#3 The Miz
The Miz took a lackluster run and transformed it into a career defining championship reign. The former Intercontinental titleholder became the best heel on SmackDown Live, and arguably the best heel in WWE. He’s done more with less than anyone else in the company, and he’s earned the success he’s now enjoying.
Miz didn’t have anymore of a spotlight than any other Superstar, but he made the most of what he was given. He maximized his minutes on the mic and in the ring and at this point, no one can deny how much he’s improved. The truth is he was always this good, only now everyone knows it.
So while he may be a dark horse to win the Royal Rumble, his victory would not be that shocking. Miz has proven he can handle the spotlight and he’s also proven he can handle John Cena. If Cena goes over on AJ Styles for the WWE Championship, he could find himself booked against the company’s strongest heel.
Miz versus Cena would be a rematch from 2011’s WrestleMania 27, in which Miz became WWE champion. That match, as well as that Mania, did not receive great reviews from fans overall, and a rematch would be a great way for Miz to redeem himself.
It may not be the marquee match that fans are expecting, but Miz had a great 2016 and deserves a shot at the top once again. He would certainly make the best of it, and there may not be a better time than now to make it happen.
