League of Nations Loses Identity Without Sheamus as WWE Champion

On the WWE Network series The List, failed factions were profiled. Every forgettable faction from 3 Count to 3MB was mentioned. Unfortunately, the League of Nations seems destined to follow suit.

One aspect that some of WWE's most successful factions have in common is boasting a world champion as the leader. D-Generation X, the New World Order, the Corporation and the Four Horsemen were all anchored by a top star who was a world champion for the majority of their run.

Just two weeks into the League of Nations' existence, however, Sheamus dropped the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, and there is no sign of him getting it back.

As I mentioned on the PodNasty Wrestling Podcast, Roman Reigns' first legitimate WWE championship run figures to last for a long time. He has been chasing the title for the better part of a year. Now that it's in his possession yet again, another brief title run will make him look like a fluke, and fans will quickly lose interest (again).

Since he is the likely heir apparent to John Cena, this world title run must be a lengthy one to boost his credibility.

This leaves Sheamus, and the League of Nations, in limbo. Once Sheamus falls out of the world title hunt, there is no reason for the League of Nations to stick around. Without Sheamus as a world champion, one can argue that all four members of the League of Nations are equals. Just about all of them can make a case for being next in line for a world title shot should Sheamus falter.

Helping Sheamus retain a world title kept the League of Nations in the main event. Now that Sheamus has dropped the title, trying to help him win it back will keep them out.

WWE has too many stables. The New Day, the Wyatt Family, Team B.A.D., Team Extreme and Reigns' unnamed alliance are watering down the concept of strength in numbers.

With four talented heel WWE Superstars operating as one and the richest prize in the company at stake, it is only a matter of time before egos get in the way.

A League of Nations split will give fans an enticing possibility of matches from Rusev vs. Alberto Del Rio to Sheamus vs. King Barrett.

But sticking together without a WWE champion to lead the charge simply doesn't make sense.

Alfred Konuwa is a featured columnist and an on-air host for Bleacher Report. Like him on Facebook and subscribe to his weekly wrestling podcast, PodNasty.