WWE set to push Wade Barrett to major title

Tough break, Wade Barrett.

That's what all the jokesters told the Briton back in February when an errant Dolph Ziggler landed on Wade Barrett and dislocated his elbow bad enough the NXT winner would require surgery.

But those comedians in training didn't know the half of it.

WWE officials were very high on Barrett and were even scheduling to have him win the annual Money in the Bank ladder match which would promise him a future title shot.

Six months -- and one WWE Studios film later (Dead Man Down) -- later, the "Barrett Barrage" is ready to once again take the promotion by storm.

The company debuted a comeback video for the Briton this past Monday on Raw, focusing on Barrett's alleged bareknuckle boxing background. While his gimmick isn't likely to change to accomodate a street fighter, he will likely be pushed as the latest in a long line of United Kingdom tough guys on par with William Regal and Fit Finlay.

And despite his six month absence, WWE brass still likes what they see and according to The Wrestling Observer he is expected to get a big push in the second half of 2012 and will likely win one of the main titles.

When one says "main" WWE titles, I can't help but not think of the Intercontinental and United States Championships. They're booked as afterthoughts and Barrett winning either one wouldn't improve his stock in the fans' eyes.

Is a World Heavyweight Championship reign in his future?

His delayed return might be the reason Sheamus and Alberto Del Rio are still plugging along in their mediocre feud. And with a European tour booked for late October/early November, a feud between Briton Barrett and Irishman Sheamus would give WWE a license to print money ... or Euros, as it were.

Expect Barrett to fulfill his prophecy of becoming the first English world champion at Night of Champions in September.