Number 2: Samoa Joe
If WWE does not pull the trigger on Braun vs. John, this would be just fine in my book. Samoa Joe has every right to be champion at this time, but it is not going to happen. He has really carried his feud with Brock Lesnar and shown why he is a legit threat to be really good for a really long time. His combination of submission techniques and fast striking offense make him dangerous. His real feelings when speaking are rare for a guy like him. He gets the business and gets what he has to do to succeed. He is very similar to Rusev, but with a track record spanning back over a decade with some of the best talent in the world.
Samoa Joe is my favorite thing going in WWE right now and has earned himself a big match at SummerSlam. If he is not involved in a championship match, John Cena would be the next best option. Either way, John Cena vs. Samoa Joe is something that WWE needs to invest in. Whether now or in 2018, it must happen.