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Christian became the No.1 contender this week on SmackDown after beating RVD and Randy Orton in what one would call one of the best Triple Threat matches of the year. The much talked about ‘one more match’ that fans wanted WWE to give Christian finally became a reality this Friday. So, now that it is clear Christian is facing Alberto Del Rio in another week at SummerSlam, the question that remains is whether he will beat Del Rio and go on to become the new champion.
Christian, after nearly 15 years of his time in the WWE, has mostly only managed to stay as a mid-carder. His rise to the top came in the year 2011 at Extreme Rules, where he managed to beat Del Rio for the World title for the first time. In fact, he became the first man in wrestling history to hold the NWA, ECW and the World Heavyweight Championship. Though the reign was very short lived, it was clear that WWE did want to give Christian the top draw. He again went on to get his hand on the gold after beating Orton at Money in the Bank. This title reign wasn’t much better, as it lasted only a month, which made no sense whatsoever.
The problem with both these title reigns is that it made Christian look weak. Though one might argue that Christian’s job as a veteran now is to put over talent, his previous losses as a world champion is still quite fresh for many, and he doesn’t have what one would call the greatness or value that a veteran should have right now.
Unlike Chris Jericho, who excels in helping WWE put over talent, Christian does not have the unique distinction of being a multiple time World champion. This seriously dents his ability to fight in the role of putting over talent, because young wrestlers wouldn’t gain much momentum after a victory over him. But things can change if Christian manages to beat Del Rio again at SummerSlam, as it will increase his value as a top star, provided he has a decent reign.
Christian might not necessarily be a loyal WWE star, as many complain, but his ability to work matches with almost anyone and connect with the audience easily, as compared to Del Rio, gives him a distinct advantage as a champion. WWE loves Del Rio and everyone knows that, but Del Rio, despite being pushed far too many times, has failed to connect with the crowd and carry his character too well, making him fail miserably as a champion. His heel turn recently did bring freshness into his character, but that faded almost immediately after Ricardo Rodriguez left due to a suspension.
The best thing that WWE can do right now is take the title off Del Rio and give him time to work on his character, which is sort of struggling to find meaning at the moment. SummerSlam provides the best opportunity for WWE to relieve Del Rio of the title and use Christian as a transitional champion.
So should Christian beat Del Rio at Summer? The answer to that is a big YES. But what next? WWE has to make sure Christian has a decent reign for at least about a few months, which will give Sandow enough time to grow as a champion material, furthering his feud with Rhodes. Sandow needs a little more time with his character, which Christian’s transitional reign can provide.
Captain Charisma has been one of the most undervalued stars in the history of the WWE, and a title reign at this point of his career will help him cement his legacy as one of the best in the business.
