RAW Takes It All into Consideration Going into Elimination Chamber...

How’s It Going, Enthusiasts?

 

So, the people have gone rogue again, have they? Well, I am and am not surprised. The WWE Universe loves an underdog and has a habit of resenting what’s “been decided”. Will the WWE cave to fan preference? I wouldn’t hold my breath just yet. Let’s get into this.

 

Now, I’ve written an article about The Rock vs. Roman Reigns showdown a few years ago. It's no longer up but this match has basically been a pending showdown since Reigns debuted so, now that it’s here, people don’t seem to want it? Well, it would appear not at anyone’s expense. When I first wrote about this possibility the time simply wasn’t right. Creative was throwing things together and arbitrary as shit. If it were to happen, it would have been done to simply do. Probably very little lead in, just a surprise appearance, to some shit talk to a match. It would have either sunk or floated.

 

These days, some continuity has been established and a “reason” for this showdown has actually been presented. Under these circumstances, I don’t mind this match but now the people have changed their minds. Cody Rhodes’ impassioned return and Babyface charm have captured the masses’ imagination and now this “money match” between The Rock and Reigns seems hollow and corporate. What to do? Well, I already mentioned how Ava suddenly getting “promoted” was a Heel move. I think if this wasn’t planned, WWE should go ahead and make it look like it was.

 

When I first started contemplating how this Rock vs. Reigns match would go, personally I didn’t see Reigns winning. I know, why would someone who isn’t even full time come back to beat Reigns? What’s the point of the Undisputed Championship if it’s going to go mostly uncontested? To be honest, I don’t think the match should have any stakes outside of being “Head of the Table”. Now, with The Rock on the TKO Board, it should be clear who the real Head of the Table is of the Bloodline yet, being on top in the ring is a different beast than being on top in Life. That could be the type of angle Reigns comes in on and the Rock could let him think whatever but if the Rock goes Heel, then whatever. You do whatever it takes to win. Reigns has spent his entire title-run with back up from the Family. Perhaps, that’s how he loses. The Family chooses the real Head of the Table and turn on him, forcing Reigns to have a sort of “existential crisis” and eventually Face turn.

 

If The Rock takes the title as a sort of memento, then that just solidifies the Heel turn and I feel that can set the stage for WrestleMania 41 but the showdown won’t be against Reigns, it would be against Cody Rhodes. The Rock all heeled out and throwing weight around could be the nemesis that makes Rhodes. Not that Rhodes needs that per se but “The Story” could acquire this new chapter that has Rhodes fighting the greater fight which is along the lines of the “Daniel Bryan” route if that’s what WWE Management wants to do.

 

Reigns has been walking around “delusional” all this time. To be humbled by his kin is a solid way to send him in a different direction. He could be a bit aimless for a while. Maybe start a program with Seth Rollins simply due to being out of sorts. Doesn’t know where else to go to “lick his wounds”. Randy Orton could get in there now that there’s blood in the water. What does he do now? Maybe become a respectable champion at some point? Let’s face it. He’s never been on the “honorable” side of things, even if it wasn’t his fault in the beginning. Getting dealt a heavy life blow is decent fodder to “rethink things”.

 

Moreover, it clears the way for Rhodes to have his true WrestleMania moment and overcome one of the biggest stars in this industry before us all at the greatest show of them all. That should put the cherry on top that everyone appears to be clamoring for. Let’s see if WWE can stitch this together and make it interesting.

 

And so, that’s my take on things. People should chill out. I think WWE will drag things out to next year for Rhodes but The Rock vs. Reigns should be done on a milestone WrestleMania like WM40 and now that they have a palatable set up, I say go ahead and pull the trigger. No one is getting any younger. Let’s just hope everyone stays healthy through April of 2025 and Rhodes’ fans can get their due. The real thing to look at is will their interest hold until then 😉 You know how these crowds can be fickle.

 

And so, that brings us to tonight’s RAW. With the Royal Rumble filed away, everyone is starting to pack for Australia for Elimination Chamber. JD McDonagh will stay ring ready courtesy of The Miz. The new Ladies in the KCs will face the Kabuki Warriors to see if they can get the Women’s Tag Team Titles back. Becky Lynch is going to see if she can get around Shayna Baszler to qualify for Elimination Chamber. GUNTHER will celebrate holding the Intercontinental Championship for 600 days and the Man of the Hour, Cody Rhodes, will take up his beef with Shinsuke Nakamura for a “Bull Rope Match”. We’ll see how that goes.

 

For the rest of the night’s action you’ll have to find some time to watch. I’ll be doing so with the West Coast at 8pm PST. If you’re able, you know where to find me.

 

 

See You in a Bit,

-Nicole Alexis (^_~)