United States Champion Santino Marella def. The Miz

CHICAGO – The Miz's quest to reclaim championship gold fell short yet again when he challenged Santino Marella for the United States Championship in the live WWE.com Pre-Show for Extreme Rules 2012. ( PHOTOS) The Awesome One has made it a point to claw his way back to the top of the WWE ladder, and his chance to claim The Italian Stallion's championship has been his biggest opportunity since proving himself the hero of Team Johnny at WrestleMania XXVIII. ( WATCH)

Miz said as much to the assembled throngs of the WWE Universe at the sold-out Allstate Arena in Chicago. As viewers tuned into the exclusive stream on WWE.com, WWE's Facebook page, and YouTube.com/WWE, the challenger stalked to the ring and declared himself more worthy of a main event bout than either John Cena or Brock Lesnar.

"I singlehandedly gave John Laurinaitis his powerful vision," snarled The Miz as the WWE Universe rained boos around him. “I don’t care where you put me," he said, claiming that he would be the most talked-about Superstar on the roster the next day.

"Understand this if you understand anything: I am winning the United States Title."

Alas, The Miz's ascent will have to wait, as The Milan Miracle withstood the high-octane offense of his foe to incapacitate The Awesome One and set himself up for the win. Santino, who was the captain of Team Teddy at WrestleMania, ultimately avenged his squad's loss at The Show of Shows by striking The Awesome One with the Cobra to retain his stars-and-stripes festooned championship. The blow was enough to send The Miz stewing back to the locker room, waiting and scheming for when his next opportunity comes.