TOP 3 DEVELOPMENTS – RAW 1/29: Women’s Rumble Aftermath, More Destruction from Braun, Cena is headed to Elimination Chamber, more

The Women’s Rumble Aftermath…

Recap: The show opened with a long montage of media coverage for Rhonda Rousey’s appearance at Royal Rumble. Stephanie came down the ramp to recap last night’s PPV. She then called Asuka to the ring to let her know that before she chose her WrestleMania opponent, she should know that Alexa Bliss would be defending the Raw Women’s Title in an Elimination Chamber match at the next PPV.

Sasha Banks came down the ramp to challenge Asuka to a match.

Later in the show, Asuka and Sasha had a very strong match which ended with Asuka escaping the Banks Statement into an Asuka Lock for the win.

Evaluation: This was the best Asuka match I’ve seen since she’s been called up to the main roster. After so many Raws full of pointless multi-woman matches, it’s a great sign that WWE gave us an extended one on one match between two women on a Raw. I’m hoping that the injection of Rhonda Rousey into the women’s division is spurring a renewed emphasis on the division in general, causing it to be booked in a more traditional fashion. A women’s division with real storylines and more one on one matches is worth it even if it means that we don’t have time for every single woman on television every single week.

Forecast: Regardless of which show Rhonda Rousey ends up joining, let’s hope this is the start of more emphasis on the division, manifested in traditional wrestling booking for the women’s feuds.

More Destruction from Braun…

Recap: In the first of three qualifying matches for the Elimination Chamber match next month, Braun Strowman overturned not just the announcer’s table onto Kane, but the entire staging platform on which the table and chairs sit. After the stunt, Corey Graves interviewed Braun, who said he was simply doing his job, to cheers from the crowd. Kurt Angle furiously approached Braun afterwards, shocked and dismayed at Braun’s destruction. Braun shouted that Angle was lucky he didn’t do more considering the match had a Last Man Standing stipulation.

Evaluation: Frankly Braun was right! This continues the pattern of Kurt Angle looking like a doofus, as given his history no reasonable person would have expected Braun to not do something crazy when given a Last Man Standing stipulation. A GM seeking to control Braun’s destruction would at least give the referee the tool of ending the match by disqualification, an option taken off the table in a Last Man Standing match.

Forecast: I feel like a spoil sport saying this, but we’re quickly running out of heavy stuff for Braun Strowman to tip over. This gimmick can’t possibly last that much longer. The real test for Braun will be seeing him in angles where he needs to do more than simply destroy heavy stuff.

Cena is Headed to the E-Chamber…

Recap: In the main event, John Cena faced off against Finn Balor for a slot in the Elimination Chamber. Throughout the match, Cena looked frustrated by the negative crowd reaction. In the end, Cena won with a Super Attitude Adjustment.

Evaluation: The outcome of the Elimination Chamber is a foregone conclusion, with Reigns going over to take his place in the WrestleMania main event against Brock Lesnar. In that sense, putting Cena over Finn makes sense, as WWE will want to limit the number of popular wrestlers facing off against Roman Reigns in the Chamber. The type of fans who boo Reigns would be the same type to likely cheer Finn Balor, so keeping Balor out of the Chamber helps get Reigns over as a face in the match (at least in theory). Those same fans are less likely to have an affinity for John Cena.

Forecast: The bright side here is that Finn Balor had a long, competitive match with Cena even in losing. This should bode well for him going forward. If Undertaker really is not competing at WrestleMania, I would like to see the Cena-Balor rematch at WrestleMania.

Random Thoughts…

-Raw had a totally different feel tonight. There were new graphics. Jonathan Coachman replaced Booker T on commentary. Roman Reigns and the Miz had a fantastic Intercontinental Title match. Sasha Banks and Asuka finally had the type of women’s segment I’ve been waiting for. And the show in general was actually stacked. Tonight felt important, like the Raws of old. Imagine how good it would’ve been if it were two hours instead of three. Here’s looking at you, News Corp….

-The only two plausible winners for Mixed Match Challenge are Asuka’s team or Braun’s team, depending only on whether the final pin is made by a man or woman….

NOW CHECK OUT LAST WEEK’S COLUMN: TOP 3 DEVELOPMENTS – RAW 1/22: Miz wins Intercontinental Title, Undertaker is Vague, Strowman is Last Man Standing