The WWE made its first move after the celebrated injury that befell now-former heavyweight champion Seth Rollins, announcing a 16-man tournament to determine the next WWE champion.
There were two brackets composed of eight WWE stars on each.
The left-most part of the bracket saw the following pitted against each other:
- Roman Reigns vs. Big Show
- Cesaro vs. Sheamus
- Alberto Del Rio vs. Stardust
- Kalisto vs. Ryback
On the right side, the following matchups were made:
- Titus O’Neil vs. Kevin Owens
- King Barrett vs. Neville
- The Miz vs. Dolph Ziggler
- Tyler Breeze vs. Dean Ambrose
Triple H announced the tournament and the format Monday during WWE RAW with several matches already settled.
Roman Reigns and Cesaro advanced from the left-side with both meeting in the next round. The winner of that match will face the last man standing in the remaining pairings with Alberto Del Rio and Rybaack looming as favourites.
On the other side, Dean Ambrose, Kevin Owens and Dolph Ziggler advance to the next round.
Ambrose will be facing Ziggler in the next round while Kevin Owens awaits the winner between Neville and King Barrett.
As far as the right bracket is concerned, looming favourites are Ambrose and Kevin Owens.
With the scenario and unsurprisingly seeing Reigns and Ambrose on opposite sides, there is a chance that the two will most likely end up facing each other. That is unless the like of Kevin Owens, Ryback or Albert Del Rio pull off a surprise which may likely happen during the semifinal stages.
Ambrose has been picked by many as the right superstar to be given the boost. He has long toiled behind the shadows of Reigns and perhaps this is the best time as ever to see him gain some ground.
Could we be seeing Ambrose embrace the heel role now? Word out is that Ambrose will be turning heel at some point, something that should have happened in previous pay-per-views though nothing even close to such has happened or even hinted.
Reigns will obviously play face throughout, seeing how he shunned Triple H’s offer of drawing a bye to the finals if he agrees to join the Authority. Hence, someone will turn heel at some point and it could be Ambrose.
If not Ambrose, there is a chance that Kevin Owens could steal one from the Lunatic Fringe, the same way he faked a low-blow in a previous show to seal a win. Could it be déjà vu?
Whoever makes it to the finals will most likely be the main event for WWE Survivor Series which takes place this Nov. 22 in Atlanta.
Reigns is a big favorite to make it all the way though upsets could happen. Same goes on the right side as well for Ambrose and company.
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