I think it's clear Theory shouldn't have been given the briefcase, but also since creative changed hands we never really got to see that plan to fruition. I imagine Vince would have given him a belt this year. Vince saw something in Theory he wanted to push. Getting the briefcase off him doesn't mean his run is done, it just puts him back to where he should be. We know from Roman that fans hate guys getting their moment before they've earned it and they feel others are next in line.
I'm struggling to see Sandow in a top 5 role. Ever.
I think Theory could maybe get there in a few years time, if he gets put in the right stories and builds naturally.