7 Ways WWE's Cody Rhodes Will Be the Best Intercontinental Champion Ever

It's GLEE night everyone!!

NO seriously...Monday's RAW was a complete disaster and I am surprised the people penning all these angles and running things are still employed.

The WWE has fallen to an all-time low this week and I wonder what the hell they are thinking. They totally dropped the ball. 

Well...almost.

The one good thing was that Cody Rhodes took a step forward into his future and delivered his patented "Cross Rhodes" finisher to Randy Orton and, get this, paper bagged him!

MARVELOUS!

The Shattered One has become a major "heel" on Friday nights and I hope his reign of terror continues over to RAW every week as the sight of it makes me feel so alive. Taking it to "The Viper" will not only get that one OUT of the World title picture but should he rub off right, will help elevate the status of both Rhodes and the beautifully-restored Intercontinental championship.

Are we about to witness one of the best feuds ever in WWE? Is Cody Rhodes on his way to becoming the best damn Intercontinental Champion of all time?

Please pay attention and stay put to learn how.

He Must Have a Long Reign

You want to be the best, Cody? Then make sure you hold on to that title as long as you can and by any means necessary all while remaining dark, twisted and dominant.

That can be accomplished. It takes cunning, planning and mischief.

Honky Tonk Man managed to retain his title for 454 days straight. That is the record; however, he did it mostly through cowardice and with help from Jimmy Hart and Peggy Sue. Cody must learn from that and not repeat the same mistakes.

I say mistakes because whether or not he thinks he is the greatest of all time, Honky is not in the Hall of Fame and I hope Cody Rhodes aspires to get himself in there. A real Superstar would have that on his to-do list no?

The reign must be long and UNINTERRUPTED!!

Cody Must Have Credible Opponents

Randy Orton may be set to take on Cody Rhodes at Vengeance in two weeks—the best thing that could have happened to the champion.

It not only brings up his stock but should the title be on the line, it will restore some value to it. It was once known to be the second most important championship in all of sports entertainment. Also, it shows that Randy Orton is humble enough to try and "settle" for a secondary belt.

It isn't Randy. The title is not lesser than any man. You...and even Cena are less because IT is the championship. You have to take it from the champion.

Cody Rhodes must have a long reign and during that time I hope he faces not only Randy Orton but maybe even John Cena who has never been IC Champion.

Imagine what it would do to his career if he were to face a returning Chris Jericho somewhere down the line. Rhodes would have a dream opponent and Jericho might go for his unprecedented 10th Intercontinental championship.

Wow!

He Must Look Dominant Versus Those Credible Opponents

The problem with WWE Champion Alberto Del Rio is he's a total wuss!

Cody Rhodes MUST NOT become one too. Learn from their booking of Del Rio and unfortunately many times, The Miz.

The last thing the next generation of "heel" Superstars and Divas needs is to be perceived as cowardly cheaters being buried by the mega-powers like Cena, Triple H and Orton. It serves no purpose other than ruin the product as a whole.

I tell you, I have been with WWE for almost 30 years and I am starting to get bored of the same things happening every year. Just think of all those kiddies growing up. If they disappear then the WWE will die.

Cody must really take it to his opponents. He should do what must be done and not hesitate.

Show no mercy Cody! Like Dr. Doom...or Giulio for that matter.

The Intercontinental Championship Belt Must Feel Like a Relic

Make the title feel like it is the most valuable piece of treasure in all the WWE.

Between you and me, looking at that thing is like coveting the One Ring. Forget the "Spinner" belt. I want my precious! Give it to me!

Rhodes acknowledged the lineage when he unveiled it. He mentioned greats like Randy Savage, Ricky Steamboat and Bret Hart. We are talking about World Champions here. Cody vowed he would wear it with even more pride and dignity.

Well, just looking at that gorgeous thing makes me agree. The revamped design is breathtaking. Cody Rhodes must somehow make everyone want it, lust for it and come to claim it.

Good luck guys, he will never want to part with it. 

The Intercontinental Championship Must Be Defended at Pay Per Views

"Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest, scheduled for one fall...is for the Intercontinental Championship!"

The good old days when THIS, not the World Heavyweight garbage, was the second most important piece in the puzzle.

It's bad enough that it hasn't been defended at a Mania since the 25th anniversary but almost every week on Smackdown we have a title match. Enough!

First things first—things must be clear again. The United States title has to go away and this one should appear on RAW more often. It is the A show and that's where you get the most viewers and exposure.

When, not if, the Intercontinental championship regains its status as the number two title, people will associate it with the holder and it would be Cody Rhodes. It would be nice to hear things like "You are not just battling Cody Rhodes, you are battling the Intercontinental Champion" and vice-versa.

In five years time, we should all think about that time when _________________ (insert Rhodes and IC title.)

The Fans Must Be Interested in His Character

With so little time to develop feuds nowadays, it is hard to imagine how fans can come to truly love a Superstar or Diva for everything they do. There are way too many shows every month and not enough character development.

This is the reality we live in right now and Cody Rhodes must make full use of the time allocated to him every week. Do not settle for being just a mid-carder. 

He must have us hate his guts to the point of wanting to genuinely beat him up or make us love him despite his "evil" nature. 

I will take myself as an example. I am "heel." In character and many, many times, in life too. I love Cody Rhodes because he personifies a villain with an incredible image, a nice set of moves, a great body and I envy his blue eyes (I always wanted a pair).

At Night of Champions, I didn't want to see Ted DiBiase in action, but instead just Cody Rhodes because I was a fan for many reasons—just like The Miz and CM Punk. Like them, he found a way to make me care about his character.

Some people, like Jack Swagger and Kofi Kingston (before Air Boom) don't do that for me or many others and that's why they fail.

When he comes out of that curtain, everyone knows he is Cody Rhodes, the reigning Intercontinental Champion and he is on a path of destruction.

Cody Rhodes Must Simply Say He Is the Greatest

Let's make this very simple.

Cody Rhodes must simply blurt out he is the greatest. Period.

With all the previous steps backing up his claim, there shouldn't be any doubts in our minds that someday he might very well be.

Claim the title for yourself and make sure you back it up. There was a time when Honky Tonk Man did just that and he was met by Randy Savage who disputed it. That led to an amazing promo/face off on WWE Superstars in 1987.

Check it out here.

The time has come. Cody Rhodes is ready to take his place amongst the great. 

Vengeance Will Be Swift!

Come on Randy...I am waiting for you.

That's what he should think heading into the next Pay Per View.

It is not official yet but having Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes battle for the Intercontinental championship at Vengeance would actually be THE reason why I would buy this event.

The idea of seeing The Miz being buried by Triple H does not appeal to me so I'd have to find a way to unleash my rage. Watching the "Shattered One" humble the "Viper" would definitely make me jump for joy.

The Intercontinental Champion is on a roll...don't interrupt!

It is only the beginning.