The twisted rivalry between Braun Strowman and “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt seems to be close to reaching its conclusion. SummerSlam will be the place where the Universal Champion will be defined as either a Monster or a Maniac.
With the end being near, it has us wondering what is next for the Universal title? The ‘Payback’ event happens one week after the biggest party of the Summer, will that see a new challenger? Or perhaps the landscape will be different for SmackDown in September?
There are quite a few challengers Braun Strowman could brawl with if he got the chance. Let’s discuss ‘Six Potential Opponents If Braun Strowman Wins At SummerSlam’:
6. Sheamus
The Celtic Warrior has clearly stated that the only title he wants is the Intercontinental Championship. This is the last title for Sheamus to become a Grand Slam Winner. Despite this, it doesn’t stop any speculation that Sheamus may want to set his eyes on the blue strap.
Sheamus is one of the best heels on the SmackDown roster and has a winning pedigree as a former MITB, Royal Rumble, WWE, World Heavyweight, Tag Team and United States Championship winner. It would not be hard to fathom Sheamus getting another run in the main event picture.
Recently, on SmackDown, it was seen that AJ Styles will be feuding with Jeff Hardy over the IC Title. Hardy has just moved on from his personal rivalry with Sheamus.
Therefore, Sheamus is a worthy challenger before Strowman can move on to bigger threats.
5. King Corbin
Currently, King Corbin is feuding with Matt Riddle where he has placed a King’s Ransom over his head for anyone that can crush him.
Whether you like him or not, Baron Corbin has been one of the biggest heels in the last few years and therefore, a match against Braun Strowman does seem likely.
Both men are tall. Both men are strong. Corbin is mainly used as a placeholder opponent, which means that he is definitely a potential challenger for Strowman’s throne.
The rivalry will most likely be trash, however, it is certainly something up WWE’s alley. We just have to hope it is a filler-feud and not Corbin vs. Reigns levels of long!
4. Daniel Bryan
Last time Daniel Bryan challenged for the Universal Championship was at Royal Rumble, earlier this year, in a strap match against “The Fiend”.
Bryan has been doing some of his best work in this partnership with Drew Gulak and he has also just become a father to his newly-born son.
Even though he has been heavily involved in the Intercontinental Championship storyline, he is still viewed as a main eventer on the blue brand. Strowman seems to be quite the fighting champion and if Bryan asks for a title shot politely, a dream match between the Universal Champion could be epic!
Strowman always works better in matches against smaller, quicker athletes. Look at his rivalries with Sami Zayn compared to Brock Lesnar. Bryan is one of the fastest and most technical wrestlers in the company and therefore, a match against Strowman would be exciting!
3. AJ Styles
AJ Styles has been doing some phenomenal work – pun very intended – as Intercontinental Champion. Even though he dislikes defending his belt, he is a fighting champion, which is uncommon as a heel. So, therefore, a delightful treat and something I wish to see more of.
Obviously, Styles always wishes for more, and a Champion vs Champion match against Braun Strowman is certainly main event levels of huge! Especially, if it was for both belts as WWE has enjoyed creating double-champions recently.
Styles is another speedy competitor and definitely will counter Strowman’s meaty blows. He is also fantastic at having classic matches with anyone, look at his Boneyard Match with the Undertaker as an example. Strowman isn’t really appreciated for his decent wrestling ability, however, a match with AJ Styles will still be seen as something nothing less than spectacular.
2. Heavy Machinery
Before Otis became Mr. Money In The Bank, he and Tucker were the meatiest tag team in the land of SmackDown.
Strowman hasn’t shied away from defending in handicap matches. He retained his Universal Championship earlier this year in a match against Miz and Morrison at Backlash. He also lost the Intercontinental Title against Sami Zayn and the Artist Collective at Elimination Chamber this year.
If it had to happen again, Heavy Machinery is the best choice. It allows for Otis to challenge for the belt without cashing in his briefcase, it can cause heated turmoil between the team and it allows Otis and Strowman to lock hands which has been teased to happen since Otis won the briefcase.
Otis could also try and cash in even after a defeat or if Tucker manages to capture the gold for a few seconds. Even though I don’t think a heel Otis would work as when the crowds return I can see him being amongst the heavily cheered.
Nevertheless, this is an interesting dynamic to go towards.
1. The Leader of RETRIBUTION
The anonymous gang known as ‘RETRIBUTION’ has been leaving havoc in their paths as they make WWE their playground. Throwing Molotov cocktails, cutting the ring in half, smashing windows, chasing Michael Cole (which is kinda funny), RETRIBUTION has been the main talking point of the shows for a number of weeks.
Even though some of their actions are cringy, WWE obviously has big plans for the act. Even though we have no idea who any member is or what their intentions are.
One of the rumoured names to be part of the mysterious group are Dominick Dijakovic.
If this is true, then RETRIBUTION is set to have quite the leader. Whoever this leader is though, Strowman could be the saviour of WWE.
This would be quite ironic as Strowman is often doing the destruction but instead he will try and fix WWE. The championship will just fall in place for this epic encounter. It could also lead to team WWE vs team RETRIBUTION at Survivor Series, which would also be interesting.
Whatever way WWE goes, Strowman could have some great feuds in store if he manages to survive “The Fiend”.
Who would you like to see Braun Strowman defend against? Let us know on Twitter!
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