SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...
RAW PREVIEW
DECEMBER 18, 2017
PROVIDENCE, R.I. AT DUNKIN DONUTS CENTER
By Joey Galizia (@RamJam89), PWTorch contributor
ANNOUNCED BY WWE.COM
- Universal Champion Brock Lesnar returns to address his Royal Rumble opponent, or perhaps, opponents.
- Who will step up next to challenge Roman Reigns for his Intercontinental Title?
- Cedric Alexander faces Drew Gulak in a no. 1 contender’s matchup.
- Absolution looks to bounce back after the entire Raw Women’s Division put them on notice.
“A RIGGED POLL”
The war between Braun Strowman and the Big Red Machine has reached new heights. Last Monday the two behemoths clashed in what would have determined the next challenger for Brock Lesnar and the Universal Championship. Instead, their hatred for one another led to a double-countount, and neither man got his arm raised. The most likely scenario is that Kane and Braun get thrown at the Beast in Philadelphia in a few weeks, but with Brock and Paul scheduled to make an appearance this evening, perhaps we get a more definite answer as to the exact route they plan on taking? Seems simple enough to me: (PAUL HEYMAN VOICE) “If you think the Beast, THE CONQUEROR, THE REIGNING, DEFENDING, UNIVERSAL CHAMPION is afraid to slay not one, but two monsters in a single night, then BABY, you don’t know BRROOOOOOCCKKKKKKK LESSSSNNNNNAAARRRRRR!!” (I’d like to thank the academy.)
“OPEN THE DOOR; STEP UP TO THE PLATE”
Unless you’re still a hater of the Big Dawg, this open I.C. title challenge has been rather spectacular. Roman Reigns has been a consistently exceptional performer, and his matchup with Cesaro last week was one of the best T.V. title matches we’ve seen since the last time the Swiss-Superman challenged someone for a title on T.V. With all the momentum in the word, and for the first time a great deal of fan support, Roman looks to continue his impressive performance streak as he opens the door for yet another open challenge this evening. Who will accept? Samoa Joe is always an option since he seems destined to collide with the new owner of the yard.
“THE ENEMY OF MY ENEMY IS MY FRENEMY”
Who would have thought that Alexa Bliss, Sasha Banks, Bayley, and Nia Jax would enter the squared circle aligned together? That’s what happens when a faction attempts to destroy the very foundation of the women’s division, and that’s exactly what happened a week ago. Paige, Sonya, and Mandy have been leaving their mark on every member of the Raw roster since their debut/return. When the trio tried to take down the Empress Asuka, the stars put aside their past conflicts and gave Absolution the receipts they absolutely deserved. Where this all goes is still up the air, but I’ll admit for the first time that I’m rather invested in all possible outcomes.
“NEVER SLEEP; STAY WOKEN”
-Video vignettes are fun, but eventually the wrestle-universe expects to see Woken Matt Hardy perform live in front of them. His feud with Bray Wyatt could benefit both men greatly if they are given the opportunity to do so. Here’s to hoping.
-Speaking of hoping, Finn Balor continues to troll us with how OVER he is. Whether it’s simply an online gimmick or an actual Irishman unleashing his demon Twitter personality, all it’s led to has been a small beef with the Miztourage. At least he’s winning said beef though.
-Kurt Angle seems to be on okay terms with the higher-ups, or at least he has been for the last couple of episodes. Never a bad time to throw a wrinkle into everything with a little tension with the authority.
-Is it just me or has Jason Jordan been on fire as of recently? By on my fire I mean he’s doing a great job at making me want to watch him get his ass-kicked over his shoulders.
-The Bar may hold the tag-team gold, but they cannot score a victory over the Shield in singles action.
-After some outside drama within the Purple Brand, Cedric Alexander took advantage of a second opportunity in a Fatal-4 way qualifier. He will face the master of the power-point presentation Drew Gulak and the winner of that meets the Zo Train for the cruiserweight championship. Will Enzo be ringside to support one of his boys, or will he be too busy trying to WOO his new love interest Nia Jax? She is after all… not like most girls.
Coming to you live from Rhode Island it’s Monday Night Raw! Are you ready?
NOW CHECK OUT LAST WEEK’S COLUMN: WWE RAW PRIMER 12/11: Reigns vs. Cesaro, Seth vs. Sheamus, Joe vs. Dean, will Bray Wyatt be deleted, more with Kane and Braun
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