WWE No Way out 2012: Why Sheamus Must Shine vs. Dolph Ziggler

Sheamus has been getting the biggest push of his career ever since winning the Royal Rumble in January, but the most important match of his career takes place this Sunday at No Way Out. 

WWE was forced to do a switch on Raw this week, inserting Dolph Ziggler into the World Championship Match with Sheamus due to an injury sustained by Alberto Del Rio at last week's SmackDown tapings. 

Del Rio's misfortune is actually going to be Sheamus' gain, as Ziggler can give Sheamus the kind of match that he needs. SmackDown is very much in a transitional phase, and someone needs to step up and take over as the face of the blue brand. 

For the last year, Randy Orton has been the star of SmackDown. He was drafted into the show to take over the spot vacated by Edge, who was forced to retire due to injuries. Orton held his own and actually was having the best run of his career, working better matches, cutting better promos and becoming a strong babyface. 

All of that fell apart when Orton was suspended for 60 days due to a Wellness Policy violation. No one knows what Orton's future is going to be in the company, especially with the three-strikes-and-you-are-out policy in place. 

WWE needs someone to put in that No. 1 spot in SmackDown. Sheamus is the most obvious choice. He has the backing of management, since he is Triple H's boy. He is already the world champion, for whatever that means in WWE today. 

The only thing missing from Sheamus' resume is that one star-making performance in a big match situation. He has worked matches with some top stars, but none of them has been that superstar-making match. 

Ziggler may not be the top star that can help increase Sheamus' profile. What Ziggler can offer Sheamus is the opportunity to be in the ring with arguably the best worker WWE has. If this match is given the time it deserves, it can be a special moment for both stars. 

Right now, Sheamus needs to look better than he ever has. SmackDown needs Sheamus to take over the role vacated by Orton, instead of just being handed the gig.

He has the talent to get there, and all that is left will be executing it as No Way Out provides him the right opponent. 

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