WWE Raw arrives on the heels of a fantastic, much-awaited return of Seth Rollins, who presented himself, minus his part blonde streak of hair, to pedigree Roman Reigns and revel in the spotlight being the last man standing all the while getting an already wild New Jersey crowd on its feet.
On Raw, we were subjected to another delightful return and a few great matches for the Money In The Bank Ladder match qualifier. A lot happened on this show that will make you look forward to the upcoming few episodes towards the build up to MITB
Here are the 5 points to note from tonight’s edition:
Didn’t miss you
The audience missed Rollins immensely, that much has been clear in the past 24 hours since his spectacular return. But Rollins, well, he’s back as a heel and as is customary did not waste a single moment to reveal that he did not in fact miss any of them and he never really needed their support to become successful.
After all, didn’t they call him a ‘sell-out’ after breaking up The Shield and weak for not standing up to challenges while he was champion? He is back to reclaim the title he never lost and this rant went on until Reigns interrupted and Rollins scooted off when the champion got into the ring.
He did not want to waste his energy with this confrontation. Shane McMahon made his way out to clear the air a bit and while he was right that this is a WrestleMania caliber match, we’re going to get these two to face each other for the title at MITB. Rollins was pumped up after getting what he wanted.
New Era
Rollins was later up for a backstage interview with Renee Young and that’s when he finally met Stephanie McMahon for the first time since his return and understandably tried to hug her. But, surprise, surprise, she stopped him and got talking about how things have changed since he left to recuperate from his injury more than 6 months ago.
Rollins understood that but he wasn’t really ready for what she had to say next. She officially put an end to their business relationship which left the former champion confused. So, Rollins ain’t getting any special treatment that he previously enjoyed when The Authority was in power.
The Gift Of Jab
Big Cass did not really have to introduce him since Enzo Amore needs no introduction. He came out walking backwards with his manic energy to the audience rejoiced his return. He got back to doing the introductions for his team and then got some promo time.
He did not compete tonight but was involved in an altercation with D-Von Dudley during the match between Bubba Ray and Big Cass. At least he’s taking bumps after he was diagnosed with a concussion. Also, line of the night- if Amore had a dime for every time he fell down and did not get back up, he’ll have zero dimes!
MITB qualifiers
So, this year’s MITB looks set to entertain and enthrall and there isn’t anyone, except Chris Jericho, whose win won’t be interesting. Sami Zayn, Cesaro, Kevin Owens and Dean Ambrose have qualified for the MITB ladder match.
Another interesting thing that happened with this theme was how AJ Styles ended his professional relationship with Gallows and Anderson. Styles believed that interference from his friends and The Usos caused him the match last night while Gallows believed that without the Club, Styles won’t have even made it to Extreme Rules. Styles asked them not to interfere while he beat Owens to qualify for the next PPV. They did not interfere and Styles lost. Interesting.
No more daddy’s girl
This is a major heel character that the women’s division is looking at. Charlotte, after finding a new partner in crime in Dana Brooke, kicked her father out of the ring and consequentially her career.
She told Flair that she’s no longer his daughter but he will now be known as ‘Charlotte’s dad’. This was fine. But then Flair started crying and Charlotte rubbed salt into the wound and then put herself over. She told him that he just doesn’t need him anymore and now he’ll realize how she felt when he wasn’t there for her all those years wrestling around the world. He is now ‘dead’ to her.
