8 Big Concerns Heading Into WWE No Mercy 2017
Pouring cold water on an over-hyped card.
Taking place this Sunday night (24 September), No Mercy 2017 is WWE's first Raw-branded pay-per-view in over two months.
Headlined by two bouts with genuine WrestleMania main event potential in Brock Lesnar vs. Braun Strowman and John Cena vs. Roman Reigns, the show carries a considerable amount of hype. For the most part, WWE have done a great job in building towards what has traditionally been a B-level PPV, and if it delivers upon its full potential, No Mercy could finish as one of the year's strongest shows.
That's a big 'if', though. Unfortunately, WWE's 2017 has been characterised by PPVs that have promised much, but delivered little. Derailed by a myriad of oddball booking decisions and lacklustre matches, shows like Battleground and SummerSlam ultimately left fans disappointed, and said fans would be wise to temper their expectations accordingly.
WWE's recent form is just one of many reasons to be cautious. No Mercy's card looks strong, but a closer examination reveals a number of potential problems. The show's never going to be perfect, but even a handful of bad decisions would continue the theme of tepid 2017 PPVs, leaving the fanbase disappointed once more.
8. Rushing Jason Jordan
Jason Jordan's singles push hasn't worked. The former American Alpha man has been unable to connect with the audience on any meaningful level since being unveiled at Kurt Angle's son, and while it's still too early to call the project a write-off, it wouldn't be a stretch to say it's been an abject failure thus far.
Saddled with a cheesy, '80s-style smiling babyface gimmick, Jordan showed good fire in standing up for his father on this week's Raw, but that was the first time he's exhibited any personality since switching brands. His crowd reactions are non-existent, and while he'll benefit from going up against WWE's most effective heel this weekend, he needs to lose.
In his current form, Jordan would kill the Intercontinental Title division. The belt isn't in great shape at the moment, but having Miz as champion at least gives fans a reason to care, but this would evaporate with Jason at the helm. He just isn't connecting, and if you give the audience a champion they don't give a damn about, they'll lose interest in the belt too.
Sadly, the way WWE treat their midcard belts means such a move may well be on the cards.