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WWE Raw was promised to be a great show, but the show had its own share of moments that did and didn't entice fans. I am not pointing fingers or raising questions on the company because it isn't easy for a business to create compelling television week in and out, but the WWE is able to do so, and they should be lauded for the same.
Along with the aforementioned, there are also moments that the company is unable to deliver well according to expectations, and that's where the problem lies. I for one always believe that whenever Vince McMahon is on TV, the show takes a steep turn upwards.
With that in mind, let's lay down the things that did and didn't work well on this week's episode of Monday nights:
#1 Worked Well: Miz attack
Shane O'Mac decided to pay a surprise visit to the ring and attack Roman Reigns but little did he know that the A-lister was already on the hunt for The Prodigal Son. The Drifter was also a part of this act, but it was The Awesome wrestler that ensured the member of the McMahon clan felt the wrath of his actions.
The fact that Shane has promised to crown new tag team champions on Smackdown Live, and he along with his partner in the attack this week would be a part of the match on Tuesday nights, the result is obvious. It would be nice to see them get a challenge from the most must-see wrestler and The Big Dog in the process.
This will be a storyline worth the time because if they fight inside a steel cage at the Money In The Bank Show, the action will be all over the place, and that would be awesome.
#1 Didn't Work: The Revival Segment
The Revival is amongst the best team on the red brand, and despite their in-ring prowess, they are a part of the storyline that made them look like clowns. Although the two teams in this storyline are talented, and the storyline, will only evolve in the days to come, the company should have denied them being a part of such a segment.
A good battle of worlds and a fight backstage would be a better idea, and while we didn't see that this week, I hope that the company rights the wrong next week so that these two can fight it out between the ropes on the weekly as well as Money In The Bank pay-per-view.
It would be nice to see them elevate the division and the tag team titles in the process because they do deserve time to display their in-ring abilities.
#2 Worked Well: Firefly Fun House
Bray Wyatt is a master of gimmicks and storylines, and this week he showed his prowess when he revealed that the Rambling Rabbit is dead. While his skills are unparalleled, it is also true that the storylines would become boring if they don't translate into in-ring action.
Bray can still make everything look wonderful because he can pull off any character with ease, and this week's segment of firefly fun house was no different. It is only a matter of time before he introduces some old family members as part of his group, and then the storyline would progress in a better manner. It was nice to see him perform his character to perfection, and we would love to see him evolve more as MITB draws closer.
While there are various names that may be introduced, the big question is if he will make the in-ring entry at the show on 19th of May.
#2 Didn't Work: Champion and Challenger Team Up
WWE's storylines have become predictable to the level that anyone can guess what shall happen next on the show. If you are a fan of the company and its storylines, you will be aware that in situations like these the company ensures that when a challenger and champion team up, one of them attacks the other.
This week it happened again as AJ Styles attacked Seth Rollins mistakenly, or maybe intentionally. He was about to hit Baron Corbin with a phenomenal forearm when The Lone Wolf moved out of harm's way, causing the Universal Champion to take the hit.
It may not be the wisest of ideas, but the company had no other choice to elevate this storyline and make it worthwhile. It is the easiest option available there, and the company should make unpredictability an option, not clear storylines a part of the process.
#3 Worked Well: Samoa Joe backstage promo
Sportskeeda had reported that Rey Mysterio's son has signed a contract with WWE, and it seems that the company is putting Dominick in the position of power. This week we saw the son of the high-flyer indulge in threats laid by Samoa Joe for the U.S. Title at Money In The Bank.
This is a great way to bring Rey's son to the forefront because he can learn a lot about cutting promos as well as become a fan favorite in the process. It is a win-win for all because Dominick is in his initial phase of learning wrestling, and this exposure will be a learning curve for him. Involvement in the match at MITB will be a great idea to make him a part of the programming and also ensure that the storyline goes to SummerSlam.
Who doesn't want to see them fight at the biggest party of the summer?
#3 Didn't Work: Wild Card Rule
At first, not everyone knows what a wild card rule is, but our team member Nishant Jayaram informed the fans on what this rule is and how it impacts the future of the brands as well as superstars.
It's no secret that WWE tries to bring in rules that don't really hold value, and the same was evident when Mr. McMahon changed the rule from 3 superstars to 4 on this week's episode of Monday Nights. A rule that can change instantly isn't a rule after all, and it doesn't really solve the purpose of the WWE Universe.
It would be nice to see how Vince McMahon tries to make this sensible in weeks to come. The Chairman of the Board is known to make decisions that don't really provide value, and will this be one amongst the list of many that would have negative implications on the business in the near future.
Is there any other segment that you think didn't and did work? Chime in.
