By Chris Newth, PWTorch contributor

Although this column is meant to analyze feuds in anticipation of big upcoming PPV matches, the primary goal is to evaluate storylines that are truly compelling. After taking a look at the prospective selections on WWE TV this week, the rivalry that most stands out is the almost inevitable Orton vs. DiBiase fight.

WWE has already shown that they are putting this thing on the slow cooker so that they can milk it for all its worth. And there is validity to that strategy. They've already planted the seeds months ago when Randy Orton punted Ted DiBiase in the skull, temporarily sidelining him from television. Furthermore, last Monday on Raw, we got to see some "green shoots," to use a phrase that has become incredibly popular lately in business news.

The downside to slow-playing the Orton-DiBiase rivalry is, of course, the tepid response and interest surrounding the current main event title picture—namely, the Triple Threat WWE Title match at Night of Champions. It goes without saying that Triple H, Randy Orton, and John Cena unquestionably rank as the top three superstars on the Raw roster.

But think about it: there exists no heat or excitement in a recurring Orton-Triple H feud. Anything that may have been left in that tank petered out at The Bash. And John Cena seemed to be arbitrarily hurled into this title match on a whim last week. His involvement in this rivalry could add some fresh value, but only if crafted correctly. At the moment, he just seems like a top star on a brand that doesn't know what to do with him. After battling Big Show and the Miz over the past few months, Cena seems to be cluelessly meandering through some kind of storyline abyss.

Many Raw viewers would prefer to see Ted DiBiase stand up to his mentor, the leader of Legacy. He's a fresh face to the main event scene, and last Monday was the first time the WWE Universe got to witness DiBiase compete on the same plane as the WWE Champion. The announcers emphasized the fact that Orton probably has some newfound respect for his protégé after a relatively even fight, orchestrated by DiBiase's father.

On a bit of a side note, the idea of a new Raw host each week has been pretty well executed. Having new people run the show allows more obscure wrestlers to get the temporary spotlight. This week, Ted DiBiase's role on the show was heavily promoted because his father was in charge; it makes perfect sense, and it's great for his currently evolving character. Batista also made a decent host. He was out for vengeance as he punished Orton, who was credited for injuring the Animal's bicep. So the host idea is solid, except for one point: They keep noting that the host each week has "absolute power," so why wouldn't they do more than just book matches? Wouldn't certain characters who are granted unlimited power, particularly heels, use it to do other things too?

Speaking of Ted DiBiase's evolving character, his interaction with his father this week proved really effective. He started the show by walking out with Cody Rhodes and his dad in the background role he has become accustomed to since joining Legacy. But throughout the episode, a dilemma was forced upon him: he could either stand up to Randy Orton and fight his leader or he could back down and either refuse to fight or let Orton win while retaining his loyalty.

When characters are placed between the proverbial rock and a hard place, they tend to make pretty defining choices that audiences will remember. Ted DiBiase's choice to face Orton and his tenacious outlook on giving the match his all showed real signs of a latent babyface waiting to emerge. Losing to Orton wasn't bad for him at all; it showed that he could handle a match against the eminent champion without losing in a squash, and the announcers made sure to point out how impressive his efforts were.

WWE sometimes prefers to slowly unravel storylines, and that heavy buildup often pays off, but there could be value in striking this while it's hot. Fans reacted well to DiBiase's brief run as a renegade against the malevolent faction known as Legacy. The story's temporary involvement of his father and the fact that he's almost certain to turn babyface and become bitter rivals against Randy Orton puts a lot more intrigue behind it than the big-name Triple Threat match at Night of Champions, which has all of the star power but very little fresh narrative foundation to sustain it.


Comments? Suggestions? Thoughts on the storyline? Feel free to email me at newthtorch@hotmail.com

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