WWE TLC: Post-Payback Raw show breathes life into every division

Barnaby Read 13:51 19/05/2015
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  • Cena (l), Rollins and Owens (bottom r) have shaken things up in WWE.

    It is a rare treat for each WWE title to be fiercely contest between a number of superb in-ring performers who can all master the mic.

    These periods of time are to be savoured like a keenly contest Premier League title run-in.

    To see the most talented athletes in the world peaking at the same time and bringing real character to the screen is what makes premier athletic events so exciting.

    At present, the WWE is just that: exciting.

    While Brock Lesnar remains conspicuous in his absence since losing the title at WrestleMania and crowd favourite Daniel Bryan is out for the foreseeable future, the rest of the WWE roster is flourishing. 

    The battle between former Shield members Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns (and their brief reunification at Payback) has softened the blow of not seeing the dominant Lesnar take opponents to Suplex City.

    Sheamus’ return to the ring and his face-off with man-mountain Ryback have equally negated Bryan’s enforced exit.

    And no sooner had we said goodbye to the John Cena-Rusev rivalry than two cracking prospective storylines were thrust upon us.

    While Lana’s turn-face was a long time coming, the love shown to her by the WWE Universe and the hatred directed at Rusev has made the shift one that has united fans. With Lana seemingly picking Dolph Ziggler as her new fighter, you can be sure of an ensuing rivalry that will draw great response from the stands.

    The less expected change of paths came to Cena.

    The United States champion was on Raw greeted by NXT title holder Kevin Owen who ended up putting Cena on his backside and sending a strong message in his first performance of note on the main show.

    A great deal of credit must go to the performers who are currently providing some of the best in-ring work for some time. Equally, WWE Creative deserve a huge pat on the back for maintaining such momentum.

    Similar to the Raw that followed WrestleMania, this week’s PPV follow-up built on the feuds that developed and instantly geared viewers towards Elimination Chamber.

    Some of that momentum was lost in the ensuing weeks after WrestleMania and you hope that is not the case this time around.

    Considering the chemistry the current roster has, it will be an opportunity missed if that is the case.

    MOVE OF THE WEEK – The Shield triple powerbomb

    For many this was the highlight of this week’s PPV. Seeing Shield briefly reunite was a great sight and brought back some superb memories of the faction’s utter dominance in the WWE.

    TWEETS OF THE WEEK – #LanaFightsBack

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