Big E Langston Deserves Consistently Meaningful Booking as IC Champion

When he won the Intercontinental title nearly two weeks ago, WWE Superstar Big E. Langston was able to secure his first title in the company as well as capture the attention of the entire wrestling world.

Functioning first as former World Heavyweight champion Dolph Ziggler’s “heavy,” then as backup for WWE Divas champion AJ Lee, Langston has been no stranger to seeing gold. However, his latest accomplishment has seen him gain a prize for himself rather than be forced to look on from the sidelines.

In past years, the Intercontinental title has meant that the champion was one step closer to gaining a world title opportunity, with many past champions going on to win those coveted titles. However, in recent years, the IC title has come to mean much less, with less-than-stellar champions and little benefit to the titleholder.

Langston possesses rare gifts and a look that could make him a top guy for many years to come. However, it is all in how his character is presented and how much support the company ends up throwing behind him.

His Attributes Are Rare

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No, Langston’s 5’11” frame is not exactly imposing height-wise, but his near 300-pound physique looks as if it was carved out of stone.

In addition, unlike other larger wrestlers like Ryback, Mark Henry and the Big Show, Langston never seems to run out of gas. He has a can’t-quit spirit that allows him to keep his energy going when his body begins to tire.

For a man of his size, his speed and agility are also above average, while his strength cannot be matched by many. In a recent wwe.com poll, Langston claims to have been able to bench press 575 pounds, which is the most of all of the Superstars on the list.

In addition, he also is an accomplished powerlifter, as he still holds the USAPL Florida State Raw Records in deadlift and total in the super heavyweight division, as well as all four raw powerlifting records in the 275-pound class.

Bring Back Legitimacy to the Intercontinental Title

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With past champions like Hall of Famers Edge, Bret Hart, Eddie Guerrero and Curt Hennig, the Intercontinental title has always been one of the most prestigious championships in professional wrestling. However, in recent years, the title has become more a symbol for mediocrity, with people like Santino Marella, Umaga and Ezekiel Jackson having reigns as the titleholder.

After defeating Curtis Axel, the son of Hennig, Langston now has the opportunity to carve his name out in a list featuring the former group of Superstars rather than the latter.

His size and strength advantages have already been discussed, but it is his hunger that may drive him to overall greatness.

Langston has a level of intensity that is seen in few individuals these days, and his drive and determination to always thrive may be exactly what it takes to bring back some honor to a championship that has lacked that  characteristic over the past few years.

The Company Needs a Monster Face

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Sure, the company has some larger athletes that are so-called “monsters.”

Guys like the Great Khali, Henry and the Big Show are all larger-than-life competitors with proven track records.

However, Khali has issues simply shuffling to the ring, and in recent years, Henry cannot seem to stay healthy for longer than a few months. And while the Big Show is still one of the top guys in the business, he is now 41 years old and cannot compete at the same level that he used to in years prior.

And while Langton is not going to win any contest for his height, his chiseled physique and dominating spirit make him a physically intimidating character, the likes of which the company has not had in a while from a face character. In addition, he is only 27 years old and likely has many good years of competition ahead of him.

And while it is entertaining to see guys like John Cena and Daniel Bryan go out and triumph over adversity, wouldn't it be entertaining to sometimes see a good guy go out to the ring and just put a good old-fashioned beatdown on a bad guy?

Langston has all of the tools to do exactly that.

Simply put, Big E Langston could be the next top good guy with the right direction.