It’s the swerve heard around the world. It looked like the Universal Heavyweight Title was Seth Rollins’ for the taking. Everything was in his favor – Stephanie McMahon at ringside, the elimination of Roman Reigns with the help of Triple H and a prone Kevin Owens lying in the corner up against the turnbuckle.
In effect, it was the perfect scenario. And then it happened.
I may be late to the ballgame adding my two cents on what was the greatest night on Raw this year, but I am still giddy over the fact Kevin Owens is now the face that runs the place on Monday Night Raw. With the help of Triple H, who will have to answer for his actions, there’s a new power couple in town and they have NXT roots to thank for it.
The fan in me is happy to see a new direction once again with the company. There is a thought in the back of my mind that Rollins and Triple H meet at Survivor Series with control of Raw on the line and a split between the COO of the company and the heir to the McMahon throne. The writer in me knows this is likely to drag out to WrestleMania 33 where a line of demarcation will have some implication on the McMahon dynasty.
If you couldn’t guess, I am smiling from ear to ear.
Now comes the hard part – what to do with Owens moving forward? I wrote about that a few days ago, but now that he is the champion and the leader of Raw, all bets are off on the previous booking. WWE got it right on Monday night and now, the champ has a new path to travel. Here are a few ways to book Kevin Owens as the Universal Heavyweight Champion.
1- The Winner of Sheamus and Cesaro
I’m getting this one out of the way first because there is so much potential in this best of seven series. Even though Sheamus is ahead 2-0, don’t expect that to continue much longer. This will go the distance, hopefully with Cesaro winning and getting his shot.
We have seen the two wrestle before – which has always been a treat – but not with the top prize on the line. Everyone loves Cesaro’s throwback style and his aggression. Fans equally appreciate Owens for his size and agility. This could be a title match at TLC.
2- Roman Reigns
It’s an odd predicament, but it’s not a bad one to have. Reigns was originally supposed to be part of a program with Rusev, but apparently, that is on hold. The Big Guy is also rumored to be in the plans for a push back towards the top of WWE’s food chain.
I personally would love to see a feud like this one because both men leave it all in the ring. Now that Owens is champion, it almost assures Reigns of not grabbing the brass ring until 2017 at some point. If he is not going to continue his program with Rusev, make this happen.
3- The Jericho Effect
We can all see this coming. Chris Jericho congratulates his “best friend” and in turn will turn his back on Owens, setting off a feud between two angry Canadians. Jericho is doing some of his best work right now and is without a doubt one of the best heels to ever get in a wrestling ring.
Just like Rollins turned on his “brothers” in Rollins and Dean Ambrose, expect Jericho to do the same at some point, which means he gets a title shot he richly deserves. Jericho will also help put Owens over like he has done for Ambrose and other WWE superstars.
4- Big Cass
WWE is facing a dilemma in putting the tag team wrestler in singles matches. He is solid in the ring, getting better in promos and showed he can hang with the big dogs like he did on Monday night. There is only one small problem to all of this – what happens to Enzo? Ideally, I’d like to see Cass and Reigns or Cass and Lesnar, but Owens might be the best thing for the upstart.
Owens would certainly retain, but it would help put Cass over as a singles star. Like in years past, tag team wrestlers do have a run as a singles star and then returns to the tag team ranks and continues to excel.
5- Seth Rollins
The confrontation of the year. And it has to happen. There are so many implications and possibilities here and add to that the many subplots, this would make for an epic feud. Rollins is the brash heel everyone loves to hate. Owens is the heel everyone just loves. With the power struggle that appears to be set to ensue, these two could wrestle the remainder of the year before Rollins and Triple H tear down the house at the Royal Rumble.
Somehow, there has to be a storyline involving Stephanie McMahon, maybe the ouster of Mick Foley and a change of power in the company. This confrontation will define 2017 and beyond.
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