RAW PRIMER 9/4: What is announced and what to expect including Strowman vs. Big Show in a cage, Women’s Title fallout, Cena-Reigns follow-up

RAW PREVIEW
SEPTEMBER 4, 2017
OMAHA, NEB. AT CENTURY LINK CENTER
By Joey Galizia (@RamJam89), PWTorch contributor

“WAR OF THE WORDS”

Seven days later and the epic promo encounter between John Cena and Roman Reigns is still being talked about. John may have landed the first metaphorical haymaker, but Roman stood his ground and took those punches with grace and poise. In a few more weeks it won’t just be words, but actions that will define these two superstars. As for tonight, I expect more circumstances to put them in a match together as teammates. The Good Brothers attempted to silence these NERDS last week but fell short. I sense a rematch coming.

“ALL OF THE FAMILIAR FACES”

Things are about to get big in Omaha. The Monster Among Men Braun Strowman had last Monday off after he decimated Brock Lesnar the night after Summerslam. This week he’s back, and facing another giant… The Big Show. Last time these two behemoths met a ring collapsed and a referee became an Internet sensation. This time however, they meet in a STEEL CAGE. Whatever they have planned, MY BODY IS READY.

“A REPUTATION OF DISAPPOINTMENT”

I can’t even begin to express how frustrating the main event made me last week. Sasha Banks is now a four time Raw Women’s Champion, but she hasn’t defended the belt successfully in any of said reigns. That may be an interesting character arc to the writers backstage, but it’s falling flat for the audience and making the already complicated Women’s Division that much more unimportant. But I digress, back to the primer.

Alexa Bliss is once again atop the glamorous ladies of Monday Nights, but her former confidant Nia Jax has finally decided that enough is enough. Nia destroyed Sasha and Alexa after the bell and made it clear that she isn’t sleepwalking through another program. That belt will soon be hers. As for the Boss, she’s technically owed a rematch. I honestly have no idea if they plan a hot potato, but unless they do something spectacular, I again await the arrival of the Empress so she can cause ultimate destruction throughout.

“BURN IT DOWN”

-Since their reunion a few weeks ago and their triumph at Summerslam things have been looking solid for Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose. The current Shield reincarnation is still without the Big Dawg (for now) but they have their eyes completely focused on the former champs Cesaro and Sheamus. The Europeans meanwhile have been sitting on their rematch clause, and hoping to pick the Shield apart until then. They each had one-on-one matchups last week, so swap this week?

-Emma has things to do and that involves grabbing a microphone and claiming that she started the women’s revolution. As long as she continues to get TV time and pick up wins, I’m okay with that.

-I’m starting to miss those wild wacky hours of 205 live. While the storylines were silly and irritating to watch, it was fun to see some of the high-octane action inside the ropes at least once a week. Now, 205 has someone who can talk-the-talk in Enzo Amore and his presence will hopefully give the purple brand a little more momentum. It does seem however, that Enzo’s path is too try to claim the Cruiserweight Championship from Neville. (VERY curious to see if they pull the trigger on that massacre.) In all honesty, it would probably be a fine business decision as Amore does have quite the merch sales. Then again… Neville is one scary S.O.B.

-Jeff Hardy earned himself a shot at Miz’s intercontinental championship tonight in Nebraska after he won a (20?) man battle royal last week! The Miz is probably not too excited about facing Brother Nero but he does still have his Miztourage in his corner.

-During the aforementioned battle royal we saw Finn Balor run rampant through the competitors. That was until Bray Wyatt appeared eliminating the Demon and extending their program for at least another week. However, I’m okay with this. Considering that Balor had a brief Club encounter with Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson in the battle royal, and also considering that Luke Harper and Erick Rowan have been AWOL, I predict a Wyatt family battle with Balor and the Boys. BOOK IT…BOOK IT NOW.

No Brock Lesnar tonight, but that shouldn’t sway you from watching what seems like an exciting lineup. You interested?

NOW CHECK OUT LAST WEEK’S COLUMN: RAW PRIMER 8/28: What is announced and what to expect including Alexa Bliss defending against Sasha Banks