After last week’s scorching episodes of RAW and SmackDown, WWE was due a pedestrian show. RAW wasn’t bad last night, but after the huge triple threat match between Roman Reigns, Braun Strowman, and Samoa Joe, WWE didn’t give viewers too much of a reason to keep watching.
At work today, your peers are going to be talking about Brock Lesnar. As they should– his potential departure is big news. But it’s news you can get anywhere. This RAW recap is about the details, the finer points of RAW that pseudo-fans will not appreciate because they secretly watch The Bachelor more than they do RAW.
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In three hours of show, WWE gives us plenty of material. About half of it has no redeeming value (sorry Cruiserweights and Hardys) but there were plenty of subtle moments that will alter the course of WWE in the near future.
So here they are, What You Missed From RAW Last Night:
Dean Ambrose, Main Eventer
Dean Ambrose is officially surging. The way the crowd is embracing him is producing a unique sound. To some, it may sound like golden coins bouncing off a marble floor, but what it resembles most is the beginning of something special.
It’s hard to say if WWE meant for this to happen, but Dean Ambrose has become the focal point of this storyline. His reluctance to join Rollins is stringing fans along just enough to keep them from totally rejoicing about a 2/3’s Shield reunion.
We’ll have to hold off our glee for about three more weeks when Rollins and Ambrose win the tag titles at SummerSlam.
RIP Bayley and Enzo Amore
Man.
When it comes to wrestling, it’s just best to be positive. However, there comes a time when one must keep it real.
Now is one of those times.
Bayley should not be in the RAW Women’s Championship match at SummerSlam. It’s bad business. Bayley’s crowd reactions are diminishing to the point of non-existence. Why WWE feels the need to rehab her character now while en route to SummerSlam is puzzling.
Bayley will likely be an important component of women’s wrestling one day, but it’s just not now.
Speaking of flat crowd responses, Enzo Amore ran into his most apathetic audience last night. His entrance and promo garnered little enthusiasm and it feels like Amore’s best punch was weeks ago.
It may be time for Enzo to assume a managerial position.
Bray’s Best Work
Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman’s self-imposed ultimatum was not the biggest surprise from RAW last night. The fact that Bray Wyatt cut a coherent promo was.
And it was more than understandable – it was great!
WWE has been keeping The Eater of World warm for weeks now. It seems that the company is behind Wyatt, but his lack of push is due to timing, not opinion.
By SummerSlam, he may be too hot for Finn Balor. Do not be surprised if Bray Wyatt slays the Demon at Barclays.
Jason Jordan is a star
It’s a little early to make this proclamation, but I stand behind it. Jason Jordan-Angle was smooth last night. While his lines were poorly written, he flashed a charismatic delivery that showed an understanding of timing and tone.
I mean, he’s not The Rock, but this guy’s just getting started. If this is the earliest stage of Jason Jordan, imagine what he’ll be in two years.
It certainly looks like he’ll be challenging the Miz at SummerSlam. My guess is that he beats the A-Lister – WWE is clearly invested in this Jordan/Angle story. From there, WWE has a plethora of doors to take the young Superstar through.
