No it's not a statistical article breaking down the WSBF pick'ems (although mike has the data to provide something electric for any number nerds out there) this is some of the WSBF crew looking ahead into the future and predicting things that will happen in the world of wrestling over the next 12 months.
From the probable, to the wildly out there, let's take a look at our premonitions,
DOM PHILP
1. KENNY OMEGA vs. KOTA IBUSHI
In the Chris Jericho podcast with Omega and Callis, the duo continually foreshadowed that there was more “history changing events” to come. Omega mentioned Ibushi by name, saying that he “could never win the big one.”
Imagine the scene when Omega, flanked by Callis and the “real World’s Championship”, appear on the big screen after an Ibushi IWGP defence.
Let the diplomats figure out how to book the angle and the match. I’m not here to book it any further, but I’ll be here to watch when it happens.
2. KARRION KROSS WINS A MAIN ROSTER TITLE
I saw a bit of Killer Kross in Impact back in the day and it always felt to me like he was trying to do his best impression of someone else. There was always something missing from his character, which always made him feel a bit like a square peg in a round hole there.
Turns out, it was his missus. Kross and Scarlett make me put my phone down when they are on the screen (that’s quite a feat) and It just feels to me that it’s the perfect double act for the main roster.
Kross has a bit more size than a lot of his counterparts in NXT and management has always loved a ready made package like Mr and Mrs Bordeaux (a modern day Mero and Sable).
It wouldn’t surprise me to see them both move to Monday or Friday before the end of the year. Which, ironically, would mean that I see less of them.
3. DREW MCINTYRE vs. TYSON FURY
This one is pandemic dependent. But WSBF is all about positivity so let’s keep our fingers crossed. I’d be all for this main eventing a show in London in a world where international travel is permitted. I’ll tell you what, if it happens; I’ll buy anyone reading this a beer at the show. Shit’ouse!
4. TATE MAYFAIRS BREAKS THROUGH
If wrestling ever does come back in The UK there are a couple of things to consider moving forward. On the one hand, there are likely to be fewer promotions where wrestlers can find regular bookings. But on the other hand, it’s likely that there will be some roster slots up for grabs in those promotions which do survive.
Look for Mayfairs to be a bit of a bolter in securing one of those slots somewhere. He is by no means the finished article, but I think that if and when he is given a shot, he can capture an audience’s imagination.
5. MARTY SCURLL SIGNS WITH WWE
This raises all sorts of problematic emotions, with all sorts of fans, World wide.
MATT CONNOLLY
1. SANADA WINS THE G1 CLIMAX
New Japan are clearly behind Sanada. A big wrestle Kingdom victory and being Ibushi's first challenger are further evidence of this. He came up short in the final last year but just like previous winner Ibushi, I see his loss driving him to winning the big one in 2021.
2. KARRION KROSS WINS A MAIN ROSTER TITLE
Just look at the Guy. I don't even want to imagine the scene when Vince places his peepers on him. An NXT title run is surely inevitable, but I see him making main roster tremors fast!
3. THE TRIBAL CHIEF HOLDS GOLD FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR
I realise that saying the most well thought of Superstar in the company having a lengthy reign is hardly sticking my neck out. However, considering the stacked roster WWE always offers plenty and you add in the plethora of part-timers who will come in to have a go as well - I'd say a complete year on top of his already 120+ day title reign is still fairly bold.
4. ETHAN PAGE TO HAVE A BREAKOUT YEAR
He's just really really good and whether as a part of The North or as a singles star, I see him having a massive 2021. Where will that be? Who knows. But it's going to own!
5. DEATH TRIANGLE BECOME TRIOS CHAMPIONS IN AEW
A double prediction I guess. Is this the coolest 3 man group assembled right now? If AEW introduce the long rumoured Trio belts these Guys are surely at the front of the betting.
MATT BRUMMITT
1. NEW JAPAN GETS OLD
A lot of the more long term NJPW fans have seen the writing on the wall for a while. I think 2021 is the year the average fan catches up. WK had a couple of great matches and a bunch of good ones but its shine seems to have dulled. People blame their bad year on the pandemic, I just think they're out of ideas.
2. N(e)XT GENERATION
2021 is an interesting year for NXT. It used to be the land of workrate, but 2020 was a transition to a more sports entertainment feel. 2021 is the year where we can judge if that's worked. A long Kross title reign looks to be the core of their plans for next year. If the plan fails, expect to see Kross drop the belt to KOR before the year is out.
3. JAPAN'S FORGOTTEN CHILDREN
If my prediction that people's love of NJPW begins to wane, then it could mean more eyes on Japan's other male promotions. DDT was Japan's best promotion in 2020; NOAH has put on some cracking matches (mainly featuring Go Shiozaki); and AJPW, Big Japan, and Dragon Gate have had solid years too considering the conditions. May it continue into 2021.
4. SOPHOMORE DYNAMITE
Though its debut in October 2019 feels a lifetime away, 2021 is still only Dynamite's 2nd full year of weekly TV. It's got a lot right in its life to date but the new promotion excitement is settling and AEW needs to find a way to keep up the momentum. Cross company collabs look to be the route it's taking but it needs to still focus on its bread and butter or those near 1m weekly ratings of late will drop off quick.
5. THE SAD ONE
What the fuck does 2021 mean for British wrestling? The 3 heads of Cerberus for BritWres are COVID, NXT UK, and the cancerous infrastructure that lead to predators operating with abandon. The vaccine may help deal with the first head (though not completely and not for a while) but the other 2 do not have simple solutions.
My favourite thing in wrestling is watching it live with my mates over a few beers. I really hope that can happen again but I've no idea what the show will be, how it will be run, and my emotions when watching it. I'd like a more optimistic take but I don't feel it right now. Just because Wrestling Should Be Fun, it doesn't mean it always is.
ROSS CASEY
1. JIM SMALLMAN BECOMES THE NXT UK GM
Johnny Saint as General Manager really has not worked and whilst Sid Scala has done a good job, the brand needs more life added to it and Jim Smallman will certainly do that. Let him be himself, not suited and booted, and let him do his thing (but less sweary).
He added a lot to PROGRESS and he will be an excellent on screen addition to NXT UK, whilst also removing the Me Too stench around Scala.
2. AEW SIGN TESSA BLANCHARD
AEW's women's division really isn't very good. NXT blow it out of the water and they need new additions alongside the NWA girls they are bringing in. With her dad on the payroll already, Tessa Blanchard seems an easy win for me at AEW.
Yes she comes with baggage, but their roster needs her.
3. JEY USO WINS SINGLES GOLD
Jey Uso has been unbelievable since the beginning of the Roman Reigns angle. He proved he had the charisma, in-ring ability and presence of a singles star in that feud and since then he has added more and more layers to bis character work.
With COVID a huge issue at the moment, I am not certain The Rock is going to be around anytime soon and I can either see Jey being the one to dethrone Roman or being rewarded for his efforts recently with an Intercontinental Championship run in 2021.
4. RANDY ORTON WINS ANOTHER HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE
Surely we are leading up to Cena vs Orton tied at 16 World Championships going for the record at some point? That has Wrestlemania main event written all over it. In doing so, Orton needs another two reigns... so I foresee him picking up another in 2021.
5. NXT UK TAKEOVER: DUBLIN STILL DOESN'T HAPPEN
How cursed is this show? I guess that is what happens when you put on a UK show in Dublin!
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