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Winner: Finn Balor
In another unexpected decision, Finn Balor gained his first Intercontinental Championship last night. It's hard to argue with it.
Raw's mid-card is in better hands with him carrying the title than it would be with Bobby Lashley carrying it. He's the better choice to have exciting matches on the road to WrestleMania.
For Balor, it's a validation of sorts. The company clearly doesn't see him as a top main event talent, but it's his first gold in nearly three years.
The standards of the title have been raised in the past couple of years, and Balor can maintain those standards with his matches.
Unfortunately, Balor pinned Lio Rush to get the title. Why WWE decided to protect Lashley after what they did with him later, I'm not sure.
It doesn't appear that Lashley will be feuding with Balor in the coming weeks, and the breakup of the alliance with Rush will damage his act.
