WWE Over the Limit 2012: Superstars Who Should Be Added to PPV Card

Five matches have already been announced for Over the Limit next weekend with a couple more likely to get added on either Raw or Smackdown. Second-tier pay-per-view shows like OTL are important to the development of characters and storyline progression.

With that in mind, let's take a look at three superstars who would greatly benefit from getting a chance to join the PPV card. They all need the boost that automatically comes from appearing on one of the company's marquee shows.

Funkasaurus

Brodus Clay has reached a key breaking point with the Funkasaurus gimmick. He's been given more than enough squash matches to build up the character into a contender, but it's still unclear if he'll become something more than a comedy act.

While giving him a win over The Miz on last week's Raw was a step in the right direction, a PPV match that lasts longer than three minutes would be a good indication of whether he has staying power heading into the summer.

Without more sustained matches that have some actual substance, the character will quickly run out of steam. Fans can only enjoy the same song-and-dance routine so many times before they get bored, so the Funkasaurus needs to start showing more in-ring ability.

Zack Ryder

It seemed like Ryder was one of the company's fastest rising stars a couple months ago.

Then he got involved in the feud between John Cena and Kane, which didn't end up having a major impact, and it's been all downhill for the Long Island Iced Z.

He could really use a PPV match to start getting back on track. It's clear the fans are still behind him, but without being featured on television, it's tough for him to build any momentum. That's why it was so surprising to see his initial push abandoned so quickly.

An appearance at Over the Limit, even in a battle royal for a mid-card title shot or something of that nature, would be exactly what the doctor ordered for Ryder. Otherwise, it looks like his trip back down the WWE ladder will continue.

Lord Tensai

Even though it took longer than the WWE probably expected, Tensai has finally started to make progress in recent weeks thanks to victories over John Cena and CM Punk. It's clear the company is committed to the gimmick based on that booking alone.

For Tensai, who was previously known as Prince Albert and A-Train, to reach the high level he's expected to, PPV wins are a must. A dominant performance against a mid-card superstar would help establish him in the main-event scene.

It's still too early to tell if the Tensai gimmick will work, but Over the Limit would be a perfect opportunity to test his crowd reaction in front of a crowd of diehard wrestling fans. Those are the people he has to win over to be successful.