The Miz's Best Booking Options Leading Up to WWE Money in the Bank 2016

WWE Extreme Rules was full of surprises, and the Fatal 4-Way match for the Intercontinental Championship was no exception.

The Miz had to defend his title against Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn and Cesaro. In a very competitive bout, Zayn nearly kicked Cesaro’s head off in the far corner. Before he could pin the Swiss Superman, Owens pulled Zayn out of the ring, allowing The Miz to cover Cesaro for the victory.

Despite the outcome, it was a clean victory. Much to the chagrin of WWE’s fans and his opponents, The Miz took advantage of Zayn’s kick and retained his title.

The Miz walked out of WWE Extreme Rules with his title and his wife, Maryse. The next night, he fought for a spot at Money in the Bank against Cesaro. However, The Swiss Superman got his retribution, defeating The Miz.

Owens and Zayn will also move on to the Money In The Bank Ladder match, which takes place in Las Vegas on June 19. It leaves The Miz without a potential opponent for the event.

Nonetheless, it doesn’t change the fact that the best decision was made for everyone involved. The Miz retaining his Intercontinental Championship is the right call.

Without further ado, here are the best booking options for The Miz leading up to next month’s Money in the Bank.

The downside for his competitors is that they move on from feuding for the title—at least for now. Cesaro and The Miz will battle again for the intercontinental title on the May 26 episode of SmackDown.

If The Miz retains the title, he has a plethora of WWE Superstars to combat against. Baron Corbin could be waiting in the back for the huge opportunity. Veterans, such as Dolph Ziggler and Sheamus, always wait patiently to get their title shot.

Even Zack Ryder can get another shot. After all, he was the former intercontinental champion.

There’s also a plethora of fresh faces in the WWE. Apollo Crews is one of those faces who would provide a difficult matchup with The Miz. Crews possesses strength and agility, and The Miz does not.

If The Miz loses his title, he’ll get lost in the shuffle. The Miz will become Mr. Irrelevant without that title, especially leading up to June’s important event.

Every feud needs a successful bad guy to see them fall. The Miz losing at an event instead of television would be satisfying to see for fans.

Ironically enough, his newfound status was tweaked thanks to Maryse.

Since Maryse helped The Miz win his intercontinental title, they play well off each other.The Miz performs nearly three takes of the same promo, while Maryse acts as his assistant director. It’s an annoying tactic, but quite effective in turning the fans against him.

It’s why The Miz still needs to carry that intercontinental title into Money in the Bank.

As far as a feud is concerned, why not cast the underdog? Grant Ryder his rematch and build up a feud with The Miz. It may not be the most enticing feud, but it has the best story.

The Miz defeated Ryder for his fifth intercontinental title. Ryder seeks retribution for what happened and hasn’t forgotten about it. It’s the best option for The Miz if he still has the intercontinental title after this week’s SmackDown.

The bottom line is all this fails if The Miz does not retain the intercontinental title. If he doesn’t have that championship, then it’s back to the drawing board for the evolving character.

The Miz must remain intercontinental champion leading up to Money in the Bank. Putting him in a feud with Ryder is the best option for both. It not only makes each wrestler stronger, but it continues the storied legacy of the Intercontinental Championship.