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Intercontinental championship match
Miz. Darren Young. Mayse. Bob Backlund. What part of that doesn't sound good to you?
The Road to Battleground
The Intercontinental title has a history as the "worker's belt", and it hasn't really been living up to that reputation of late.
That's not necessarily a knock on The Miz, either. While no one will confuse him for Ricky Steamboat any time soon, he's aquitted himself well between the ropes while an already strong heel act has been taken to another level with the re-introduction of his wife Maryse. His improved in-ring ability was on display while he feuded with Cesaro, Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens for the championship after WrestleMania, but then he left to film a movie for about a month.
Since returning on June 27, he's been doing as little wrestling as possible.
His next official challenger is being trained by a WWE Hall of Famer, who bequeathed his legendary submission finisher to the former Nexus member and Prime Time Player. But he didn't exactly put on a clinic to earn his spot, either. Darren Young won a battle royal to become the #1 contender to Miz's title while recuperating in the corner as the other two finalists eliminated each other...
Since then, tensions have flared - at least on the challenger's side. Mr. Backlund doesn't think Miz carries himself like a true champion should, and D-Y is willing to laugh about the Awesome One disrespecting him, but he doesn't like the way Miz & Maryse make fun of his life coach.
After a tag match which saw Miz tap out to the Crossface Chickenwing on the Draft edition of SmackDown Live, however, the champ probably isn't looking past Young quite so much anymore.
What's at stake?
A lot more for Young than Miz, most likely.
With Maryse a featured player on Total Divas this Fall, and WWE sold on Miz's worth in all facets of their business, the Hollywood A-Listers probably don't need championship gold to retain prominence in their new home on Tuesday nights.
Young, with or without Backlund, is on a larger roster on Monday nights, and is far from cemented as a midcard player.
Where will the IC strap be next week, Raw or SmackDown Live? Find out at Battleground, and right here at cSs!