WWE Smackdown: More Upside Between Wade Barrett or Sheamus?

Let me put up a few notes before I begin.

1. This is talking about the short-term future. Let's say only until WrestleMania!

2. Next week on Smackdown is Wade Barrett vs. Sheamus.

This is a very interesting topic to me. It all came about last night when it was announced that Sheamus would be facing Wade Barrett next week on Smackdown. They have fought before, but this seemed like a "big deal."

The other interesting aspect is both men are set to be in the Royal Rumble match in two weeks. They will be one of many looking to get a main-event title match come April 1, 2012.

In my eyes, the only man on Raw who has a chance to win the Rumble is Chris Jericho (if he even enters). The rest of the logical choices are on the Blue Brand (Sheamus, Wade, Randy Orton, Mark Henry, Cody Rhodes).

That being said, a match between Sheamus and Barrett in a couple days will tell a bigger story.

Who is set to have better run up to Mania? Sheamus or Barrett?

Well, you have one face in Sheamus. You have the heel in Wade Barrett.

Both have had similar runs in WWE thus far. Only a few years on WWE TV, I think each man has found a nice following with the WWE Universe (good or bad).

However, unless there is some sort of four-way or triple-threat match come WrestleMania, one of these two men (or both) is going to missing out on a top spot. I am sure both will have major title runs this year, but I am only looking at the next few months.

If I could, I would choose the "both" option. Each man bring something unique to the table, and I really like their chances of doing something special in front of 70,000 fans. Sadly, that won't work here.

I am looking for a definite answer. Not something in between! Pick a side...

With that being said, I would go with Sheamus. WWE needs the next top face to start getting ready for the future, and he is the best man for the job. There is something about him that has always screamed "star" to me. Barrett does as well, just not as much as Sheamus.

That begs the question once again: Who would YOU give more shine to on the Road to WrestleMania? Sheamus or Wade Barrett? Remember "both" is not an option! Let me know below...

REMINDER: I am now on Twitter @JustinWatry! I give every new follower a special shout out, so do not be shy...thanks.