How WWE Can Best Capitalize on the Miz Following 'Talking Smack' Interview

The Miz has had the entire wrestling world buzzing with the controversial promo he cut on WWE's Talking Smack program this past Tuesday. Thus, there is little doubt that WWE must capitalize on this momentum going forward with the intercontinental champion.

Since his arrival in WWE, Miz has always been a talented talker, and he is exceptional at working a wrestling crowd. His mic work seemed to peak, though, in 2011 with his WWE Championship run, and beyond that point, he was largely wasted as just another guy on the roster.

Only recently has he returned to form as The Hollywood A-Lister of WWE, and he has been doing the best work of his career as a result. With his wife, Maryse, by his side and the Intercontinental Championship around his waist, he has appeared to be more motivated than ever before.

But his stock skyrocketed this week when he crashed the set of Talking Smack and confronted SmackDown general manager Daniel Bryan. The two have had history dating back to 2010, when Miz served as Bryan's pro in the first season of NXT, leading to a heated feud between the two on the main roster.

Miz took offense to Bryan's comments about being a "coward" and retaliated by saying the reason he wrestles the way he does is because, in the 10-plus years he has been with WWE, he has never been hurt. Bryan proceeded to walk off once The Awesome One dared him to quit if he claimed he wanted to wrestle so badly.

Needless to say, it was the most passionate promo Miz has cut in his career, and the critical acclaim he has received across the WWE Universe is evident of that. The fire in his eyes and emotion in his voice made it come across as real.

Whether it was a work or a shoot is irrelevant; WWE would be foolish to not do something significant with Miz in the weeks ahead, something even more meaningful than he is already doing as intercontinental champion.

That title has been overlooked for far too long, so this promo should bring more eyes to the secondary strap. Miz has embarked on his "never-ending" Intercontinental Championship World Tour for the past five months, and he has had a better reign than most have given him credit for.

From his excellent matches with the likes of Sami Zayn, Cesaro and Kevin Owens to his successful title defenses against Zack Ryder, Darren Young and Apollo Crews, he has been ripping it up throughout his reign as champion. Whether he has restored prestige to the title is arguable, but he can do so now that he has the full attention of the fanbase, as well as officials.

That said, the best way to book Miz in the immediate future would be to keep the Intercontinental Championship on him in the long term and have him break the 454-day record reign of The Honky Tonk Man.

Credit: WWE.com

The primary reason why Honky Tonk Man is regarded as one of history's best IC champions wasn't because of the matches he had or the promos he cut; rather, he escaped every title defense with his title intact, much to the chagrin of fans.

Each time he resorted to underhanded tactics to retain his title, people grew more and more anxious to see him lose the belt. And when he finally did drop the strap to The Ultimate Warrior at SummerSlam 1988, it was a major moment in time and almost seen as a passing of the torch.

Miz plays a similar role to what Honky Tonk Man once was but better. He is far superior to him in the ring and on the mic, and he has great depth to his character, meaning there is no reason why he can't be the one to break the record.

Now would be the optimal time for him to hold the title for a lengthy period, given the brand extension is in effect and he shines as a singles star on the SmackDown brand. Perhaps a return to the main event scene could be in the cards once he's done with the Intercontinental Championship.

Either way, coming off his much-discussed appearance on Talking Smack, it's time WWE starts utilizing Miz the right way. As a former WWE champion and a five-time holder of the intercontinental title, he should be a bigger priority in the company than he currently is.

Graham Mirmina, aka Graham "GSM" Matthews, is a Digital Journalism major at Endicott College. Visit his website, Next Era Wrestling, and "like" his official Facebook page to continue the conversation on all things wrestling.

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