WWE: 10 Superstars Primed For a Breakout Year In 2011

WWE has a roster chock full of ripe, young talent.  Combined with some wily veterans, they form a solid roster that makes for enjoyable WWE programming.   The 2010 slate saw many changes in champions and changes of the guard so to speak.  It was another interesting year in WWE to say the least.  

WWE isn't necessarily at its peak though anymore.  There's no more competition left so they've eased their foot off of the pedal.  Also, with the current PG-era, there have been many limitations and boundaries that WWE can't exceed.  

Pretty soon, it's expected that the brand extension will end.  This will cause the superstars of Smackdown and RAW to all perform on both brands.  At this point, it would be best for WWE.  With the company moving rapidly, their star-studded cast would be able to shine two nights a week on both USA (RAW) and SyFy (Smackdown!).  

In many ways, 2010 was The Year of the Nexus.  They proved to be one of the most dominant factions in recent memory and (if they stay together) will only continue to grow.  

Here is a look ahead to what promises to be a solid foundation for 2011.  These are some superstars that are set for breakout years.

Alberto Del Rio

Alberto Del Rio is one of the fastest rising stars in WWE.  Since his debut on Smackdown, he's wreaked havoc and made his adversaries' lives a living hell.  

Del Rio is among the most skilled pure wrestlers in WWE.  With an MMA background, he has the edge on the mat over a majority of his opponents.

He's able to boast one thing that no one else in WWE can.  Del Rio has his own personal ring announcer in Ricardo Rodriguez.

Expect him to gain even more of his star prowess in 2011.  That being said, Del Rio should have a title reign next year.   

Wade Barrett

Wade Barrett had a banner year as leader of the Nexus.  By winning the inaugural season of NXT, he earned a title shot and nearly won the WWE Title.  He was a John Cena three-count away from defeating Randy Orton.

Barrett should escalate his status in 2011 and get another title shot.  Only this time, he will translate that to his first WWE gold.

The need to break away from the Nexus could benefit Barrett.  Though the Nexus appears to still be strong, Barrett could reach new heights by himself.  

He's got the total package.  His "Wasteland" finisher is very powerful and leads him to a plethora of victories on RAW.  

Christian

To all of his peeps out there, "Christian may finally have himself a breakout year in WWE."  It's clear that Vince McMahon isn't a "peep."  WWE has yet to give Christian a push and a lot of this is because of McMahon.  

Christian left the WWE for TNA and McMahon still won't forgive him for it.  His buddy Edge has gotten his share of title shots though.  He's also cashed in and become WWE/World Champion 10 times.

Christian's time may come in 2011.  It certainly deserves to at least.  It could all start by his winning next month's Royal Rumble and earning a title shot at WrestleMania.   

Daniel Bryan

Daniel Bryan or Bryan Danielson, whichever you prefer, is the best technical wrestler in WWE.  His mat skills are flawless and it was a genius move for WWE to bring him back.  He's even got a female following with the Bella Twins fighting over him.

Bryan made an impact in his return at SummerSlam as the surprise member of Team Cena.  His presence in that match was a shock and he led the team all by himself for a good part of the match.

He may be able to earn his way to a title shot in 2011.  His skills are unmatched in WWE.  

This Internet sensation has really taken off on the main stage. Expect him to only extend this opportunity in WWE and become an even bigger success.  

Drew McIntyre

Drew McIntyre has been one of the top superstars on Smackdown this year.  It's a shame he wasn't able to win the World Heavyweight Title on the Blue Brand this year.

Next year will definitely be McIntyre's year, though.  McMahon loves him and will give him a shot eventually.  

He may have to do a bit more to earn it but expect him to come into the World Title scene in 2011.

Until then, Great Scot! 

Evan Bourne

Evan Bourne's semi-push was put on hold due to injury.  He's sadly been cast to WWE's "jobber island."

This is the wrong way for the company to use him.  Bourne may actually benefit immensely off of a move to Smackdown.  The RAW roster gets a bit crowded and Bourne gets lost in the shuffle.

Bourne is one of the most exciting high-flyers in wrestling today.  You can't even say that he wouldn't win a title because of his size.  There have been loads of undersized wrestlers that have gotten their push to a title in the past.  Although, the company has historically been dominated by "big men."

Bourne may lay low for now and compete for the U.S. Title on RAW as he has been doing.  But don't be surprised if his push gets hotter.  Bourne certainly deserves it at this point.  

Dolph Ziggler

Dolph Ziggler has held onto the Intercontinental Title for quite a while on SD.  He's become a star on the B-show and should get an even bigger push in 2011.  

For now, Ziggler is the perfect villain alongside Vickie Guerrero.  His small rivalry with John Cena recently could launch him into the "big time."

A World Title is in his future.  For as far as we can see, it may not be all that far off.  Ziggler is set on Smackdown and could soon make noise in the World Title scene.  It's expected that 2011 will be a banner year for Ziggler.  

Michael McGillicutty

McGillicutty wants to be more than just "Mr. Perfect's son."  His father, Curt Hennig, was one of the best natural athletes in WWE history yet never won a WWE Title.  McGillicutty looks to break the Hennigs' run of bad luck and become champion.  

He's the total package and was a stud on NXT.  Now as a member of the Nexus, he's getting face time but nothing more.  McGillicutty may need to branch out of Nexus to gain his true push.  

McGillicutty certainly has all the tools to be successful in WWE.  The Nexus is strong and united as one but individually, the group would collectively benefit from it breaking apart.

"Dashing "Cody Rhodes

Cody Rhodes has the perfect genes to be a wrestler.  His father is "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes. His half-brother is WWE veteran Goldust.

Rhodes is a natural wrestler in the ring.  Much like Randy Orton and Ted DiBiase, they're all smooth in the ring.  That's why they worked so well together in Legacy.  The breaking up of Legacy could have been a blessing in disguise for all three of them.  Ultimately though, it hasn't been.   

Rhodes has been injured since their break-up but his "Dashing" gimmick may be headed somewhere, though.  He's had a good bit of success on SD, at least more than DiBiase has had on RAW.  Then again, DiBiase does have Maryse wrapped around his arm.    

John Morrison

No superstar deserves a push more than John Morrison.  Aside from microphone skills, he's the complete package and will be champion in 2011.

Morrison was expected to win the King of the Ring Tournament but didn't.  In the long run though he became the No. 1 contender and benefited off of the KOTR Tournament more than King Sheamus.  

Next week on Raw, he will finally get his crack at the WWE Title in a match with The Miz. 

Morrison's popularity has risen greatly and will only continue to grow.  Above all of the other aforementioned stars on this list, Morrison truly could be the next great champion.