Intercontinental Championship
Cody Rhodes vs Big Show
I’ve been a huge fan of Cody Rhodes since he re-debuted the Intercontinental Championship in that sexy, classic white. It’s now HIS title, and he looks damn good wearing it. We’ve watched him evolve in his mic work too, dropping the awkward masked gimmick and coming out into his own. He’s now an above average promo guy, and the verbal assaults he’s laid on the Big Show in this feud have been excellent.
You feel for Big Show, and you almost want him to win. Some actually might wish for the title change here. But there’s really nothing to gain from Show winning and taking the mid-card title so late in his career. I love Show, but he’s the past and Cody Rhodes is the future; they should give him another huge singles win at WrestleMania. More than that, it’s been really fun watching Rhodes knock off other IC champions as he rapidly moves towards having the longest championship reign in history!
Ace: This whole buildup made me feel really bad for Big Show. I really, really want him to win. I feel like this match brings me back to high school. Cody Rhodes is the bully, and big show needs to throw him down a flight of stairs. And then put him through a table. But, Cody Rhodes is not a big, pushy bully. No, he is the manipulative, sneaky type. This makes him even more powerful as a bad guy. I want to watch Big Show beat the snot out of him. I hope he does. Also, I feel bad that Big Show has had such a rough run at Wrestlemania. I know, letting someone beat the worlds biggest athlete really helps put people over, but I want to see the big guy win.
Ken: Cody Rhodes pointing out Big Show’s embarrassing failures has been one of the more entertaining pit stops on the Road to WrestleMania. Rhodes has the personality to make the storyline work and Big Show remains likeable with a good deal of range. (Does goofy to angry count as a range? In the Ring: yes. In Knucklehead: no.) This match could go either way if only because Rhodes did defeat Rey Mysterio last year, so somebody up in Stamford wants to get him to the next level. On the other hand, this is The Big Show. They might owe him this “championship” moment. I’m flipping a coin… and going with Cody Rhodes winning here and surpassing Honky Tonk later.
My Prediction: This scenario would normally play out predictably, with Big Show finally getting his “moment” and winning the title. I don’t think it’s going to happen. I’m putting my money on WWE doing the “right thing” and giving Cody the win.
