8 Big Concerns Ahead Of WWE Clash Of Champions 2017

7. Rawley Gets The Rocket Push

AJ Styles Jinder Mahal
WWE.com

The Hype Bros' split was a long, drawn out saga that drifted in and out of the WWE Universe's consciousness over several months, with the company conveniently ignoring their apparent tension for weeks at a time, only to have it re-emerge without warning. This haphazardness meant that Mojo Rawley's turn had next to no impact, and the former NFL practice squad member is now heading into this weekend's 'grudge match' against Zack Ryder with negative momentum.

Clash Of Champions will tell us much about the promotion's plans for Mojo. If he loses, he's going nowhere, but if he wins convincingly, there's a strong chance they're about to strap him to a rocket and push him to the moon. The first hints were dropped at WrestleMania 33, and a big-time heel run could now be on the cards.

Aside from Mojo and his immediate family, this is something nobody wants. His cringey character, cripplingly basic wrestling style, and stunted vocal delivery make him the most unengaging performer on SmackDown, and he'd plummet in a bigger spotlight. Such complaints haven't stopped WWE in the past, though (see: Mahal, Jinder).

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.