5 potential opponents to dethrone Dolph Ziggler

Seth Rollins defended the Intercontinental Championship at Money in the Bank (MITB) in an excellent showing with Elias. During his reign as Intercontinental Champion Rollins has afforded a plethora of great matches. Moreover, he has elevated the championship to its original status. The night after MITB Rollins lost his championships to Dolph Ziggler.

Throughout history, the Intercontinental championship has been prestigious. In some cases, it was equal to the WWE Championship. Regardless of its age, most wrestlers would be honored to call themselves the Intercontinental champion. At present Chris Jericho holds the record of most reigns (with nine), with The Miz close behind (with eight). Currently, this is Ziggler's sixth reign.

Who can defeat this talented champion?

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#5 Bobby Lashley

Will Lashley utilize his MMA skills?

Bobby Lashley is perhaps the most underrated heavyweight in WWE. Returning in 2018 he has yet found a purpose. However, his ring technique and dominating appearance will take him far. Eventually, he will become champion. However, which championship would Lashley win?

Recently his feud with Sami Zayn has been uneventful. Their match at Money in the Bank will hopefully be the culmination. Nevertheless, Lashley has proved his worth. He has immensely developed since his original debut with WWE, see video below.

Lashley needs a championship story-line. One such direction would be the Intercontinental championship. History has proven that this championship is a stepping stone. He has been a champion before in WWE. Therefore, it is the perfect direction for Lashley. Could it lead to a Universal championship reign?

#4 Bobby Roode

Bobby Roode has won two championships so far in WWE

Bobby Roode participated in the Money in the Bank ladder match. However, his performance was undesirable. Roode has been successful in WWE since his debut. He reigned as NXT Champion and the United States Champion. In recent weeks Roode has been misused.

During his time in NXT Roode was extremely popular. Moreover, his feud with Shinsuke Nakamura was excellent, see video below. However, Roode has lacked similar investment since debuting on Raw. This week his most notable usage was defeating Curt Hawkins.

Reviewing his career in and outside of WWE, it is evident Roode has pure talent. He has experience in tag team and singles competition. Moreover, he has an extensive list of accolades. Regardless of his prior endeavors, WWE needs to book him correctly. Otherwise, it could be a similar example to Cody leaving WWE.

What will happen?

#3 Finn Balor

Finn Balor performing as 'The Demon'.

Finn Balor performed excellently during his ladder match at Money in the Bank this year. Perhaps his most notable involvement was hitting the Coup De Grace from a ladder. However, his was unsuccessful, as Braun Strowman would be victorious. Regardless this match proved Balor's immense skill.

Since debuting from NXT Balor has been the Universal champion, see video below. Nevertheless, his performance since has been hindered. Of course, he suffered an injury which is a setback to any athlete. However, WWE has no investment in Balor at present. What seems to be missing?

Balor has immense potential and could be successful. Moreover, his plethora of experience would elevate any opponent. Therefore, it is questionable why WWE has yet pushed him. They could be waiting for the right story-line. Either way now is the time for Balor to move forward. One such direction is winning the Intercontinental championship. Moreover, Balor and Ziggler would make an excellent pairing.

#2 Elias

Will Elias reach the top of WWE?

At Money in the Bank (MITB) Elias pushed Seth Rollins to his limit. It was perhaps his best match since debuting. Rollins used underhanded tactics to retain his championship. However, Elias proved his credibility to challenge for the Intercontinental championship. He appeared on this week's Raw following MITB.

During a typical appearance, Elias addressed his defeat and his match with Seth Rollins. However, one interesting point to note was the emotion Elias portrayed. This segment consisted of his usual antics, see video below. However, his character seemed much darker. It was suggestive that he could be evolving in some manner.

Elias' performances on the microphone have been epic. Moreover, he generates an immense reaction. In recent months he has been strategically positioned and protected. At MITB his performance highlighted the investment WWE has in his character. The Intercontinental championship would be a perfect tool to build his character.

When will Elias win his first championship?

#1 Seth Rollins

Will Seth Rollins regain his championship?

At Money in the Bank (MITB) Seth Rollins was pushed to his limit. He suffered knee torment and frustration. Elias would not give up. After a lengthy match, Rollins finally used questionable tactics to elude defeat. He rolled up Elias with a handful of tights for the victory. On Raw the following night, Rollins lost his championship, against Dolph Ziggler.

Dolph Ziggler versus Rollins was an eventful match, with Ziggler targeting Rollins' knee and arm, see video below. Ultimately Ziggler isolated any potential for Rollins to mount an attack. Their performance provided an excellent start to Raw and elevated both competitors and the championship.

Overall, Ziggler's victory was a fresh and much-needed change to Raw. Every week fans witness similar matches. This surprise title change adds to the drama involving the Raw Women's championship. The future is looking bright for the championship and both competitors. Hopefully, Rollins will be unsuccessful which could then lead to his return to Universal championship contention.

When can we expect Rollins to invoke his rematch?