WWE RAW RESULTS : RICOCHET AND 5 STARS FLOURISHING IN THE PAUL HEYMAN ERA
Ricochet CREDIT: WWE.COM
Slowly but surely, Paul Heyman is leaving more of an imprint on Raw. We've now seen two episodes of the show since Heyman was announced as the new Executive Director, and while rumor has it he won't assume full creative control until after Extreme Rules, you can see his influence.
Under the new direction, Ricochet is getting the kind of main event spotlight most people feel he deserves. A week ago, the United States Champion main-evented Raw with his match against AJ Styles. This week, he battled Luke Gallows, before being jumped by The Club. His segment appeared later into the episode than the Raw Men and Women's champion Seth Rollin and Becky Lynch's mixed tag match against Andrade and Selina Vega.
Ricochet's star is growing, and whoever is also calling the shots along with Heyman, is giving the high-flyer every opportunity to shine. His in-ring work is impeccable, as usual, but he's still got some work to do on the microphone–though he looked much stronger and confident on Monday than he did last week.
In any case, through two shows, Ricochet might be the biggest star of the Heyman era thus far. Here are four others who also flourishing under the new direction.
Cedric Alexander
Thankfully, Alexander was released from the 24/7 Championship chase group long enough to do something memorable on Monday. Alexander dressed up as a masked janitor to team with Roman Reigns against Shane McMahon and Drew McIntyre in the main event. Originally, Shane and Drew were attempting to set Reigns up for failure by picking an actual janitor from backstage as the Big Dog's tag-team partner.
That fellow (an actor named Gary) apparently switched with Alexander who demonstrated his normal acrobatics in a flurry that left the heels shocked.
Ultimately, McIntyre would subdue Alexander with a Claymore kick. The finisher left a legit cut on the former 205 Live star's mouth, but the statement was made. Once Alexander was unmasked, it was clear he was receiving a solid push, and we might be seeing more of him in some meaningful spots.
That fellow (an actor named Gary) apparently switched with Alexander who demonstrated his normal acrobatics in a flurry that left the heels shocked.
Ultimately, McIntyre would subdue Alexander with a Claymore kick. The finisher left a legit cut on the former 205 Live star's mouth, but the statement was made. Once Alexander was unmasked, it was clear he was receiving a solid push, and we might be seeing more of him in some meaningful spots.
Maria Kanellis
If you're familiar with the Kanellis' you know their mic work is stellar. Those who weren't aware likely know about the couples' talents now. Last week, Maria Kanellis torched Becky and Seth in a backstage mic session and went on to ether her husband during the mixed tag-team match.
This week, a backstage segment further pushed the dominant-female-in-the marriage narrative. Soon, the Kanellis–especially Maria–could be a major topic of conversation. They went from two talents inching their way out of the WWE to being featured prominently over the past two weeks with no signs of slowing down.
Bobby Lashley
This week, a backstage segment further pushed the dominant-female-in-the marriage narrative. Soon, the Kanellis–especially Maria–could be a major topic of conversation. They went from two talents inching their way out of the WWE to being featured prominently over the past two weeks with no signs of slowing down.
Bobby Lashley
In the very first spot during the Heyman era, Braun Strowman and Bobby Lashley demonstrated some of the best in-ring work either man has produced in years. It culminated with a stage spot that saw the two behemoths crash through an LED board. With both men supposedly suffering injuries (storyline) it was supposed to be a shock to see Lashley on this week's show. Lashley showed up in a big way as he answered the returning Rey Mysterio's open challenge.
In what was just a notch above a squash match, Lashley destroyed Mysterio and was made to look as invincible as I've seen him in a while. He is another performer who is clearly receiving some valuable air time over the past two weeks.
The Street Profits
In what was just a notch above a squash match, Lashley destroyed Mysterio and was made to look as invincible as I've seen him in a while. He is another performer who is clearly receiving some valuable air time over the past two weeks.
The Street Profits
While the NXT Tag-Team champions haven't seen any action or fisticuffs backstage, the duo of Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins have been a consistent presence on Raw the last two weeks. The first week seemed a bit forced, but Monday's appearance was far more comfortable and entertaining. It's great to see WWE allowing them to establish their characters first for the main roster fans who may not have seen them in NXT.
There are no concerns about their in-ring work, as the duo is among the most talented in the organization. However, their future will be dictated by how much they can put their characters over with the fans. Ford and Dawkins are getting their shot.
There are no concerns about their in-ring work, as the duo is among the most talented in the organization. However, their future will be dictated by how much they can put their characters over with the fans. Ford and Dawkins are getting their shot.
Post a Comment