PWP Nation’s, Zack Heydorn, discusses what we learned from this week’s WWE Monday Night Raw episode.
5. Roman Reigns can work a match
Ok, you won’t find a worse critic of Roman Reigns and his main event push than me. But, Reigns sure has figured out how to work a match. Regardless of his opponent, his matches are consistently good and have a certain intensity to them. They feel like a real fight. Last night’s match with Bray Wyatt was no different. If Reigns can ever sync the realism of his matches to his character, he’ll finally become a real babyface that the WWE wants and is proud of.
4. Seth Rollins finally defined who “Seth Freakin Rollins” is
In one, two-minute promo with Samoa Joe, Seth Rollins finally defined who he is. It was a significant moment for his character and one that he will be able to cash in on throughout the weeks to come. When face to face with Joe, Rollins proclaimed that he isn’t a false prophet like Bray Wyatt, but he’s real life. He then went on to tell Joe that he’s beaten him one on one before and will do it again tonight. I loved that moment. To this point, Seth Freakin Rollins has been a meaningless t-shirt phrase. Now, it has definition even if it’s simple. Seth Rollins is the bring it to you real babyface who is always up for a fight. That is a definition that will further launch him into superstardom. Sometimes simple is best. This defining moment for Rollins was simple but significant. He’s told us who he is and I can get behind that.
3. Mystery angles work in the WWE
And we have two going on now at the same time! We have the mystery “text program” with Kurt Angle and the “who is beating up Enzo and Cass” program. Both mysteries that are intriguing and currently have the legs to last a long time. These mystery angles work in the WWE. First, fans can easily get behind them and discuss their theories when the show isn’t airing. Second, the WWE can weave these mysteries in throughout the TV show to keep fans attention and intrigue. Both of the current mystery angles are hot and more importantly, fans are buying in more and more each week. When the WWE chooses to capitalize on them it will be a significant moment for all involved.
2. Alexa Bliss is in a league of her own on Raw
Alexa Bliss is becoming something of a regular in this weekly column. She deserves it. Each week she proves that she is in a league of her own on Raw. Not just with the women’s division, but the entire roster. To me, she is the most over character that the show offers on a regular basis. Her character clicks. It clicks with her as a performer and with the audience. Because of this, it’s easy for fans to enjoy what she does in the ring. Outside of last week’s “This Is Your Life” abomination of course. Last night was no different. Bliss managed to make a segment, and what looks like a full-blown feud, with Nia Jaxx interesting. Her facial expressions throughout the night from learning that she would be facing Nia to dodging her in the ring are priceless and show the kind of range she has. We’ll see what next week brings, but Alexa Bliss regularly is the best part of Monday Night Raw and weekly WWE television.
1. Samoa Joe proved why he is the best “Indy” free agent that the WWE has signed
Alongside CM Punk, Samoa Joe was the crown jewel of Indy signings for the WWE. The anticipation of him joining the WWE at some point in his career was rooted in his intense character, stiff in-ring work, and passion for the business. The WWE Universe has not seen that full Samoa Joe package as of yet. Until last night. During his in-ring promo, Samoa Joe looked the part of a competitor that not only could hang with the likes of Brock Lesnar, but beat Brock Lesnar. In one promo, Joe showed the WWE that full package for the first time. He was intense and incredibly passionate about his upcoming match with The Beast at Great Balls Of Fire. We also saw his stiff side with his annihilation of Paul Heyman. This is the Samoa Joe we’ve wanted in the WWE. Big time players show up big in big time situations. This was Joe’s coming out party and he hit a grand slam out of the park. With Brock Lesnar already being promoted for next week’s Raw, Samoa Joe has become must-see viewing for the foreseeable future.
