WWE WrestleMania 40: Rising Stars Who Deserve Major Push for Next Year's PPV

WWE WrestleMania 40 figures to follow the same future-minded theme as WrestleMania 39.

The weekend's two-night spectacle featured up-and-coming Superstars at key parts of the card, often winning in situations that put them over in a big way with fans.

Think Rhea Ripley emerging victorious over Charlotte Flair and winning the SmackDown women's title or Gunther retaining his intercontinental belt in a Triple Threat against Drew McIntyre and Sheamus. Even United States champ Austin Theory got a win over John Cena.

Looking ahead to next year, several similar big moments should happen with younger Superstars either currently on the roster or one phone call away in NXT.

With the aforementioned names moving on to the main event scene, WWE should build up the following Superstars en route to a prominent spot at WrestleMania 40

Dominik Mysterio

The next big heel in pro wrestling might just be Dominik Mysterio.

Over the course of a lengthy feud with his father and WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio, the 26-year-old became a detestable heel in about every way imaginable, from unthinkable acts of violence to near-unforgivable things said to his own family.

Never mind, of course, the stunning in-ring ability that only sees him improving by the month.

By WrestleMania 40, Dominik should be even better in all areas. While he had one 'Mania moment with the epic police-led entrance and a great match against Rey, things could be even better in 2024, especially if he's challenging for at least a midcard title.

Montez Ford

The Street Profits getting sidelined at SoFi Stadium in the men's WrestleMania Showcase alongside teams like The Viking Raiders was disappointing.

That's especially the case considering the absence of The New Day has left a notable void on the tag scene and even more so considering how great Montez Ford has been as a solo act when permitted.

The 32-year-old has the look, ability on the mic, character work and in-ring skill to be a top guy in a pro wrestling company. His uncanny off-script moments are things most of the locker room just can't do.

While Ford doesn't need to be contending against the likes of Roman Reigns by next year, there's no reason to believe WWE shouldn't lean on him as a staple of the midcard title scene by next year's 'Mania.

Bron Breakker and Gable Steveson

We'll lump together two big-time prospects sure to make a big splash on the main roster soon.

One is Bron Breakker, a recent NXT champion with two things WWE loves the most: He's a former NFL player, albeit briefly, and has relatives who came before him in the business (his father is Rick Steiner and his uncle is Scott Steiner).

Kidding aside, the 25-year-old is clearly one of the next big things, so now is a great time for WWE to get him up on the main roster and rubbing shoulders with the best in the company.

Ditto for Gable Steveson, who is just 22 and already an Olympic gold medalist. He had a brief appearance at WrestleMania 38 that didn't lead to anything, but now is as good a time as any to get him in front of main roster fans and start building him up.

When topics like future world champions come up, both Breaker and Steveson always get listed for a reason.

Omos

Omos didn't emerge victorious at WrestleMania 39 against Brock Lesnar as some might have hoped, but the fact that he was in the match at all on such a stage likely hints at things to come.

While it's unreasonable to expect The Nigerian Giant to head for the main event scene given the logjam that needs to be cleared (headed by Cody Rhodes first and foremost), there's no reason he can't be right on the outskirts of it, potentially while holding a midcard title.

It's not hard to envision a Big Show-esque career arc for the 25-year-old, especially if he keeps guys around him who can handle the mic work.

At WrestleMania 40, Omos should be built up enough to handle a marquee match that actually hits the five-minute mark while he serves as one of the biggest bad guys on the roster for the favorites to overcome.

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