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Botched might be the best word that could describe WWE’s last episode of Monday Night Raw. SmackDown ended up being a far better outing than their flag ship show which has left the company in desperation to bring out something spectacular at Baltimore.Apart from being another show before the Night of Champions, this week’s Raw would also be the season premier and a big test for the creative as they will be toe to toe with the NFL.The NOC match card is turning out to be something entirely different from what was expected. There are still many voids that needs to be filled for the match card, so here is a look at the possible developments that the company could bring us at the latest edition of Monday Night Raw.
#8 Divas division getting the treat
WWE’s diva division is on an all-time high. The Stephanie McMahon – Bella Twins conflict got merged in with the title scenario between Paige and AJ Lee giving rise to a triple threat match at Night of Champions to determine the Divas Champion.
Though only Paige, AJ and Nikki get to be in between the ropes at the pay-per-view, the presence of Brie and Stephanie couldn’t be counted out.
The company could even go forward with the idea of making it a fatal four way now that Brie would be left unattended at the current situation.
There is also a parallel angle in the division involving the Total Divas. It might not be as interesting as the above one, but it’s good for the divas division to say the least.
#7 Rocky 4
A Russian who just ran over a Real American going up against an American who is out to avenge for his nation, ring any bells?
Well I’m not taking about the fourth installment of the Rocky franchise; it’s about the feud between Mark Henry and Rusev which has a match booked for Night of Champions.
WWE is apparently bringing out the best from Henry with this spell while Rusev is having a bigger name than Swagger to help his rise to the top. Last week, Rusev took out Henry in Raw causing the tag team match to end in a disqualification end.
Henry is someone with a good memory and will be out to pile up some momentum against the Bulgarian Brute ahead of their clash at NOC.
#6 Inspirational and patriotic
The best thing that Bo Dallas had after being promoted to the main roster was his undefeated streak which came to an abrupt end at the hands of R-Truth.
While Bo was building up his streak, Swagger turned face after a long time and locked horns with the Bulgarian Brute with the nation’s pride on line. The Real American ended up on the losing side inspite of gaining some momentum while Rusev proved to be the big winner.
Both Bo and Swagger were not having anything to do after these respective feuds and the writers decided to put them together for a meaningful feud.
It was one of those midcard feuds that reminded everyone about how two random superstars could be put into a good storyline and WWE will be making their next step in the angle this week on Raw.
#5 Jerry Springer in the house
An urban legend took birth last week among the WWE Universe that only Jerry Springer can reconcile the Bella twins. And the reason why it came out was because Springer is scheduled to be a guest at this weeks Raw.
Those who are familiar with the Jerry Springer show would be aware of how good he can be in situations like this. He has promised to bring some understanding between the sisters and possibly make them come together.
This could turn out to be an excellent move by the WWE considering how stale the angle was turning into before AJ and Paige got involved.
The segment however has all the potential to bomb also since WWE is not known for managing their guests very well while Bellas acting makes matters more dangerous.
#4 Midcard title chaos
WWE might not be having a title unification match at Night of Champions but there are definetly keeping thing closer between the two champions and their challengers.
Over the past few weeks, all four superstars involved along with Damien Sandow has been running some segments and matches which shows that the company is still testing how things could turn out if they finally decide to unify.
Apparently there has been a lot of chemistry between all five superstars with Sandow being the real winner. He was in a character crisis till now but this angle has managed to give him some spotlight out of nowhere.
The match at NOC might well be culminated into one big unification match now that having two titles in the midcard is not a great idea.
#3 SummerSlam 2.0
In an attempt to start the season off on a high, the creative has lined up two SummerSlam rematches for this week’s Raw.
First it will be Bray Wyatt and Chris Jericho facing off inside a steel cage to settle the score which is all square now. This match carries minimum heat however considering how their previous encounters went but the cage should add some more dimensions.
Reigns and Orton on the other hand might prove to be the match which determines the near future of both the superstars. WWE has been teasing a feud between Reigns and Rollins for some time now but this would need Orton to stay out of the way.
The Viper’s future will also have to be settled in such a case making the match more interesting and worth waiting for.
#2 The rebel rising
When john Cena pushed the idea of getting his rematch clause cashed in after SummerSlam, Hunter gave him thumbs up and booked the match for Night of Champions.
Just a week later, the same Triple H casted doubted on the ability of Cena to be in between the ropes with the Beast. No one can actually blame Hunter for this as it was a one hell of a beating that the Cenation leader got at SummerSlam.
Also, the possibilities of Orton, Rollins and Reigns being worthy contenders might’ve been what made the COO think otherwise.
Cena silenced his critics with some aggressive in-ring action and was seen face to face with Triple H. This has opened the door for WWE to build Cena as the next big rebel against the Authority which might form Cena’s future after Lesnar.
#1 Desperation for Champs presence
This week’s Raw is of paramount importance for the company. And one thing that they would want at this particular time is the presence of their champion, Brock Lesnar.
There couldn’t have been a better superstar to be champion at this moment since Lesnar brings in that big mainstream attention. However, him being absent from the show is a whole different story altogether.
Last week, Paul Heyman did the job to hype his client but another outing like that is not what the writers should be looking for. Lesnar should be there in flesh to do something impactful rather than being confined to a video package.
His aura will be a big advantage for the promotion in their battle with NFL but the situation otherwise should be avoided.
