rusev is blessed with could well earmark him as one to watch out for in actual fight scenarios.