10 New Directions For WWE After SummerSlam 2016

Miz’s Intercontinental Championship defence against Apollo Crews had hardly received the biggest of builds, so perhaps it isn’t really too surprising that the Champion managed to retain his belt in fairly conclusive fashion.

Miz won clean in the middle after hitting the Skull Crushing Finale, putting a pretty resounding end to Crews’ IC title aspirations. Irrespective of what that means for the challenger, it leaves the champion in need of a fresh adversary.

That in itself sounds simple enough, but when you take a look at the SmackDown roster there aren’t many names that leap out as candidates.

Previously, you might have cited Dolph Ziggler or Dean Ambrose as potential Intercontinental Champions, but they’ve since moved onto slightly bigger and better things. You also have to think the likes of John Cena, AJ Styles and Randy Orton are a little too big for the belt, and newer stars such as Baron Corbin and Kalisto are currently embroiled in a feud of their own.

In terms of remaining singles competitors, you’re looking at a choice of Kane, Erick Rowan, Heath Slater or Curt Hawkins. Long story short; there’s no stand-out option and I have no idea who’s going to challenge the Miz next. Unless we want the belt to fade from relevance once again, though, someone needs to step up to the plate.