By Matthew Klink (@klinkmatt)

August 21, 2018

One night into Roman Reigns Universal Championship run and we now know where all of the creative time and efforts are allocated (I know...I started with a negative joke...). With Roman Reigns winning the title behind some beautiful booking at SummerSlam (which we discussed yesterday) we have now witnessed the future of his title reign and how much fun it could be.

Monday Night Raw started almost, predictably, rotten. Roman Reigns called out a fan favorite and then an authority figure was going to deny us a Championship match. 'The tease' has happened before and with Baron Corbin knocking it out of the park every night, why wouldn't we believe they were teasing us? From two different angles, you would make us hate the Constable even more and then you'd be building Reigns as a fighting champion.

But that's not what happened. It was...good.

In an era with 'face' authority figures, Kurt Angle came out to deliver some good news to the people of Brooklyn. Finn Balor and Roman Reigns were going to face off in the main event, for the Universal Title. Its so simple...yet...perfect. Roman is instantly our fighting champion AND the hardcore wrestling fan gets to see their new favorite, (I'm determining that by the loud pop that he received with his Demon entrance) Finn Balor. Not only do we get to see Balor, but Roman Reigns is actually standing up for him and recognizing his ability. 

That would wrap the first segment of the night and we are off to one hell of a start! After a solid (not great) middle two hours, the creative team turned it back on for the Championship match.

First off, Finn Balor did not come out as the Demon. kinda disappointing, but it gives them an out for a Roman Reigns victory. It also defined the idea of the Demon. The Demon arrives, not just for special occasions, but when Finn needs it most. It helps us believe in the Demon that much more and will also allow Finn to have a Venom (from Marvel comics) aspect to his character. The Demon is another personality and is, possibly, fully aware. So when the Demon arrives, who knows what could happen?

Next, Braun Strowman let us know that his chase for the Universal Championship was always about having it within reach. He was never biding his time, the title just wasn't around. Braun came out, close to the end of the match, and threatened the eventual winner. This worked for multiple reasons: 1. It'll always keep us on our toes when Roman is defending that title or even in the building. Its hunting season, for Strowman and Reigns is on the menu. 2. Finn Balor, who looked strong, was obviously distracted by this. Had Braun not come out, maybe we have a new Universal Champion right now.

The third aspect of this match was the big surprise of the night: The return of...the SHIELD!

Roman Reigns finally took down Balor, which was the cue for Braun to enter the ring. Noticeably exhausted from his near loss to Balor (again...very important to sell Balor as a formidable opponent), Reigns struggled to get to his feet. It definitely appeared that Strowman was going to be walking away with that big baby faced smile across his cheeks and the red title over his shoulder.

While waiting to give Reigns his hands (so sweet of him) Braun  waited for Reigns to get to his feet. Just as it felt like we were waiting...too...ugh...long...ugh...a familiar voice and song burst through the speakers.

"Sierra...Hotel...India...Echo...Lima...Delta...SHIELD"

With a quick costume change and new tunes, Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins were no longer feuding with Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre. They were dressed in all black with some swat gear, and a new purpose: Saving Roman Reigns from Mr. Monster in the Bank.

Strowman could put up a good fight or at least stay on his feet for a bit. However, it did morph into a heartier 3 on 1 fight and he fell to the numbers game (as Michael Cole, so lovingly reminded us was key for the SHIELD's success). The beating found itself in front of the announce table (which was at ring side...maybe just for this purpose). This is when Braun Strowman was given the chance to intimately get to know the table...backside first. This, after all, was the moment for the, patented, triple power bomb, delivered by Ambrose, Rollins, and Reigns.

Overall, a sure sign of great booking to come for the Universal Championship. These same signs point to a long title reign for the Big Dog, since the SHIELD reuniting means Reigns will have protection. Creative wise, it means that the WWE is really going out of their way to give you reasons to cheer for Roman. If it didn't matter and he was going to lose the title to Braun at Hell in a Cell, then I don't think we see the storylines go to this length. And for the first time in about four years...I'm okay with that.

As for the SHIELD. Like I said...great timing. It is absolutely a good move. And man...how strong does this team look right now??? You have the Universal Champion, Thanos himself as the Intercontinental Champion, and the Lunatic Fringe, fresh and crazy as ever. It bodes well for the fall, a season normally riddled with excuses (football, new fall TV schedule) for the lack of entertaining programming.

I was pleasantly surprised last night and I hope you were too. But these high level efforts have to continue. With so much potential for one of the most beloved factions, this reuniting can't be wasted. The WWE has built some strong tag teams and powerful factions, so hopefully there is a long term plan here. Obviously, the potential could include some favorites down at NXT. So when these factions eventually do collide, the winner will be able to say they are truly...UNDISPUTED.

With all of that being said, you hope that the rest of the roster gets this type of care and attention. Ziggler and McIntyre are not looking great. Rousey was too lovey-dovey. Triple H was given way too much time. All of the tag team work (AOP, B-Team, Revival, and Titus Worldwide) was forgettable. And Finn Balor could easily slip down the card again.

This article ends up being another call to action for WWE creative. It should realize it CAN do good work. Its just a matter of applying that work in more than one space.

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