Sheamus Needs Win over Dolph Ziggler to Continue Positive Momentum

Sheamus is beginning to build some serious momentum as a heel, but Sunday's match against Dolph Ziggler is a must-win for the Celtic Warrior.

Sheamus is not getting any younger, but the WWE roster certainly is. As I discussed during this week's PodNasty Wrestling Podcast, Neville and the Lucha Dragons certainly won't be the only NXT call-ups of 2015, and each new star will threaten Sheamus' journey back to the main event. WWE currently has a first-time WWE World Heavyweight champion in Seth Rollins, who seems to be keeping the seat warm for fellow youngster Roman Reigns.

Basically, Sheamus' Celtic clock is nearing midnight.  

Booked as a bully who zeroes in on underdogs, however, Sheamus is clicking in his natural heel role. In his first pay-per-view match since returning as a heel, Sheamus needs a win for fans to continue to buy into his tough guy act.

The ridiculousness of his gimmick match against Ziggler—a Kiss Me Arse match—makes a win doubly important so he can get heat instead of losing all his credibility in embarrassing fashion.

Ziggler is at the point of his career where wins will not raise his stature. Fans have seen too many false starts from Ziggler to truly believe that a win at Extreme Rules will be the beginning of something special. He's entrenched as a midcarder, but his value lies in his ability to deliver great matches and make his opponents look good.

Sheamus and Ziggler should put on one of the best matches—if not the best match—on the show. Regardless of how good the match is, however, a loss for Sheamus would be devastating.

Bullies are defined by crumbling in situations when somebody stands up to them. In truth, a loss would be fitting for the spirit of Sheamus' character. Just not yet.

By losing to Ziggler, Sheamus would be shoehorned as a midcard character who talks tough only to get his comeuppance shortly thereafter.

Such a role would cheapen his gimmick, and fans would be trained to not take him seriously. By pushing around popular WWE underdogs only to beat them on pay-per-view, the value of seeing the bully get what's coming to him is increased.

Sheamus is on the verge of joining Ziggler as a career midcarder, especially given the damage that was done during his ill-fated babyface run.

In what will likely be his final chance to cash in on all his potential, he is already separating himself from other WWE Superstars with an entertaining gimmick. In order to stave off WWE purgatory, however, Sheamus needs to win.

Alfred Konuwa is a Featured Columnist and on-air host for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter @ThisIsNasty and listen to his weekly wrestling podcast.