Ok, now let’s look at where all that could lead. And ahead
is not so much a strict timetable of events as a spread of possible programs
and alliances coming out of a Wrestlemania
main event won by Roman Reigns, backed by a suddenly reformed Shield.
Just a quick recap of the Wrestlemania fantasy I’ve etched
into my mind, which can be read in full here.
Wade Barrett retained the intercontinental championship
title after interference from Sheamus.
The Authority disbanded after Sting defeated Triple H.
Cena won the US championship title from Rusev.
The Shield ostensibly reformed, with Rollins and Ambrose
assisting Reigns in achieving victory over Lesnar.
Now then, let’s look at the opening moments of RAW that
would follow all this.
The original Shield music hits and Roman Reigns comes out
carrying the heavyweight title belt. He gets halfway down the ramp, then stops,
looks back, and Rollins and Ambrose soon follow. The three make their way to
the ring and pace the canvas. Reigns teases the buzz in the crowd. Says he
promised he would win the title at Wrestlemania, but didn’t say how. Raises
questions about there being possible premeditation, then gives the mic to
Rollins. Rollins suggests the fans must have many questions. That they don’t
owe an explanation to anyone, but will clear some things up. He made a mistake,
bet on the wrong team. Talks trash about the Authority’s lack of organization.
Asks if he would do it again? Says, maybe… Is he sorry? He apologizes for
nothing. He simply saw the writing on the wall, realized it made sense in that
moment to help return the most dominant team in WWE’s history to power, and
yesterday is the result. Rollins teases talking about the Money In the Bank
briefcase.
But first Ambrose takes the mic. Says the fans must wonder
how he could possibly go along with this plan? Could he possibly trust Rollins?
Like Rollins? Is he crazy? He says, you know I’m crazy. He doesn’t know if he
will ever trust Rollins again and may go on continually watch his back. But he
realizes the two have something in common, always have: The desire above all
else to be the best. He also realized that the three men standing in the ring,
when on the same page, are unstoppable.
Rollins says now about this briefcase. He does see a need to
take some responsibility for his actions last year. So he will use the
briefcase as an insurance policy. If someone comes after the title, somehow
manages to get the belt through nefarious means, Rollins will be there to cash
in and claim it back. But, in the more likely turn of events that Reigns and
The Shield hold off all comers, then the day the briefcase run expires, he will
cash in and make a match against Reigns in a match that, no matter the outcome
The Shield wins. And it will be the most incredible title match in WWE history.
Other gears set in motion…
A new heel faction rises to power, which Wade 'Bad News' Barrett
assumes leadership of. At some point, he and Sheamus discuss a planned
collusion between them. They complain about the lack of opportunity they have
long experienced because of their proud European heritage, that out of jealousy
they have been held back, and often distracted by being made to fight amongst
themselves. But no more. The future is theirs and their name is the European
Union (negotiable). Their ranks will be joined by Cesaro, and possibly Tyson
Kidd because, Europe, Canada…close enough! Adrian Neville can join the RAW
roster and quickly join them, adding a high flyer to the team. They can also
get the allegiance of Rusev.
Does this seem too cliché? Is a nationalistic anti-American
gimmick too passé in 2015? It’s one of the hottest going stories around Rusev’s
run right now. And also, the sentiment can be made more subtle here. However,
there could be a touch of reality lent to it when you consider the core among
this group really haven’t had a lasting successful push. This is especially
signified by Cesaro and those famous words directed his way when Vince McMahon
went on the Stone Cold podcast.
The Shield could continue its dominant run as babyfaces with
an edge, or a group that fights both heels and faces (what a concept). Reigns
could contend with a round of top tier oponents like Rusev and Bray Wyatt. With
momentum from Wrestlemania, Wyatt could win the title from Reigns by way of a
lot of tricks and outside interference, perhaps 1-22 months after Wrestlemania.
Rollins could cash in the briefcase the next day on RAW and win the title back
for The Shield, giving him a boost of main event star power.
Rollins could also feud with Neville in competitive bouts of
agility and high spot-filled matches.
Sheamus could feud with Bryan, or whomever he caused to lose
the IC title match at Wrestlemania.
Cena could challenge the increasingly influential European
Union heel faction. He and Barrett could have a match to unify the IC and US
titles, with the winner’s title being the dominant one and the loser’s title
being retired. And, with interference aplenty, Barrett could win that match,
gaining a push for his group. Leading up to it, promos could be run emphasizing
the prestigious history of both belts.
-------
There you have it. A
change in direction. A call back to a very successful faction that ended too
soon. A fade away of ineffective characters like Big Show and Kane (what, you
thought I forgot them?), and a rise to power of new stars.
What do you think??
Let me know in the comments. Or
Twitter: @MondoCurryMARK
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