A fun episode, Raw hit some good highs throughout as they furthered storylines and established threats.
In no particular order
- The OC putting over the Viking Raiders. In what was a good match overall, the OC did an awesome job of working with the Raiders. Showing good chemistry and giving them a proven team to feud with, it helped increase the Viking Raiders’ visibility and put them over further. This will only strengthen the tag team division going forward.
- USA aired an AEW commercial. Okay, this was possibly the best part of the night as it shows more than the two promotions are gearing up. Rumors had it that the USA network wasn’t happy with McMahon moving Smackdown Live to Fox, so this could be a fist-sized eff you to Vince and company. Of course, it’ll just be about business. The timing was coincidental, right?
- Firefly Funhouse. After adding a blank picture to his wall of “friends” next to one of Kane, Wyatt claimed, “There’s always room for more.” Ramblin Rabbit and Huskus were fighting over a Seth Rollins action figure, proclaiming their love for Rollins. Wyatt took exception, and after a brief monologue about sharing, broke the toy in half King Solomon-like. Little doubt the empty picture was going to be Braun Strowman after his and Rollins’ match was announced.
- Rey Mysterio to Face Seth Rollins for the Universal championship. Mysterio looked like his old self as he dedicated the match to his son, Dominic. While it’s great seeing him in action again and going for the company’s top title, there is a downside. Check the lowlights post for that.
- Seeing Rollins try something new against Strowman. It’s easy for superstars to rely on the same handful of moves night in and night out. It’s their trademark and what fans become accustomed to. But when facing a challenge as great as Strowman, it made sense to try something new, especially when the Stomp has been kinda Rollins’ only move of note for a while now. The fact he switched up tactics made the match feel fresh and entertaining before the next item on this list happened.
- The Fiend raises the bar again. Strowman had Rollins up and ready to finish the match when the lights flickered. Strowman dropped Rollins and looked for the Fiend, but when it didn’t do him any good. Once Strowman was down, The Fiend cawled toward ORllins, who cowered and even cried out in the corner from terror. When Strowman tried to get up and attack, the Fiend dropped him with a second mandible claw.
Final Thoughts
The ending was as awesome as we’ve come to expect from Bray Wyatt’s Fiend character, and Rollins is really selling it. It’s made their Hell in a Cell match the most anticipated match of the year, though it probably already was for many.
