TOP 3 DEVELOPMENTS – RAW 10/15: Snowflake Dean, Breaking Saudi News, Ronda Gets Personal

SNOWFLAKE DEAN…

Recap: The show opened with Dolph Ziggler, Braun Strowman, and Drew McIntyre in the ring. Dolph bragged about the three men being the greatest, and Drew said they didn’t need nicknames or vests. Dolph then cued up a video showing the Shield’s defeat last week followed by Ambrose walking off. The three discussed the package and attempted to sow FUD about the future of the Shield as as unit.

Dolph and Drew then discussed their World Cup Qualifier matches tonight. While each man complimented the other, they also each claimed to be better than the other. Braun Strowman defused the tension by changing the subject.

Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins then came to the top of the ramp. Seth talked about the Shield being alive and united, but Dolph pointed out the lack of Dean Ambrose. Seth responded that Dean works on Ambrose time and would show up when he wanted. Roman told Braun that after Crown Jewel, he’d be moving to the back of the line. Seth then called for his qualifier match against Drew to begin immediately, which it did.

The crowd was fairly cold for the match. Dolph acted as a distraction multiple times. Eventually Dean Ambrose ambushed Dolph to take him out of the picture. Drew went outside to help, but Seth took advantage of Drew being distracted to hit the Curb Stomp on the outside. Seth then rolled back into the ring to win by count out.

After the match, the Shield were celebrating backstage. Seth referenced Dean’s surprise appearance by joking that he was on “lunatic time.” In 2018 fashion, Dean took immediate  offense at being called a lunatic, accusing Roman and Seth of only thinking he was good for laughs until they needed to be bailed out. He then stormed off.

Later Dean faced Dolph Ziggler in a World Cup Qualifier. Late in the match, Drew ran out while Ambrose was on the top rope. Seth ran out as Dean hit a dive onto Drew. As Seth tried to help Dean up, Dean shoved him away. Michael Cole cast doubt as to whether Dean knew it was Seth pulling him up. Dean then rolled into the ring right into a Superkick and Dolph pin.

After the match, Seth entered the ring and asked Dean what his problem was. Dean blew him off and went up the ramp. Seth chased him. They got into a shoving match, which was broken up by Roman. Baron Corbin then came out and announced that the Shield would have a tag rematch from last week against Drew, Dolph, and Braun.

In another backstage segment, the heels discussed the Shield’s dissension. Drew told Braun that while he would normally be focused on Roman, tonight it was important to take out all three members of the Shield. Braun was irrirated at being told what to do, and informed Drew and Dolph that if they screwed up, they’d “get these hands.”

In the main event, neither team was on the same page. Dean and Seth bumped into each other twice, almost ending in a Dirty Deeds to Seth the second time. Braun and Drew argued over tags, and Drew later knocked into him. At the end of the match, Dolph went for the Ziag Zag on Roman, but Dean and Seth caught him for a Triple Powerbomb to get the win. The Shield left in good spirits.

After the match, Braun gave Dolph a powerslam as “punishment.” Drew then hit Braun with the Claymore.

Evaluation: All three heels got good heat in the opening segment, which is a good sign. On the flipside, the crowd booed whenever Roman took the mic, so Braun’s heat has not yet translated to full face status for Roman.

The opening segment wasn’t bad, but the crowd was somewhat cold to it, as well as the opening match. The dissension angle may have run long enough that WWE must be careful that the fans don’t tire of it. The crowd did heat up for it by the main event. All of the different conflict angles also got a little confusing during the main event.

Forecast: The heels breaking up is too obvious right now and would weaken the Crown Jewel main event. I would expect the teams to stay together through the Crown Jewel main event.

BREAKING NEWS FROM SAUDI ARABIA…

Recap: Shortly before Raw began tonight, it was reported to be likely that the Saudi government plans to release a formal report stating that the death of Jamal Khashoggi was the result of an interrogation gone wrong which was carried out by rogue operatives without Saudi government authorization.

The report is not yet released and plans could change.

Evaluation: WWE’s response tonight was to hype Crown Jewel throughout the night without mentioning the location of the show. The idea was likely to put off making any decisions about the location of the show for now. That strategy mostly worked, as there was no negative crowd reaction at all.

Forecast: For the US government, in determining an appropriate response to recent events there are complex second order effects to be considered (such as the parties that would fill any power vacuum caused by a weakening of the Saudi government). This paragraph is not to be read as defending US-Saudi relationship, or as an acceptance of sweeping a murder under the rug. It’s simply an acknowledgement of the motivations that will likely lead the government to take some time in planning a response.

Unlike the government, WWE doesn’t have to worry about heavy global implications when deciding to continue or cease business with Saudi royalty. It also can’t take its time in planning a response, as Crown Jewel is rapidly approaching. Whether right or wrong, WWE’s decision will likely revolve solely around weighing any public relations negativity against the expected revenue from ten years of shows. The recent events have greatly changed the calculus as compared to when the first Saudi show took place a few months ago.

If the report is in fact released, it will likely provide sufficient cover for the show to take place in Saudi Arabia as planned. I would guess that the segments praising the government itself would likely be cut. If Comcast Corp (NBCUniversal) or Fox raise any issues, however, I would then expect WWE to drop the Saudi shows like a hot potato.

SURPRISINGLY PERSONAL PROMO FROM RONDA…

Recap: At the top of the second hour, Ronda Rousey came to the ring. She recapped being betrayed by the Bellas last week, and demanded they come to the ring to explain themselves.

The Bellas came to the top of the ramp and said Ronda wasn’t owed an explanation. They said they couldn’t watch Ronda at the forefront of WWE and that she didn’t deserve the title shot she received. Nikki said that they were the ones that made the word “Diva” mean something, and that they were responsible for the women and girls in the crowd.

Ronda explained that she originally tried to be respectful toward the Bellas despite the fact that their Divas era made her sick. She then tore into them, stating that they only cared about fame. She said they had no talent and leeched off their men. When Nikki interrupted to say the Bellas had broken down doors, Ronda said the only door she had broken down was the one to John Cena’s bedroom, the same door he used to throw her out.

The Bellas teased coming down the ramp, but sent a security team instead. Ronda dispatched the entire security team while the Bellas ran away.

Evaluation: I’ve written many times in this column that I find Ronda Rousey bizarre and unlikable, but this was the best delivery I’ve seen from her to date. The Bellas were also great heels here. The heel persona fits them much better.

I was surprised at how deep the promo cut, especially the digs at Nikki’s relationship with John Cena.

Forecast: Ronda Rousey wins at Evolution.

RANDOM THOUGHTS…

Finn Balor vs Jinder Mahal sure didn’t feel like a match between a former WWE Champion and a former Universal Champion….

NOW CHECK OUT LAST WEEK’S COLUMN: TOP 3 DEVELOPMENTS – RAW 10/8: DX Reunites, Lashley Turns Heel, More Breakup Tension