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Last week, we assumed that WWE RAW was going to change for the better with Paul Heyman at the helm. This was not the case at all, because RAW this week was a very disappointing show that was not unlike the episodes that we are used to.
Especially coming on the heels of Impact Wrestling's incredible Slammiversary event, I thought that this was a very disappointing show indeed. The only thing to write home about from the entire event was Cedric Alexander's little cameo in the main event.
Shane McMahon picked Gary 'the G.O.A.T' Garbutt, a janitor from the building where RAW was taking place, as Roman Reigns' partner. Only, Garbutt turned out to be Cedric Alexander, whom you may know as a former 205 Live star.
Here are 5 reasons why Cedric Alexander was given this highly coveted spot.
#5 He's been asking for opportunities
If you visit Cedric Alexander's Twitter, it is a pretty depressing place. I mean someone who is in the main roster of the world's biggest wrestling promotion should be much happier. But Cedric Alexander is always talking about just how much he misses mixing it up with the talent on 205 Live.
I've interacted with Ali on two separate occasions and I know just how much pride he has in 205 Live. What makes the brand special is what he's told me on both occasions, that he thinks that the quality of wrestling on the show is better than just about any other brand in WWE's main roster. Cedric Alexander also probably believes that he has a lot more to contribute to RAW than what the audience gets to see from him.
Maybe WWE management heard him and gave him some TV time. Maybe they believed that this was the best way to re-launch him to the world at large.
See WWE RAW Results, Highlights of event, & more on WWE RAW Results page
#4 Paul Heyman loves the Cruiserweight style
It was ECW that first popularized the Cruiserweight style. And now with Paul Heyman in control of things on RAW, it is almost a certainty that he will push those who're the better Cruiserweight performers. Vince McMahon is not necessarily a fan of the high-flying stuff, but hopefully, Paul Heyman's presence should balance things out.
Heyman is also known as an individual who recognizes the talent in Superstars that others may fail to see. He was the first to work with CM Punk and bring out the best in him. And this is something he's been doing for decades, through his association with individuals like Stone Cold Steve Austin.
It is hard to not recognize Cedric Alexander as an exemplary performer if you see him go. And few can dispute the fact that he's a very talented individual indeed, having seen his body of work.
#3 Only real surprise on an otherwise dull show
Listen, anyone who's watched WWE for any length of time knew that it wasn't the janitor under the mask teaming up with Roman Reigns in the main event. But because this was an otherwise dull show, this stood out as the only real surprise from RAW.
There was a point during the show when the 'CM Punk' chants had started from the audience in attendance. WWE knew that they had to do something that entertained the fans in the main event spot or they'd lose all the goodwill that they garnered over the past week.
No, this segment wasn't nearly as memorable as Kurt Angle coming out with the milk truck or Mankind falling from atop 'Hell in a Cell' by any stretch of the imagination. However, it was the best thing about this week, even though it may be forgotten by the next one.
That's a win, some may say.
#2 Permanently removing him from the 24X7 Championship picture
There are certain WWE superstars who are made for the 24X7 Championship. R-Truth and Drake Maverick excel at the role, and to an extent, so does Jinder Mahal. I would say that there are certain other superstars, lumped into this scenario, who are not necessarily right for the same.
Cedric Alexander is one of these men and it was a shame to see him chase after the 24X7 Championship when we all know that his abilities between the ropes are what make him special. Comedy has never been his strong suit, and when someone like EC3 complains about his spot, you know that Alexander who's a lot less 'sports entertainment' than he is, is even less happy.
By booking him in the main event scenario with Roman Reigns, a star was created. And thankfully, Cedric Alexander was eliminated from the 24X7 Championship picture.
#1 The backing of Triple H
For this point, we go back all the way to the Cruiserweight Classic. Cedric Alexander had the match of the night against Kota Ibushi and the audience chanted in unison - 'Please sign Cedric', as Alexander took his bow before the Full Sail audience.
Triple H came in from the back and actually acknowledged the chants of the crowd. Since then, Cedric Alexander has become an invaluable part of the WWE roster, and the moment remains one of the most magical instances in modern-day WWE.
I'm sure that even though Cedric Alexander may have been lost in the shuffle, Triple H still remembers and cherishes the moment with the talented young man, which is why he doesn't want Alexander to become just another face on Monday Night RAW. People may not chant for Alexander anymore, but fans are still quite vocal about him not getting a push online.
Having Triple H's support sometimes gets you ahead of the pack in a stacked roster.
