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Following Survivor Series, WWE has entered into their typically nothing period where they do nothing of note and put minimal effort in their weekly programming. This rut usually lasts until the new year, where business slowly starts to pick up in time for Royal Rumble. However, this week's episode of Raw was even worse than what the fans were expecting. It was dire, with the focal story revolving around three monsters who are part of an evil Authority stable.
Even the good parts of the show were repetitive, as Dolph Ziggler faced Seth Rollins for the 900th time this year. Raw has become a slog to watch for quite a while now, but this episode was just painful viewing. It is like the writers are not even trying. There are lots of elements missing from the show, whether it be the Universal Championship, the top three male stars of Raw, or just the overall lack of logic and storytelling capability. Even the feud between Rollins and Dean Ambrose has been kind of sloppy because of the terribly written promos in the past few weeks.
WWE massively lacks star power on Monday nights for now, with the likes of Roman Reigns, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn out for either a few months or a few years. Raw's main event for the TLC pay-per-view is currently between the corrupt general manager and an injured wrestler who might not make the show. WWE will have to change that match if Braun Strowman is actually out beyond the show and somebody will need to come back and step up and improve the upper scene on Raw. Here are three superstars who could return at WWE TLC and boost Monday Night Raw to some degree.
#3 Braun Strowman
Braun Strowman is still being promoted as Baron Corbin's opponent at the event, even though he was written off the TV and got an elbow surgery. His absence has certainly made this Raw much worse than others, showing that Strowman certainly has a positive influence on the product. He is still incredibly over and could wreak havoc on Monday nights. His match against Corbin is touch and go, meaning he might or might not be able to return at TLC.
If he does indeed show up, he should destroy the Raw general manager and remind everybody that he is the Monster Among Men. Strowman can then resume his chase of the Universal Championship, with him running through the likes of Corbin again and Bobby Lashley to get to Brock Lesnar. He truly is one of the most interesting parts of Raw every week and his presence will surely improve it from its current dire state. WWE just needs to book him properly. Something they have failed to do since before WrestleMania.
#2 Bray Wyatt
Now we move on to the options WWE currently has if Strowman is unable to return at TLC. His former stable leader Bray Wyatt is ready to return at any moment. He made his return at WWE Starrcade, defeating Baron Corbin. The same could happen in two weeks’ time. Hopefully, the creative team finally realises the talent that Wyatt has and actually gives him something to do. The Eater Of Worlds has had numerous false starts in the WWE, so he must make it count this time.
Wyatt has been missing from WWE TV for a couple of months now, more than enough time for his character to be fresh. He has only been a babyface since WrestleMania, teaming with Matt Hardy and winning the Raw Tag Team Championship. Wyatt remains untested as a singles babyface star, but this is something that could wow the world as the fans during his entrance suggest that he remains ridiculously popular. The former cult leader would certainly spark something fresh on Raw. That is if WWE actually does something productive with him.
#1 Kurt Angle
This might be the most exciting potential return. Kurt Angle was initially written off Raw because he was being replaced by Baron Corbin as the general manager. He then returned for a few weeks, entering the WWE World Cup tournament at Crown Jewel. Angle hasn't been on Raw since the beginning of November when Drew McIntyre embarrassed him in Manchester. The Hall of Famer would certainly be a fresh semi-permanent addition to the Raw roster, especially as he has a bone to pick with a couple of heels on the Red brand.
Angle's promo expertise and charisma would certainly come in handy when he is not saddled by the GM role. He would bring out the best in many superstars, both in the ring and on the microphone. The Olympic Hero still needs to give Corbin his much-needed comeuppance. If Strowman is not going to do it, it really should be Angle. It would be a great moment for the pay-per-view and certainly, make Raw slightly more interesting. Hopefully, WWE does pick it up a notch as we close out the year.
