RAW’s Rasslin “REVIVAL”
The November 30th episode finally had some intrigue to the show. However, the ending and last segment remains the same. The villains prosper over the baby-face do-gooders, and still there is no real “hook” to entice fans to watch next week. Despite this hiccup, there are improvements.
The initial bland feud between Sheamus and a 50-50 caliber Roman Reigns has finally hit its stride. The Sheamus 5:15 shirt was gold, and he finally has the intimate connection with the fans. This is a reminder that a simple catch-phrase and shirt, a la 1996 with Austin 3:16 can generate a buzz. Sheamus is no Austin, but is nice to see Sheamus doing more than his former heel tendencies. This may be the spark that ignites this feud, as it relates to the story.
Problem is: The “chase” of Roman Reigns element is already gone, since he won the belt and then lost. Hopefully, the process to rebuilt Roman’s credibility can recover, especially because they are the main event for TLC. The celebratory promo, and the antagonizing the crowd was some of Sheamus’ best work since turning heel earlier this year. Sheamus finally needed and got that connection with the audience, and expanding his generic turn, and equally subpar results and reactions (prior to tonight’s event).
What is WWE going to do with guys like Ambrose and Ziggler? Where is their push, and will they eventually go for a title? These talents are too good to waste and under-utilize especially with the injuries of the roster in its current state.
The Legion faction has been the best new ideas in a while. Albeit, it’s early to predict their success, but given the talent alone (and now being used more often, with the “rub” of Sheamus); these talents should receive more TV time and a push.
Tyler Breeze in a great kickoff match was defeated by Dolph Ziggler. This feud was started about a week too late, but is a nice rematch from Survivor Series and what was touched upon briefly on Smackdown.
Charlotte in her “best Flair” imitation did the oldest trick in the book. Playing hooky and feigning an injury to get a roll up surprise pin-fall over her friend Becky Lynch. With the little coaxing from Paige, see to it that Becky Lynch in order to stand out more may turn heel in the near future. In other diva action, the “BAD”-est chick in Team BAD, Sasha Banks defeated Brie Bella in singles action. We all know and can see Banks as the true leader and eclipse the group, and their success. However, why does WWE seem to make Sasha in the background?
The Dudley’s promo also reignited the feud with the Wyatt’s. The surprise element was a great pop, as Tommy Dreamer made his return to action and was promptly laid out (intriguing for a good return- NOT). In the no-contest, the Wyatt’s were left standing versus Dudley’s and Dreamer. The trio of Stroman, Harper and Rowan was in the RAW bout. On Smackdown, Bray will go against Buh-Buh Ray Dudley in singles action.
In another and over-used no contest, Roman did not defeat Sheamus in his “beat the clock” challenge of 5:15. The play on the amount of time Roman was champion, and ending segment was a great bridge-gap, albeit pedestrian way of creative thinking to build toward TLC on December 12th.
Rusev and Lana returned as a back-on screen item and to mirror their real life engagement. Yep, the former love triangle is no more; and that storyline was as strange, and didn’t get off the ground as initially expected. Rusev also was defeated in a disqualification versus Ryback. However, now that everybody chants for “Lana”, how much longer will it be till Creative tries to roll with it and make her a baby-face again? Are we all supposed to forget that run, and just go with the flow and boo her again because of Rusev and him as a heel?
In other action, Alberto Del Rio defeated Goldust in a “throw-away” bout. The other throw-away bout and similar no contest ending was Uso’s versus the Lucha Dragons. This match did little to build contenders and new opponents for the New Day. In that case, who will face New Day for the belts at the Pay-Per-View?
Finally the mid-card guys are being used and propped in a much better position. U.S. Champion Alberto Del Rio would return in two other instances. One, to cause interference in the Sheamus-Roman match. Alberto also teamed with his Legion members, Rusev and Wade Barrett with Sheamus in the “real” main event. Sheamus used his brogue kick to pin Ambrose, and they defeated the team of the: Uso’s, Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns. The New Day also stacked the deck and aligned themselves tonight with the Legion as well.
In closing, many “simple ways” to end matches was utilized by creative, and hoping the new faction will get eyes watching the show. The quality and presentation tonight was better, albeit better than last week. Sadly, the lack of competition and the decline of ratings still does not bode well. The only problem with RAW is the same as it’s been- and which explains a ratings decline. A lack of a “hook” to get people (outside of diehards) to tune in, and stay tuning in also remains problematic. Can WWE bounce back on Smackdown, or TLC?
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