WWE TLC 2011: Zack Ryder, New U.S. Champion; Where to Now?

At WWE TLC 2011 Zack Ryder achieved the dream of a lifetime by defeating Dolph Ziggler for the United States title. Finally Zack Ryder did it. This will either be a major step in a series of steps that will define a great career, or be the highlight of a career that never reached its full potential. Where Ryder goes from here as the champ is a great question. Lets consider the possibilities.

Ryder will make an entertaining U.S. Champion to say the least. With his enthusiasm, huge fan following and love of the business, Ryder will bring back the excitement that's been missing from championship matches. He will defend the belt with honor as long as possible while at the same time having a good time doing it. Right now he and the U.S. Championship are a good fit. If WWE creative is smart they will have him defend the title against the best as well as keep the belt on him for longer than just a couple of months.

Ryder will need an opponent that will help define his reign as champion. All great champions become involved in feuds with a rival that takes them to the limit. Dolph Ziggler would be perfect; he will certainly want to prove that one win means nothing and will want a series of rematches to prove so. Dolph is ready for bigger things, but could make Ryder look good on the way to main event status.

Another interesting opponent would be Jack Swagger. Swagger is a former World Champion who hasn't held the belt in a long time. That and the fact that he is one of the best in the business but never gets the respect he deserves would be a couple of reasons for him to want a piece of Zack Ryder. He may look at Ryder and wonder why he gets the adulation. He may be insulted that someone like Ryder is holding such a prestigious title. This feud would go a long way and do wonders for not only Ryder, and Swagger, but the U.S. belt too.

On the flip side, the WWE may rush things and push Ryder too soon. I lost count of how many athletes careers have suffered simply because the creative team didn't get it. Ryder could end up a multiple U.S. Champion with nothing to really show for it except a belt that remains a prop. Kofi Kingston comes to mind when I think about this. Kofi is still a mid-card player. Ryder may amount to nothing more himself. 

The U.S. belt could be the stepping stone Ryder uses to go from mid card status to the main event. It's too early to tell, but anything is possible. Ryder has gone from being an obscure talent to being a name in over a years time.  The WWE can't rush this one hoping that he will be the next John Cena. I know, I know, again with John Cena. Sorry, but when I think of Zack Ryder I think of John Cena. They're both cut from the same cloth and embrace the same values. The only difference  is that Ryder isn't getting booed yet. You want Ryder to reach Cena Heights you take your time. You want him to reach Cena lows then you shove him down our throats as hard as you can until we hate his guts WWE. 

Zack Ryder has the potential to be huge, but it takes two. WWE really needs to plan this one out carefully or else risk losing one of their potentially biggest moneymakers ever. Let the WWE think tank worry about that one. For now, all hail Zack Ryder, the new U.S. Champ! You know it!