RAW Keeps Payback in Its Sights....

 How’s It Going, Enthusiasts?

Hope everything is well. We're drying out over here in Southern California but fortunately, my area didn't lose power so it's more or less business as usual. So, there’s a whole lot of the usual going around so, this shouldn’t be a long post. Let’s just run it down, shall we?

New speculations are flying about CM Punk and whomever rubs him the wrong way. This is the main reason I can’t really take it seriously. If this was in the real world, this would simply be unprofessional. Doesn’t mean ridiculous shit doesn’t happen in the workplace but we’re more encouraged to squash it in real time. Punk would have outed himself the “troublemaker” if this was in a typical 9am-5pm setup. That said, I’m doubling down on this all being fodder for feuding and hope this eventually all gets settled in the ring be it on any of their shows or a PPV. At least that way, we’ll expect it to light up from time to time.

I could chat about other things but they don’t exactly grab me. I’d just be rambling about what’s circulating so, let’s just get into tonight’s RAW. We’re in some No Man’s Land territory as WWE plots its way to Payback next month. Tonight, the big deal is that Chad Gable gets a shot at the Intercontinental Title against GUNTHER. I highly doubt they pull the trigger on Gable now but I appreciate how his natural talent is being honored despite his run-of-the-mill packaging. Yet, much like with Jey Uso, what do you do after he wins? Unfortunately, storytelling wise, keeping it on Gunther for the time being makes more sense. Perhaps if Gable Stevenson ever gets up and running, they could play with the idea. Or if the likes of Johnny Gargano and/or Tommaso Ciampa ever gain some momentum. 

There is one way to do it but I doubt WWE goes for it. They could build Gable on skill. I don’t really remember the angle they took with Kurt Angle outside playing up how he won a gold medal with a broken neck but with Gable, he’s proven himself. Despite anyone’s size, he’s still able to execute clean, Greco-Roman wrestling moves. This is what could establish him as a formidable and longstanding champion. Who has the expertise to best him? Now, will people care? Don’t know but it’s a way to go.

As for action, we can expect to see Drew McIntyre continue to pair with Matt Riddle to take on The New Day in a recovered Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods. Something tells me we should wait for the day that McIntyre and Riddle split. Think it would mark a well-deserved Heel turn for McIntyre. And speaking of Heel turns, we’ll hear what Shinsuke Nakamura whispered to Seth Rollins. 

Have to just say that there’s a translation of Nakamura’s recent promo floating around Twitter and I think WWE should jump on this train. They should let performers who are more comfortable in another language let loose and then post the video with subtitles to their YouTube Channel. If this helps performers better show their personalities, why not. Shouldn’t be a problem in this day and age and it would further solidify WWE as a global company. Can’t hurt. 

In any case, as I usually do, I’ll be watching at 8pm PDT along with the rest of the West Coast. You’re always welcome to join. It tends to be more loose during these in-between times so, it's a good time to dip your toe in.

See You in a Bit,

-Nicole Alexis (^_~)