Monday Night Raw emanated from New Orleans Louisiana, which also featured Saints quarterback Drew Brees. Tonight’s RAW also featured Brock as a special attraction and left towards the end of the rather pedestrian and hokey main-event which did little to establish credibility as the “overcoming” Roman Reigns, and did little to establish a stand-out rival on the roster. Instead, it was the proverbial minions doing the bidding of McMahon and the Authority.
This event showed a time of dire need, and bad luck regarding the roster. Sadly more injuries are piling up. John Cena is reportedly out with a shoulder injury, and Rusev also was hit with the injury bug. Dean Ambrose after his match was a bit weary also, and is undetermined if he will miss any major time with the company.
However, despite the injury bug, rumors are running rampant that AJ Styles, the former TNA and current New Japan star from the Bullet Club may be heading to WWE. It is rumored and unconfirmed that he has signed a contract; and so has the Machine Guns in Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows (formerly of the Straight Edge Society, and Festus). What will come of these deals? The dream matches for Styles are easily visible, as he could face Rollins, Cena, Orton and Ambrose as the most notable and easy to book feuds. We all stay tuned and with baited breath to see what ensues moving forward.
In tonight’s action, there was much previewing and leaving a lot for the Pay per View; but the problem is: Not much creativity and thought process was put into the television and ratings aspects of the show. Nothing personal against the Creative or the talent who performs what they go out and do nightly; but the execution of the show, and the frequent “count outs” and no contests are a rather easy way to protect talent, and also a simplistic way of thinking to create a finish for a match.
The McMahon’s opened up the show and discussed the fallout from Reigns’ win over Sheamus last week. They discussed tonight’s 1-for all as tonight’s main event which is one of three no contests on the evening. The show and main event came across as “filler” and filling up three hours just because it’s on TV. Nothing of major importance that is construed as legit ratings or must-see can’t miss occurred on this show. Everything, creatively was left for the pay per view, but is in three weeks. What about primetime? RAW did not follow up on the “hook” that they’ve had for the past 2-3 weeks; and carry over the segments, and link them to ensure people stay tuned in. Tonight’s episode did not have a hook to keep fans tuned in.
Mr. McMahon and Stephanie further hyped the 30 man WWE championship match which is the Royal Rumble itself. This maneuver is similar to the 1992 Royal Rumble in which the title was on the line and at night’s end crowned a new champion in Ric Flair, in 1992- save for a vacant title. Now, the only difference or nuance in this bout for 2016 is Roman going in as the champion, just like Hulk Hogan did in 1990 and 1991. Those Rumbles in 1990 and 1991 showed Hogan winning both Rumble matches, while going in as the champion. Hogan then headed to Wrestlemania as such. Does WWE make a similar booking move with Roman, as they did with Hulk? Will Reigns regain his title and have his aha swan song moment at Wrestlemania, main eventing it and going in as champion? Or does WWE kill the momentum and the “chase is conquered” type of storyline?
The opening bout featured Sheamus, who was on the aisle way to open the show. Sheamus fought Dean Ambrose to a double count out. This manner and finish subsequently booked a tag bout on this Thursday’s episode of Smackdown. Smackdown will feature Ambrose and Reigns versus Sheamus and Kevin Owens.
Titus O’Neil defeated Stardust in singles competition. How Titus is not pushed with a much stronger appeal and perhaps more consistency with racked up victories is simply crazy, and a misuse of his talents. O’Neil can be a major player if booked right, booked as a monster killer, albeit as a baby-face. Think Goldberg, Lashley anyone? He needs to be booked more seriously, and in meaningful feuds in order to be a bigger star though. He can be better utilized and doing so means Titus gets out (hopefully) of the mid-card.
In other “feature-style” happenings for RAW, Chris Jericho had his “Highlight Reel” featuring the New Day. This segment also segued into a tag team match for RAW, with Jericho in the corner of the Uso’s as they went against (and for the umpteenth time) versus the New Day. In diva’s action, Charlotte accompanied by Ric Flair, went against Brie Bella. Kalisto who won OMG moment of the year as a Slammy defeated Alberto Del Rio for the US title. The future proceedings will be a rematch featured on this Thursday’s Smackdown. But does this get followed up and carried over into the Royal Rumble?
The show concluded with Reigns succumbing to the entire roster, after his “series” of gauntlet style matches as the main event. However, Brock Lesnar made an impact statement. Lesnar cleaned house and made his point known that he is vying for the title, and his plans to win the title at Royal Rumble. Will Smackdown have better matches and creativity this Thursday? (As opposed to RAW’s showing tonight) There are many “easy to think, easy to book” matches based from tonight’s RAW. However, what will be the big ratings pop for next Monday? How does WWE hook fans to stay tuned in; and follow up with a better show?
Who do you feel is best going in to win the Royal Rumble? Is it Reigns who looks on paper will regain his title; or will they kill his triumphant quest and perhaps give it to the odds on favorite, Brock Lesnar?
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