6 Ups & 5 Downs From Last Night's WWE Raw (Nov 20)

2. Brace Yourselves

Let's preface this entry by stating that Roman Reigns is a fantastic performer. He is, without question, one of the best main event-level wrestlers in the company, and an underrated in-ring storyteller with an unjustifiably large army of detractors who are blind to his positive traits. Reigns is unquestionably flawed, and not suited to the 'top face' role he's been thrust into, but pretending that he's sub-par is ridiculous.

That being said, his push is pure poison.

'The Big Dog' became a Grand Slam Champion in defeating The Miz for the WWE Intercontinental Title last night. Making him look strong has once again become the company's primary focus. Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins' shift to background characters is well underway, with The Shield's successful reunion taking a backseat to Reigns' indomitable surge through the card, culminating in his Universal Title win at WrestleMania 34.

Sadly, we know exactly what we're in for. Expect a retread of Reigns' run as United States Champion in 2016, with him routinely burying unfortunate midcarders (Miz may well be this year's Rusev), before losing the IC Title under screwy circumstances, then going after the big red belt.