10 Booking Steps For WWE Raw (March 28)
Vince McMahon needs comeuppance for calling The Undertaker what he did...
It only seems like yesterday that WWE were hyping up the Royal Rumble pay-per-view and WrestleMania 32 loomed far off in the distance. Now, by the time the next episode of Monday Night Raw rolls around, the largest show of the entire year will be less than a full week away. Still, there are those who don't fully believe the company have done enough to effectively hype the major matches on 'Mania's main card.
That's where Raw comes in, because there needs to be a last-minute push to build excitement and intrigue for the top bouts. Most notably, there needs to be something booked to shed doubt on the idea of Roman Reigns definitely winning the WWE World Heavyweight Title. That seems to be the eventual plan going into the show, but it's one fans require some illusion of doubt regarding, otherwise Roman's match with Triple H will likely feel ominously flat.
One simple announcement on Raw can help soften the thought that Reigns vs. Triple H could end 'Mania on a decidedly unsavoury note. In addition to that, there also needs to be some care given to feuds involving the likes of Dean Ambrose and Brock Lesnar, as well as matches for both the WWE Intercontinental and United States Titles.
In other words, there's a lot to do, and WWE need to meet that fact head on.
10. Establish The Rock's Role At WrestleMania
WWE keep running hype footage featuring the simple message that Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson will be at WrestleMania, but there's no real indication as to what the man will be doing on the show. Will he simply be a guest host akin to 'Mania XXVII, or will 'The Great One' have a bigger role on the show? That must be established.
On Monday Night Raw, it should be revealed exactly what Rocky will be doing come WrestleMania. A few weeks ago, some on social media discussed the idea that the guy may well be Special Guest Referee for the Roman Reigns vs. Triple H match. WWE must tread carefully when it comes to aligning The Rock with Reigns, because that wasn't greeted with a favourable reaction when Roman won the 2015 Royal Rumble.
Should the company press ahead with the same plan to have The Rock raise the arm of Reigns, boos will probably follow. It's no use to have a megastar like this left with an unclear role days before 'Mania however, so whatever WWE have in mind they should do it quickly.