2020 in the wrestling industry was interesting, to say the least. It had career-making wins nobody was in attendance to see and matches that should’ve brought the roof down but the house was empty. It featured events that would’ve amassed deafening cheers; moments that define a generation every fan would’ve been more than happy to witness for themselves. Furthermore, it showcased debuts and farewells that were equally somber with the absence of wrestling fanatics. While the world bids farewell to a tough 12 months and welcomes the New Year, let’s take a look at the things the WWE Universe wants to see with this WWE wishlist for 2021.
1. Daniel Bryan’s Farewell Tour
This WWE wishlist begins with the former “American Dragon” himself. The leader of the “Yes Movement” has made it clear that his full-time in-ring days are numbered. Daniel Bryan stated he’s not completely done but will be prioritizing, ahead of performing, fatherhood and his wife, Brie Bella. However, it’s not quite over yet. Bryan still has a lot of fuel left in the tank; imagine the technical marvels he could carve out with current stars such as Pete Dunne, members of The Undisputed Era, WALTER and many more. What about going up against equally-seasoned veterans the likes of Finn Balor, Johnny Gargano, and Tommaso Ciampa? Bryan is a first-ballot Hall of Famer, for many. He is a generational talent that deserves the respect and admiration of his peers. His “swan song” should be nothing short of spectacular. WWE needs to let him do what he does best: fight the absolute top-tier talent the industry has to offer.
2. Establishing New Stars for the Future
It’s no secret that many feel WWE has been lacking fresh top stars. The company relies on legends, part-timers, and returning stars whenever they’re in need of a boost. As we speak, Monday Night RAW is gearing up for their “Legends Night” program on the 4th of January. 2021. The answer to waning interest is presenting new megastars to a fanbase hungry for something new. Keith Lee, Karrion Kross, and Big E are just some of the talent that could lead WWE into their new era. The company needs to capitalize and establish the stars of tomorrow. The WWE Universe, once it’s possible to have live crowds back in arenas, will be the loudest they’ve ever been in years. In this WWE wishlist, the time is now to let someone new take the helm and steer the ship into new heights we have not witnessed in close to two decades.
3. First-Time World Champions
Continuing the theme of “fresh ideas” from the last entry in this WWE wishlist, the company should be willing to take a chance on somebody new for a world championship reign. Let them prove that they deserve it. How else could the promotion elevate the product if they don’t take risks? Names like Sami Zayn, Peyton Royce, and Riddle would be interesting prospects to have and win their first world titles. If there is ever a time to give the “brass ring” to a hungry performer, it would be the year 2021.
4. Permanently Make “WrestleMania” a Two-Night Event
“The Showcase of the Immortals” has always been the biggest event WWE holds every year. Thousands of screaming fans around the world, in attendance, watch the very best performers and matchups the company has to offer. As much as WrestleMania is an extravaganza any fan would love to experience, some might say that every year the length of the event has grown increasingly long and tiresome. The attendees would often experience fatigue due to the extended runtime. The burnout from fans directly influences the performers in the ring. Some big matches might not have the same reaction it would’ve had if it had taken place on a three-hour pay-per-view. WWE wants everyone on their roster to be part of the biggest event of the year, which is admirable of the company. However, making the spectacle a two-day affair would be beneficial for both the company and its patrons.
It would give every superstar the opportunity and time to showcase what they’re made of. Having WrestleMania spread out through two days, with a different main event for each day, would leave people wanting more. The 2020 edition of the event was done in a span of two consecutive nights, due to the global crisis, and fans were receptive to the idea. Matches were exciting and given time to progress to their phenomenal conclusion. As Day One of the proceedings came to a close, the fans were left wanting more. That is the type of feeling WWE could cultivate by making minor changes to their top-drawing event. More so, it renews the mystique and prestige of WrestleMania. This is a worthwhile addition to this WWE wishlist for 2021.
5. The Return of “The Man”
Becky Lynch has been one of the most “over” performers in recent memory. Man or woman, nobody could eclipse the brightest star WWE has produced in many years. Lynch took a break because of her pregnancy and recently gave birth to a child she shares with fellow WWE star Seth Rollins. Fans have been craving her return the minute she announced her hiatus. What better way to bring her back but in 2021? Lynch will be a welcome shot in the arm for the women’s division. Having WWE’s biggest superstar back, to pick up right where she left off, is a great way to regain the fans that lost interest in the period of the “Empty Arena” era. Lynch’s return in 2021 is a must-have WWE wishlist item.
6. A “Four Horsewomen” Showdown
A would-be match for the ages, Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, Sasha Banks, and Bayley have been the cornerstones of the “Women’s Revolution.” To the surprise of many, these women have competed in a four-way bout, against one another, only once in their careers. This took place at NXT TakeOver: Rival back in 2015. A combination of the four performers, three out of the four, would compete in big-time events, such as Wrestlemania 32 when Banks, Lynch and Flair blew everyone away. It is a travesty that these four combatants have yet to showcase this matchup at a bigger event. A WrestleMania main event-caliber matchup is one that fans have been deprived of. Thus, they would have little to no problem screaming their heads off for this one. The definition of a “money match,” this showdown would be an unforgettable one.
7. A Long Title Reign for Sasha Banks
“The Boss” has been long overdue for an extended title reign. Injuries kept her away from having amazing runs with the championship. As evidenced, by her recent unparalleled feud with Bayley, Banks is still a performer for the ages. She proved she is a reliable performer that could be trusted with the responsibility of the being top star of the division. “The Boss” has more than earned her spot atop the landscape of WWE for the foreseeable future. Thus, a lengthy title reign belongs on this WWE wishlist.
8. Drew McIntyre Finally Having His Moment
2020 was supposed to be the breakout year for the Scotsman. It was and more, but it wasn’t what he or anybody expected. Starting off scorching-hot at the Royal Rumble where he eliminated Brock Lesnar, McIntyre ended up winning the whole thing. It guaranteed him a date with destiny at WrestleMania. Afterward, the global event happened. He still went on to win the WWE Championship at the Show of Shows, but fans weren’t in attendance to see his crowning achievement. McIntyre was consistent as can be throughout the year, despite the circumstances. He was a great champion and one of the few performers who made the “Empty Arena” era enjoyable. Fans are clamoring to show their admiration, live and in person. Drew McIntyre deserves to hear the thunderous roar of a crowd, whether it’s defending the championship or regaining it. The megastar deserves to have his moment in the spotlight.
9. John Cena Returns
Undeniably, the former “Doctor of Thuganomics,” John Cena, puts butts in seats. The 16-time world champion wrestled only one match in 2020. Calling the WrestleMania cinematic experience a “match” would be very generous. The WWE Universe in 2021 will be an easy crowd to please. It’s a no-brainer for WWE to bring back their golden boy for a few matches to re-establish the status quo. Cena is box-office whether it’s against a young performer or an old foe. Love him or hate him, the leader of the Cenation is blockbuster.
10. Roman Reigns vs. The Rock
A marquee match that fans have been dying to see for half a decade is Roman Reigns versus The Rock. Reigns has been bulldozing through the competition since the day he came back in August. The top heel of the company, Reigns as it currently stands remains unopposed. With no end in sight, and no competitors to put an end to his dominance, who should be the one to step up? Well, none other than The Rock. The People’s Champion has been out of action since Wrestlemania 32. With that said, the interest in his return remains high, despite time away from the ring. The people love their champion and “The Most Electrifying Man in Sports Entertainment” loves giving them what they want. A fight between the two will fulfill the fantasies of many and line the pockets of both performers and WWE.
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.
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