His handlers didn't have the self belief to put him in with better opposition, it's that simple. He was never steered towards Wlad when he was champion, even after he won the WBC belt he was steered well clear of Wlad. Haymon has tried to ensure all his defences were against Haymon fighters to ensure the belt stays in house. Molina, Duhaupas, Szpilka were all Haymon fighters. Washington was a late notice replacement for Wawrzyk who was a Haymon fighter. Ortiz is a Haymon fighter, it's pretty clear Haymon won't risk the belt against anyone who isn't one of his fighters if possible. So that's why his opposition as champion has been so poor.
This sums it up. He hasn't fought one ranked opponent in defending his title with unbiased placing. If he loses to Ortiz all this is going to avalanche on him and its expected should he lose to the first legit guy he fights. Ortiz should get credit if he wins but the situation Wilder created for himself is going to make him the piñata of boxing in a loss.