WWE: Grading each singles champion heading into 2021

WWE Champion Drew McIntyre

There isn’t a single wrestler in WWE booked more strongly than Drew McIntyre, who was protected in his loss to Roman Reigns and defeated both AJ Styles and The Miz in a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match after Miz essentially made it a Triple Threat. (I seriously cannot believe they did The Miz like that.)

McIntyre has been one of WWE’s true breakout stars in 2020 and one of the only bright spots on Raw, but not everything about his time on top has been great. Before dropping the title to Randy Orton, his feud with the Viper was down in the doldrums and one of the issues with the show. He’s the world champion on the worst wrestling show, and while he’s not to blame for that, the reality is he’s left wanting in comparison to the other world champions.

There’s no doubt that McIntyre has been very good, but WWE need to challenge him to become one of the world’s best in 2021.

Grade: B

Raw Women’s Champion Asuka

Asuka is now one-half of the Women’s Tag Team Champions alongside Charlotte Flair, which is the swerve my colleague Mark Justice (and many of you) saw coming. How they co-exist as champions is one interesting storyline, given their history, but an even bigger concern for many WWE fans is how the company books the Raw Women’s Championship.

The Empress’ work has been exemplary. Everyone they put Asuka in the ring with, she gets the most out of the match, even if it’s a short one like the bouts we saw against Lana and Zelina Vega. Asuka, like Sasha and Roman, is an incredibly giving star to her opponents and brings out the best in everyone. She is easily one of the best wrestlers on this planet.

But WWE has messed up how they book the Raw Women’s Division and disrespected Asuka and the title in the process. That needs to change quickly. Asuka’s run has been quite good, but whereas WWE have given McIntyre multiple segments each night, they have not given Asuka the same opportunities each week.

Grade: B