WWE Raw: Feb. 8 – What to make of Shane McMahon

The Feb. 8 episode of WWE Raw had a rather inauspicious start. Adam Pearce was in the ring to make an announcement, but before he could, he introduced (rather randomly) Shane McMahon.

McMahon wasn’t even the one to make the announcement that Drew McIntyre would defend the WWE Championship inside the Elimination Chamber (at the aptly-named pay-per-view), though Pearce initially indicated it would be against Sheamus.

McMahon was merely there to fill in what Pearce left out: four other wrestlers would be joining them in the match (did you notice the, um, pale complexions of the competitors in the match?).

Why, then, did McMahon even appear on Raw, and if it portends another Shane-O-Mac run, where might we be headed?

If the below is any indication, I think we have an answer.

Let me just say what most, if not all of us are thinking: McMahon’s going to find a way to jump off of something onto Omos OR jump off of Omos.

Even if that’s just us wanting to add something else in WWE 2K to jump off of in a match, let’s remember one important thing: McMahon and A.J. Styles have history, including a match at WrestleMania that many consider one of McMahon’s better since returning six or so years ago.

Granted, if they do meet each other again, I hope it’s in a gimmick match not only because McMahon in a traditional wrestling match is difficult to watch, but because a gimmick match highly increases the likelihood that Omos is involved.

From what we’ve seen of Omos, he has a certain “it’ factor that goes beyond his large size. He has a distinct presence about him; he just carries himself well. Shots of him at ringside show him confident both in himself and in Styles.

Further, whenever Omos has spoken, he has done pretty well, not to mention highlighting his intelligence. I understand he’s still learning, but being involved doesn’t mean he necessarily has to wrestle like Timothy Thatcher; just give us a taste of his abilities.

McMahon could be who Styles turns his focus toward if he doesn’t win the Chamber match, especially if there’s some sort of backstage interaction between the two at the event either prior to or after the match.

The other, highly unlikely scenario could be that he becomes involved on SmackDown with Pearce and Roman Reigns/Jey Uso/Paul Heyman. With all that he’s been put through by the three, coupled with how McMahon kind of/sort of patronized Pearce tonight, I wonder if McMahon inserts himself into the situation to try and steer Pearce to be more assertive, or if that’s just how McMahon comes across.

This, of course, would draw the ire of Reigns as Pearce stands up to Reigns’ perceived rule of SmackDown. If Edge vs. Reigns doesn’t happen at WrestleMania, then don’t be surprised if we see a street fight-type match between Reigns and McMahon. This would allow WWE to involve four of the five (and potentially Heyman) believably and with consequence.

People forget Pearce was an exceptional wrestler in his day, a former World Champion in his own right. Some feaux confidence instilled by McMahon can ultimately lead to their downfall…but now without a few ridiculous spots, probably involving McMahon climbing and jumping off of something.

The biggest positive of this development: it would prevent the Reigns-Goldberg match they initially booked for last year’s event before Reigns withdrew because The Miz showed up sick shortly after most places shut down for the pandemic.

To be clear, I’m not saying I want another Shane McMahon match, but it seems like a terribly wasteful use of him just to announce a WWE Championship match for a B-level PPV. That’s why this has to lead to something more, right?

I guess we’ll find out the answer soon, possibly even Friday night. Hey, if they do place McMahon on the big card, it might just be something to bring some excitement to another event without a real crowd. At least they’re trying (I hope).