In the weeks leading into WrestleMania, Bad News Barrett was repeatedly made to look like a chump, rather than a champ. Routinely losing, then enduring the indignity of having his WWE Intercontinental Championship stolen from him, Barrett was the furthest thing from a strong champion. He was even repeatedly outsmarted by R-Truth, further diminishing his status as an intellectual human being, let alone the quality of his championship reign. Sunday night, Barrett turned in a fine performance, nearly crushing Stardust with a superplex of a ladder before laying a few of his opponents out with the Bullhammer. But after dealing out a series of his finishing strikes, he disappeared from the equation. The champion was not involved in the outcome, a booking decision that put the nail in Barrett's coffin and killed any chance he had of being considered a credible titleholder. Going forward, it will be imperative for Barrett to get back to the heart of his Bad News character, which had him as over as he had ever been prior to his injury last spring. Focus on that aspect of his performance would behoove of WWE Creative, who is dangerously close to allowing the Brit to lose considerable momentum. Again. Something that has happened numerous times in the five-year career of Barrett.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
