5 Things We Learned From WWE RAW

Braun Strowman Is The New Brock Lesnar

Back in his rookie years, Brock Lesnar used to show up and punish things. He was bigger, more athletic and utterly terrifying to watch. I mean, he literally squeezed the life out of Hulk Hogan. Every time Lesnar appeared on WWE cameras we had to watch.

A MONSTER statement from @BraunStrowman! It looks like The #MonsterAmongMen has his eyes on @BrockLesnar's #UniversalTitle! #RAW pic.twitter.com/fPEmzVJN7I

— WWE (@WWE) August 22, 2017

This is exactly what's happening with Braun Strowman. Like Lesnar in 2002, Strowman is simply a different talent. It's clear WWE knows this as they booked him like a mythological beast at SummerSlam only to have him come out a wreck Lesnar last night.

It's so weird to see Lesnar as the physically inferior athlete in a feud and that's why this No Mercy match is going to be a blockbuster.

Seth and Dean Need Competition ASAP

As emotionally potent as Rollins and Ambrose have been, what they do next is crucial to their success as Tag Champions.

Having matches with duos who pose zero threat to the tag team gold, like the Hardys, isn't a great way to start. Sure it was fun and nostalgic, but Rollins and Ambrose need to be slaying dragons, not euthanizing old dogs.

Cesaro and Sheamus will be getting their rematch at No Mercy at the latest, but it's what follows that matter for Seth and Dean. Maybe a dominant run through RAW's shallow tag team pool is a good way to establish them as a great team, but WWE needs to find some formidable rivals for them.

John Cena and Roman Reigns Will Happen...One Day

WWE made it known that John Cena and Roman Reigns will have their match. After spending the summer passively aggressively tweeting at one another, it was great to see them in the ring together.

However, the electricity was a little dim. Was it the unique Brooklyn crowd that dulled the moment? I mean, they did chant "You both suck," so that's pretty hard to misinterpret. My guess is that as RAW hits other cities, fan will be hotter for this Cena/Reigns stuff.

For now, it looks like they'll be playing the odd couple babyface duo at the top a RAW's card.

Jason Jordan on Hold

There's an abundance of theories out there about Jason Jordan and his storyline. The most thoughful hinge on Jordan using his dad, Kurt Angle, to get him opportunities he doesn't deserve - a la the ubiquitously hated entitled coach's son.

The @WWEUniverse has never seen @JasonJordanJJ THIS vicious before! @RealKurtAngle's son is laser-focused on victory! #RAW @FinnBalor pic.twitter.com/eYW2tdBOZ3

— WWE (@WWE) August 22, 2017

I don't think WWE is this far ahead yet. But a heel run for Jordan seems like a good enough idea. Neither is having him eat pins on back to back nights. It's one thing if this is going to be his gimmick, the favored son who sucks at sports, but someone who looks like Jordan does shouldn't spend much time losing matches.

So while his match with Finn Balor was fine, it left me asking - what's the purpose of all this?

Elias Rising

It may be a little premature, but I think WWE has something in Elias. In just a few months, Elias has established a healthy, and consistent relationship with WWE's audience. Sure, they hate him, but that's the point.

So while you may be rolling your eyes at him squashing poor R-Truth, just know that this dominant display comes with a plan. WWE likes this guy. How much, we don't know. But by simply being the "guitar guy" he already has more character depth that Kevin Owens and Finn Balor.

Elias represents a quintessential WWE character, one that typically hits. Even further, he is profoundly muscular unlike his predecessors Jeff Jarrett and the Honky Tonk Man. He's going to stick, folks.