The news that Braun Strowman is expected back to WWE sooner rather than later is undoubtedly great for everyone. WWE fans get their monster back, Strowman’s push can resume, and his program with Reigns can pick up right where it left off. And it’s great for the WWE itself, and more importantly, it’s great for RAW.
The red brand’s ratings have seen significant drops lately, with many fans citing the missing championship, dull storylines, Chris Jericho’s absence and repetitive main events with the same superstars all as reasons for the decline.
But Strowman’s return will definitely give the show a much-needed boost, and here’s why:
Braun Strowman Is The Only Real Star RAW Has Made Since The Draft
Since the initial draft back in Summer 2016, it’s no secret that SmackDown LIVE has been excelling while the red brand hasn’t. The main reason for this is down to the fact that while RAW has been giving us more of the same each week; SmackDown has been changing things up and giving us fresh action with fresh stars.
The blue brand has created new legitimate stars — both from previously established main-eventers and from overlooked talent. When the shows parted ways, SmackDown allowed Dean Ambrose to become a legitimately great champion — a chance he was denied so many times before. Furthermore, they finally gave AJ Styles the spotlight he deserved with a well-earned title reign and undid a lot of damage WWE had done to Bray Wyatt by finally giving him some gold.
They’ve changed gears recently and are focusing on overlooked mid-carders like Tyler Breeze, Fandango and their new WWE Champion Jinder Mahal.
Read Also: Big Backstage Update on Braun Strowman’s WWE Return
While SmackDown has been busy doing this, RAW spent the majority of the past year featuring the same superstars in the same spots as they have to overcome the same odds. While they kicked things off right by focusing on Finn Balor — his injury would force them to place focus on Kevin Owens. But it just seemed like a lot of his championship reign became a vehicle for Seth Rollins and Triple H’s rivalry as well as Goldberg’s return. In the meantime, the likes of Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins found themselves in the title picture over and over again.
However, during this time, the red brand did produce one major star — Braun Strowman. Since going solo, the monster of a man has dominated everyone on the roster and even put on a really great match with the legendary Big Show. This man was no longer just an awe-inspiring spectacle; he could really move in the ring. And before long, it became clear that the mountain of a man was destined for great things on RAW, with fans becoming really invested in his physically intense rivalry with Roman Reigns. It’s unfortunate that his injury stalled all that, because without his monstrous presence, RAW has lost the one major star it managed to create since the brand split. But his impending return has come at just the right time, as the monster that the red brand created is needed.
He’s One Of The Few Legitimate Threats To Brock Lesnar
Let’s face it — unless you’re the Undertaker, Triple H or Goldberg, you aren’t heading into a fair fight against Brock Lesnar. The Beast Incarnate could easily dominate the vast majority of the current roster and now that he’s champion again, he needs some legitimate challengers.
While Samoa Joe will indeed prove a worthy adversary at Great Balls Of Fire, it’s highly likely that Lesnar will walk out the victor — especially as rumors suggest that their match is supposed to be a “one and done” scenario.
Now Lesnar being RAW’s champion hasn’t done the show any favors — his limited schedule means limited appearances for the champion. And if a draw like Lesnar isn’t on the show, then they risk low ratings. But alas, this champion needs challengers. And Braun Strowman’s return has come at just the right time.
While he will likely continue his program with Reigns, Strowman is reportedly facing Lesnar at SummerSlam. And due to the excellent way that he has been built up over the past year on RAW, there is no doubt that Strowman is a more than credible threat to Lesnar. And that’s exactly what we need.
Brock can put on a great match when up against someone he can’t manhandle as easily — less suplexes — and the thought of the Beast losing his title will have fans tuning in — some to see him lose, some to see him win and others who will be eager to see if the full-time Strowman takes the belt off Lesnar.
The Beast will eventually have to drop the belt to a full-time superstar, and right now, there isn’t a more believable champion on the red brand than Braun Strowman.
Whether you’re a fan of him or not, there’s no doubt about it: RAW needs Braun Strowman.
Do you think RAW is in need of Strowman? Let us know in the comments below!
