5 Superstar absences that are really hurting WWE right now
WWE has done a great job of pushing through controversies lately and while they remain one of the only major sports on television, they still haven’t been running on all cylinders.
Unfortunately for the company, a lot of that has to do with the laundry list of Superstars that are either injured, taking a break, or are simply not figured into WWE’s plans at this time.
Of course, WWE has done a great job of making up for this with title matches on a weekly basis, surprise pairings and even interesting storyline developments. However, the absence of several Superstars is still creating problems for the company – with a multitude of performers not appearing on television since WrestleMania.
Here are five absences that are hurting the company the most right now. As always, let us know your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to let us know which other absent superstars you would like to see back in WWE.
#5. Brock Lesnar
Brock Lesnar has earned his moniker of the “Beast Incarnate” for a reason, and a lot of that has to do with the way he dismantles his victims. Between that and the mainstream attention that Lesnar is able to bring to WWE whenever he is around, it is obvious that he is sorely missed right now.
Think about it…WWE has prided itself on legitimacy for a long time now and are lacking that at the top of the card. Of course, Drew McIntyre and Braun Strowman are doing an amazing job of carrying the top of the card for the time being, but it’s not the same as having a man that competed inside a UFC octagon and winning their most prestigious title.
Whether the WWE Universe wants to admit it or not, Lesnar brings an unmatched legitimacy to the company. He is also nothing short of ratings gold in the right situations and WWE should really look at getting him back for that purpose. Either that, or accept leaving a gaping hole where the company’s biggest attraction should be.
#4. The Undertaker
While this is probably going to come across as a little selfish, it’s tough not to see The Undertaker in WWE right now. In fact, after watching him bury AJ Styles alive at WrestleMania 36 and ride off into the moonlight like the badass he is, it’s pretty safe to say that fans want to see more of The Undertaker.
It is asking a lot for the 55-year-old legend to return as a regular character, but his biker gimmick would be so refreshing right now. Even if WWE brought him back as an authority figure on RAW or SmackDown, it would still give the company the shot in the arm they need right now.
In all honesty, The Undertaker is a man that fans will tune in to watch. He is someone that can make fans hang on his every word, and he could very well be the answer to some of the WWE’s issues. All WWE have to do is bring him back on television in a limited role and let his character do the rest.
#3. Sami Zayn
Sami Zayn is a picture-perfect example of a top heel in WWE today. The venom he is able to portray in his promos is absolutely unmatched. He is someone you take notice of instantaneously and are forced to care about in one way or another. Believe it or not, Zayn is that powerful, which is why his absence is so troubling for the company.
Not only does Sami Zayn’s absence leave the blue brand’s midcard without one of their top heels, but it also leaves Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro without a solid direction going forward. In the worst-case scenario, this could result in both Superstars either being used as enhancement talents or even kept off television altogether.
If nothing else, Zayn is that kind of heel that you can’t simply replace. He is someone that sticks out in a crowd and can easily make you despise him. That’s not something every WWE Superstar is capable of doing on a nightly basis, and thus is why Sami Zayn was so crucial to the midcard of SmackDown.
#2. Becky Lynch
How can you miss someone so much when they have only been gone for the short amount of time that Becky Lynch has? While WWE continues to try to answer that question, they still seem to be struggling to fill the void left by Lynch. It’s almost as if the entirety of the red brand lost a large part of its edge when “The Man” made her pregnancy announcement.
Of course, that doesn’t mean that Asuka is doing anything wrong or is boring to watch as RAW Women’s Champion, but she doesn’t come close to carrying the kind of presence Becky Lynch does. In fact, the only person that really comes close to The “Lass Kicker” is Charlotte Flair and even she can’t bring the same sense of levity to the squared circle.
With that being said, Becky Lynch is now pregnant with her first child, and the company must focus on the future. They also must build their RAW women’s division from the ground up and find someone new to become their top Superstar. It now up to WWE to decide who they ultimately feel is up to the task of replacing Becky Lynch, but RAW just won’t be as fun without “The Man.”
#1. Roman Reigns
Words cannot describe how much Roman Reigns is missed, not only by the WWE Universe, but also by the company itself. Keep in mind that Reigns has been being groomed for another world championship run for a very long time now. To see him miss out is nothing short of saddening.
In all honesty, Roman Reigns is one of WWE’s most polarizing Superstars. He is loved by many and greeted by cheers every time his music hits. On the other hand, however, some dislike him over the fact that they feel he had been handpicked to represent the future of the company. Either way, though, he is someone that is always able to elict a reaction.
In the end, a performer like Reigns is what WWE needs right now. They need someone that can go out there and solicit a reaction. Now, that’s impossible to do right now given the current situation, as Reigns has decided to take a leave of absence out of concern for the health of his family. In an ideal world, though, a Roman Reigns return would get the wrestling community buzzing. His presence would be a huge boost for WWE during this tough time.
