WWE: Who Will Triple H Face at Wrestlemania 28 Next Year?

Triple H facing CM Punk at WWE’s Night of Champions pay-per-view is big, and the hype around it is certain to get even bigger. While a lot fans feel that it is too soon for these two to touch, the fact is that this storyline is major league, and WWE is choosing to strike while the iron is hot.

While I am looking forward to this match, and this pay-per-view, I find myself looking a bit further down the road to WrestleMania 28.

Yes, I know, it seems like a long while until it gets here, and any speculation on matches or feuds at this point would be just that, speculation.

But, I am a pro wrestling writer, and a pro wresting fan, so random slices of speculation and periodic previews are my business. So, while business is good, I thought perhaps I would take an opportunity to peek into what lies ahead for The Game.

When it comes to Triple H, the guy has done it all. An eight time WWE Champion, a five time World Champion, he's headlined pay-per-views and been the top draw for so long in his career, is there anything left for him to prove?

No, and that’s what makes it a little tougher to book.

Since his full time ring career began to slow down, he assumed the position of Chief Operating Officer, and I thought it was a fine move. It was a natural progression for him, after all, there have always been questions among fans as to when exactly Hunter would step up behind the scenes.

Once his place of authority had been created for TV, it seemed as though Hunter would just slide into Vince McMahon’s old spot, stay out of the ring and let the next generation begin to run the show.

Enter CM Punk. Or, more appropriately, his mouth.

Punk’s constant challenging of authority, and demeaning insults against Hunter, often invite comparisons to the rivalry between Stone Cold Steve Austin and Vince McMahon. In some ways, that analogy is dead on.

But, whereas Austin would have stunned McMahon into submission and drank beer over him by now, Punk’s attacks have all been verbal. Fans listen to him because he is well spoken, and his points are legitimate. When Punk is done, Hunter’s character is no less wrecked, and mauled, than McMahon after Austin stomped a mudhole in him.

Therein lies the problem. When it comes to Triple H, you’re talking about a character who does not take being questioned, or insulted, very lightly. He is a man’s man, and prefers to solve his problems as quickly as he can, and usually by extreme measures.

Having supposedly been forced into working Punk at the next pay-per-view, Hunter is back in the position of being the problem solver. The suit will go, and be replaced by the iron cross. The microphone will be traded in for the sledgehammer.

In other words, Hunter will bring it as only he can. Big time main event matches are where he shines the most, and this will be no different.

But as 2011 begins to wind down, we are faced with the issue of WrestleMania 28 next year, and where Hunter will be at that point. Assuming that the current storyline is successful, and both men emerge a little better than when they went in, where does that leave The Game in terms of what he will do on the grandest stage of them all?

I personally do not see any scenario in which he will not work at Mania. Despite the new direction his character has taken, the fact is that business is business and, for the sake of getting the buyrates up, Hunter will undoubtedly lace up the boots for another epic match. But, against who?

Undertaker’s last match against Hunter was great, a fitting way for him to go out, if indeed that’s what has happened. It’s not impossible, however, for him to return before WrestleMania and set up a rematch with Hunter.

Shawn Michaels, by everything he has said, is done. He claims that, while he appreciates the fans wanting to see him work again, it’s just not going to happen. But, again, it’s pro wrestling, so you never say never.

CM Punk is a good choice too, as his upcoming match with Hunter could potentially just be a warm up bout, sowing the seeds of yet another future conflict down the road.

Then, there’s Kevin Nash, who has yet to work since he came back to WWE. The problem with this is that next year, Nash, like any veteran, will be a bit older, and a bit slower. That’s not to say that he and Hunter could not have a great match. Hunter has done a lot more with a lot less, and they could manage to get a very good match out of this.

With a WWE legend like Triple H, he can make anyone look good—that is not an issue. But, when you’re talking about WrestleMania, you’re talking about raising the bar. Mania is not about one very good worker carrying another, it’s about top guys working on a higher level in order to draw big money.

Whoever the choice is to work with Hunter, he needs to be big, he needs to be important and the match needs to have potential to make a real impact in the business. So, who will be the man to step up?