Written by The Dark Knight of Sports LaShawn Encarnacion
At a recent live event, WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins took a bad landing and tore his ACL. Rollins is expected to be out 6-to-9 months in recovery after surgery. So on the 25th anniversary of the day that The Undertaker made his debut to the WWE, formerly known as the World Wrestling Federation, a tournament format is set to be held at the Survivor Series to crown a NEW WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
The WWE is no stranger to tournament-style format of competition. There is the traditional tournament to crown their yearly King of the Ring. When it comes to an actual tournament for the coveted WWE World Heavyweight Championship, only ONE comes to mind … Wrestlemania IV where the late “Macho Man” Randy Savage competed in four matches in one night to be crowned the NEW WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
While the format is just a rumor, it is a best guess as it already has precedence. But the competitors and favorites can be discussed, which will be done as a pre/preview.
The obvious favorites are performers such as Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, Cesaro, King Barrett, and the 2015 Money in the Bank winner Sheamus. United States Champion Alberto Del Rio and Intercontinental Champion Kevin Owens are also in the mix of consideration as competitors, even though Owens already is planned to defend his championship against Ryback. Then again, Ryback could also be named in the tournament as well. Dolph Ziggler and the members of The Wyatt Family finish what are the obvious names to be considered for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship Tournament.
The “not so obvious” names that may be considered are some from the NxT roster and some who could be making returns from long absences. Names like Finn Balor (current NxT Champion), Samoa Joe, Barron Corbin, James Storm, Tyler Breeze (main roster & NxT). A few long shots but have been rumored in recent reports as possible returns include fan-favorite Daniel Bryan, Rey Mysterio and even rumblings of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and even Goldberg.
In the end, one thing is clear. This Survivor Series is looking to be one of the most anticipated, eye-popping and without a doubt, surprising events in recent years for the WWE. Stay tuned to WWE programming and this outlet as new information will be unveiled as it comes.
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