10 Reasons Why WWE Creative Is Nuts
2. They Don't Book Midcard Champions The Right Way
It's hard to remember the last time that WWE booked both the Intercontinental and United States Champions properly. There have been flashes of greatness within the last four years like when Chris Jericho and Rey Mysterio feuded over the IC Title, but for the most part the booking has been pretty bad.
In the case of the US Title, Dean Ambrose has held it for over 300 days and even though he's a great talent with a bright future he has done absolutely nothing as the champion. He's barely had anything resembling a feud and it feels like we can count his televised title defenses on both hands. What's the point in having a title if you're not going to book it right?
When WWE put the IC Title on Big E (no longer Langston), the thinking was "that's a smart move because it will make him a bigger star." It hasn't happened. Much like Ambrose, he's barely had any feuds while holding the gold. At WrestleMania they could have done something with him. Instead, he's just another guy in a 30 man battle royal.
Here's a tip to the creative team: go watch some early late 1980s or 1990s WWF. Watch those matches they had for the Intercontinental Title. Pay attention to the storylines. When Ricky Steamboat beat Randy Savage for the IC Title at WrestleMania 3 it drew a huge ovation because it was a great match with the story of Savage trying to end his career. Winning that title meant something.
Listen to the crowd reaction when a guy like Bret Hart beat Mr. Perfect for the IC Title at SummerSlam 1991. Once again, it was a case of a babyface challenger chasing a credible heel champion that was pretty dominant for a while. When Bret won, MSG exploded. It wasn't a huge pop just because of the win. It was because of who he beat and the story they told.
The midcard titles have value if they are booked right. These days they just don't matter anymore. What a shame.