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With TLC around the corner, this week’s Raw will set host to the annual Slammy awards and hopefully some twists and turns in the current storylines. Like all the preceding weeks, there are a lot of things that needs to be straightened out by the creative heading into the December pay-per-view.
The handicap matches involving the heel stables, unification bout, direction of Big Show and the winners of the Slammys; on paper there are a lot of explosives waiting to be ignited on the show. And with Triple H promoted as the head of the creative team, it would be interesting to see whether the writers would live up to those expectations. So here’s a look at the possibilities that will be addressed on this week’s Raw.
Rybaxel? Seriously?
Rybaxel
Ever since Curtis Axel and Ryback were dropped by evil scientist Paul Heyman, both of them have been booked without much of a direction by the creative. And their recent decision to make a Rybaxel team out of the two still makes the fans scratch their head. Despite having zero chemistry between each other, the duo picked up wins at both Raw and SmackDown and a potential title shot at the Tag team championship.
Though it engages the wrestlers for some time, the move shows WWE’s heavy dependence on the Tag Team division, which surprisingly is delivering on a consistent basis. Then again, Ryback and Axel clearly look like superstars who need some more time at the development circuit.
And the Slammy goes to…
Fan vote or creative decision?
It’s the Oscar of the wrestling business and like previous years, this year also it is expected to be a high point of Raw. Though there are a variety of categories in which the awards will be distributed, all eyes will be on the superstar of the year award which will be awarded by The Heart Break Kid Shawn Michaels. John Cena, Randy Orton, CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, Big Show and Brock Lesnar will be running for the highest price with Bryan being the favorite among fans.
Bryan has been showing unmatched intensity and brilliance inside the ring over the whole year and clearly deserves the award, but it is to be seen whether the award will be given solely on basis of the fan votes or on the basis of Triple H’s choice.
CM Punk and his transformation to Stone Cold
Rebel in the making
Stone Cold Steve Austin was one of those characters who used to stand up against the Authority using his rebel ways during the Attitude Era. And Punk is being molded as a similar figure with restrictions of the PG era. He might not raise his middle figure out to the fans or drink a dozen can of beers, but Punk is evoking a rebellious emotion among the fans as he goes against The Shield and The Authority.
The freshness he bring along with the feud adds more dimension and clearly propels this storyline as a worthy main event status. Another major aspect contributing will be the split and eventual push of Roman Reigns. Punk could be the one responsible for breaking up the trio and this promise to be a rollercoaster ride for the fans while it lasts.
Buildup to the unification
Rich in history, lack of punch
So last week we came to know that the winner of John Cena- Randy Orton match will be referred as the unification champion and one can’t be blamed if he expect something more this week. The last time Cena and Orton locked horns we came to see an I Quit match, a Hell in a Cell match and a deciding Iron Man match.
But this time the shorter will be the better, and with Cena and Orton tied at 1-1 during the buildup, another attack angle would only make the proceedings stale as the fans would prefer more in ring action than just bodies being slammed on tables. A tag team match with Cena and Orton on the same side will be intriguing and could sparkle in otherwise dying feud.
Some Sweet chin music
The man that could steal the show
The last time we saw Shawn Michaels on the television, he was knocked out cold by the Yes lock of Daniel Bryan. And this time he is returning to award the Superstar of the year Slammy, what if Bryan wins the award?. The stage is definetly set for a showdown, but Bryan’s feud with Wyatts will only restrict the possibilities.
The maximum we could expect from this will be a tease of potential match between the teacher and his student. Another interesting direction in which the angle could be projected is a possible teaming up of Bryan and Shawn Michaels to fend off the creepy guy, now doing that will take TLC to a different level and could end their bad run in pay-per-view business.
