WWE TLC 2011 Results: The Miz and the Top 7 Contenders for the WWE Title

While CM Punk put on a hell of a show defeating both The Miz and Alberto Del Rio at Tables, Ladders and Chairs last night, it proved that even in defeat, the two opponents still deserve title consideration.

If WWE creative did anything with this PPV event, it allowed the writers to take a deep breath and then exhale. Things look a lot brighter right now after the performance from these three stars.

And it should get better.

Matches like those open doors for so many possibilities. Everyone in the WWE Universe has to like what is happening moving forward.

Here are eight challengers for CM Punk and that WWE Title.

8. R-Truth

He needs an angle when he gets back and I am sure he will seek revenge against The Miz.

But Truth's rise in the ranks over the last six months should warrant him some consideration. If he is a face, then it becomes a little more unclear.

If he is a heel then this can be another good rivalry with Punk.

7. Zack Ryder

Could the U.S. Champion really look forward and challenge a talent like Punk?

It seems unlikely, but stranger things have happened.

Ryder needs to see if he can sell it as the US Champion first, then creative can decide his fate.

6. John Cena

Oh, how we would love to see this rivalry heat up again.

Both men would leave it all in the ring.

Both men could help bring the WWE back full circle.

Cena needs a new angle. The Rock at Wrestlemania XXVIII is great, but it is one match,

5. Sheamus

He is the one guy who needs a title right now because he is red hot.

Sheamus cannot keep kicking Jack Swagger's ass every week and remain a viable candidate for a world title.

4. Kane

Where does the Big Red Machine fall in place on Raw?

What happens to him in trying to chase a title?

This could be a pretty good feud.

It could make things very interesting.

3. Dolph Ziggler

Ziggler lost the U.S. Championship last night, but it means he can focus on other things, like a run at the WWE Title.

Remember Steve Austin handed The Rock the Intercontinental Title because he had "other titles to be concerned with."

This could be the same thing happening many years later.

2. Alberto Del Rio

ADR needs the WWE Title.

There is really no other angle for him. He needs to chase gold.

Unless he is the lead in a takeover of the WWE, which has all but died, then there is no other place for him. A feud with Rey Mysterio may work, but that is still a time away.

And it will get old soon.

1. The Miz

He is so much better as a singles wrestler.

Miz is the Roddy Piper of this decade. Great on the mic with a better skills set. You never know what will come out of his mouth or who he will turn on.

Miz is destined to be the WWE Champion again and should prove to be a great opponent in a feud with CM Punk for the new year.