Wrestlemania XXVII: WWE, Miz Needs to Avoid WM 18 Redux

The hot topic throughout the IWC today is clearly the stature of the Miz throughout the WWE Universe. Obviously, he is the WWE Champion, which should put him on top if this were a real sport, but we all know that there is a pecking order in the WWE that supersedes the belt. The moment the Rock walked down the ramp, he was back at the top. That was until HHH and The Undertaker made their simultaneous returns, at which time they back the biggest storyline in the company. 

Fear that the Miz would be lost in the Wrestlemania hoopla, despite being champion, was cleverly written into the storyline that has driven the Cena-Miz-Rock feud and carried Raw for the last month. Throughout, minus a few cringe-worthy lines by Cena, all parties have delivered in selling the storyline, and thus the PPV. Two more shows remain until the Grand Daddy of Them All, at which time it will come down to these three hitting all the right notes to give us a Wrestlemania moment for the highlight reels. 

Despite the critical acclaim Miz has received from the nerdy fans that gather on sites such as this, there is still a hesitant voice in the back of my mind that asks whether or not Miz has truly been permanently elevated through this feud. While reading comment boards and discussing the subject with other wrestling dorks, I drew a potentially disturbing parallel between this year’s show that of Wrestlemania X-8. It may be paranoia, but WWE’s inability to develop new headliners in the last half decade gives me pause on our way to Wrestlemania. 

Nine years ago, a long-time, big-mouthed midcard heel finally got his chance to shine. Chris Jericho was the first ever Undisputed Heavyweight Champion after his legendary victories against both Austin and Rock in the same night. At this time, we all had the inkling that neither Austin nor Rock would be around that much longer. Austin’s body was breaking down faster than before, and Rock was getting more looks from Hollywood. It appeared the WWE was ready to create a new megastar in the form of Chris Jericho. Unfortunately it ended up being the grandest reign for a transition champion in my lifetime. 

Triple H returned at the Rumble, won the battle royal and he turned into full-on Hunter the Barbarian mode. The storyline distracted from Jericho, devolving into a feud between Triple H and Stephanie as they divorced, with Daddy’s Little Princess joining forces with Jericho.

Come Wrestlemania, the result was without doubt. It was clearly a path paved to coronate HHH, not Jericho as the next great megastar, despite his existing stature as one of the biggest draws in the company. For the rest of his run until later returning most recently, Jericho never recovered from an all out burial in the main event. Triple H won the belt, won the feud and Jericho’s credibility was permanently damaged. 

I’m not the first to compare Miz to Jericho. He is clearly of that school when cutting promos and carrying his character. He doesn’t have the ring skills of Jericho, but with a proper push, he could end up a bigger star than Jericho in the long run. This year’s Wrestlemania is the first test. 

Miz being written off by Rock and Cena early was well played into the storyline. And while I’d like to dream of Rock and Cena exchanging blows in the middle of the ring with Cena knocking out the Rock only for Miz to surprise with the Skull Crushing Finale and a title retention, it’s likely not going to happen. You’ll be able to tell a lot about the booking when the card starts to play out. 

First, if Del Rio beats Edge for the belt that will be the first knock against Miz’s chances of retaining the belt. I doubt the company is going to put over the heel in both title matches, but it is possible, yet a long shot. 

Second, if Cena-Miz go on last, you know Cena is walking out champ. WWE doesn’t like to end Wrestlemania with a heel victory and I don’t see that changing during the PG Era, especially with Cena in the match. 

However, even if Del Rio does with the belt, there is hope if HHH-'Taker goes on last. It’s been a crutch for the last few years, but the 'Taker streak hasn’t waned in popularity. There isn’t a sure-fire show-stopper on the card the level of 'Taker-HBK the last two years, so it’s not like the two title matches or Punk-Orton are going to deliver a 5-star match that cannot be topped. An old fashion 'Taker-HHH slugfest brawl in the main event slot would do just fine. If this is the case, Miz may retain, but I still would be shocked if it happened. 

That being said, assuming that the odds of Miz winning at 'Mania are slim, WWE needs to keep their budding megastar in the limelight and let him look strong after his loss. After falling in his rematch the next month, I’d like to see a draft with Miz going over Edge or Rey Mysterio on Raw. I wouldn’t mind an extended Miz-Morrison upper midcard feud if booked correctly, because both could really use a sustained storyline post-'Mania. 

WWE has struggled to book multiple wrestlers strong on a single show for years. That’s one reason why Orton’s title reign was so forgettable in the summer and fall when Raw was too focused on the Nexus-Cena storyline. 

Here’s to hoping Miz doesn’t fall into the same doldrums as Jericho did nearly a decade ago. WWE has a cash cow on their hands and they need to keep it from slipping away.