For three weeks, they gave us possibly the worst few episodes of Raw this year. It was so bad that it was okay to not care about the TLC PPV that happened last night.But just when you think know what’s going to happen, they completely took one by surprise. And if you thought that it’s redundant to make Reigns look good and gain some following from his detractors, think again!Reigns got a thank you from one of the most hardcore cities. What started off with a bang, even ended with one and in the end, we have something to look forward to on Raw.Here’s what you can expect from RAW this week -
#1 Think Eastwood
The biggest story to come out of the TLC PPV is Roman Reigns demolition of Triple H. This was completely expected at some point in the long run but the way it happened was so purely glorious that it took everyone by surprise.
It got everyone talking and eating up the possibilities that could unravel soon. Afterall, Reigns beat up the boss. Stephanie McMahon will make his life hell, for sure.
If WWE is wise enough, they should just follow J.Rs tweet in 140 characters or less- “Lots of ways to 'punish' @WWERomanReigns for his actions tonight. Follow=critical. No long promos. Think Eastwood.”
This is a make or break situation because finally WWE has the audience in the palm of their hands with respect to the Roman Reigns character.
#2 New Champion!
Dean Ambrose becoming the Intercontinental Champion was a surprise in itself. Nobody expected Ambrose to win this so early into his feud with Kevin Owens. The real issue here is the prestige of the championship. Ambrose promised early this year that hell bring back the glory this title once enjoyed.
With how over he is with the audience and how equally great his opponent is, it seems like this feud will gain more steam, something that was lacking towards the build up to TLC.
Ambrose should now focus solely on Owens since Reigns is now good enough to get over alone.
#3 Not a Babyface anymore
TLC was Charlottes coronation of becoming the Dirtiest Player in the Game. Many may conclude that she is now a heel. And maybe she will crown her heel turn on Monday Night. She completely overwhelmed Paige by being the female version of Ric Flair.
Charlotte’s character development is apparent and the right way to have the maximum impact of this heel turn is to have a clear-cut babyface in front of her. Becky Lynch seems to be the most qualified to be called a babyface in this situation.
We can maybe now see Lynch coming into the title picture and begin a feud with Charlotte.
#4 WHAT. A. MATCH
Thats the sentiment on most minds after the opening tag team match on the PPV. Wow. The way they used the ladder every time was a sight to behold. How great was Woods on commentary?
How great was him getting up mid-way during commentary and playing the trombone? How great was him throwing the trombone at the most opportune moment and stopping the Lucha Dragons from winning the titles?
But above all, how great were all the ladder spots?
The tag team division, with the New Day as its faces, is a welcome sight and that will continue tomorrow at Raw.
#5 Shades of Promise
Lana and Rusev’s love story isn't something that has been an exciting addition to the main roster. The build up to the feud with Ryback was sudden and appalling. But they had a fun little match on this pleasantly surprising PPV.
These two wrestled like two powerhouses and in the end, all of it delivered. Lana kissing Rusev while he dominated Ryback was actually a pretty effective use of a kiss in WWE.
For the first time in a long time, it’ll be interesting what Rusev and Lana have in store as a team. Its weird to say this but it is what it is.
