WWE: 5 Men Who Would Have Fit Perfectly into the 'Conspiracy' Angle

People are really enjoying this "Conspiracy" angle. They feel as though the WWE is finally blowing the dust off of the cover of an old guide, directing them on how to create a tense, structured angle that keeps people hooked and tuning in to see what is happening next.

Some fans aren't so keen on the personnel involved, though, either because they aren't over enough or because they don't need the spotlight and have acquired too much of it. Other than that, fans feel as though some of the people involved have just let themselves down and haven't fulfilled what was expected of them.

Here are five men who would have been perfectly at home in this storyline, as well as a mention of which superstar they could have replaced.

Elsewhere, I've contemplated five men who have impressed recently and five men who haven't.

5. Batista

Who would he replace? Kevin Nash

When Kevin Nash entered the arena at SummerSlam and took out CM Punk, it was an electric moment; the injustice of what occurred next, with Alberto Del Rio cashing in on Punk and taking his recently won WWE championship. Suddenly, WWE fans were very unhappy with Nash, and waited with bated breath to see what sort of vengeance Punk would enact.

Punk never got the chance.

Kevin Nash was declared medically unfit to wrestle at Night of Champions and fans never got to see the two men sort out their differences in the squared circle; some were frustrated, some were happy with the new direction that meant Punk would face Triple H, and some were simply relieved they wouldn't have to see Kevin Nash compete against one of WWE's top stars.

SummerSlam that night was in Batista's residence of Los Angeles, and one rumour making the rounds was that Batista would return in some fashion. All of the aforementioned dramatics could have been avoided if he had.

If Batista had returned and cost Punk his title, fans would have been treated to the return of a top star, in his most natural role of heel; while as a face he was redundant and stagnating. Batista's last run in WWE as a heel was very fruitful and he did the best work of his career in that capacity.

He would have been a believable pawn in the games of whoever "sent the text," and he would have suited a role as leader of the new faction fans were speculating would arise around that time; the Corporation was a popular theory, and Batista would certainly have made a fantastic corporate champion.

Furthermore, he would have been able to actually have a match with CM Punk.

4. John Bradshaw Layfield

Who would he replace? David Otunga

J.B.L. was never the greatest in the ring, although he was a fantastic ring psychologist and was exceptionally gifted at gaining some sort of reaction from the crowd. Most significantly though, he was exceptionally gifted on the mic.

His entire record-breaking run as WWE champion was kept aloft not by quality matches, but by the consistently golden heel promos he continued to give, making him the most hated figure in the company at the time.

Now, most of his roles since his shift of gimmick in 2003 have seen him play a shrewd but cowardly businessman. With that in mind, he would be a brilliant representative for the group of disillusioned heels that are contemplating a lawsuit against WWE.

Imagine the reactions he and Vickie Guerrero could get representing Dolph Ziggler, Jack Swagger, Cody Rhodes and Alberto Del Rio? The promos and crowd involvement would be absolutely phenomenal.

If it was required, J.B.L. could get in the ring for some short matches, but for the most part his mere presence in the corner of these men, who are mainly mid-card talents, would elevate them to massive new levels of notoriety with fans.

Instead, though, they have been lumbered with the awful David Otunga, who has no ability, no charisma, and no personality. He is halting their progress in getting over rather than advancing it.

3. Shane McMahon

Who would he replace? John Laurinaitis

Firstly, Shane McMahon could get in the ring if required, which instantly places him above John Laurinaitis in my reckoning. And everyone else's, I'm sure.

Besides that, though, Shane has a natural link to this angle simply because he is a McMahon. Would he not then be believable as the son who has been cheated of his rightful inheritance, thus harbouring a grudge against the Chief Operating Officer?

Furthermore, Shane has a natural rapport with the fans as a face or heel, and has always been the most likable McMahon; fans who remember his crazy spots at SummerSlam 2000, Backlash 2001 and King of the Ring 2001, have massive respect for his guts and willingness to entertain at any cost.

Most obviously though, Shane O' Mac is actually capable of cutting a promo without looking completely out of place, unlike the shockingly bad Laurinaitis.

2. Edge

Who would he replace? Alberto Del Rio

Ah, Edge. How we miss you.

Now, if anyone, and I mean anyone, can tell me a reason Edge wouldn't be the perfect replacement for ADR in this storyline, I would be beyond astounded. He would genuinely be perfect.

It struck me when Alberto Del Rio locked John Cena out of the cage at Hell in a Cell. It was such an Edge-like thing to do, that I found myself thinking fondly of all the dastardly exploits of the "Ultimate Opportunist."

Edge, as World Champion, was always a heel character that sucked up to management (Vickie Guerrero) in order to stay on top; if he was thwarted in his schemes, he would bitch, whine and moan like nobody's business.

He would do that to Triple H, no doubt; those two have cut only a few promos, but they've always been good and fueled, it seemed to me, by a real disdain between the two that perhaps stems from Triple H's real-life belief that Edge wasn't good enough.

But I digress. The idea WWE is running with for their heels is that they are sick of performing in an unsafe work environment, something you could easily see Edge complaining about endlessly.

He would even be reunited with Christian in their dual goal of being World Champion and never having to defend them against the wrestlers they fear. Christian fears Orton at this moment, and we were always led to believe Edge feared Cena.

Now, you might wonder why Edge would be better at all this than Del Rio, who has done much the same thing.

The difference is that when Edge acted like a complete coward in the face of Cena, or Undertaker or his own shadow. Although it did nothing to damage his reputation, because eventually, he would transform into a manic performer who would perform some of the craziest stunts in memory in order to win; hence, his reputation was never damaged like Del Rio's has been.

Oh, and Edge was much, much better at cutting a promo than Del Rio is.

1. Chris Jericho

Who would he replace? Triple H

Why? Because he is "'The Best in the World at What I do', junior!"

Chris Jericho would be an absolutely brilliant COO. He has the acumen, the smugness required to play a convincing businessman (they are almost always heels in WWE) and the ability to get in the ring whenever he chooses.

The promos he would share with the likes of John Cena, Christian and especially CM Punk would be absolutely legendary.

More than anything though, WWE needs Jericho back, so he can teach younger stars the ropes and put them over, to have great matches, and, most importantly, to "ignite you, excite you and delight you!"

The role of COO also fits in with the egomaniacal heel character he played before leaving; his belief that WWE superstars and fans alike were uncultured "trogladytes" was absolutely brilliant viewing, and as COO he would be more egocentric and out of control than ever.

There's also Randy Orton to take into account; like Cena, he has done everything that can really be done in WWE, so he is in desperate need of new purpose. A program with Jericho as COO, making his life hell for punting him a year ago, would be a good direction for Orton. The same feud could be used on CM Punk, if Orton simply had to remain in the title picture.

Thanks for Reading!

They had to have Cena kick out at least once, huh?

Thanks for taking the time to read my article. Feel free to comment on whether you agree with my observations.

Also, please take the time to enjoy this video of Edge finally reaching the top of the mountain and proving why he is indeed the ultimate opportunist.

Until next time, I'll be seeing you.