Tonights RAW is to follow up on the TLC PPV, and did not disappoint. We have some major developments and “fall out” from the PPV. We also have great arcs to storylines, and to follow up from last night’s segments and action.
What will happen regarding Roman Reigns and his uncharacteristic upheavals of Sheamus and the COO Triple H? How else can we give a proper distinguishing of Charlotte as her “own self” as a performer, when it looks like a heel turn is evident- and subsequent carbon copy of her father; “Nature Boy” Ric Flair?
We also crowned a new Intercontinental Champion as the only title change. How will this offset and react to the Family members, as the Uso’s were unsuccessful in unseating New Day? A thrilling tag team ladder match from TLC is indicative of the future hopefully. Let’s hope that match from TLC and success will translate to primetime on Monday Night RAW.
With the defeat of Team ECW Originals, how do the Dudley’s bounce back into the title picture? Whom do they feud with next? Do the Dudley’s as rumored, go to NXT and give new life to the tag ranks there, and elevate the up and coming talent in NXT? Despite not being champions, the Jordan-Gable team is the hottest baby-face tandem regarding in-ring and following. Enzo and Cass are the most popular, and number one contenders; with Dawson and Wilder as the Brainbusters of 2015.
Now we elevate (finally, hopefully) Bray Wyatt; and where does he go from here? How does he grow and evolve as a character, and solo performer- despite being in a quartet tandem? From the Extreme Rules rematch, the Wyatt’s are back on the map, and defeating the ECW Originals on RAW.
In other action, Tyler Breeze was defeated by Neville; and IC champion Dean Ambrose wrestled to a no-contest with Dolph Ziggler. The former IC champion Kevin Owens came down post-match and pop up power bombed Ziggler and Ambrose. The seeds were planted to create an on-going feud over the IC title, and asserting Owens back into the picture.
Charlotte and Becky Lynch defeated Brie Bella and Alicia Foxx. Team BAD was present in the front row, and was a nice rebound, and utilizing the history from TLC; as Lynch was defeated by Banks at the PPV. Jack Swagger and Ryback teamed up in a tag bout, and were defeated by League of Nations members Alberto Del Rio and Rusev.
The best “hook” was created and it properly “set the table” for RAW. Setting the table, in lay terms suggests, and is meaning people have a reason and an emotional investment to continue watching the show. The segments and story carries over, and with the proper build up and incentive to keep fans staying on to the show. They properly hooked and linked fans to see the opening segment, which featured Reigns in ring with Stephanie, as they teased a possible firing. Now, a ratings pop ensued with the Chairman Mr. McMahon appearing live. The hype was there, and had the aura of importance, especially when he cancelled R-Truth versus Bo Dallas in mid-match. With the segments, and linking, it set up a must-see main event, and with the important stipulation: If Roman did not win the title tonight (hype and drag fans to tune in, which was done correctly), he would be fired.
Lastly, Roman did overcome the odds by defeating Sheamus, despite the run ins and interference. Reigns was crowned as the new WWE champion. Roman Empire is officially born on RAW in his second stint as WWE champion. Now, how will WWE and the Authority follow this up, with Reigns as champion? Let’s tune in next week and see if the hype is equally matched, and if RAW can contend the next week. In the interim, we have WWE week starting, with the Slammys, a Smackdown special on Tuesday; and Christmas Tribute to the Troops. Way to go WWE!
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