The year 2020, also known as the “Empty Arena” era, is coming to a close soon. As we welcome in the New Year, Let’s take a look into the not so distant future of 2021 and see who are the “secret weapons” and possible big-time players WWE should push as we welcome another year. We’ve looked at the WWE roster as a whole across all three brands, and these are the names that stand out to us the most.
Note: The list is in no particular order.
Who WWE Should Push In 2021
Shayna Baszler
The “Queen of Spades” rushed onto the scene attacking Becky Lynch and making as big of a statement as anybody could’ve ever dreamed of. She was poised to take the Raw Women’s title from The Man at this year’s edition of Wrestlemania. She wrecked-shop and eliminated every single woman that stood in her path in the Elimination Chamber. Unfortunately, plans changed and she ended up losing to Lynch at the Showcase of the Immortals. This year wasn’t all bad for Baszler, she struck gold in a make-shift tag team with Nia Jax. The promise of their dominant duo was fun initially, but the novelty soon wore off. Every person who thought this was the year she dominates the division has been left wondering what happened along the way. 2021 should be the year Baszler reminds everyone of who she is and in the process capture the Red brand’s top prize.
Angel Garza
If WWE just took a closer look at Garza, they’ll realize that they have the next Hispanic megastar they’ve been wanting. The phenomenal match he had with Lio Rush late last year was just a sample of what he can do. Garza has all the tools to be the next Eddie Guerrero. He has the looks, charisma, and in-ring chops to back it up. Being in a stable with Zelina Vega and Andrade did next to nothing for Garza. The best possible path back to relevance for the Mexican star is to go back to NXT and have barn-burners with the likes of Santos Escobar, Leon Ruff, etc. His talents are way too valuable to squander. And in an already razor-thin Cruiserweight Division lacking credible opponents for Escobar, having Garza back would be a much needed pick me up for the struggling division.
Samoa Joe
The “Samoan Submission Machine” has been out of action and on commentary since Late-April of this year. Joe has been plagued with injuries over the past year, and the question on everybody’s mind is, when is he coming back to choke out everyone who dares stand in his way? Although a lot of people enjoy Joe’s injection of credibility and energy into the color commentary team, it’s for him to regain his dominance. Who wouldn’t want to see him rekindle his rivalry with The Phenomenal AJ Styles, or a throwback to his ROH (Ring Of Honor) days and face the former American Dragon, Daniel Bryan? Time is ticking for Samoa Joe and fans would like to see him tear through the roster once again. Joe has more than enough left in the tank to do great things in 2021. Believe that.
Liv Morgan
If anyone has watched the Liv Forever documentary for the budding star, you will understand why she makes this list. Morgan had been trying to break out on her own after the split of The Riott Squad. Late last year, it seemed like she was on her way to the top when she interrupted Lashley and Lana’s wedding in a twist no one saw coming. And at the Royal Rumble, it seemed like she was being set up for a darker character. Unfortunately, they didn’t follow up and she was left to do nothing noteworthy. She had a decent outing in a Pre-Show match at Wrestlemania 36 against Natalya. She is now in the same place she was at the beginning of her promising career, alongside Ruby Riott. If the Liv Forever documentary is any indication, WWE might have big plans, as they should, for her in 2021.
Murphy
Murphy is one of the best-kept secrets that WWE has right now. It’s not even fair to call him a secret. The company needs to utilize him in hard-hitting, bone-crushing spot-filled matches with the best wrestlers on the blue brand. It was perfect for him to land on SmackDown. Although the Rollins/Mysterio rivalry could not end soon enough. The Australian bruiser should be moving on to new and exciting things. Imagine the contests he would have with Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens. And who wouldn’t want to see a Ring of Honor-style match with Daniel Bryan? Murphy is best utilized as an ass-kicking machine. The guy’s look is phenomenal and his style is reminiscent of independent wrestling with the caution and care of a WWE superstar. Let this man go off and carve out his own path.
Raquel Gonzalez
Gonzalez has looked good since the day she came in. She has the look as well as the power and strength to be a dominant force in the NXT Women’s division. She has this Shawn Michaels–Diesel type of partnership with Dakota Kai as of late. I’m not saying they’re on the level of those legends, but as far as their dynamic goes they come off as equals much like the aforementioned Superstar duo. They could split up, hopefully not yet, and become major players in the division. If handled carefully and if WWE fights the urge to let her out of the gate before she’s even ready to hang with the top players. A slow but decisive burn is what the powerhouse Gonzalez needs and she’ll rule this division in no time.
Honorable Mentions:
Peyton Royce – Shame they split up “The IIconics” and completely forgot about her, much-rumored, singles push. We sincerely hope they remedy that in the upcoming year.
Dakota Kai – A heel turn last year that many were not sure would work turned out to be a great move. Kai is so talented and it’s just a matter of time she inches closer to Women’s championship gold.
Tegan Nox – She was well on her way to the top, but unfortunately, injuries once again struck the talented Welsh star. Her speedy recovery is a top priority.
Kacy Catanzaro – Kacy is an athletic specimen, former American Ninja Warrior, and a fast-learner inside the squared circle. Not the first person that comes to mind but with enough time and work, she will be making waves soon.
Elias – Backstage reports say they’re high on the former “Drifter”. And I have to agree on this one. He works best as a heel because he can turn a crowd against him in a heartbeat. Currently, in a feud with Jeff Hardy, hopefully, by the end of the upcoming year, we get to “Walk with Elias”.
Stay tuned to the Last Word on Pro Wrestling for more on this and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world, as well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world. WWE fan? You can check out an almost unlimited array of WWE content on the WWE Network.
Looking to talk wrestling, pro football, or any number of sports? Head on over to the LWOS Boards to engage in conversation with fellow fans!
