10 Big Mistakes WWE Can't Afford To Make With Survivor Series 2016

8. Send The Intercontinental Title To Raw

Survivor Series WWE Brock Lesnar Goldberg
WWE.com

The Cruiserweight Title isn’t the only belt that could switch brands on Sunday, and if Sami Zayn defeats The Miz, he’ll be taking the Intercontinental Championship to Monday nights. It’s a stronger match on paper, and if the two are given enough time, they'll put on a classic white meat babyface vs. devious, obnoxious heel battle. If WWE want to push the idea of thrilling inter-brand competition, this is exactly the kind of match they should be making.

Sami’s endured a rough time since defeating Kevin Owens. It was the biggest victory of his career, but he’s been used as a tertiary player ever since, and recent signs suggest that he may soon be used as fuel for the Braun Strowman squash machine. His continued misuse has been one of Raw’s biggest disappointments and while he’s in dire need of a big win, it shouldn’t come on Sunday.

Taking the IC belt to Raw would only muddy the waters on Monday nights. They’ve already got the United States Championship, and they don’t need a second upper-midcard belt. Besides, SmackDown’s writers have done a good job in making the IC Title feel like a valuable belt again, while the US title is but a fashion accessory for Roman Reigns. The Intercontinental Title would almost certainly be run into the ground on Raw, and nobody wants to see that.

Keeping the belt around The Miz's waist makes the most sense. Removing it from SD’s ranks would leave their midcard wrestlers with nothing to work towards, and leave Raw overstocked.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.