Barrett has vowed to win the IC title, likely from Kofi Kingston, and I believe him. Vows and “guaran-damn-tees” generally always work in the favor of those that make them, so I can’t see why this one will be any different.
I don’t think it’s going to matter in the end. It didn’t the first time; why will it now?
Cody Rhodes has been the best defender of that title in recent memory, and even his run remained more about everything BUT the actual title, its challengers, and the entire division as a whole. He was supposed to bring prestige back to the division, and I can’t say that happened. Then, it was Miz’s turn to try and do the same thing. He was squashed, as Champion, in minutes, by Ryback.
Kofi’s run was supposed to be the start of the “big singles push” he reportedly was going to receive. It’s been forgettable.
I want to believe WWE is actually starting to care about their non-main event divisions and stars, and I can see signs of just that taking place – most notably with the tag team division – but they still have a LONG way to go. Wade Barrett is not the answer, nor is it the answer for him. He’s seen as future world champion material by many, including management, and the IC title has failed to be an effective stepping stone to the top.
Until someone proves me wrong, I’ll continue to expect very little out of current, former and future IC Champions.
