The WWE Universe has exploded since last night’s close to RAW. Vince McMahon shocked fans when, despite Becky Lynch’s apology to both HHH and Stephanie, he changed up the Wrestlemania 35 headline event by suspending The Man, and inserting Charlotte Flair into the RAW Women’s Championship match against Ronda Rousey.
WWE fans have not been quiet about wanting to see Lynch versus Rousey close the Grandest Stage of Them All. While the plan for months seemed to hint that Ronda was going to face Flair at Wrestlemania, the wave around this storyline hit a snag with Lynch’s rise in popularity after SummerSlam. It was a heel turn that went wrong, yet oh-so right, with Becks hitting “Stone Cold” Steve Austin popularity heights nearing the end of 2018. When Lynch was scheduled to face The Baddest Woman on the Planet at Survivor Series, fans began to question why this couldn’t be a Wrestlemania-calibre bout, and to further cause a plot twist, when this match was scrapped due to a botched-up punch by Nia Jax during the lead up to the pay-per-view (thus breaking Lynch face mere days before the big event), we all could feel the momentum both Rousey and Becks created was pointing to a Wrestlemania-worthy program.
Going to RAW again this week. Hope I have another one of these special moments with Ronnie. pic.twitter.com/PF7VeunIW6
— The Man (@BeckyLynchWWE) February 9, 2019
The powers that be tried to insert Charlotte into the storyline with her attack on Rousey at Survivor Series; however, while I do adore and respect Flair for what she’s accomplished in the ring, it’s clear that the fans don’t want to see a triple threat match at WM between these women, rather a one-on-one.
Wow, I didn’t realize that so many of you didn’t want me in the match. Taking that into account, I’ll be asking management to remove me effectively immediately.
J/K
I could not possibly care less what you think ?
— Charlotte Flair (@MsCharlotteWWE) February 12, 2019
Fast forward to last night, where VKM laid a 60-day suspension on Lynch, thus taking her out of WM and adding Charlotte Flair. Do I think this will stick? Do I believe that it’ll even be turned into a triple threat match after all? Am I questioning WWE officials and their promise to give the fans what they want?
I’m going to #WrestleMania…
ISN’T THIS EXCITING?!?!
? #RAW pic.twitter.com/BSJwPlFGCq
— Charlotte Flair (@MsCharlotteWWE) February 12, 2019
My answer to all these questions is a big no; however, I do believe that the plot twist in this storyline adds one more layer of struggle for Becky Lynch, one more obstacle to hurdle over, as she inches her way closer to Wrestlemania and making history. It is reminiscent of Daniel Bryan’s Road to Wrestlemania 30; his roadblocks, his stumbles, his obstacles placed in the way by The Authority, the fan outcry, his triumph, his ultimate Wrestlemania success.
It seems @VinceMcMahon has chosen a side for #WrestleMania…and it’s with THE QUEEN @MsCharlotteWWE! #RAW pic.twitter.com/u8XCjdF44P
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) February 12, 2019
In fact, in many ways, the WWE is telling a story that many fans truly believe. One that portrays a crazy and stuck-in-his-old-ways Chairman; whom favors Flair because of her family tree, and consistently gives her opportunities; a boss that doesn’t want to see Lynch anywhere near Wrestlemania or the main event, and is willing to play dirty at any costs; one that is trying to figure any way he can to bring his idea to fruition; one that is getting his way, and exerting his power, because he can.
And when Lynch succeeds in reverting the match back to a singles’ bout, ends up closing the show with Rousey, and becoming new RAW women’s champion, the close to this chapter in the story will so much sweeter for the fans.
When I say “not a prediction, it’s a spoiler.” It’s not my gimmick, catchphrase or shtick. It’s a SPOILER!
2 years ago, I stated @MsCharlotteWWE would be the 1st woman to main event @WWE @WrestleMania.
It wasn’t a prediction. It was a spoiler!https://t.co/cfi7XkmujG
— Paul Heyman (@HeymanHustle) February 12, 2019
Since the McMahon family has returned to WWE television, they’ve all played a bit too nice-nice. Shane has been a face since he returned to the WWE 2016, but with him as an exception, the other three have been trying hard to play “good and fair”. HHH has always flopped both for the heels and faces; however, Vince and Stephanie for the most part play that evil boss to the proverbial “T”. To be frank, I’ve found this fair play from the family a tad boring, not so much from HHH, but certainly from Steph and Vince.
Got some new earrings to match that brass ring I own. https://t.co/9wdxbRgoYW
— The Man (@BeckyLynchWWE) January 30, 2019
With that said, VKM’s announcement that closed RAW was out of left field. With two more months until Wrestlemania, this storyline needs more than bantering between Becks and Rousey on television and social media; after all, the WWE Universe has seen plenty of that since November. If the idea is for Lynch to not only make it to Mania in a singles’ bout environment, but defeat the “unstoppable” Rousey, then a plot twist like McMahon’s announcement was needed to keep the storyline compelling, fresh, and keep us fans invested.
And so they have. I’m not sure how Becky Lynch will turn this back into a one-on-one, but it will happen, and this wrestling fan can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.
