WWE Superstars: Which Young Superstar Will Have the Best Career?

There is always talk amongst pro wrestling fans about the future of WWE and the superstars who will carry the company into the next generation.  Questions regarding certain mid-card or lower superstars frequently stir up heated debates as fans and haters make their arguments as to who will have the better career.

Sometimes the future superstars are easily predicted, as we have recently seen with John Cena and The Miz.  Other times, for whatever reason, some superstars just don't make it, like Shelton Benjamin or Mr. Kennedy.

So what does the future hold for WWE?  Who will be the next John Cena or The Rock?

Here is a look at some of the younger and newer talent in WWE and my predictions for how their careers will pan out.  Feel free to agree, object, or otherwise share your thoughts in the comments below.

Thanks for reading!

Alex Riley

If you had asked me several weeks ago what I thought about Alex Riley's WWE future, I would have given a much different answer than what I think today.

Alex Riley broke into WWE after the second season of NXT as a protege of his former NXT pro, The Miz.  For months he helped The Miz in his matches, interfering when needed to make sure his mentor continued to succeed.  Because of Riley's help, The Miz rose from United States Champion, to Money in the Bank winner and finally WWE Champion.

Recently, Alex Riley's position as The Miz's Vice President of Corporate Communications has seemed weak.  He's been with The Miz every step of the way, but had begun to blend into the background.  That all changed on the May 23 edition of Raw, where after being fired by The Miz, Riley attacked his former mentor, turning face with loud cheers coming from the crowd.

Riley's problem has never been his in-ring work, his mic skills or his gimmick.  He was just stuck in a storyline with someone who soaked up all of the spotlight.  Now that the storyline has ended and Riley is free to break out on his own, I think that he has the potential to become a future WWE Champion.  I didn't really think that this was possible before, but after listening to the crowd at Raw, I now believe that Riley has what it takes to be a star.

It should take a few years with a likely reign or two as US or Intercontinental Champion to start, but like his mentor The Miz, Riley could easily become one of WWE's next big superstars.

Drew McIntyre

Former Intercontinental Champion Drew McIntyre just can seem to catch a break.

In 2009, McIntyre debuted and it was announced by Mr. McMahon that he had personally signed this "future World Champion."  Being labeled as "The Chosen One," McIntyre quickly rose to become the Intercontinental Champion while maintaining an undefeated record.

That all began to fall apart in the build-up to WrestleMania 26.  McIntyre lost two Money in the Bank qualifying matches, though both losses were wiped from his record, and then lost a decisive match against The Undertaker.  At WrestleMania, all of the build-up as "The Chosen One" went out the window when he failed to win the Money in the Bank ladder match.

McIntyre fell back down the superstar ladder, ending up in feuds with Christian and Matt Hardy.  Though he eventually won the Tag Team Championship with Cody Rhodes, he had lost all of his momentum and the crowd could just not get behind him.  Since losing the Tag Team Titles, McIntyre has been stuck with nothing to work with.  At one point he was placed in a very confusing storyline with Kelly Kelly, one that moved and ended with no real response from the fans. 

Though he has fought main event superstars, such as Rey Mysterio, and even had an impressive showing in the SmackDown Elimination Chamber match for the World Heavyweight Championship, McIntyre just hasn't caught on.  Booker T stated on commentary that McIntyre is just looking for "one big win," but I'm begining to think that that "one big win" will never come.

If things don't change for McIntyre soon, his career in WWE could be in jeopardy.  Though I have had my fingers crossed for McIntyre since WrestleMania 26, I don't think "The Chosen One" will ever make it.

Zack Ryder

How far will the self-proclaimed Undisputed WWE Internent Champion actually make it in the WWE?

Zack Ryder has been a hit with the fans all across the internet and social media websites.  From his "Z True Long Island Story" YouTube videos, to his Twiiter account that boasts over 100,000 followers, Zack Ryder is without a doubt the most popular WWE superstar who doesn't appear on Raw or SmackDown on a regular basis.

Zack Ryder loves what he is doing, and even though he's not on Raw or SmackDown (except for many mentions on the signs of WWE fans in attendance) he has to be happy with the success he has made for himself.

WWE must appreciate it as well.  That is why I think that Zack Ryder will eventually make it from sporadic matches on Superstars to the main roster of Raw or SmackDown.  Though his current gimmick doesn't scream WWE Champion, there's no reason he couldn't become one of the biggest and most popular US or Intercontinental champions in recent history. 

WWE could even use him to bring some prestige and credibilty back to these titles that have been slowly deteriorating over the years.

By next year's WrestleMania, Zack Ryder will have become either the US or Intercontinental Champion.

Brodus Clay

Brodus Clay made his WWE debut as Alberto Del Rio's enforcer after competing on the fourth season of NXT.

Brodus Clay has great athleticism for a man of his size.  Billed at 6' 8" and 370 pounds, Clay is one of the largest superstars in the WWE.  Though he is older, 31,  than most of the others on this list, Clay has one opportunity that many others do not.

With the other giant superstars such as The Big Show and Kane approaching the end of their careers, WWE will need someone else to step in and be the top "monster" on the roster.  The Big Show has had heath problems his entire career, and is approaching his 40th birthday.  Meanwhile, Kane is 44 and may only have a few years left in him.

When Big Show and Kane retire, Clay will seize the opportunity and become one of the top big men in WWE.

Cody Rhodes

Cody Rhodes is the unlikely superstar who has grown from a mid-card superstar with little personality into a future World Champion with one of WWE's most unique gimmicks in years.

When Rhodes was a part of Legacy, many fans thought that he would fade into obscurity while his partner Ted DiBiase Jr. would rise to superstardom.  Turns out that it was the exact opposite.

After a successful run as "Dashing" Cody Rhodes, he broke his nose in a match with Rey Mysterio and has adopted a gimmick where he wears a mask and considers himself to be hideous.  He has put on some great matches and is geared up to become a future World Champion without a doubt.

The Money in the Bank pay-per-view takes place in Rosemont, IL on July 17th.  Cody Rhodes will walk out of the Allstate Arena as Mr. Money in the Bank.

Ted DiBiase Jr.

Ted DiBiase Jr. has become the polar opposite of Cody Rhodes.

While a member of Legacy, many predictions on the internet stated that DiBiase would turn on his partners, Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes, and become one of WWE's biggest superstars.  They were wrong.

Since then DiBiase has been stuck with terrible storylines.  He was placed in an on-screen relationship with Maryse, who instead of acting as a valet and compliment to DiBiase, stole most of the spotlight.  He also brought back the Million Dollar Belt and feuded with Goldust over it, neither of which could get the fans to care about him.

Luckily, DiBiase has moved to SmackDown and looks to be joining back up with Cody Rhodes.  Hopefully some of Rhodes' recent success will rub off on DiBiase.

Though he has hit a snag, I still think that DiBiase will become a World Champion.  He has the talent, he just needs to create his own history instead of trying to rely on his father's.

David Otunga

David Otunga looked like he was going to have a very promising career as a WWE superstar when he broke into WWE as a part of Nexus.  Since then things have slowed down considerably.

Though Wade Barrett was considered the leader of Nexus, it seemed like David Otunga was always itching to knock Wade Barrett out of control and take over leadership of the group.  One thing led to another and now Otunga is still a member of Nexus, only it is a much weaker version and Otunga gets even less time to shine.

Otunga has the look, but I'm not sure if he has the mic skills and charisma needed to reach that top level.  He may end up with a few US or Intercontinental Title runs, but otherwise I see him getting the "we're sorry, we have nothing creative for you" treatment.

Mason Ryan

Mason Ryan looks like Batista, and if things go right, he just might be the next Batista.

Ryan broke into WWE as the big, powerful member of the New Nexus, filling in for what likely would have been Skip Sheffield's spot.  He made an instant impact, but unfortunately the New Nexus hasn't made much of an impact, especially compared to the original group.

Luckily, Ryan has the look that Vince McMahon loves.  With his look, and the fact that he is only 29 years old, Ryan will likely be a future WWE Champion.

There are several ways in which Ryan can breakout as a singles superstar.  He could turn on CM Punk and become a fan favorite, or he could attack John Cena or another fan favorite sometime after the New Nexus eventually breaks up and become a top heel.

Either way, I see Ryan holding a major title within the next two to three years.

Tyson Kidd

Tyson Kidd had a successful run as one half of the WWE Tag Team Champions, but he has had some trouble trying to make a run as a singles wrestler.

After breaking away from DH Smith, Kidd tried to make a run at the King of the Ring tournament, losing a qualifying match to John Morrison.  Since then, Kidd has debuted three managers (two shown on television as of this posting), with the first two being unsuccessful.

The first was Jackson Andrews, a FCW superstar who was brought up to the main roster to accompany Kidd.  The move never worked out and Andrews was sent back to FCW after just two weeks.

Kidd's second manager was SmackDown writer Michael Hayes.  Again, the move didn't work and after two weeks Hayed slapped Kidd after a loss to Yoshi Tatsu and walked away.

Kidd's third manager will make his debut on the May 27th edition of SmackDown.  Without revealing the name and spoiling the surprise, I will just say that this manager has managed his former superstar to an Intercontinental Championship and wide success as a main event superstar.

If this new manager can bring the same success, Kidd might be able to break out and become a successful Intercontinental or United States Champion within the next year or so.

Justin Gabriel

Justin Gabriel is one of the more successful superstars to come out of the first season of NXT, behind only Wade Barrett and Daniel Bryan.

Gabriel has proved that he can be a champion, as he has won the WWE Tag Team Championship on three occasions.  He also has excellent in-ring ability and the potential star-power that would make him a successful singles wrestler.

Gabriel is relatively small, being only 6' 1" and weighing 223 pounds, so he does not fit the bill for a typical WWE World Champion, but other superstars like Chris Jericho and CM punk are of similar size and are both former World Champions.

When Gabriel finally is able to break away from The Corre and can distance himself from Heath Slater, he just might be able to establish a unique gimmick that could propel him to the top of the WWE.  If he is able to do this, expect the WWE Championship to finally make it's way back to a high-flyer.

Heath Slater

You would think that Heath Slater would potentially have the same future as his current tag team partner, Justin Gabriel, but that will not likely be the case.

Where Slater's weakness lies is in his star power.  Maybe it's just my own personal opinion, but I can see Justin Gabriel as a potential superstar, whereas Heath Slater has failed to impress many WWE fans with his in-ring ability, charisma or mic skills (or lack thereof).

With the inevitable break-up of The Corre happening soon, and the break-up between Gabriel and Slater likely happening shortly thereafter, Slater might be pushed back down the superstar ladder and fade into obscurity.

Slater will be lucky if he wins a mid card title in his career, which may be shorter than he hopes.

Michael McGillicutty

Currently one half of the WWE Tag Team Champions, Michael McGillicutty is a third-generation superstar who has all of the tools to become a major star in WWE.

The son of "Mr. Perfect" Curt Henning, McGillicutty joined Nexus after the second season of NXT.  He remains a member of the New Nexus, and has finally broken out of the background after winning the Tag Team Championship with David Otunga.

What may currently prevent McGillicutty from achieving a higher status is WWE is his name.  While the McGillicutty name may be a family name (his mother's maiden name, according to commentators) it doesn't fit a WWE Champion.  If McGillicutty wants to become a WWE Champion, he should consider changing his name back to Henning.

After some time off after the New Nexus eventually breaks apart, returning as Joe Henning, he could potentially be a World Champion.

Sin Cara

The comparisons to Rey Mysterio are made because of their Mexican heritage and style, and Sin Cara may have the ability to reach the same heights in popularity as Rey.

Before Sin Cara had even had a match, young WWE fans were already wearing his mask in the seats of the arenas.  There is the possibility that these young fans are drawn to him just because of the resemblance to Rey Mysterio, but that can help when Mysterio's career comes to an end.

Rey Mysterio is 36 years old and talks of his retirement have popped up from time to time.  His history of injuries and strain on his body throughout his 20-plus year career may bring his WWE run to an end in the next few years. 

Meanwhile, Sin Cara is only 28 and, barring injury, has many good years left in him.  He would be the perfect fit for Rey Mysterio to pass the torch and give the masked luchador continued exposure in the WWE.

Sin Cara has been with WWE for only a few months, so only time will tell if he will succeed in WWE, but I wouldn't rule out a WWE Championship in the distant future.

Skip Sheffield

The original Nexus' big man hit a snag when he broke his ankle during a house show in Hawaii, but that shouldn't stop him from becoming a future WWE powerhouse.

Sheffield's cowboy gimmick seems a little much to be taken seriously as a top contender, but others like Bob Orton and JBL have pulled it of, only if tailored slightly differently.  There have been rumors that WWE creative has big plans for Sheffield when he is fully recovered from his injury, and if packaged correctly, he could make an instant impact in WWE.

Again it is a toss-up when trying to predict where Sheffield's career goes from here.  But with the correct gimmick, there is no reason he shouldn't be a top draw for many years and win multiple WWE Championships.

Jinder Mahal

Unless you have been watching SmackDown over the past few weeks, you probably don't know who Jinder Mahal is.

Mahal made his SmackDown debut in a backstage segment with The Great Khali and Ranjin Singh on the April 29 edition of SmackDown.  Over the next several weeks Mahal frequently talked down to Singh about the way he has been mismanaging Khali, allowing him to become a joke as opposed to winning matches and becoming dominant. 

Mahal is set to help turn The Great Khali back into a heel, but I'm not sure how much of a reaction he will get out of it.  Khali has become a relatively big fan favorite, but he hasn't been taken as a serious competitor for nearly three years now. 

At best I think that if Khali and Mahal team up as heels, they might do some damage in the tag team division, but I don't think the crowd will be behind either one of them enough to be taken as main event superstars. 

I'd expect a few Tag Team Championship wins for Mahal over the course of his career, and possibly a push toward the main event, but I don't see a WWE or World Heavyweight Championship in his future.

So Who Will Succeed?

So what are my final predictions?  Who will become a top champion in WWE and who will fade into distant memory?  Here are the superstars included on the list and how I rank their potential future success.

1. Cody Rhodes - With the success he is having, I predict a World heavyweight Championship for him in 2012.
2. Alex Riley - This guy has all the makings of a future WWE superstar.  I expect him to hold the WWE Title in 2012 or 2013.
3. Mason Ryan - Unless Batista returns and takes the spotlight, Ryan should become one of the top big guys in WWE over the next 5-10 years.
4. Justin Gabriel - S Smaller superstar, yes, but he has all of hte makings of a future WWE Champion.
5. Sin Cara - Riding off of the popularity of Rey Mysterio before him, Sin Cara will continue the success with a WWE Title run or two.
6. Michael McGillicutty - Pending a potential name change, McGillicutty could follow in his Hall of Fame father's footsteps.
7. Skip Sheffield - It's all in the gimmick, but he could potentially be a future WWE Champion.
8. Zack Ryder - With his current fan base, there's no reason the Ryder shouldn't become one of the most popular Intercontinental Champions of all-time.
9. Brodus Clay - Another big guy who could make an impact, though will likely never see WWE's top prize.
10. Drew McIntyre - If something doesn't happen for him soon, McIntyre could fade out quickly.
11. Ted DiBiase Jr. - If he can learn to create his own legacy and step out of is father's shadow, he will succeed.  But I'm not sure if he will.
12. David Otunga - He needs to step out of the shadows soon.  If he does, he will obtain some success, otherwise expect a shorter WWE career than planned.
13. Jinder Mahal - Will obtain moderate success with The Great Khali, but not much beyond that.
14. Tyson Kidd - Nothing has helped him so far, if his new manager cant create a stir, nothing will.
15. Heath Slater - Lacks the star power of his tag team partner, and will likely disappear soon after The Corre breaks up.