Wade Barrett – One Step Up
I was a little hesitant to support Wade Barrett as an Intercontinental Champion, but I think I might like the decision. It has potential, at least.
I could take Wade Barrett out of the equation completely though, and I would still be reluctant to buy into it. The IC title and its champions have been quite the embarrassment of late, from Rhodes to Miz to Kofi. Each one of those had "potential", yet they all suffered the same fate – the fact they were the champions were the last reason to care about them.
Barrett has the look and ability of a champion, but neither of those matter without creative support.
The win over Randy Orton last Monday was a good decision. They have history, Orton's a main eventer, and Barrett beat him fair and square on national TV with an audience larger than the current average. Again, good decision.
The top of the card is crowded heading into 'Mania, so right now, the mid to upper midcard is as good as it gets for Barrett. With the right challenger, a decent story, and mic time, Barrett might be one of the few to actually benefit from holding the IC title. I'm not holding my breath yet, but am much more positive about the possibilities than I was at first.
