This week’s episode of WWE RAW continued the build that last week’s pre-recorded UK show built on, focusing on the war between the Authority and John Cena, and their main event match at Sunday’s Survivor Series PPV.
Like last week, multiple segments throughout the show emphasized the systematic destruction of Team Cena one-by-one, successfully promoting the feeling that the eternal underdog has “no chance in hell”.
Dolph Ziggler lost his Intercontinental title to the repackaged Luke Harper, just two weeks after Sheamus dropped the U.S. title to Rusev. These moves showcase the “real” stakes in this 5-on-5 elimination match, and further pound in place the Authority’s message that anyone who helps John Cena is committing career suicide.
Ziggler is still the wild card, in my opinion. He has been beaten down more times than anyone, and each time his fearless captain was nowhere to be seen. Instead, the focus was on getting Ryback signed up for the battle, making Dolph appear – perhaps intentionally – as the afterthought. Don’t be surprised (or do, that’s part of the fun) if the “Showoff” turns his back on Team Cena this Sunday.
