10 Things That Must Happen At WWE Payback 2016
5. The Miz Escapes Cesaro Threat As WWE Intercontinental Champion
The WWE Intercontinental Title has been passed around with alarming regularity recently. Kevin Owens went into WrestleMania as champ, dropping the title to Zack Ryder in the multi-man Ladder Match. The next night on Raw, The Miz defeated Ryder - aided by Maryse - to become the new titleholder.
It wouldn't make sense to displace the brash heel as champ right now, especially if other booking steps are going to be taken later in the show with other matches.
For now at least, Miz should hold on to the Intercontinental Title as though his life depends on it, he's the kind of heel that escapes by the skin of his teeth.
Aiding the narrative, Michael Cole and colleagues could assess that Cesaro had The Miz beat several times during the match. Each time, Maryse came to her man's rescue. Booking Miz to look like a modern day Honky Tonk Man isn't a bad idea at all, especially if it leads to growing resentment from fans.
Then, this means the plan is working, and the reaction to a future Cesaro win will come across even better and as a much bigger deal.