7 Ways WWE Can Salvage Sheamus
1. A Fighting Champion
Sheamus has won pretty much everything available to him in World Wrestling Entertainment. He is a multiple time World Champion, has carried the United States Championship twice, and has also won the King of the Ring the Royal Rumble and a Money in the Bank ladder match. He's done it all.
Well, pretty much all, with the exception of the Intercontinental Championship. That title has experienced something approaching an improved status in the last few months, but with The Miz away from TV fairly often it is in stasis once again.
The best way, in my opinion, to rehabilitate both the Intercontinental Championship and Sheamus himself would be to unite the two. Put the IC belt on Sheamus, and have him go ahead with his own variation on the John Cena United States Championship Open Challenge. Basically turn the IC belt into an ambitious TV title, with Sheamus defending it week after week against a variety of opponents on free television.
Not only that, but have Sheamus win cleanly more often than not. He has proved time and time again that he is one of the best in-ring performers in the company when motivated, and a series of 15+ minute matches with meaning will guarantee a revival in fortunes.
Heck, this may be the only way one could care about Sheamus vs. Dolph Ziggler in 2016, or even Sheamus vs. Alberto Del Rio. Make Sheamus a fighting champion, taking on all comers at all times. Not a face, not a heel, just a tough guy who beats folk up but takes a beating in the process.
Keep it simple, Sheamus.