For the first time in quite some time, SmackDown Live beat RAW in the ratings, following its 1000th episode. Granted, RAW faced some stiff competition and it wasn't your usual episode of SmackDown Live, but I'm sure alarm bells are going off. And what's the best way to counter those alarm bells? Spice up the episode with a twist or two!
And why stick to two, when you can do 5, right? In this article, I shall suggest 5 twists for the forthcoming episode of the red brand. Please share your thoughts and views in the comments.
Of course, feel free to suggest some twists of your own in the comments section. I would love to hear how you would book the go-home show of Evolution.
This is how I would try and make this show absolutely unforgettable for WWE fans worldwide!
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#5 Bobby Roode finally turns on Chad Gable
Bobby Roode has been stuck in mid-card purgatory for so long that it's almost impossible to remember that he was once the NXT Champion. Roode is a fantastic heel whose talents are being wasted as a babyface, stuck in a program against The Ascension, that is going nowhere. However, WWE has been dropping hints about a turn for some time.
And this is a great sign because we all know that Roode is at his best as a bad guy. He can take the audience on an emotional roller coaster and works fantastically against underdogs. There's no better underdog on RAW right now than Chad Gable, I think.
Therefore, I would like for Roode to finally snap and destroy Gable. It would be in the best interests of both superstars involved.
#4 The Revival become RAW Tag Team Champions
Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre certainly have the ability to be great Tag Team Champions, if given the opportunity. However, they've been in a feud with The Shield for so long that the titles are an afterthought right now. I would believe that the titles may be better served around the worthy waists of The Revival, going forward.
Of course, WWE would never book a clean finish where The Revival score a victory over two legitimate top tier superstars. Instead, they could have Braun Strowman interfere in the finish, cause a distraction and make McIntyre chase him out of the ring. In the melee that ensues, Dolph Ziggler may have to face both men, eat a Shatter Machine and eventually make way for brand new champions.
So many teams could be elevated if this were to happen, I feel. From The B Team to the AOP, the possibilities are quite limitless.
#3 Ambrose wins the World Cup slot
There is absolutely no reason for Seth Rollins to be in the WWE World Cup, instead of The Lunatic Fringe, Dean Ambrose. He is the current Intercontinental Champion and it may make more sense for him to defend his title at the pay-per-view event. He qualified for the World Cup at Crown Jewel last week, but maybe there will be a twist in the tale soon enough. We could certainly see Ambrose take his coveted spot.
And this could happen by virtue of a match between the two men on this very episode of RAW. Ambrose and Rollins could take each other to war, and Ambrose could pick up a huge win over Rollins to qualify for the huge tournament. This could lead to more friction in the group over the weeks to come. It would certainly make for some good television.
#2 Invasion from the legends
Evolution is only a week away and as historic as the event is, there doesn't seem to be too much hype around the show, in my opinion. What would really make the show special is an appearance from the legends. Kelly Kelly, Michelle McCool, Ivory and Molly Holly could show up on RAW.
We saw a Battle Royal type situation last week, where the women of RAW tried to toss each over, over the top rope. This week, we could see these legends join the fray as well and add that extra pinch of excitement that has been lacking from Evolution thus far. It would certainly feel like an actual go-home show if this were to happen.
It is almost inevitable that each of these women will get that crazy nostalgia pop. Legends almost always equal a larger viewership.
#1 Stephanie McMahon attacks Ronda Rousey
Nikki Bella may not seem like the most intimidating opponent for Ronda Rousey at Evolution. One of the women involved in this equation is a former UFC Champion, and a certified combat sports athlete. The other is best known for her exploits in the world of reality television. It does not seem like a fair fight, right?
But throw in Stephanie McMahon and the equation changes. McMahon may want a superstar like Nikki Bella representing the women's division and bringing more eyeballs through Total Divas and Total Bellas. And of course, she is not the biggest fan of Rousey, in the kayfabe world.
We've all heard the rumours that McMahon wants her equation with Rousey to be similar to that of Stone Cold Steve Austin and her father, Vince McMahon. And this could lead her to orchestrate an attack on the RAW Women's Champion.
Now that would result in a lot of chaos, right before Evolution!