WWE Elimination Chamber 2012: 5 Candidates Better Suited for Randy Orton's Spot

As we all know by now,  it appears that Santino Marella will replace Randy Orton in the SmackDown Elimination Chamber match.

So on the heels of what appears to be the oddest announcement from the WWE yet, I decided to analyze the SmackDown roster and see who would have been a better fit for that coveted spot.

Don't get me wrong, Santino brings an added entertainment value that may have been missed.

However, we all pretty much know he will not walk away with the gold at Sunday's pay-per-view. When creating this list, I have left off anyone who is currently injured or written off for whatever reason. Just about everyone on this list has seen TV time of some sort in the last month.

So without further ado, here we go.

Ezekiel Jackson

Big Zeke has the look and could be menacing in this steel structure.

Yes, he has not been on TV a lot recently, but with his look and skill he would be a lot better fit in this lineup.

Not to mention, a more believable contender for the title.

Booker T

Yes, his main duty may be commentating, but Booker T has proven he is still a force in the ring.

Granted, Booker hasn't been in this match since its inception in 2002.

However, the five-time, five-time, five-time champ is a believable threat for Daniel Bryan's gold.

Drew McIntyre

The one-time "Chosen One" has been on a terrible losing streak of late.

That does not mean his chances are any worse than Santino's.

Not only is McIntyre's work considered better, but he is in the midst of a good storyline that could easily have been transitioned into this match

William Regal

Regal is a seasoned vet and recently stated his interest in becoming champion.

Granted, he is not going to be considered a threat for the gold, but he is a stronger candidate than Santino.

Mystery Opponent

With a main-event roster riddled with injuries and mid-carders not yet ready for their push, a "mystery opponent" would be a great answer.

It allows the WWE to bring someone back for a one-off or a big return.

I am sure Vince McMahon and Co. wouldn't have a problem finding several former WWE employees interested in a comeback.

Not to mention, this would give the fans in attendance and purchasing the pay-per-view a chance to mark-out for a familiar face.