6 things WWE subtly told us on RAW: Huge twist in main event, New star getting big push due to a suspension? (February 24th, 2020) 

A great episode from start to finish
A great episode from start to finish

Welcome to this week's edition of things WWE subtly told us on RAW. We felt that it was an excellent episode from start to finish, with almost all matches on the show being excellent, superstars looking great coming out of the show and a generally good build to both WWE Super ShowDown and Elimination Chamber.

The next time RAW returns, Super ShowDown will be in the books and there will only be one PPV left to go until WrestleMania 36. Without dragging it much further, here's what WWE subtly told us on the show.


#6. The new disciple

What a twist!
What a twist!

The week's episode started with Kevin Owens confronting Randy Orton for the same reason that Matt Hardy did - to get answers as to why he did what he did to Edge. Owens stated that he wanted to face Edge when he saw him return at the Royal Rumble and expressed his disgust towards Orton.

It set up the main event of the night, where Seth Rollins and his disciples made their presence known. The finish was confusing, with our initial thought that it was a botch. As it turned out, that wasn't the case and Rollins gave Orton two steel chairs to take him out the same way. Luckily, that didn't happen to Owens, but when his chair was snatched away by the referee, he knew something was suspicious.

He caught the referee and ripped his shirt open, revealing that he's a disciple of Rollins as well. We love "corrupt referee" storylines and this one was executed brilliantly.

Orton walked away while Rollins looked in disbelief as Owens hit the stunner on the referee and sent him through the table to close the show. We thought that Owens would be written out since he isn't expected to appear at Super ShowDown, but WWE did a good job protecting him.

#5. Angel Garza getting a major push

Remember the name
Remember the name

Angel Garza has been benefiting in a major way from Andrade's one-month suspension after violating the Wellness Policy. He got a boost to RAW and Zelina Vega as his manager, despite being a decent talker himself.

It made storyline sense as well since he's Humberto Carrillo's cousin. He's impressed so far and this has guaranteed him screen-time. In the latest episode in Winnipeg, he had a relatively long match with Carrillo by RAW standards.

It was a great match and they got a great reaction too, which is only a good sign for Garza. Even when Andrade does return (presumably next week), we won't be surprised to see Garza continually featured on RAW.

He's a talented superstar and WWE seems to realize this. It appears as though he's getting a proper push and we hope that it's a sustained one. He doesn't need a rocket strapped to his back nor does he need a major spot on the WrestleMania 36 card.

Either way, WWE has come across an excellent talent.

#4. AJ Styles continues to "return the favor"

AJ Styles and Aleister Black
AJ Styles and Aleister Black

Tom Colohue revealed to Korey Gunz on the latest Dropkick DiSKussions that AJ Styles' situation right now is an interesting one. He has technically not been cleared to compete just yet but is expected to be cleared by WWE Super ShowDown.

As for why he confronted Ricochet last week, it was more due to Styles wanting to "return the favor" and help a fellow superstar out. This week, it was Luke Gallows who lost to Ricochet. However, backstage, Styles had a dream confrontation with Aleister Black and attacked him 3-on-1.

Black would go on to his match anyway against Erick Rowan and defy the odds to pick up a great win in another good match (almost all matches were fantastic, minus Bobby Lashley vs R-Truth).

This appears to be AJ Styles continuing to return the favor and help a fellow superstar and next week, he's set to take on Black for the first time on RAW. We couldn't be more excited about it and the possibility of what it could lead to.

#3. Setting up multiple rivalries

This was a great segment
This was a great segment

Our initial thought when we saw the contract signing advertised was that WWE had nothing better planned and it was just a way to get all six women on screen together. We're glad to say that we were wrong.

The contract signing saw everyone but Shayna Baszler appear and The Queen of Spades made a late dramatic entrance through the crowd. It caused a clear reaction among the women who were already tense and on their feet.

Asuka had a great confrontation with Shayna Baszler, telling her "Bite me". Baszler didn't need to lift a finger and Natalya went after Asuka, which caused a lot of chaos in the ring. Morgan would jump onto Ruby Riott and the dissent would begin - all while Baszler stood in the ring having done nothing.

Becky Lynch came out and had a battle of her own with Baszler and in that one segment, we got teases of Becky Lynch vs Shayna Baszler, Asuka vs Shayna Baszler, and Liv Morgan vs Ruby Riott. That's how you make a segment effective in the best way.

#2. Finally acknowledging the past

Image

We were surprised that it took this long. But at long last, WWE finally acknowledged Drew McIntyre's past with Vince McMahon and the fact that the boss declared the Scotsman as a Future World Champion.

What's so fascinating about Drew McIntyre's current push is the story behind it. Over the last few years, we've seen the coronations of Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and to a smaller extent - Kofi Kingston as well.

While Kingston's story was unique in its own right, McIntyre's story is just as fascinating because of the reality of it. The handpicked "Golden boy" failing and becoming a liability to the company before getting fired, only to work his way back up, make a name for himself outside the company and return in a big way.

The timing couldn't have been more perfect and the interview was the best way to utilize McIntyre. By having him acknowledge the past, it adds layers to his character and gives him relatability as a babyface - which is exactly what WWE needs to do.

#1. A good showing for the Street Profits may not lead to instant success

S treet Profits
Street Profits

The Street Profits had an excellent showing on RAW. It was less about comedy and more serious business and what do you know? They excel at that. Angelo Dawkins had a match with Murphy that ended in a DQ after Seth Rollins interjected.

Montez Ford would goad Rollins into a match and almost instantly, the two men at ringside Dawkins and Murphy were sent away. Ford and Rollins would have a solid match on the show that kept the crowd on the edge of their seat for the most part.

It was hard to imagine Ford getting a win over Rollins anyway and a missed frog splash led to him taking a brutal curb stomp and then a pinfall. It was a great showing for the Street Profits in defeat but it doesn't appear as though they're going to beat Rollins and Murphy at WWE Super ShowDown.

They simply don't need the titles now and they'll most likely fall short again.

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