We're a week deep into the SuperStar Shakeup and it looks like the ointment is taking effect. There's a tingling happening. A noticeable new smoothness. We're seeing a handful of once-lesser Superstars really benefit from the the whole RAW/SmackDown switcheroo switchback.
The most notable, naturally, is Jinder Mahal, though I can't help but cringe at the fact that WWE's doing a whole "evil foreigner/xenophobia" angle in this particular political climate. Yes, this heel caricature has been a part of wrestling practically since its inception, but this isn't exactly the best time to dry hump that old chestnut. That being said, it's still technically appropriate to chant "USA!" when Jinder comes out because he's from Canada, though we know that's not why people are chanting it.
This week though, on SmackDown Live, we saw Breezango win a funky 'Beat the Clock" door prize (the concept feels weird with tag teams, and with only two matches) and get a shot at the Usos' tag titles. I'm not sure why these two were pushed into the babyface limelight, but I'm glad they're getting a push of some sort. SmackDown has some great teams, but the two-hour show limit usually means that most tag matches are quick and dirty five minute affairs and that benefits no one. I can't even decide if that's better than just skipping the tag team division one week - which they've also totally done.
Anyhow, with New Day on delay, Breezango, who honestly should just get totally rebranded as Fashion Police, now get a big bump to the main event scene while Naomi, who was already women's champ, has gotten a huge rub from Charlotte. In fact, the whole SmackDown women's division feels elevated just because of all the work they did on RAW to create this huge legacy aura around Charlotte. Having Charlotte there, and having Naomi go the distance with her in the main event (this week's match didn't get a real finish, which was kind of great) just really helps lift the division. As does the fact that her mere presence there has created a mini mean chick rebellion.
Plus, and this doesn't mean they'll find more success on SmackDown, but the Shining Stars got to drop their shady time share/resort gimmick and add a little more grim girth to their entrance theme. Also, Erick Rowan, with his new post-apocalyptic livestock packaging is getting some quality singles time. Which sounds saucier than it should.
Moving to RAW, though, Alexa Bliss is fitting in nicely. As are Miz and Maryse. Also, Drifter drifterbombing people backstage has become my new favorite drift that Drifter does. It's kind of what I look forward to the most these days, if I'm totally honest with you guys. And you all know that I let out a small squee (and a little pee) when it seemed like Drifter was going to be Miz's tag team partner. I was bet-the-mortgage ALL IN on that.
But I also was like "too soon, too soon." Keep him drifting. Because the moment Drifter stops drifting and steps in that ring, the countdown clock starts. That dreadful tick down of a fun NXT gimmick failing and flailing on RAW. As long as he's drifting, he's safe. Which is probably why he drifts in the first place. It's a defense mechanism that he has in place to protect his heart.
The big news on RAW though, aside from Seth Rollins debuting his new Kenny Omega-style finisher and Dean Ambrose and Chris Jericho both burying the hatchet in the name of s***ing all over Miz's hopes and dreams, was Bray Wyatt apparating into the main event, as Miz's partner (I guess), and Sister Abigailing the holy heck out of everyone. Including Miz. Because Miz is, purposefully, such a wonderful jerk biscuit that even his fellow heels hate him.
BUT, that whole segment made my embattled brain revisit the whole "Bray Wyatt as a babyface" scenario. Bray Wyatt, who basically gets a babyface reception every time he comes out, could easily become a bigger babyface on RAW than Seth Rollins, who people are still apprehensive to fully cheer. Bray came out in this week's final segment, cleaned house, and ruled the roost.
The crowd loved it. As they also loved when he won the WWE Championship clean in the middle of the Elimination Chamber. He could totally rise up and become an "unlikely" hero for RAW - considering that the show's top hero, Roman Reigns, gets loudly and viciously booed every time his music hits. Or every time he just, you know, sits in a chair backstage. Or appears, momentarily, in a flash, on the TitanTron during a commercial. And this is the top babyface. Meanwhile, the mushy marsh monster who gets a hero's welcome whenever he gators out to the ring is supposed to be the devil. Give the people what they swamp!
Continue on for more on Bray Wyatt and RAW...
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