WWE Royal Rumble 2013: Antonio Cesaro vs. The Miz Is Perfect Opening Match

The 2013 Royal Rumble is already shaping up to be one of best shows of the year, but the addition of United States Champion Antonio Cesaro versus the Miz on the YouTube Pre-Show (h/t WWE.com) has made this show look even more enjoyable.

Cesaro has been impressive since debuting in the WWE and winning the U.S. title, and The Miz is a former WrestleMania main-eventer; adding the duo to the YouTube Pre-Show with the title on the line adds a real legitimacy to the broadcast.

As much as the YouTube Pre-Show shouldn’t be more than a Santino Marella win over Epico and/or Primo, the WWE has really made these events worthy of the WWE Universe’s time.

What It Means

As much as the WWE wants to sell the fans on The Miz being a face, he is not having the kind of immediate success the company thought he’d have.

The eagerness to force The Miz on the WWE Universe is why the fans saw Ric Flair give the former WWE champion the figure-four leglock as a signature move.

The WWE is all-in on Miz's face turn.

Despite the heavy push for The Miz, Cesaro will be favored to win this match because of the recent streak of success over top stars for the Swiss star.

With the support of the people backstage, this is a great showcase for two of the brightest rising stars in the company.

What’s Next?

The WWE has done a great job over the last six months building the midcard, and a long-term feud between The Miz and Antonio Cesaro is the right choice for both men.

Not only would this cement Miz as a serious face and help prove Cesaro’s main-event abilities, it would bring the U.S. title serious legitimacy by having the culmination of a drawn-out feud on the WrestleMania 29 card.

The Miz would eventually triumph in this battle, but not until these two men give everything to put each other over.

Cesaro versus Miz is a great decision by WWE.

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