I could see Sheamus making his return during this match and attacking both guys. It would establish Sheamus as a badass who is willing to fight anybody, babyface or heel, and could lead to an Ambrose vs. Barrett vs. Sheamus Triple Threat Match at Mania for the IC Title. Having Ambrose win the Title at Fast Lane, but then the decision being reversed due to Barrett signing the contract under duress is also a good idea. I'd like to see the WWE use classic finishes like that more often to put legitimate heat on their heels. Ambrose simply winning the Title at Fast Lane is the wrong move, they need to extend the chase in some way to more the ultimate victory more meaningful. It's called effective booking.
Having Ambrose come out on RAW and cut that promo saying he wants the IC Title was definitely a step in the right direction, and it seems as though the WWE is at least somewhat interested in building an actual feud for the belt. Last year, Ziggler and Miz had a real angle involving the IC Title and it benefited both guys so I don't see why they wouldn't want to book the Title properly all the time. But anyways.
Ambrose is an interesting case. He's definitely over, but his momentum clearly has faded from where it was. Is part of that because the guy rarely wins big matches? Maybe. Is part of that because he's supposed to be a dangerous crazy person but he hits people with Christmas trees? Probably. But the fact is the guy has maintained a solid level of popularity in spite of this, and I think the WWE views him as a guy that will be over no matter what. I guess I'm with the crowd that wants to see him as the IC Champion, but him holding the Title isn't what's important, what he does as Champion is. Storylines and rivalries with a solid week-to-week progression need to revolve around the IC Title. That is the most important element in getting the Champion over and the belt over.
