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The last Monday Night RAW of 2019 (and this decade) was certainly a memorable episode, whether you liked it or not.
The show was structured well to keep viewers hooked from start to finish. There were some big plot points to look forward to in the next year, such as Randy Orton's re-established feud with AJ Styles, as well as Kevin Owens and Samoa Joe's temporary alliance against Seth Rollins and the AOP.
Additionally, there are reasons as to why the final segment of the night was actually quite enjoyable, despite its atrocious nature (more on that later).
Here are a few interesting observations from this week's episode of Monday Night RAW (December 30, 2019).
#3: Why Randy Orton's fake injury ploy was a crucial element to boost his feud with AJ Styles
It was "announced" that Randy Orton looked seriously injured at WWE’s live show in Hershey, Pennsylvania before last night's RAW took place. Most fans fell for this ploy, just like the live audience when Orton came to the ring using crutches for support.
An "injured" Randy Orton would make his way to the ring, only to be interrupted by 'The Phenomenal One' AJ Styles. That is when things became a little too obvious. Their altercation ended with 'The Viper' striking Styles with an RKO Outta' Nowhere.
From a broader perspective, we have already seen both men go at it in a WrestleMania ring in 2019. So WWE had to improvise and make this feud look more appealing than it previously did at the beginning of this year.
That is why Orton's fake injury ploy was necessary. Because the roles are reversed now, and their feud is no longer about a WWE Legend versus an indie hero. This time, Randy Orton is the babyface, who has to out-trick a heel AJ Styles accompanied by The O.C. (Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson).
Also, the way Orton toyed with the crowd's emotions was reminiscent of Mark Henry's "fake retirement" promo back in 2013.
#2: A babyface Samoa Joe could finally become the top champion on RAW
Now that Samoa Joe is officially back to being a full-fledged wrestler on Monday Night RAW, his momentum has skyrocketed after an eventual face turn. 'The Samoan Submission Machine' made sure that Kevin Owens wouldn't have to face the wrath of AOP and Seth Rollins alone.
Seth Rollins has regressed to relying on others (AOP) to get the job done, just like a standard heel on the show, but Samoa Joe is an unhinged monster as a babyface. No longer does he have to back down from challenges as a standard heel from the past.
So when the WWE Champion, Brock Lesnar returns to RAW in January, Samoa Joe could be a worthy contender for his title this time around. Sure, he could help out Owens too, but in the end, that is still Kevin Owens and Seth Rollins' feud.
Samoa Joe can finally be the top champion that everyone wanted him to be. Will WWE Creative capitalize on his newfound momentum to give him the push he deserves?
#1: Why WWE ended the episode in a controversial fashion
A love triangle has now become a love quadrangle, as Liv Morgan's makeover was meant to result in another twist to this never-ending saga. People thought Liv Morgan was going to be paired with Bray Wyatt after being repackaged, and I've pointed out before why this particular idea doesn't make canonical sense at all. So in an even bigger twist, we now know that Lana and Liv Morgan's on-screen characters were in a secret relationship all along.
No one expects this angle to be a critical success. Many fans took to the internet to express their hatred toward this angle, while on the other hand, people like me were howling with laughter throughout this segment for what it was. That is exactly why WWE chose to end this decade with a bang.
Undoubtedly, the segment will draw huge numbers online. Its primary purpose is to keep people talking at all times, which is what will eventually happen because WWE's intentional attempt at parodying soap operas is quite obvious now. From Lana's over-the-top acting to the officiant's slapstick remarks, everyone involved in producing these segments are fully aware that they have to make this look as terribly hilarious as possible.
As a writer, I can't help but think how I've been grateful for masterful films this year, such as Parasite, Marriage Story, Joker and The Irishman, while also being grateful for RAW's intentionally terrible ending that will keep everyone talking for years.
We live in weird times, folks.
One of Samoa Joe's colleagues had harsh words for him HERE
