10 Reasons You Should Be Watching WWE Mixed Match Challenge
4. Unusual Face-Heel Dynamics
The clear dividing line between babyfaces and heels is fuzzier than it has ever been, largely as a result of defiant fans refusing to cheer or boo as directed by WWE. However, the roster of the company is still split between the nominal good guys and the nominal bad guys, with every thrown together eight-man tag a reminder of how every babyface is supposed to be on the same side, against every heel.
In that environment, squeaky clean Bayley would never join forces with the arrogant Elias and the fiery fair play of Becky Lynch would run a mile from the nauseating irritant that Sami Zayn has become. That's not the case in Mixed Match Challenge, which eschews traditional boundaries and exists in its own little side-canon where any alliance is possible.
There's something thrilling about seeing these people battle together in the ring. Bayley's attempts to join in on Elias's latest hit song were compelling and the strange dynamic between Lynch and Zayn was a joy to watch. Meanwhile, Miz's attempts to bring out the arrogant side of partner Asuka point to the kind of character change that stuck in NXT and could do so again on the main roster. That sort of intrigue definitely merits watching.