WWE: Christian Needs to Pick Up the Slack Left by Randy Orton

WWE had better be glad it has its ace in the hole now that Christian is now back in the fold as a competitor. 

In the wake of Randy Orton’s second suspension (h/t Ryan Drew, Yahoo! Sports) for violating the companies wellness policy, which means a 60-day suspension, now is the time for the veteran superstar to show again why he is so valuable to the wrestling business. 

Christian obtained the WWE Intercontinental title at Over the Limit last month by defeating Cody Rhodes. He has put himself in prime position to be in the center of everything important in the current state of the company. That may include a title shot at Alberto Del Rio should he beat Sheamus at No Way Out.

I personally am a big fan of the Canadian star. His skills in the ring and on the microphone make him a no-brainer to get the job done in any capacity chosen for him. But specifically, with the state of the WWE needing more superstars to step up (could this include a face change for The Miz?), Christian’s return from injury could not have come at a better time.

Christian can play the "face" and "heel" role as well as sell for whoever he competes against. And while Orton was the "unsung" hero of Smackdown and a go-to guy for results when others (Wade Barrett, Sin Cara, Del Rio and Christian) were besieged with injuries, he did a few things that surprised even me.

He lost the World title to Mark Henry and sold for the new champion. He also did not join the list of competitors for a shot at the World title until recently when he was involved in the four-way match at the most recent pay-per-view. His feud with Kane was solid, and both veterans showed they could still bring down the house when needed.

When it comes to being involved in the singles-title picture, Christian is a perfect fit. He has been a World-title holder in TNA and WWE, but he spent most of his career as a tag-team specialist, which makes him equally opportunistic in helping the WWE grow its newer talent and help a struggling division (please team him with Alex Shelley!).

Those little things make it a perfect fit.

And when Orton returns from the suspension, it remains to be seen if he will be welcomed back in the same role. Time off has a way of changing mindsets and story ideas. Orton could come back as a heel and challenge CM Punk, Christian or even John Cena with the hopes of changing the course of the WWE.

It’s all for ratings and to give the brand a new look.

Whatever the reason, it cannot be a bad thing if Christian, with his charisma, is right in the middle of it all.

And it cannot help if he is challenging for a World title.