Time is already ticking. 3 straight PPV losses and likely to phase out of the title picture with Rock/Punk on deck. They can tease all they want on the Jan 7th show but we all know better.
Should have capitalized on his momentum at HIAC with a bold move to put the title on him. They knew Punk/Rock was going to happen at RR already, so replacing Cena with him for the Cell match and booking themselves into that corner is their own fault. Although, keeping him in the ME picture gave us The Shield so I ain't too mad.
Might as well have Shield take him out once more for good and give it a break for a minute. Then have him come back where he can be thrown into the main title picture again, and see what the reaction is. Given his look/build a heel run would suit this guy way better in my opinion. The E as of late likes to flip people on a whim (hello Miz/ADR), so it wouldn't be too much of a stretch. Face bullies picking on guys half his size is wack to me.
Or, he could go after the IC title like initially planned.. remember that?
we'll see whos relevant then
