Seth Rollins’ gradual shift in character to the dark side has been about as well-executed and well- thought out as WWE creative could have planned. This is Reality Era-style booking because the premise of the story is deeply rooted in the way Seth conducts himself, particularly on social media.
He sticks out his neck for the company he loves. WWE is doing its absolute best to take full advantage of that; and if you asked me, creative’s doing an excellent job. The subplot with Mojo Rawley served to provide a healthy dose of comic relief during the development of a relatively serious storyline.
This Rollins heel turn will also go a long way in establishing The AOP as top villains in the company, potentially getting a title opportunity sooner rather than later against The Viking Raiders for the Raw Tag Team Championships. The feud between Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens was also escalated this week and even though no match between the two at TLC was announced, it would be reasonable for one anticipate a verbal altercation at the very least.
WWE seems to be re-establishing the friendship between Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch; it will also immediately result in them receiving a Women’s Tag Team Title match against The Kabuki Warriors. Vince McMahon reportedly would like both Asuka and Kairi Sane to work singles programs with Becky Lynch in the future, so it will go a long way toward establishing their credibility by working a match with The Man.
Congratulations to Batista on being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. He and Triple H were probably the two most badass superstars of the decade from 2000-2009. Batista’s final match against Triple H at WrestleMania 35 was probably the most well-executed final match I’ve ever seen because he clearly wasn’t hampered during the match or burned out from his career; and it showed because he was still able to give a great performance.
It’s not very much of an upset for Humberto Carillo to beat Andrade. Humberto’s incredible, and Andrade’s booked like a star but for whatever reason hasn’t picked up a lot of signature victories of late.
It was refreshing to see The Viking Raiders face an actual tag team rather than a couple of enhancements, but they still dominated. It was a little peculiar to see the Street Profits conduct a backstage segment right after that beatdown.
Several matches were confirmed for the TLC Pay-Per-View, including the previously mentioned Women’s Tag Team Championship match, Buddy Murphy vs. Aleister Black, the finally divorced Rusev vs. Bobby Lashley, and most likely AJ Styles vs. Randy Orton.
Orton cost AJ his focus in a United States Championship match against Rey Mysterio because he was looming as an ever-present threat to RKO him outta nowhere. All Orton did was go from messing with Ricochet’s head to doing the same thing with Styles; bottom line, it’s entertaining.