WWE Raw: 10 Things You Might Have Missed (Oct 16)
2. Well Oiled
WWE's inability to protect characters that need support the most subsequently makes it seem quite a shock when they actually concentrate on midcard preservation. Such was the case this week, as Curtis Axel saw himself play a major role in setting up the evening's final twist even if it meant taking a sh*t-kicking from The Shield.
When Kurt Angle's declaration of the main event stipulation cracked open a window for the heels to employ use of a fifth man, Axel was the obvious choice - not least when The Miz smartly capitalised on a small chant that broke out for the son of Mr Perfect.
As he has done every week since joining The Miztourage, Axel maximised his minutes and almost became a figure of sympathy after Braun Strowman called his bluff backstage.
Alongside Bo Dallas, Curtis has been supreme as a snivelling lackey for the phenomenal Intercontinental Champion, and has done enough to justify at least a failed run-in on behalf of his comrades. To have pulled his career around in such a short time deserves the creative commendation he was finally granted.