The Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio will bear witness to a fascinating episode of Raw. This episode may even be more interesting than the Raw following Wrestlemania and the week after (the one featuring the Superstar Shake-Up) because now that things are finally in place, many questions will be answered.
Isaac Newton famously said that every action has a reaction. Things are moving along, towards Payback and beyond, and the red brand is headed for some monumental changes. The slate that was 2016 has been wiped clean, as Raw rushes towards a new year and a brand new era. What’s in store for us this week? Let’s find out.
Follow: WWE Raw Results April 17th 2017 results and live updates
#5 Will Corey Graves now pick on Booker T?
Last week, it was announced that Corey Graves’ punching bag Byron Saxton was being drafted to SmackDown, whereas David Otunga would be drafted to Raw, as part of the Superstar Shake-Up. However, the twist in the tale is that Otunga won't be joining the commentary desk (as he’s out filming a movie). Instead, it will be the only announcer worse than David Otunga, Booker T, who will be taking his place. A man who is notorious for being a loudmouth and not allowing the others to get their points in.
We wonder if Corey Graves will be as derisive of Booker T as he was of Byron Saxton. Their dynamic was the heart of the Raw commentary desk. Corey Graves expressed contempt the moment Saxton showed even an iota of enthusiasm. How will Graves fare with Booker T? Will the dynamic be so bad that it'll make us pray for David Otunga’s return?
#4 A new feud for a brand new championship?
In the very first segment of Raw last week, we saw Dean Ambrose carrying his Intercontinental Championship to the red brand. As the second most important title in the show, with the departure of the US Championship to SmackDown, we wonder who’s next in line for contention! The likeliest heel contenders such as Samoa Joe and Braun Strowman are already locked in feuds of their own.
Will The Miz continue the feud he initiated on SmackDown and attempt to recapture the title he elevated to the moon? Will Bray Wyatt step up to the plate, considering the unfortunate incident from last week? Read on to find out what we mean...
#3 What’s next for Bray Wyatt?
Jinder Mahal wanted to make a mark on Raw before he left for SmackDown LIVE. Unfortunately, he left his mark on Finn Balor with a stiff elbow shot that gave him a legitimate concussion. We have no idea how long Balor will be out for, but let’s look at some possibilities if he is out for now.
Also read: SK Exclusive: Current plans for both Raw and SmackDown LIVE’s main events
Following Balor's match with Jinder Mahal, we saw Bray Wyatt appear on the screen and challenge The Demon King, presumably, to a future program. We know he still has a ‘House of Horrors’ match with Randy Orton at Payback for the WWE Championship, but what does he do on Raw? Does he align himself with Bo Dallas, and start a new Wyatt family? Presumably go after the Hardyz, who’ve called him out several times during their days in TNA? Confront The Drifter who's been drifting aimlessly on Raw and then recruit him to The Wyatt Family?
#2 Will Roman Reigns sell his kayfabe injury?
Braun Strowman may be a Raw superstar, but he laid the SmackDown on Roman Reigns last week. So much so, that there was an online petition calling for his release afterwards. However, nothing can hold Roman Reigns down, certainly not a worked injury. Reigns returned to a live event despite being driven to the hospital, no selling the vicious assault.
We know that the era of kayfabe is dead, but we do hope that it was only a return to live events, not Raw. For the beatdown to look genuine and feel effective, Roman Reigns needs to be off TV for a few weeks, at the very least. If not, it'll just be a rehash of their match from Fastlane once again. Without any added intrigue.
#1 The Revival’s next big feud?
The Hardyz and Cesaro/Sheamus are in a title feud right now. With The New Day being drafted to SmackDown LIVE, The Revival has no one to feud with, at the moment. Well, almost. Last week, Slater and Rhyno were drafted to Raw from SmackDown LIVE, and they have no program, as of now, either.
Considering how affable and universally liked Slater and Rhyno are, The Revival can really get some heel heat by beating them down and injuring them in kayfabe. It actually seems like the perfect spot for them before they invariably challenge The Hardyz for the belts.
Or, what do we got over here? A cuppa haterz? A cuppa haterz? Enzo and Cass too could have a brilliant feud with The Revival, on Raw.
With only a few hours to go until Raw, we wonder what the red brand has in store for us!
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