WWE Raw Rankings Before No Mercy 2017

Raw. Photo by WWE.com

The RAW World Title Picture

Highlights of the division

Braun Strowman must win the Universal Championship at No Mercy. There is absolutely no excuse on the WWE’s part to have Brock Lesnar holding on to the gold after this Sunday. The Monster Among Men has done everything he possibly can this year to be considered the biggest star in the WWE. He just hasn’t been given the moment to define his stature as an elite superstar in the industry. The WWE has had no issue pushing Jinder Mahal to the moon the past few months, at the expense of the Smackdown title picture. If Lesnar beats Strowman at No Mercy, who’s left to slay the Beast. Cena? Reigns? We’ve already seen those matches and the title scene will be extremely redundant. Samoa Joe could get a crack at Lesnar one more time, but whatever momentum the Samoan built up during the summer was lost after Summerslam.   

So who wins? Cena or Reigns?

This Sunday is a must win scenario for Roman Reigns. He’s been booked like he isn’t in the same league as John Cena, which was entertaining for the fans but problematic for him. The WWE seems to be lazy on not booking Roman Reigns to be either a heel or a babyface, especially with his vulgar language. Yet, he’ll head over to little kids and give them a hug like he was Bayley. WWE Creative can’t have it both ways, Reigns will suffer because of it. John Cena survived the fans onslaught for years because he was true to himself. Reigns on the other hand has been living in the Shield’s shadow for years; the attire and entrance music with no character progression. His ring work has dramatically improved but will it be enough to beat John Cena this Sunday?

Next: John Cena's Absence Hurts In The Roman Reigns Feud

Meanwhile, for the rest of the division.

Bray Wyatt and Finn Balor will face off once again in a rubber match at No Mercy. It should honestly be the conclusion to their rivalry, both men have been redundant in their exchanges. Who ever wins this match will be considered a title contender moving forward. The question is, for which one? It’s hard to see either man going for the Universal Championship. But it might be more plausible for either man to challenge for the Intercontinental Championship. Both Wyatt and Balor will need to change-up their stale routines, especially the Eater of Worlds. 

These are the rankings for the division this week.

WWE Universal Champion: Brock Lesnar (3 Wins – 1 Loss)

Contenders

• No. 1 Contender: Braun Strowman (11 Wins – 8 Losses)
• Contender No. 2: Samoa Joe (11 Wins – 9 Losses) (INJ)
• Contender No. 3: John Cena (13 Wins – 4 Losses)
• Contender No. 4: Roman Reigns (14 Wins – 13 Losses)

Pretenders

• Pretender No. 1: Finn Balor (13 Wins – 7 Losses)
• Pretender No. 2: Bray Wyatt (11 Wins – 9 Losses)

So what are your thoughts on this week’s Raw Rankings?