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RAW PREVIEW
MAY 15, 2017
NEWARK, N.J. AT THE PRUDENTIAL CENTER
By Joey Galizia (@RamJam89), PWTorch contributor
“NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS”
Two weeks ago The Miz defeated the likes of Finn Balor and Seth Rollins to earn a shot at the Intercontinental championship, held by the man who defeated The Miz for that very same belt, Dean Ambrose. Tonight in Jersey, Ambrose and Miz will collide (and most likely headline) for the prestigious prize, and considering the Universal Champion is never around, hopefully restore some legacy to the red-brands most important piece of gold. The question is will it be a clean affair, or will the “Eater of Worlds” decide to make an appearance? After all, he did initially help Miz earn this title shot, and Miz reciprocated by helping Wyatt defeat Ambrose in London. Is it possible the two are in collusion?
“ALL ROADS POINT TO DEATH”
Speaking of the Universal Champion, The Beast will need a new opponent for GREAT BALLS OF FIRRRRRRE since his most obvious opponent is now out with a shoulder injury. According to the WWE webpage and Twitter, that new opponent will be discovered A$AP Rocky and could even be determined on tonight’s show. Most likely contenders: Rollins, Joe, Balor Wyatt, or even the Big Dawg himself, Roman Reigns. I’m sure there’s a dark horse that will emerge as well, but there’s no safe play just yet. Guess you’ll have to tune in to find out.
“YOUR NEW BESTIE IS GOING TO KILL YOU”
Nia Jax has made it her mission to keep the Raw Women’s championship on the shoulders of Alexa Bliss. The story is that Alexa had “nothing” but nice things to say about Jax at her championship ceremony the Monday after Payback, and Jax took it upon herself to approach Little Miss Bliss to ask why. Alexa told her it was because she’s better than all the other women. Jax agreed, but only because she wants that belt, and sees Alexa as someone she can EASILY squash. Expect this story to run deeper tonight, especially considering a certain Hugger is still owed a contractual rematch for the division’s top prize.
“BACK IN THE STATES, MATE”
-If anyone has rightfully earned a title opportunity it is Cesaro and Sheamus, who LITERALLY ran through the entire division in tag-team turmoil last week in London, and even had enough energy to lay a beating on the favored Golden Truth after their triumph. Fortunately, the Hardys ran out to make the save. This rivalry is slowing growing fairly interesting, which the main roster tag team scene has lacked for quite some time.
-Some drama in the cruiserweight division as well. King Neville promised T.J. Perkins that he’d offer him an opportunity at his title if he defeated Jack Gallagher, which he did. He also asked him to take care of the Austin Aries problem, which technically he did. (A.A. is now wearing a knee-brace because of constant attacks from T.J.P.) Aries meanwhile is getting help from Gallagher to ensure that he makes it to Extreme Rules for his showdown with the King. Will this turn into a triple-threat? Or will the title of the PPV be a foreshadow for the match stipulation? Time will tell.
-Seth Rollins and Samoa Joe aren’t done yet either. Assuming neither of them are the next challenger to Lesnar do they finally conclude their conflict? If you’ve watched Samoa Joe’s NXT run, you’ll know that he doesn’t like to lose. HE NEVER STOPS COMING.
-Where does Roman Reigns stand after all the dust clears. His rivalry with Braun Strowman has been one of Raw’s strongest programs, but with the Monster Among Men out with injury, will Reigns begin a new program?
A lot of questions that need to be answered. How will WWE respond?
NOW CHECK OUT LAST WEEK’S COLUMN: RAW PRIMER: London features latest with Seth Rollins-Samoa Joe, Dean-Miz, Tag Turmoil, Alexa Bliss, TJP, Angle
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