No Mercy 2016: Hope and Reality

Smell the wrestling

The Miz (c) vs. Dolph Ziggler: Intercontinental Championship vs. Dolph’s Career

Hope

Is it me or does this feel like a rerun of Backlash? I’m starting to question the brand split.

Regardless, this is probably the best thing going on Smackdown, and that’s including a lot of other really cool angles they’ve got swinging in Blue. Ziggler is getting crushed by The Miz and it’s only adding to his desperation flame. Desperation Flame is the name of my new mope-rock indie band. Called it!

Pretty stoked to see a couple Spirit Squaders show up on the go-home episode this week, though, but I’m probably in the minority. I hope Miz keeps the belt in the surprise match of the night. Who would have guessed The Miz would actually become must-see-TV?

Reality

Is Ziggler really gonna retire? I mean, we know retirement matches mean less than zero but is he leaving for a few months (days) so he can come back refreshed? Hopefully, heel? That wouldn’t be terrible and it means The Miz, the actual best heel in the world, continues the best Intercontinental Championship run in years. Miz, current IC Champion, future two-time WWE Champion.