Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio is reporting that this week’s episode of WWE Monday Night RAW was booked very last minute. It was noted that the major factor for this was Seth Rollins not being cleared this week. Meltzer noted RAW was initially supposed to be very Seth Rollins-heavy. RAW Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey was also supposed to work a squash match with Alexa Bliss.
However, she worked a more long-form match against Ruby Riott instead. As for the recent NXT call-ups, this was a Vince McMahon call in reaction to ratings. McMahon wanted to add some great wrestlers to RAW and called up the four top stars in NXT. Due to a miscommunication, however, Triple H was not aware of this move. The decision was made last week.
For now, the plan is for Tomasso Ciampa, Johnny Gargano, Ricochet, and Aleister Black to work all three brands (Monday Night RAW, SmackDown Live, NXT). In Ricochet’s debut, he was initially supposed to face Intercontinental Champion Finn Balor. But Triple H was able to get that match changed considering both men are babyfaces. Having Balor beat Ricochet in his debut match wouldn’t be the best first impression on the main roster.
Adjustments to the program began the day of the show around 1 or 2 P.M. when Vince McMahon arrived. The show’s actual script wasn’t complete until 30 minutes after the show already started. Changes to the show were still being made an hour and a half into the program.
