Intercontinental Championship
Big E Langston Vs Seth Rollins (c)
This is the only match that survived my previous fantasy booking affair but in truth, I had already decided it was in before I remembered I had previously booked it. I just think it would be superb. Now that were a little further along in the year, we have seen both men involved in many more matches since Mania and can truly see where they lie in relation to the rest of the roster. Rollins is also one half of the Tag Champs at present and has been given matches with some solid names. Big E has had to step into Zigglers feud to maintain the momentum prior to Dolphs return. Rollins is just as good as I thought he would be but I have been left almost deflated by Big Es offerings. I am putting this down to poor booking over the past weeks as weve seen the big man take on Del Rio 4 (or is it 5?) times in that period. How can we and the performers themselves keep attention for so many matches? But I digress; I dont see Big E staying with Dolph and actually see him breaking from the Zig Zag man to turn face. If you watch NXT you will see just how over he is as a face and by bringing in his Five Count traits the world will be set alight. This is just where I see this feud beginning. Once Big E breaks from Dolph and AJ I would have him pushed immediately to become the Intercontinental Champion. He has a couple of months against some established competition to cement himself far away from the Shield who own a strap of gold each during this period so therefore; why bother the IC Champ? Inevitably either of the Shield members will lose theyre strap and at this point, be It Ambrose or Rollins (Sorry Reigns), one of the team will go for Big Es belt. Being a true gladiator, Big E overcomes one of them at a PPV only for the other to gain a shot at the next declaring that The Shield will own the IC title soon! Throughout the weeks in-between the two PPVs we see a couple of stars come to Big Es aid when The Shield pounces, forcing them back. During the title match, The Shield pounces; appearing to want to overpower Big E, only for the same faces that had saved the big man previously to appear. Big E shows his true colours by turning on both men and joining the Shields ranks. Making theyre claims they would own the belt absolutely true. Over the year Big E loses the belt that has become so dear to him but, closer to Mania night, Rollins manages to capture the IC title from its holder. A short tournament is held to find the number 1 contender to challenge at Mania, to which The Shield convenes to monopolise the tournament by involving each member to protect Rollins. Big E eventually wins and Rollins believes that Big E will simply drop for him. The RAW before, all the members are in the ring talking up Mania. Rollins declares that the Shield is guaranteed one victory at WrestleMania and thats for the for the IC belt. Immediately Langston disagrees and asks where he got that impression from and that hes not going to lie down when he has the chance to own His belt again. Immediately the mics are put down and we see some inner turmoil within The Shield as they retreat backstage leaving what will happen at Mania up in the air.
Winner: Seth Rollins Following the match we dont see a breakdown of The Shield members but instead, the two shake hands like brethren. By the time RAW rolls around though the group can disband depending on who would be the breakout star by colliding with their former comrades using this match as the fuel. The contest itself would be a real showcase for both guys and would also be a dramatic image with both men in their Shield gear. Considering how over the group is now, if the year plays out to their favour, this could very well have a lot of fan support behind it. Perfect for a Mania opener! Click below for the second match of the night