It is no secret that the ratings for Raw have been gradually falling. Even without competition from NBA, the Memorial Day edition of Raw recorded one of the lowest ratings in the history of the product. So much so that we’re certain that Vince and co. have taken notice and have begun to make amends so as to ‘Make Raw Great Again’ (like Impact Wrestling’s catchphrase).
We suggest 5 possible scenarios on Raw that could help revive the ratings and fan interest in the product at hand. Will the Mohegan Sun Arena bear witness to any of these suggestions? Time will tell.
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#5 Kalisto joins the Cruiserweight Division
In case you missed the Extreme Rules pre-show, we really recommend that you watch it. Kalisto, when unleashed at full capacity, can showcase a flurry of moves that can put most cruiserweights on 205 Live to shame.
Neville needs an established name to work with, and the crowds need to care when the ropes turn purple. Kalisto should join the Cruiserweight Division and aim straight for the crown.
While Kalisto did show shades of promise as a singles superstar once upon a time (even winning the United States Championship), he did not seem like a believable opponent for the larger superstars he was working with. In 205 Live, Kalisto will be surrounded by men who are his size and can work like him.
Another dream scenario could be calling Hideo Itami up to the Cruiserweight Division, to challenge the King. That could also, most certainly, be an interesting match.
Also read: WWE Raw Results, June 5th, 2017, live updates
#4 Stephanie McMahon returns to confront Kurt Angle
Raw General Manager Kurt Angle and Commissioner Stephanie McMahon have had quite a storied past, if only in kayfabe. While they are both authority figures for the flagship brand of the show, bear in mind that neither has met the other, thus far.
Stephanie McMahon went through a table at Wrestlemania 33 and has not been seen since. In her absence, Vince McMahon appointed Kurt Angle as the General Manager of Raw. Last week, it seemed like Kurt Angle received a troubling text which could result in a scandal and eventually get him fired. Stephanie McMahon could very well be behind the same.
We wonder if Kurt and Stephanie will still maintain the face-heel dynamic that Foley and Stephanie maintained, or if Stephanie's arrival will result in Kurt Angle going heel as well. Eventually, it may even lead to Angle's in-ring return.
For now, we know that Stephanie McMahon's return is essential and it can kickstart a chain reaction of events that may eventually boost ratings.
#3 Cass is revealed as Enzo's attacker
We had named five possible contenders for the attack on Enzo Amore a few weeks ago. One name in the list that we speculated was the most likely culprit was Enzo’s own partner- Big Cass.
Tired of getting Enzo out of trouble and sick of having a partner who always cost them the Tag Team Title gold, Big Cass certainly may have had enough of Enzo.
He blindsided Enzo to play out an angle that would usher in his own heel turn. As a big heel, Cass would have immense potential to be a breakout star. This could be the week when we see Big Cass reveal himself to be the evil mastermind we suspect him to be. Oldest storyline in the book, but hey, it could be an effective one.
#2 Brock Lesnar returns for vengeance
Fans, promoters and industry veterans alike have expressed their desire to see Brock Lesnar square off against Samoa Joe, in a big money match, to main event a pay-per-view. Until a few hours ago, it was only a distant dream.
In a few hours, we could actually see the two men square off for the very first time.
The Universal Champion’s return could usher in a surge in ratings and may make three hours of Raw bearable again. We wait and watch with bated breath for this fantasy confrontation to transpire in actuality.
#1 The Shield reforms to dominate the roster again
Yes, we know what you're thinking. You're thinking that this is yet another Shield Reunion rumour that you should pay no heed to, and just move on to the next article. Just give us a moment and hear us out. Because Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns were unsuccessful in their Extreme Rules matches, they may have realised that three men aligned for a common goal could help them succeed once again.
Cesaro and Sheamus need babyfaces to work against, and The Shield certainly could fit that role beautifully. The Shield is a guaranteed way to boost ratings because it was one of the most successful angles in modern day wrestling. In time, The Shield could have dream matches against The Club and maybe even The New Day.
Of course, bear in mind that everything we’ve suggested thus far are merely some suggestions. We urge WWE to take risks and bring back interest in the product one more time. C’mon, make Raw must-watch television once more time, guys!
