WWE.com confirmed on Saturday that at “Night of Champions” on Sept. 20 in Houston, Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns will team with an unknown partner against the combination of Bray Wyatt, Luke Harper, and Braun Strowman.
It remains a mystery as to who will be joining the former Shield members at the pay-per-view, however, WWE is teasing that this individual will be revealed next Monday night on “Raw.”
Here’s a look at the five superstars most likely to be added to this six-man tag team bout:
5. An NXT Debut
Why It’s Likely: When mystery partners/opponents are teased, it leaves an opening for WWE COO Triple H to pick up the phone to bring an NXT recruit to the main roster. NXT Champion Finn Balor and Samoa Joe are two names that make the most sense here, as they’re at the top of the class with the brand.
Why It’s Unlikely: There are too many cooks in the kitchen with all of these NXT stars getting on weekly television at once. The services of Balor and Joe are better suited in NXT, helping that brand continue to rise sky high.
4. Cesaro
Why he’s likely: The Kevin Owens-Cesaro has met its end, as it appears Owens will be focusing his attention on Ryback and the WWE Intercontinental Championship. “The Swiss Superman” is red hot at the moment, and needs to be kept at the forefront of storylines. Cesaro swinging Strowman around would be a fantastic moment, indeed.
Why he’s unlikely: How would WWE go about adding Cesaro here? If “Smackdown” is any indication to future feuds, a Sheamus-Cesaro bout for “Night of Champions” may be in the works, as well.
3. Randy Orton
Why he’s likely: Randy Orton is no stranger to teaming with Ambrose and Reigns, having worked with the two on several occasions during “Raw” and “Smackdown” matches over the past few months. “Mr. Money in the Bank” Sheamus may be moving on from their program, so with nothing else to do, perhaps “The Viper” can get involved here and remain relevant.
Why he’s unlikely: The rubber match of the Sheamus-Orton feud may go down at “Night of Champions,” but that’s up in the air for now.
2. Demon Kane
Why he’s likely: Kane is being advertised to appear on the Sept. 7 edition of “Raw” after being away filming a WWE Studios production, “6:42.” He was written off of television on July 13 following an attack by “The Beast Incarnate” Brock Lesnar. The man he was supposedly feuding with prior to leaving was Seth Rollins, who’s currently locked in two programs for both of his titles with Sting and John Cena, leaving Kane without a dance partner when he does make his way back. Ambrose and Reigns need a giant to combat Strowman, but they need one who doesn’t wear slacks to the ring. Put a mask on Kane and the whole dynamic changes.
Why he’s unlikely: What beef does Kane have with The Wyatt Family? It would be kind of random with no real backstory if he all of a sudden joined Ambrose and Reigns. Cool, but still illogical.
1. Erick Rowan
Why he’s likely: Erick Rowan is “technically” still aligned with Luke Harper. He’s been out of action for the past few months with a torn biceps injury, but is expected to make his return at any point now. How does he feel about being replaced by Strowman? Not very good, I would think. Joining Ambrose and Reigns is the perfect opportunity to show his Wyatt brethren what they’re missing out on.
Why he’s unlikely: The possibility still lingers that Rowan isn’t 100 percent recovered yet. WWE officials should also want to pair a more high-profile name with Ambrose and Reigns. Rowan doesn’t spark much intrigue on paper, unfortunately.