Honorable Mentions
Booker T - While Booker T has gained tremendous popularity this year due to his new comedic style gimmick, it seems unlikely that he will be able to rise to the top of the WWE ladder. He is terrific in his role, but WWE does not seem to have enough faith in him to push him to the next level. Booker T is also starting to age and has already stated that he would like to retire within the next 2 years.
Bautista - Bautista is another homegrown WWE talent that has the huge size that the promotion loves to push. At the same time, Bautista has yet to show that he has the ability on the mic or in the ring to do anything note worthy. While his size will help him out, he still has a lot to learn.
Sean O’Haire - Sean O’Haire may end up being a surprising star in a few years, but right now, WWE has yet to show that they have much confidence in him. Couple that with the fact that WWE does not like to push former WCW grown talents, and O’Haire has some high hurdles to jump. O’Haire definitely has the look and the size that WWE likes to push, but he needs to display the total package before rising to be one of WWE’s top stars.
The Undertaker - While the Undertaker is currently one of WWE’s top stars, his age is starting to show. 5 years from now, it seems unlikely that the Undertaker will still be wrestling. While he may remain with WWE in some type of backstage role, his days as a top star are numbered.
Hulk Hogan - Hulk Hogan has been defying the odds for years now and continues to show longevity and remain a top star. However, with his nagging injuries mounting, Hogan seems to be on his final run. It seems extremely unlikely that Hulk Hogan will still be a top star 5 years from now.
Goldberg - While Goldberg will most likely sign with WWE sometime within the next 5 years, he simply does not have the love for the business that is required in order to reach the top, and stay there, for years. Goldberg, like the Ultimate Warrior before him, could be a top star in the business for years if he really wants, but he has made it clear that being a top pro-wrestling star is not something he desperately desires.
Eddie Guerrero - While Latino Heat certainly has amazing talent in the ring and on the mic, he is not as young as many think. Whether WWE is ready to get behind him at this stage of his career and try and elevate him to the top is a big question. Guerrero
Jeff Hardy - While WWE has already shown a love of pushing Jeff Hardy, the high flyer seems to be asking for a shortened career due to his high risk moves, as well as his wild lifestyle out of the ring. He has also yet to display much lasting power on his own, with little mic charisma.
Test - Test has the size that WWE loves, but does not have the natural charisma needed to be a top level star. Despite years of experience now, he has yet to get down the art of cutting a good promo, and does not have the ability to deliver much in the ring.
No other wrestlers were given much consideration.