This week’s Raw ended on a chaotic note. Although the integrity of the Shield appeared to be in jeopardy for the entire night, it was their opponents who took the fall when the cameras stopped rolling.
Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre and Dolph Ziggler, each of them competed twice on the night. The quality of each of those matches acted as a pillar stone and took the night to its worthy commencement.
The Undertaker and his brother Kane, better known as the “Brothers of Destruction”, accepted the challenge which was laid out by D-Generation X last week on Raw. Not to mention, the duo vowed that they will put an end to the reunited team of Triple H and Shawn Michaels at Crown Jewel.
Amongst all the energy that ran wild throughout the night, here are the 5 major takeaways from this week’s episode of Monday Night Raw.
#1 Things got personal between Ronda Rousey and Nikki Bella
Last week, the Bella Twins attacked Rondy Rousey after the three of them defeated Riott Squad in a rematch from the Super Show-Down. Their assault acted as a catalyst in setting the championship match between Nikki Bella and the reigning champion on Evolution.
This week, the victim of last week’s assault was looking for an explanation from her former friends. Things got intense during their promo and the champion did not hesitate to rub Nikki’s relationship with John Cena in her face.
This has taken this feud to a whole other level, and the people in attendance were taken by surprise as the “Rowdy One” uttered her words. There is still one week left before these two women compete for the Raw Women’s championship, which means Nikki would have a chance to return the favor next week.
It will be interesting to see if she decides to pull out a chapter from Ronda’s past in public.
#2 Team Angle vs. Team Corbin, coming soon
Kurt Angle has outsmarted Baron Corbin for two weeks in a row. Last week, he won the Battle Royal to qualify for the WWE World Cup. This week, he delivered an Angle Slam to the acting General Manager from behind.
This is clearly an indication that WWE is willing to pursue this storyline into one of their biggest PPVs of the year, Survivor Series. Notably, Kurt Angle hasn’t wrestled in a one-on-one match in over twelve years, which suggests he will again be seen in a tag-team match.
There is still a lot of time left for this PPV to take place which can be used to ripen the rivalry between these two Superstars. Not to mention, both the teams would need members who have to be on the opposing sides in their own storylines as well.
The Authors of Pain appear to be the first one who could get their names inked for this match. Let’s see who else gets to have a go in this brawl. Any guesses?
#3 DX signals the return of “Kliq”
Speaking of Survivor Series, there is another faction which is likely to make a return. The hint is subtly passed in the WWE Universe in the way D-Generation X is cutting their promos.
By having a closer look at Triple H’s hand gesture as the duo makes their signature action, the “too sweet” sign is quite visible. Notably, this gesture was widely used by the “Kliq”. On the other hand, the earlier version of the gesture made by Triple H and Shawn Michaels always featured the “Game” with closed fists.
For those fans who aren’t familiar with this famous group, it consisted with the team of Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall and X-Pac. Each of these men has entertained the fans around the world with their unique wrestling styles.
This means that the rivalry between the Brother of Destruction and D-Generation X is going to give many more nostalgic moments to the WWE Universe.
#4 Potential for the upcoming feuds
This week’s episode of Raw also provided a couple of hints for the upcoming feuds on the roster. Bobby Lashley rudely interrupted the celebrations of Finn Balor and Bayley after Balor defeated Jinder Mahal.
It was apparent that the “Demon King” didn’t take this interruption quite well as the emotions were painted all over his face. However, he decided to leave the ring along with his partner from the Mixed Match Challenge as the Dominator’s match was next.
In another turn of events, it was Apollo Crews who took it upon himself to interrupt the “Walk With Elias” this week on Raw. Elias mocked him before he tried to lay his hands on him.
However, Crews was willing to make a statement, and he did the same by hurling down on the performer. Hence, the fans might be treated to a one-on-one match involving these two Superstars next week on Raw.
#5 Drew McIntyre could turn Babyface
A couple of weeks ago, WWE pulled out a double turn when Bobby Lashley viciously assaulted Kevin Owens after their match. This has put Lashley as one the top heels in the WWE roster as of now and has also sent Owens off the show with a potential to return as a Babyface.
This week, the show ended with Drew McIntyre delivering a thunderous Claymore Kick to Braun Strowman. Notably, the trio of these Superstars along with Dolph Ziggler is currently portraying as Heels while taking on the Shield.
By the looks of what transpired this week on Raw, it appears that Drew McIntyre is set for a Babyface push in the near future. Interestingly, his friend and the other half of the Raw tag-team champions, Dolph Ziggler, has shown no such intentions so far.
This has set the tone for the next episode of Raw when the Scottish Superstar might go one-on-one with the “Monster Among Men”. It will be interesting to see how the “Show-Off” responds to this. Not to mention, Roman Reigns would be watching closely before he faces Braun Strowman and Brock Lesnar at Crown Jewel.