If 2015 served as proof that anything can happen in the WWE, 2016 will certainly be a very interesting year in sports entertainment.
With each passing year, the WWE tries to up the ante, and with WrestleMania 32 looming in early 2016, the company will surely pull out all the stops.
Here are 16 bold predictions for the WWE in 2016.
1) Beast Of The Rumble
Okay, so this first one isn't that bold, but our early pick for the 2015 Royal Rumble Match winner is Brock Lesnar. "The Beast" hasn't officially entered the bout yet, in fact The Big Show is the only entrant thus far, but it's hard to see him being eliminated once he enters.
2) The Franchise vs. The Deadman
The Undertaker's in-ring career is likely winding down, but with one more WrestleMania match on the horizon, there is no better opponent for 'Taker than John Cena. It would provide a fresh matchup for the WWE at its marquee event, and keep Cena out of the title picture.
3) The Icon Retires
Sting hasn't been seen in the WWE since his serious injury against Seth Rollins at Night of Champions. At age 56, it's likely Sting has wrestled his last bout in WWE.
4) 619 Return
While Sting may call it a career, Rey Mysterio may find his way back to the WWE. His divorce from the company was ugly, but eventually the master of the 619 will come home.
5) Protect The Shield
With Seth Rollins out for the early part of 2016, it gives the WWE a chance to flip the script. "The Architect" could shock everyone and return as a babyface, realigning himself with Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose to reform The Shield.
6) Hardyz Homecoming
The Hardy Boyz have already commented on possibly returning to the WWE, and with Team Extreme reaching the latter stages of their careers, 2016 seems like the perfect time for such a comeback.
7) Dudleyville Dream
Now that the Dudleyz are back in the fold, they have an opportunity to capture the WWE Tag Team Championships for a record 10th time. Though they failed to wrest the gold away from The New Day in 2015, they'll eventually earn the titles in the New Year.
8) Bailor & Bayley
As 2015 ends, Finn Bailor and Bayley are on top of NXT as the top men's and women's division champions. By the end of 2016, both NXT sensations will be making their presence felt on the main roster.
9) Banks Statement
Sasha Banks made quite a splash in NXT this year, but her main roster build has been very slow. Expect that to change in 2016 as we predict that not only will she win the Divas Championship, but come next December she'll earn Diva of the Year honors.
10) Wedding Bells
John Cena and Nikki Bella have been dating for a long time now, but he's yet to propose to the Diva. With both getting older and growing closer, expect an engagement -- likely filmed on "Total Divas" -- in 2016.
11) Sixteen In '16
Sticking with Cena, at some point in 2016, he's likely to finally get back into the WWE World Heavyweight Championship picture and win the gold one more time to tie Ric Flair's record with his 16th reign.
12) Owens Is Money
Kevin Owens was arguably the Rookie of the Year for the WWE in 2015, and he'll expand on that in 2016. The former NXT and Intercontinental Champion will win the Money in the Bank Ladder Match and the WWE World Heavyweight Championship by year's end.
13) AJ Lee Returns
At some point, AJ Lee has to get the itch to return to the squared circle. While it's understandable that she left due to her husband, CM Punk's, issues with the WWE, Lee will somehow find her way back to the ring after retiring last spring.
14) CM Punk Returns
This is probably the boldest of the 16 picks, but eventually they all return. No matter how hostile Punk's departure from the WWE was, Vince McMahon has buried hatchets over even bigger feuds in the past. The "Best in the World" signed a two-year deal with UFC last year, so he wouldn't be eligible to return until December 2016.
15) Big No! For The Yes! Man
Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like Daniel Bryan will return to the WWE. While it seems like "The Beard" wants to return, WWE doctors may not allow it, which in turn would force him to retire, at least from WWE.
16) One More Match
The Rock and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin's situations for wrestling at WrestleMania are murky, but at some point they have to have a farewell match. The Rock is very busy with movies, but he will be at the "Show of Shows." Eventually, he'll return to action, possibly to team up with his cousin Roman Reigns. Austin, meanwhile, has to find a way to compete in his home state of Texas at WrestleMania 32.
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