Shortly after WrestleMania, we were told that we were entering the New Era. Soon thereafter, things started seeming a little too “business as usual” with WWE, leaving some to question if WWE still had a grasp on what the fans are looking for.
Then we got word of the Draft. Obviously this gave us hope for the future. No better way to guarantee change one way or another. One last piece was needed though, the execution. The split shows needed to give fans a reason to come back and watch each week.
Last night, Raw took the first swing in the new era … … … and hit a home run!
Right from the get-go you just had a feeling that Raw was on to something. When announcing the two Fatal 4 Way matches, a large amount of emphasis was put on the man that was making his main roster debut (FINALLY) Finn Balor.
Obviously, this was just the beginning.
When all was said and done, Balor won his match (unexpectedly), Roman Reigns won his match (expectedly) and Balor beat Reigns to face Seth Rollins for the new Universal Championship at SummerSlam (VERY unexpectedly!).
Let me just say that again, we get Seth Rollins vs Finn Balor!
ROLLINS VS BALOR!!!
When Rollins was drafted first and Balor draft third by Raw, I immediately predicted a WrestleMania match between the two that could steal the show. Instead, we get that match right away in what has the potential to be the best match in the 28 year history of SummerSlam.
This is the kind of matchup that we have been waiting for since the thought of a “New Era” was implanted into our heads. Two guys that have fought their way to the top of a WWE card that can put on a match that can go 30 minutes full of athletic maneuver after athletic maneuver. We are in store for a show on August 21!
Not only that, but obviously we will get our first main roster look at The Demon!
Side note, in response the SmackDown Live having control of the WWE Championship, Stephanie McMahon and Mick Foley decided to create their own championship for Raw. The name … … … The Universal Championship.
… … …
… ok …
This just sounds like an adolescent argument. Oh you want to be the world champion? Well…well…I’m the champion on the UNIVERSE! No word on whether or not Impact Wrestling is responding by changing their title to the Galaxy Championship.
One main championship match was decided, and another changed hands. It has been easy to see that the Divas Revolution’s fan-favorite has been Sasha Banks. After months of confusing booking, we finally got to see Banks vs Charlotte for the title with Banks taking the belt away from the long-reigning champion.
Pretty confused that they would do this match on a Raw – obvious logic says that this would be a SummerSlam match. Ah well! We got it! That’s what matters! Maybe we get the rematch at SummerSlam.
The other big takeaway from Raw would be Roman Reigns and his reaction to his main event loss. The slow walk around the ring, the confused look, the abrupt promo right after… all of these are signs of a potential heel turn.
Last year, WWE tried to make the Raw after SummerSlam similar to the night after WrestleMania with the unexpected returns of Sting and The Dudley Boyz. If this is a trend they want to continue, that could be when we see the long awaited and long needed Reigns heel turn.
So much went down last night! The bar has been set pretty high for Brand Extension II. Well done Raw!
Your move SmackDown Live!
WHAT DID YOU THINK OF THE FIRST RAW? CAN SMACKDOWN COMPETE? WHAT DO YOU THINK IS NEXT FOR ROMAN REIGNS? FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @FROM_THETOPROPE AND LET US KNOW!
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