Welcome to the final instalment of The Stockwell Section Top Ten Series. In this final addition, I’ll be looking at which 10 stars I expect to have a great 2012.
Number 10 – Hunico
Personally, I love Hunico’s look – I’m always a fan of that LAX style. Hopefully the stable can build into something worthwhile and we see Hunico work his way further up the roster but as it stands, a blow off match with Sin Cara seems on the cards and after that, it really depends on whether he gets some backing. I still think we’ll see quite a bit of Hunico in the year to come but his lack of size worries me and I wouldn’t be surprised if his a genuine jobber by the years end. Why is he one to watch then you may ask? Well, this year, WWE has a small amount of up and coming stars in comparison to last but I do believe Hunico has a better chance then some of the others I could’ve listed.
Number 9 – Brodus Clay
Brodus returned to WWE television recently in a brand new gimmick, which I’m sure you are all aware of. I like the man from Planet Funk but unfortunately, his gimmick is very much that of a mid card talent. Whilst I think the big man will get a couple of reasonably big wins under his belt, I doubt he’ll go much further then that, this year or any other. At least until the gimmick has changed.
Number 8 – Epico and Primo
Please note this section was written before the recent episode of Raw.
I think it’s a safe bet to assume that Epico and Primo will win the tag titles at some point this year. Will it mean anything? Unlikely. The tag division has reverted back to its old self so I doubt they’ll go to far. But. A championship reign (regardless of the title(s) in question) is still a good accomplishment on a wrestlers resume.
As stated before, this was written before the recent Raw. So that’s one correct prediction already. Not bad me thinks.
Number 7 – Zach Ryder
Ryder’s stock has indeed risen in the last six months and I fully expect it to continue rising this coming year. I think he will continue to hold onto the US Title for a while and I imagine he’ll get some impressive wins over bigger stars, but that’s it. I don’t see Ryder main eventing and I don’t see him as WWE Champion in 2012. This year will either make or break Ryder in my opinion – after seemingly getting the nod from management, Ryder needs to prove his worth outside of his Internet show.
As stated before, this was written before the recent Raw. So already, that’s one correct prediction and one wrong prediction before this articles release. Nobodies perfect I guess.
Number 6 – Sin Cara
Upon his return, I fully expect Sin Cara to be a feature of Friday Nights once again. I doubt he’ll win any championships but there’s no doubt in my mind that he’ll return to a couple of big feuds which will help elevate him further up the roster.
Number 5 – Kharma
Kharma will return this year. She will battle Beth Pheonix this year and win. She will be Champion. Will she also reinvigorate the division? I hope so. I expect this lady will be a big deal for the most part of the coming year.
Number 4 – Sheamus
I didn’t want to include Sheamus on this list because he has already reached the height of the profession. However, with his recent turn, I thought I could include ‘face Sheamus’. The Irish star is already on his way back to the top, but the reason I have placed Sheamus at Number 4 and not any higher is because I don’t feel he’ll become champion as a face in 2012. I think the decision may still tip in Orton’s favour, but a couple of strong feuds and possibly a IC Title Reign seem likely. 2013 seems more likely the time for Sheamus to regain the top spot.
Number 3 – Cody Rhodes
Cody comes in at Number 3. He misses out on the higher spots because unlike the two men above him, I don’t see Cody reaching the top this year. Next year however, I can imagine Cody would top this list but as for 2012, I expect the second generation star to remain IC Champ for the better part of the year, all whilst getting some impressive wins on his resume. Booker and Goldust are good first choices, maybe Big Show or a couple of Raw mid card talents to follow: Zach Ryder or Truth anyone?
Number 2 – Wade Barrett
Last year, Wade Barrett was third on the list of stars to watch in 2012. This year, he jumps up a spot. The ball was dropped with Barrett at the first half of 2011 but things have started to turn around for my fellow Englishman. Barrett is a perfect example of a WWE wrestler: he has a great look, he can hold his own on the mic and in the ring, plus he is big (which as we all know, is a WWE preference). His stature alone makes him a good bet to hold a title within the year, but luckily, Wade has the capabilities to back it up. I can see Barrett winning a Money In The Bank Match and cashing in by the end of the year.
Number 1 – Dolph Ziggler
Dolph was Number 1 in this list last year and once again, he has secured the spot. Dolph was successful in 2011 but he still has so much more to achieve in the landscape that is WWE and I expect that 2012 will see Ziggler achieving said credentials. A title reign seems to be on the horizon which will in turn produce some bigger feuds for the young star. Here’s hoping that the star will receive a strong run as champ and not a run similar to that of Del Rio. I’m going out on a limb here, but I think Zigglers name will be thrown around by the years end when we’re debating over the best matches and feuds of 2012.
Until NXT Time…..
