According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter WWE originally planned to have Cesaro win the Intercontinental Championship but that plan was nixed. The company then switched the plan and put Cesaro in a feud with Sheamus for the United States Championship because they felt that going for the Intercontinental Title would hurt Cesaro?
Why do we think WWE would do this? Bad News Barrett has a lot of momentum right now and although an extended feud between Cesaro and Barrett would be awesome for the fans it would be difficult for the company to establish who the heel and who the face is in the feud. We all know WWE loves to make their feuds black and white with a clear cut face and heel most of the time.
