WWE Raw Power Rankings: Braun Strowman Climbs to Top After Smashing Ladder

10. Roman Reigns (last week: 15)

After a week off from WWE Raw, Roman Reigns returned this episode and made a big impact. First, he saved Shield brother Seth Rollins from a 2-on-1 beat down. Then he busted his butt in the ensuing tag team match against Elias and Jinder Mahal. Finally, a somewhat awkward duelling promo segment ended with Reigns finding Mahal backstage and brawling.

This is what Roman Reigns should be doing to be successful. None of this “woe is me, I should be Universal Champion” garbage. He’s a legit tough guy, and he should do tough guy things. Most of his matches where he’s been allowed to do that are really good. The problem comes when he’s forced into a bad spot, and the booking doesn’t match his natural character. But now he’s on the right track, the cheers are getting louder, and The Big Dog is in a good spot.

9. Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre (last week: 6)

I wrestled with keeping Drew McIntyre and Dolph Ziggler hovering around the top five this week, based on their actions following elimination from the Tag Team Battle Royal. Biut ultimately, I decided that two things justified dropping them down the list. First and foremost, they were the first team eliminated from a battle royal that also featured The Ascension, Breezango, and Heath Slater & Rhyno. (Nothing against those teams, but there’s a huge divide between Ziggler/McIntyre and them.)

Second, Ziggler and McIntyre work much better as an alliance than an actual tag team. There was really no way Ziggler and McIntyre were going to become the number one contenders for the Raw Tag Team Titles, so there was no reason for them to be in the match at all. It was a waste of their time, and — post-match beat down aside — was a waste of time for both men.