WWE TLC 2016: 10 Awesome Moments
6. The Miz Legitimises His Reign
As pleasing as The Miz and Dolph Ziggler’s performances were last night, the manner of Miz’s victory is what’s really important. The Intercontinental Champion’s recent reigns have been characterised by misdirection, interferences, and cheap heel tactics. This has established him as WWE’s most naturally detestable heel, but it hasn’t done much for his in-ring credibility, and has only strengthened Daniel Bryan’s argument that Miz is a subpar wrestler who can’t get the job done without shenanigans.
There were no interferences from Maryse or the Spirit Squad last night, however. Instead, just when it looked like Ziggler was about to win, Miz hit the challenger with a couple of low blows. Ziggler collapsed, and Miz retrieved the belt: victorious once again.
Such a finish would obviously be illegal under normal circumstances, but anything goes in a ladder match. Instead of portraying Miz like a coward, this outcome makes him look smart. Low blows are immoral, sure, but what Miz did wasn’t even cheating, just underhand.
The outcome solidifies his sixth reign as Intercontinental Champion, and his post-match promo sealed the deal. Miz dedicated his victory to Bryan, rubbed salt in the wound by offering Ziggler a participation trophy, and sent a very simple message to his critics: “I win.” This was his most important victory this year, and solidifies him not only as SmackDown’s top heel, but WWE’s most improved performer of 2016.