Photo by WWE’s Twitter
With nearly half of 2018 behind us, these individuals stand out as potential candidates for a hypothetical MVP award bestowed to the best on the WWE roster.
Whether you want to believe it or not, we’re nearly halfway through 2018. With many months and many hours of WWE content past us, it’s a good habit to often reflect on what’s occurred to enjoy the good moments. Even with the multitude of complaints about the content WWE delivers on a weekly basis, there’s still a wealth of action to be appreciative toward. Looking back on the first half of the year, some men and women stand out as early options for an “MVP” award of sort for the WWE. This list looks at five names as early candidates in this hypothetical award.
Each of these performers consistently brings us great action in the ring while getting us interested in their character. They don’t have to be champion or in the main event night in and night out, but when their music hits everyone pays attention because something worth talking about is usually about to go down. There’s still a whole other half of 2018 that needs to come and go; leaving room for others to jump on this list. But as of right now, these men and women on the WWE roster deserve to be recognized for what they’ve done so far this year.
Credit: WWE.com
Buddy Murphy
205 Live has been one of the bright spots within WWE’s weekly delivery of content. Enzo A’more’s sudden departure and turning over the reins to Triple H has created an opportunity to recreate this show more akin to the presentation that was delivered during the Cruiserweight Classic a few summers ago. Doing so has allowed many of the men on the roster to be able to better present themselves in the type of matches that best highlight their skills. Buddy Murphy is such a performer.
The “Juggernaut of 205 Live” has been one of the top surprises of the year. Just like another individual to be named, any time Murphy steps into the ring we know it’s going to be a great match – almost regardless of what his opponent brings to the table. His move set mixes in the high flying traits that many expect within the cruiserweight division, but he also uses power moves that can catch the eye. His running vertical suplex and finisher, Murphy’s Law, are two of the more original moves used today as many of the industry is mimicking itself into boredom. On top of all this, Murphy is developing into a character that is fun to follow, drawing everyone into his storylines.
Buddy Murphy was a hidden gem that was floundering on NXT. Dusting him off and moving him over to 205 Live was the perfect move for his career and for the betterment of fans that watch WWE.
Credit: WWE.com
Paige
Injuries are an ugly bug that hampers nearly every performer; whether you are a professional athlete or an entertainer. That impact is even more devastating when it cuts short the career of a youthful talent that was poised to have a long term run as top name. Paige is such an individual.
At 25-years old, Paige had a potential ceiling that could have elevated her to a major star within the women’s division. Even as a two-time champion, she still had so much to offer the industry. However, injuries and personal problems greatly derailed her career. In many ways, she missed the best parts of the Women’s Revolution in the WWE – a movement that in some ways, she kicked off when she made the jump from NXT to the main roster.
When she returned in November of 2017, there was a groundswell of excitement; excitement that would be cut short in a month when she was injured on a house show. That injury would be the end of what her body could take, as WWE will no longer clear her for in ring action. On the Raw after WrestleMania 34 she gave a heartfelt speech that her time was done and many wondered what would be next for the British star.
Until that following night when Paige was introduced as the General Manager of SmackDown. It was as if fans were forced into a trade for Daniel Bryan and Paige, as Bryan’s sudden clearing created the opening for Paige to step into the on-camera roll. Almost immediately, Paige’s personality as the new GM created a life in a role that’s honestly, not needed in the eyes of many. Still, Paige’s development as a character and the sheer difference in personality that she has when compared to other’s that have been in the GM role makes this jump much more intriguing. This has been a rebirth of sorts for Paige and she’s doing a great job in this new role. While many would rather see her performing in the ring, Paige is doing the best that she can in this capacity and that deserves recognition.
Photo Source: WWE.com via Twitter
Daniel Bryan
The collective cheer that was heard around the world on March 30 was due to the announcement that Daniel Bryan was cleared to return to in-ring action. The former champion was forced to retirement in 2016 and rumors continued to swirl that there was a potential he could wrestle again – on the independent scene. All that came to an end in March when Bryan was finally medically allowed to compete in the WWE ring. And Bryan hit the ground running; taking high impact bumps from Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens that night.
Bryan is a star. In many ways, he’s one of the few true WWE Superstars created during the PG-Era. Some feel like Bryan has been “misused” since his return, but that’s far from the truth. With two years away from the ring, WWE is right to take the slow approach with him to make sure he’s physically capable to maintain a long term schedule with the promotion. WWE has teased the idea of putting him in big time feuds with the likes of AJ Styles and Samoa Joe; both of which would excite hardcore and mainstream fans alike. While we haven’t gotten those matches quite yet, Bryan is back and that’s more than enough to recognize his contribution to WWE content in 2018.
Credit: WWE.com
Adam Cole
NXT is the developmental space for the stars of tomorrow to flourish. While most are talking about Velveteen Dream, Ricochet or Alistair Black; Adam Cole is really shining through as the MVP of the brand.
Look back at NXT New Orleans where he performed double duty, winning the North American title and participating in the tag team match later on that night. Cole is a consummate performer but also a very capable storyteller as well. Plus, he brings enough recognition that keeps hardcore fans interested in his presence. He popped up in the Royal Rumble and was met with a very loud “Adam Cole Baybay” – letting everyone know that fans knew exactly who he is.
Cole could be the long term future of NXT. As others are eventually tagged for “graduation” to the main roster, WWE Creative can take a slower approach with Cole. 2018 has shown that he can fill in the void as a hated heel, but do not be surprised if he’s branded as a face before his time is done in NXT. Keeping him in the brand for all of 2018 is the right move to make for Adam Cole and helps him continue to have a year that’s worthy of praise.
Seth Rollins had a great birthday… until Elias gave him an unwanted present. Photo Source: WWE.com
Seth Rollins
At first it seemed like “Monday Night Rollins” was just another attempt at an overused play on words. Thankfully, Seth Rollins has not only made that the truth, but he’s made it clear that he’s going to use every moment on camera to give fans the best in-ring action possible – and that’s just what Rollins has done.
You’d be hard pressed to find a wrestler on the WWE roster that is having better matches than Seth Rollins. What’s even more amazing is that he’s doing it with each and every person he’s placed against. If you weren’t sold on Rollins this year, the gauntlet match that occurred in February leading into WrestleMania was enough to end the debate. But from that point forward, Rollins continues to try and one up himself, both on regular TV and PPV. Look at his match with Mojo Rawley a few weeks back. Rawley hasn’t done much of anything during his WWE run, but his match with Rollins immediately became his best offering in professional wrestling to date. That’s what Rollins does: he elevates everyone that’s in the ring with him, even if they are already a great talent like Finn Balor.
While the Intercontential Title was already a prestigious title, Rollins has made it the most important belt in the WWE. Brock Lesnar may be the Universal Champion, but his absence is drawing the ire of many fans and media experts. However, even if he was there week in and week out, it’s hard to imagine Lesnar being able to outshine what Rollins is doing in the ring every week.