RAW Fills Some Empty Space Ahead of the Royal Rumble...

 How’s It Going, Enthusiasts?

Hanging in there? Well, it’s all you can do. It’s a mixed bag in the Wrestling World. There’s stuff to talk about but only a few things caught my interest. Let’s have a little chat about them, shall we?

So, let’s start with some news outside of the WWE Universe as word from Matt Hardy is that Jeff Hardy is on the mend. His statement was brief and vague but Jeff appears to be getting his shit generally together. I hope both he and Matt Hardy are able to piece something together to make their run with AEW memorable. I think WWE will always be open to having Jeff back but will Jeff ever want to return? 🤷 We’ll see what the future holds.

In WWE Universe periphery news, it’s sounding more and more like Sasha Banks is angling to let her WWE contract expire so that she’s free to perform at shows for New Japan. This is a good idea in terms of keeping her in-ring skills sharp. She’s also about the size of the Joshi Wrestlers so she’d probably fit right in. The only thing that may be lacking is general notoriety. I’m aware of the Japanese wrestling scene but it doesn’t really hold my interest. 

As I’ve stated previously, Banks appears to be a type that needs the pomp and glory. I think it’s a good idea for her to see what other possibilities are out there but once she’s had her taste, I’m sure returns to WWE. The Wrestling World is what it is. The most polished product is WWE. Doesn’t mean that couldn’t change someday but it’s pretty clear that day is a ways off. Banks appears to need some freedom at the moment so let her see what’s real. WWE will be here and she’ll be in a better space to negotiate once she has the true view of the lay of the land.

In the WWE Universe, word is that the Mens’ and Mens’ Tag Team Titles will be de-consolidated after WrestleMania 39. The sentiment seems to be that RAW needs a title holder. I guess. I think if the endgame is to have Roman Reigns face The Rock, that should be done at WrestleMania 40. It’s a nice milestone event that way.

Though many see Reigns winning I think it makes total sense to have The Rock “win” to set up a Face turn for Reigns. It doesn’t matter if The Rock isn’t a full-time member of the roster. The point of this exchange is putting Reigns in his place. We see Reigns “winning” out there by any means necessary. Though The Rock has been a Heel before, we can safely assume that his current persona is more concerned with Public Relations and it can’t be tarnished by the “questionable behavior of family relations.” The Rock is already saying he’s the real “Head of the Table”. I say at WM40 he proves it but he doesn’t have time to hold the titles. With a win he can deem the Titles as up for grabs and that’s what starts 2024’s WrestleMania Fallout. Reigns is out to “recalibrate” and in the meantime, whoever showed themselves worthy can battle for the Title or Titles until the “new and improved” Reigns is back to right all that’s been wrong. I can live with that quite happily.

Yet, before we do all that, let’s deal with the here and now. The slow build to the Royal Rumble continues and for tonight’s RAW, there are a few things to look forward to. Candace LaRae and Iyo Sky will have at, to continue some of last week’s feuding. Seth Rollins and Bobby Lashley will continue to throw hands for another shot at the US Title against Austin Theory. And the Ladies will have a couple of #1 Contender matches to determine who gets to face Bianca Belair for the Women’s Title. 

It’s Monday so, just enjoy. Looks like we’re coasting through the end of the year so just take note of what isn’t working. Let’s see if they have fun with this open space. Keep an eye out on who impresses. Those are the people who should be pushed. I’m always up for fresh talent. 

See You in a Bit,

-Nicole Alexis (^_~)