WWE Elimination Chamber 2012: The 7 Contenders for the World Title

Now that we know everything is status quo for both title holders on Raw and Smackdown, it is now time to concentrate on the road ahead and, more specifically, toward WrestleMania 28.

While Raw should build on what happened tonight and use the performances of Chris Jericho (until he was hurt), Kofi Kingston and The Miz, Smackdown still has a world champion in Daniel Bryan.

But the game has changed—and so have the rules.

There was more to the match and the effort of its superstars. Bryan has a tougher road to travel to maintain his belt. And now that it looks like Sheamus has targeted the little man and his title for WrestleMania 28, and the contenders have changed as well.

Here are the top contenders for the World Title.

Sheamus

He walked to the ring and singled out Daniel Bryan.

Sometimes, not saying anything is worth all the words in the world.

It is a no-brainer he should close the deal at WrestleMania 28 and win the World Title.

Wade Barrett

He looked good in the Chamber, even holding his own with the likes of Big Show.

What I like about Barrett is he battles like a brawler and is not afraid to challenge friend or foe.

What he and Cody Rhodes did tonight was quite impressive.

Santino Marella

Tonight, he really stepped up.

Does he get more face time and a true run? Maybe.

But Marella (aside from the vignettes, which were awful) looks like he can be a Mankind-like wrestler and get the fans support (a true cartoon character in this business).

I don't think it gets him a title, but it would be fun to watch.

Cody Rhodes

He sold well tonight and was a great instigator in the Chamber match.

When he and Wade Barrett worked together, there was magic. When he worked against Barrett and others, he showed what a great heel he truly is.

Alberto Del Rio, Christian or Mark Henry

They all came to the aid of John Laurinaitis in his quest to be the General Manager of both Raw and Smackdown.

I cannot see all them being contenders on Raw. And Smackdown needs more main event stars

I could see either one of these guys jumping into a title picture or as contenders after WrestleMania 28.

Big Show

How many times can he challenge?

Maybe this was the end of the line for the big man.

The angle with Daniel Bryan is getting old. And now that Sheamus wants a piece of Bryan, does Big Show take the title and face the Big White at WM 28?

Randy Orton

I think once he is cleared to wrestle again, he gets back in the title picture.

The problem is that there are others who are moving up the ladder, and where does that leave someone of his talents?

Hopefully after April 1, he moves over to Raw.