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After TLC 2019, this week's episode of Monday Night RAW built up on integral aspects of the show's top storylines.
Seth Rollins has already started his takeover of the Red Brand with the AOP firmly at his side. Becky Lynch finally explained the importance of facing Asuka, and both Bobby Lashley and Lana put forth a rehearsed "engagement" segment.
Despite the Red Brand's steady efforts of building up their show from the ground up, you can still see how RAW has drastically fallen behind SmackDown in terms of momentum.
Here are a few interesting observations from this week's episode of Monday Night RAW (December 16, 2019):
#3: Bobby Lashley and Lana's onscreen "engagement" revealed the storyline's true intentions after all
By now, it's no secret that Rusev, Lana and Lashley's melodramatic feud will be regarded as one of the most - if not the most - controversial WWE feuds of 2019. Whether you like it or not, last night's "engagement" segment revealed exactly why this angle keeps getting on the nerves of hardcore fans.
From a broader scope of view, you can see how WWE purposefully injects these segments with the biggest storytelling tropes without following a rigid structure towards its protagonist's (Rusev) development.
Either WWE has a long-term approach towards this storyline or they simply view Rusev as a supporting act to Bobby Lashley and Lana's weekly shenanigans. 'The Bulgarian Brute,' however, hasn't yet had any huge payoffs for his character.
So, when Lana and Lashley put forth a "rehearsed" segment in front of the WWE Universe, you could see what they were aiming for. Lana's over-the-top delivery and Lashley's trope-filled lines are all part of making fun of soap operas.
This feud hasn't had any payoff for its protagonist so far, and it keeps stretching forever like a daily soap on purpose. Expect more of the same as we head into 2020 because, in WWE's eyes, it's better to have a talking point - no matter how controversial it is - than no talking point at all.
#2: Becky Lynch broke the 'fourth wall' in explaining why she needs to face Asuka
Many people may have overlooked this backstage short from the episode, but it left us with a concrete idea of how the RAW Women's Division is going to shape up on the Road to WrestleMania 36.
After an underwhelming response to the Women's Main Event match at TLC 2019, Becky Lynch talked freely about how the past few months haven't exactly been the highlight of her run as RAW Women's Champion. On top of that, Lynch also pointed out the biggest issue of her character's title run from a booking standpoint: she doesn't have credible opponents left to face on the roster.
'The Man' is now a recognizable brand of her own in WWE, which means she is an asset that needs to be protected at all costs. Maybe that is why WWE has been playing it safe with her recent feuds.
This felt like a piece of meta-commentary from someone who is genuinely frustrated about her character's direction on the show. This is where Asuka comes in. Becky Lynch needs Asuka to stay relevant in WWE's current programming. It's not only Lynch - the entire Women's Division needs a hot feud to maximize momentum heading into WrestleMania season.
The story is already there, and it's time WWE fully invests their creative resources into making the Women's Division an authentic part of the show once again.
#1: Seth Rollins is a justifiable heel & has reasons for taking drastic measures
What has kept Seth Rollins' character turn interesting so far is that he has a good reason for taking any drastic step on the show. Rollins turned heel because the fans turned on him for no apparent reason - at least that's how he tells it from his point of view.
Similarly, Rollins and the AOP had a reason for targeting Rey Mysterio. Mysterio aided Kevin Owens with a lead pipe last week, and by doing so, 'The Master of the 619' indirectly placed himself on the wrong side of the "history" that Rollins mentioned at the beginning of the episode.
Admittedly this confrontation came with a downside as well. We witnessed an (almost) hour-long Gauntlet Match to determine the #1 contender for Mysterio's U.S. Title for no apparent reason because 'The Beast Slayer' was handed a U.S. Title match next week anyway.
Moreover, this wasn't too smart on Mysterio's part, especially considering that Rollins has the AOP (Rezar & Akam) at his side now. Maybe Kevin Owens will aid Mysterio in return next week, but as for now, it is good to know that Rollins never lost his integral characteristics despite turning over to the dark side.
Usually, you can make out when a heel turn looks forced on TV, but even if Seth Rollins' heel turn happened as a result of fan backlash, you can see how Rollins has already made a smooth transition over to WWE's dark side.
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