On Monday night, WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque introduced the promotion’s brand new World Heavyweight Championship to revitalize the title picture at the top of the card since undisputed WWE Universal champion Roman Reigns has had a stranglehold on the company’s top two titles for almost 1,000 days.ย
For those unfamiliar with the world title situation, Reigns won the WWE Universal championship on August 30, 2020. Then, he secured the WWE title at Wrestlemania 38 on April 3, 2022. Becoming the company’s latest undisputed champion. Since then, the part-timer has bounced between Raw and Smackdown, defending the belts at high-profile premium live events.ย
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Ultimately, putting both world titles on one guy has been a money maker, captivating audiences with fantastic stories( i.e., The Bloodline saga). However, the experience has worn thin with a good portion of the fanbase who want more world title matches on Monday Night Raw with fresh faces.ย
Even though there has yet to be a formal announcement on how the first winner of the World Heavyweight Championship will earn the brand new belt, we do know it will happen at Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia on May 27. So, with a roster of superstars worthy of the top spot in the company, here’s a breakdown of the contenders and pretenders for the World Heavyweight Championship.ย
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The Obvious Choice: Cody Rhodes
Cody departed the WWE in 2016 to establish himself as a main-event superstar. After touring the independent scene and assisting in the All Elite Wrestling launch, he found himself a power player in the game and returned home to the WWE in 2022 to “finish the story.” Upon his return, he won the Royal Rumble and faced no adversity en route to the main event of Wrestlemania 39, which he lost to Reigns.ย
However, Rhodes is finally facing adversity, which could eventually make a portion of the fans feel like he deserves to be the world champion. Ultimately, winning at Night of Champions is a make-up for previous disappointments, which could have been part of the plan all along.
Fan Favorite Choice: Seth Rollins
Seth Rollins is a prominent figure in the WWE and is one of the industry’s best performers. Furthermore, his personality is so magnetic that thousands of fans serenade him whenever he steps through the curtains. Although Rollins has suffered significant losses in the last year, including three in a row to a returning Cody Rhodes, he’s a multi-time world champion just waiting to stomp someone’s head into the canvas.ย
Interesting Choice: Finn Balor
Finn Balor was the first-ever Universal Champion in 2016, only to forfeit it a day later due to injury. Realistically, he’s been a Triple H guy since his days in NXT, and although most of the WWE Universe would hate to admit it, The Judgement Day is one of the hottest stories on TV.
Even though they are currently feuding with Rey Mysterio, the Latino World Order, and music superstar Bad Bunny, Balor has never had another chance to be world champion. Overall, putting the strap on him would elevate his legacy and Judgment Day.ย
Lack of Creativity Choice: Brock Lesnar
Brock Lesnar is a big draw in Saudi Arabia, appearing in matches with mainstream names like Cain Velasquez, Bobby Lashley, and of course, Reigns. Interestingly, they could go with this choice for two reasons.
First, Lesnar is currently feuding with Rhodes, the favorite to-be future world champion, so it fits the narrative. Second, the WWE recently merged with UFC to create a super company, and Lesnar’s roots run deep in that company. Often, the WWE faces criticism for its lack of creativity, so it would surprise no one if Lesnar walked away with the title.
Forget About It Choice: Bray Wyatt
Bray Wyatt could have had the entire wrestling world in his hands, however, he was the victim of budget cuts in the company several years ago. Upon his return in 2022, the WWE gave him a Hollywood production-level reintroduction. Nevertheless, he hasn’t been on TV in months due to an unknown illness. Missing much of Wrestlemania season. Realistically, there’s no telling if and when he’ll ever return, so count him out of this race, despite a massive fan following.
Surprise Choice: Randy Orton
Future Hall of Famer Randy Orton has been out of action for almost a year, last appearing on TV in May of last year when he lost (along with Matt Riddle) the tag titles to The Usos. Interestingly, he’s a close friend of Triple H, going back to their days in Evolution, meaning the CCO could look out for one of his own, who is only two title reigns away from the record of 16 held by John Cena and Ric Flair.
If the WWE were going for shock value, Orton would come out of nowhere and win the World Heavyweight Championship.ย