8 Ups & 7 Downs From Last Night's WWE Raw (Nov 5)

2. Ambrose's Long Game

Dean Ambrose Seth Rollins
WWE.com

WWE wisely dialled down on using Roman Reigns' leukaemia as part of the Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose feud last night. It was mentioned, but nowhere near as heavily as the previous week, and while incorporating it does make narrative sense, this company don't always handle the serious stuff particularly well. They're better off leaving it alone.

Ambrose hit the ring immediately after Rollins' loss, teasing his former partner and the audience with answers. None were forthcoming, though. Instead, Ambrose downed Seth with a Dirty Deeds, leaving him lying in the ring, and Michael Cole prodding Dean's partner, Renee Young, for clues on his motivations.

This came off extremely well. It would've been easy for WWE to jump to instant gratification by having Ambrose shortcut to his answers, but just like last year's Shield reunion angle, the writers are showing restraint. The payoff will be stronger for it, though they'll eventually need to deliver variety if they're to keep the heat going.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.