10 Things We Learned From Post-Payback WWE Raw (May 1)
8. A New Focus
Aping SmackDown Live!'s recent trajectory with their secondary title, Monday Night Raw cleverly shifted attention to Dean Ambrose's Intercontinental Title by facing up to the three hundred pound Minnesotan elephant in the room. Or not, as the case may be.
Brock Lesnar's literal absence from Raw since the post-WrestleMania edition of the show hasn't hurt a roster supposedly fighting for a crack at his title, but the complete lack of dialogue around 'The Beast' or the red strap over his shoulder has left Monday's topline crew looking rather vacant.
Seth Rollins and Finn Balor finally put the Universal Title at the top of their respective agendas in a promo face-off on this week's edition of the show, but interruptions from The Miz and 'The Lunatic Fringe' smartly channelled attention in the direction of Ambrose's current prize.
The segment served many masters, with Miz forcibly inserting himself into top title conversation, and the Intercontinental Title achieving elevation by the virtue of three top stars agreeing to battle just to earn a shot. Mirroring their blue brand counterparts, the babyfaces didn't disrespect the opportunity, with championship and performers alike experiencing gradual growth as a result.