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While this week's episode of RAW hasn't really been the most exciting episode I remember watching, one very significant event took place on this week's episode and it includes Austin Theory. Yes, the same Austin Theory who was brought into the fold and thrust into the spotlight when Andrade was ruled out with a Wellness Policy violation.
So, we looked on aghast when Austin Theory was the victim of an attack from his own stablemates. Andrade and Angel Garza. But we were equally surprised when Seth Rollins extended a hand to Angel Garza and brought him into the fold, making him a part of his Monday Night Messiah collective.
Why did WWE make the decision to oust Austin Theory out of Zelina Vega's faction and why did Seth Rollins embrace him as a part of his collective, you ask?
The answer is actually not very unclear if you think about it.
#5 The injury to Rezar provided an opportunity to Austin Theory
Once upon a time, Seth Rollins' faction comprised of The AoP, Murphy, and the Monday Night Messiah. Rezar has been on the shelf for some time because of an injury and this has opened the door for Austin Theory to come through and make his mark.
Of course, Akam could be brought in to bolster the ranks as well but I think WWE doesn't place too much stock in him as a singles performer, at least, at this stage. At the same time, Austin Theory is someone who has a world of potential and is someone that WWE is grooming to be a big star in due course of time as is obvious with the big push he seems to be getting.
So, the injury technically helped him ascend a rung in the current structure of RAW.
#4 To actually further the Messiah gimmick
One thing that you must keep in mind is that Austin Theory has joined Seth Rollins' faction at a time when he is away from the title picture. Austin Theory has chosen to align with Seth Rollins at a time when he seems unhinged when he took out his frustrations on Rey Mysterio in a segment that had many people gasping with just how brutal it was.
Seth Rollins recruits Austin Theory
Bear in mind that Seth Rollins, who has been a top guy on RAW pretty much since the dissolution of The Shield is now out of the title picture. Austin Theory needed to enter his life in the manner that he did for him to further the idea that he is a messiah, that he picks up people and lifts them when they are down and out. In a way, there are several similarities with CM Punk and his Straight Edge Society gimmick as well.
And this is how he stays relevant and interesting even outside the title picture.
#3 Seth Rollins can give the youngster a bigger rub
I don't really mean this as a slight at Zelina Vega, but Austin Theory can gain a lot more from working with Seth Rollins than with his former boss. In fact, I would say that Vega did a fantastic job in building Austin Theory up for the twist by having him say "yes, ma'am", and emasculating him before the big angle took place.
Why did Austin Theory need to join Seth Rollins' faction?
Seth Rollins is a member of The Shield, arguably the most dominant and 'over' faction in the world of pro wrestling in the last few years. I would even go so far as to say that he is the most important member of The Shield, based on everything that he's gone on to do since then. Austin Theory needs this alliance, in a sense, just his character needs the Messiah.
Austin Theory is the hottest new star in the company and has a bright future in front of him. This whole Seth Rollins rub will help him a great deal.
#2 Gang wars
Zelina Vega hired Austin Theory as a part of her stable because it was in line with her gimmick of spotting the best talent and pushing them in the right manner when called upon to do so. And now, she can pretty much call upon anyone in NXT who's caught her eye. Why Austin Theory leaving the stable is important is because it can lead to some serious gang wars.
How Austin Theory leaving Zelina Vega's stable can initiate wars between factions
Very simply put, with Austin Theory in Seth Rollins' faction, you now have the Messiah, Rollins, the disciple Murphy, as well as Austin Theory making the stable a very strong collective indeed. As for Zelina Vega, she can call upon someone from NXT or even include Humberto Carillo in her collective because he lost to Murphy, earlier in the show. And both of these 'gangs' can go to war against MVP's stable in due course of time.
Remember The Attitude Era, with The Corporation, The Ministry of Darkness, DX, and The Nation of Domination? Could we see a repeat?
#1 A major talking point and genuine twist on RAW
While I wouldn't say that the whole angle with Austin Theory was the only thing to talk about from RAW, what else can you describe as a must-see segment from this week's show? I don't think that The Viking Raiders and The Street Profits throwing axes and getting busted by cops is a worthy shout, and neither does Edge confirming a match with Randy Orton that everyone saw coming.
Why is Austin Theory joining Seth Rollins' stable important?
Viewership for RAW is in free fall mode at the moment, and WWE really needs compelling storylines for fans to sink their teeth into. Sure, Natalya and Shayna Baszler can go out and have great matches, and Bobby Lashley and Drew McIntyre can hint at the fact that they will indeed tussle in a WWE Championship feud going forward, but back when WWE was at its peak during the Attitude Era, there were genuine surprises every week.
Plus, putting the spotlight on a younger star like Austin Theory ensures that WWE does not necessarily have to depend on older stars like Goldberg over the long haul which has been a major criticism of the product.
