WWE Elimination Chamber 2012: Smackdown Planted the Seeds for a New World Champ

I enjoyed WWE Smackdown last night. It was the typical blue brand show on Friday night. The right amount of wrestling was mixed with the right amount of promos.

However, one thing stuck out to me.

Ladies and gentlemen, I think we are getting a new World Champion at the Elimination Chamber PPV event!

Truth be told, I was all set on Daniel Bryan keeping his title until WrestleMania. His match against Sheamus would have tons of options, and the two inside the ring writes itself.

Trust me! I thought Bryan vs. Sheamus was the way to go—until last night.

When Randy Orton vs. Daniel Bryan was made for this week's Smackdown, the announcement felt "off." It was like watching Final Destination, and a character saw something in the distance. You felt it.

Maybe it was because WWE was giving away a big match on free television? Maybe it was because these two had never faced off? Maybe it was because these two were going to have a great match?

No, no, and no!

I felt it.

Randy Orton is winning the World Heavyweight Championship next Sunday night live in Milwaukee!

My mind instantly flipped the switch, and I now see a title change in eight days. I will be sitting there live in the arena, while Orton poses with his newly won gold staring down Sheamus to close the PPV event.

I saw it.

There was no reason for Bryan to face Orton this week. No reason whatsoever. They had no history, and the only connection was their involvement in the chamber next weekend. That's it!

Why have this match now, if Bryan was going to retain his gold for another match? Why do this match before the PPV event? None of it added up.

Unless Mr. RKO is winning next Sunday.

He has certainly been on a roll as of late, and it is no secret he lost a lot last year. He will get those wins back, whether fans want to accept it or not. It is not only the way the business works, it is the right thing to do for Orton.

As most know, he was my WWE Superstar of 2011. The year he had was incredible. Surely, he is going to see a nice benefit come Mania in Miami.

Not some Raw vs. Smackdown match with Alberto Del Rio. Not Money in the Bank. Not another match with Wade Barrett. Nothing like that. He has been in the middle of WrestleMania for the past two years.

First, he fought Legacy in the beginning of the card. Then he beat CM Punk in the middle of the card. It is time for Orton to get back into the main event scene.

I am not big on face vs. face matches, but Sheamus and Orton have kept their distance for awhile now. It may  be time for those two to clash once more.

Fear not though, Daniel Bryan just may weasel his way into the match somehow. For now, I see Orton leaving the chamber as new World Champion! It couldn't happen to a more deserving wrestler.

Reminder: I am now on Twitter @JustinWatry! I give every new follower a special shout out, so do not be shy...thanks.