4 Ups & 5 Downs From WWE Monday Night Raw (17 November - Results & Review)
3. A Paint-By-Numbers Angle
One of the biggest criticisms leveled against Paul Levesque as a booker is that he’s unimaginative and doesn’t take big risks. His predictability and simple story flow can be a positive – especially in a company that long catered to the whims of a deranged septuagenarian – but it also can be a huge detriment when the moment calls for creativity.
The women’s WarGames match took a detour last week on SmackDown when Charlotte Flair walked out, refusing to team with Rhea Ripley. Monday night, Alexa Bliss gave a “after all we’ve been through” speech in the ring, pleading with her “best friend” to stand by her side.
Cue the heels, as all four surrounded the ring, only for Ripley and Iyo Sky to run down for the save. This sounds awfully similar to what happened in the main event angle… but it was four-on-three, so the heels took control, until Charlotte ran down for the save with a kendo stick.
It was the most predictable outcome the moment Flair walked out. Of course the heels would have a temporary edge, which would convince Charlotte to get over her apprehension, join the face team, and go to war. The only thing they didn’t do was have a miscommunication spot between Rhea and Charlotte – though that could be coming later during Survivor Series.
This wasn’t poor, but it was just an unimaginative, predictable segment that ended up exactly where it could have ended last week and where everyone knew it was going to end.