In lieu of Roman Reigns becoming an exclusive talent to one brand, Triple H introduced the WWE World Heavyweight championship as the top title for whatever brand would not have the Tribal Chief. With Reigns being drafted to SmackDown, the new title became exclusive to RAW. However, fans were surprised when The Game announced that talent from both rosters would compete for the new world title.
Who will become WWE World Heavyweight Champion at #WWENOC? pic.twitter.com/6M2L6fWFa1
— WWE (@WWE) May 8, 2023
Triple H announced a cross brand tournament that would include six superstars from RAW and SmackDown each. The 6 competitors on either show would participate in two triple threat matches each. The winners of both triple threats would then face each other to determine the final pick of their respective brands.
The final winners from RAW and SmackDown will then face each other for the chance to become the first even WWE World Heavyweight champion at on May 27 at Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia.
But what is the reason behind the inclusion of SmackDown talent when this is a RAW exclusive title? Well, it appears that we now have a backstage reason for this.
Real reason why Triple H has included SmackDown stars in WWE World Heavyweight Championship tournament revealed
Noted wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer spoke about the WWE World Heavyweight Championship tournament on the recent edition of Wrestling Observer Radio. He explained that the decision to make it a cross brand tournament was made in order to compete with the NBA.
He explained that it was the same over at AEW as well, who have basically booked a pay per view level show in order to combat the viewership drop that may happen because of the Warriors Lakers Playoff series.
He said:
“I will tell you Monday, Friday, and Wednesday, all three of those shows were booked 100% to Hail Mary. AEW is basically booking a pay-per-view on Wednesday night. If people are wondering why the Raw World Title is in a tournament on SmackDown, this is the reason – because they know a normal show right now will do a poor number. AEW knows the same thing. Wrestling fans are definitely getting benefited greatly by the fact that both of these promotions know that this is a bad week with that Warriors/Lakers series.”
Seth Rollins qualifies from RAW
The first leg of the WWE World Heavyweight Championship began on Monday Night RAW this week. The first match saw Seth Rollins, Shinsuke Nakamura and Damien Priest duke it out. Nakamura looked good enough for the win when he locked in an ankle submission on Priest.
However, Rollins managed to break the hold with a splash and picked the victory after a pedigree to the King of Strong Style.
The second triple threat featured Finn Balor, The Miz and Cody Rhodes. The American Nightmare almost had victory in his grasp when he hit The Miz with not one, not two but three Cross Rhodes. He went for the pin, but an incensed Brock Lesnar attacked Rhodes and laid him out with an F5.
Balor took advantage of the distraction and picked up the win after a Coup de grâce on The Miz.
Finn Balor vs Seth Rollins was the main event. The winner would qualify for the final at Night of Champions. Two of the best performers on the planet, it was as good as anyone expected it to be. Both stars looked good for the win. Near the end of the match, a victory for Balor appeared imminent as he set up Rollins for the Coup de grâce.
THIS IS AWE-SOME! 👏👏 👏👏👏#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/aiaacsoE84
— WWE (@WWE) May 9, 2023
However, Rollins rolled out in the nick of time and took Balor out with a Pedigree. He tried to finish the match with a Curb Stomp, but Balor managed to roll out. Rollins caught Balor with an inverted Curb Stomp before finally picking up the win with the Curb Stomp.
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