5 Reasons the Miz Has a Bright WWE Future

After failing to capture CM Punk's WWE Championship at TLC 2011, talks have already sprung up of The Miz being pushed back to the mid-card. 

While there may be some truth to the fact the the former MTV reality star doesn't exactly have the traditional look of a WWE Champion, I think we have yet to see the best he has to offer.

The immediate future of the the WWE Championship may not look too bright for Cleveland's hot-tempered superstar, but I feel there is no denying the possibility of another awesome world title run.

5. His in-Ring Skills Are Improving

Back when The Miz was hosting his Dirt Sheet show on WWE.com with partner John Morrison, he took a lot of heat for both his lack of in-ring style and ability to take a bump.

His finisher was as awkward to execute as Rey Mysterio's 619, and it was hard to believe he could actually hurt someone like John Cena.

Now, however, his move-set is more tailored to a man his size. More importantly, his ability to sell the moves of others has gone through the roof. 

Signature moves such as his seated clothesline and DDT with his opponent on their knees give him a more defined in-ring style, and the unpredictability of the Skull Crushing Finale helps end matches in a way the Reality Check never could—with a surprise.

4. New Feud Possibilities

I think it's safe to say we had seen enough of The Miz fighting John Morrison and Alex Riley by the time their respective feuds were finished.

While his feud with Randy Orton for the WWE Championship was great, some others (such as his back-and-forth with Daniel Bryan for the United States Title) either went on for far too long, or never really got started in the first place.

Today there are some wonderful feud possibilities arising as other superstars move up their respective cards.

The Miz and Dolph Ziggler, for example, could work great together. With Ziggler's ability in the ring, and The Miz carrying the feud on the mic, it could make for very interesting television. 

Some other names that could provide fun feuds include Wade Barrett, Zack Ryder, Cody Rhodes, Ted DiBiase and the eventual debut of Brodus Clay.

3. He Is Still Young

The Miz is only 31. 

In an age when professional wrestlers work well into their 60s, he is practically a baby. Even if he only wrestles for another 10 years, that would triple the amount of time he has spent in the ring.

In the next few years, the IWC predicts we will lose The Undertaker, The Big Show, Mark Henry, Triple H (from regular competition), Christian, Kane and possibly other main event caliber talent, depending on injuries. 

With some of the major players in WWE missing, the creative team is going to be looking to younger talent to headline main events.

In five years, The Miz has already accrued a WWE title, five tag team titles, two US Titles, and a Money in the Bank win. How impressive could his run be if he remains healthy for another 12-15 years?

2. He Has a Well Develpoed Character

Some of the more vocal critics of The Miz claim his character is a clone of Chris Jericho. Really? Really?

While there are certainly links between the two (e.g. style of dress, occasionally speaking into the mic slower, heel status), I feel The Miz has done much more than he is given credit for in terms of setting himself apart from the masses.

At first, I wasn't terribly impressed with his "I'm Awesome!" catchphrase, but the more he used it the more it dawned on me—this guy really believes what he is saying. With a few other catchphrases lined up so fans and haters alike can make clever signs, verbal arsenal is more than capable.

I must say that I really like the concept of using the WWE logo upside down on merchandise, and when using the microphone to make the nifty "M" logo we've been seeing lately.

1. Unparalleled Skill on the Mic

The Miz can shine when he gets a chance in the ring and has a decade to build his legacy. If, however, there is one place he has already proven himself many times over, that place is on the microphone.

One can argue that CM Punk is the best mic worker in the business, but until recently that would have been a lonely island to be on.

Even with John Cena, Christian and Triple H tearing it up every time they get five minutes of screen time, The Miz still manages to give some of the most memorable promos every week on RAW. 

As we all know, being great on the stick doesn't necessarily mean people are going to cheer you. Next time you're watching RAW, scan the crowd for how many Miz (or anti-Miz) shirts and signs you see.

If he isn't getting under your skin, he is at least getting into your wallet.