Monday’s edition of WWE RAW, which takes place at the O2 Arena in London, England, should be an excellent show.
Being that Monday’s show is a rare England-based television taping, you would expect there to be a lot of energy in the crowd. WWE seems to be over on a different level in places like London and other top European-based markets.
Already confirmed for the show this Monday is a “big announcement” regarding the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Current champion — Daniel Bryan — has also been confirmed for the show, just four days after undergoing a neck operation.
Two matches have been announced, as John Cena will take on Luke Harper of The Wyatt Family, and The Usos will battle “The Brotherhood,” Goldust and Cody Rhodes.
And while Hulk Hogan hasn’t been announced for RAW, even though he is advertised for Tuesday’s SmackDown taping (which also takes place in London), there are rumors that “The Hulkster” may show up on Monday night as well.
Guys like Bad News Barrett — the new WWE Intercontinental Champion — should be super-over in a place like London. Cesaro should be over-like-Rover. And a special “Rosebuds” segment featuring Adam Rose and his partying groupies has been announced.
With a lot of energy in the market due to the ongoing WWE European tour, the momentum heading into Monday’s show in London should be awesome and result in a great television atmosphere.
After a bumpy start to the aforementioned tour, with Bryan and Roman Reigns suffering injuries early on, all of the top dogs on the roster will be on hand at Monday’s show.
The only negative to RAW this week is that it won’t be live. That, to me, makes a huge difference. There’s something about a live show that gives it an added dimension. The crowd, especially in WWE these days, is as big a character as any of the individual performers, and without the live atmosphere, that character hardly exists.
It should be an interesting night at the O2 Arena on Monday afternoon. What are your expectations heading into television this week? Leave your feedback in the “Comments” section below.
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