#2 – Big E
Big E Langston – now simply known as "Big E" – is a rare specimen. At only 27-years-old, E is a national powerlifting champion, a state wrestling champion, a Division I college football star, and in his short time within the WWE organization he was the second ever NXT World Champion, has participated in a championship match at WrestleMania, and currently holds the Intercontinental Championship. He's also got a degree from the University of Iowa, so he had a fall-back in case the whole pro wrestling thing didn't pan out.
The Tampa native in almost every way reminds of a young John Cena. Major success in WWE's developmental promotion? Check. Immediate impact upon debuting on the main roster? Cena capitalized on Vince McMahon's search for "ruthless aggression", attacking Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle in his first night; Big E attached John Cena. Check. Both are dedicated work horses, setting weightlifting records, playing college ball and earning degrees at the same time. Both had championship matches in their WrestleMania debuts, and both were slowly turned into fan-favorites at the request of the WWE Universe. That natural ability to rally fans around your character, regardless of gimmick, is so vitally important. The people – long before they had a People's Champion – chanted "Rocky Sucks!", but at least they were chanting something. There are more comparisons, but you get the point.
Big E has everything, except for a last name, apparently. I'm not saying we're looking at the next 14-time world champion, and the future face of the entire pro wrestling industry, but you never know. How many people looked at John Cena in 2002 and thought, this kid is the next Hulk Hogan. From where I'm sitting Big E has the drive, charisma, athleticism – everything he needs to dominate. Will he get that push? Only time will tell.
