WWE: 7 Reasons Sheamus Will Be the Next Intercontinental Champion

Since Sheamus won the United States Championship from Daniel Bryan, he has been on an unstoppable role.

This has led to pretty much a permanent main event status on SmackDown, fighting the likes of Mark Henry, Randy Orton and Christian.

Sheamus has proved himself to be the superstar that WWE tried to stop him from becoming.

Now, he has a huge fan following, and I believe he's set to win the Intercontinental title very soon.

I have listed seven reasons why I believe the Celtic Warrior will be the next Intercontinental Champion and how he can build on the prestige that Cody Rhodes has built up for the belt.

He Now Has a New Gimmick

Sheamus is no longer using “The Celtic Warrior” as his main gimmick; he is now announced as the “Great White,” and it's plastered all over his TitanTron.

This is exactly what he needed to propel him to the next level.

Cody Rhodes went from “Dashing” to “Undashing” and gained the Intercontinental Championship from it.

Hopefully, the “Great White” Sheamus can do the same thing now that he has received this simple nickname addition.

I am aware that this does not sound like a particularly exciting point, but it's the small details that allow superstars to become champions and legends.

He's a Face

Cody is a heel; Sheamus is a face. Usually, belts swap from heels to faces; it’s just the way of the world.

So with what seems like an abundance of heels populating SmackDown, Sheamus is the only logical choice when it comes to determining a new No.1 contender for the Intercontinental title.

The crowd's behind him, while Cody admonishes them so it's a perfect juxtaposition which is what's needed in a title match.

A Feud Between Cody Rhodes and Sheamus Could Be Great

This is what would propel Rhodes into the main event and what would give Sheamus more of a purpose on SmackDown.

If these two gifted superstars were to compete in the ring together, I guarantee the matches would be amazing.

The feud could last for a few pay-per-view events with Sheamus winning the title belt in the last match.

This would allow Cody to climb the last few rungs on the ladder and delve into the World Heavyweight Championship picture, while Sheamus would have a nice spot as the secondary champion, hopefully adding more prestige to the Intercontinental belt as Cody has done.

The possibilities are endless in terms of what the feud could be ignited by, but as long as the story is strong, I can’t see the in-ring action being a problem with these superstars.

Cody Rhodes Is Heading for the Big Time

Rhodes has proved time and time again that he can hang with the big boys as he's currently involved in a short-term feud with Randy Orton, and it isn’t even over the Intercontinental title belt!

I touched on it in the last slide, but this would be another reason why Sheamus would be gaining the strap.

Cody has to move up without the Intercontinental Championship in my opinion as it has not fully completed its transformation into the respected secondary championship it once was.

I have been saying throughout this slideshow that Cody has done an excellent job of making me believe the title is worth something again, and I think Sheamus could continue this challenge.

Randy Orton Is Too Big To Be Intercontinental Champion

There would be no point in putting the strap on Orton or even having him challenge for it because he's a nine-time world title and a small championship like this is not worth his time.

If it had been 20 years ago, I would disagree with myself because the Intercontinental title was almost as good as the WWF title, but in recent years, it has lost its prestige.

The reason I witter on about it in every slide is because it's so important. It plays a part in every point I am trying to make.

Though I believe Orton would be perfect for making people believe that the title is worth something again, it's never going to happen.

What's integral to this championship is finding a suitable replacement for Cody Rhodes, and as Orton will not be available, this responsibility falls to Sheamus.

It’s Been a While Since Sheamus Last Held a Title

Sheamus hasn’t held a title since May, when he lost the United States Championship to Kofi Kingston at Extreme Rules.

It’s about time he had one; don’t you think?

If Sheamus is to be a main event talent once again, then he needs to fully establish himself by being a secondary champion one more time.

By the time he loses it, he will definitely be ready for the main event, and there will be no doubt in anyone’s mind.

He Could Be Used To Elevate Wade Barrett

Wade Barrett will be next in line after Sheamus.

He's finally getting some decent TV time, captaining his own team at the Survivor Series and becoming a main-eventer again.

His potential is being realised by the WWE.

If Sheamus wins the belt from Cody Rhodes, then the slides I just mentioned will apply to Wade Barrett, and he'll be in position to continue the correct development of the Intercontinental Championship.

Sheamus would be brilliant for the build of Barrett, and the two would put on some excellent matches in my opinion. But I guess we’ll have to wait and see if Sheamus becomes champion first!