WWE Power Rankings: Week of May 16th
It is PPV week in WWE and some feuds are heating up, coming to an end, and just getting started. This will be the first PPV after WrestleMania and Money in the Bank is always a fun match, because it gives a superstar the opportunity to become champion at any time. The go-home episodes this week were good, but not great. There were more interesting things in the shows this week and they built up the PPV sufficiently. Here are this week’s Power Rankings.
- 10: Roman Reigns (5)
WWE
The Big Dog was featured on both shows again this week, but didn’t have as strong of a showing. Roman faces Elias at Money in the Bank and nobody is expecting him to lose. It’s difficult to say what will be next for him, but I’d imagine he will be in the title picture pretty soon.
- 9: Andrade (NR)
At the beginning of the year, Andrade was in the Top 10 in the first 3 weeks, but hasn’t been on the list since. He looked very strong in his Fatal 4-Way match on SmackDown against Randy Orton, Finn Bálor, and Ali. These four men happen to be in the MITB Ladder match on Sunday, but it is anyone’s guess as to who will win it. Andrade seems to have good momentum, so we may see a push for him coming up.
- 8: Bray Wyatt (10)
Since making a comeback to television, Bray Wyatt has been in the Top 10 every week. His Firefly Fun House has been the most anticipated segment for many fans over the last month. This week, things turned a little sour and it leaves us wondering what will happen next in his character development process. There definitely is some kind of split personality thing going on, but I’ll leave the video here so you can see for yourself. I’m still tremendously intrigued with this.
- 7: Becky Lynch (8)
WWE
The Man moves up a spot this week, but her opponents on Sunday were made to look stronger this week. She had segments on both shows, but she was featured more on RAW. On Monday, Lynch, Evans, and Flair had a joint contract signing and the event ended with Lynch going through a table thanks to both Flair and Evans. Her two matches on Sunday should be entertaining, but I’m not sure what here Championship status will look like after Sunday.
- 6: Lacey Evans (4)
Lacey Evans was on RAW, but didn’t look particularly strong this week, but her impact was felt. She aided Charlotte Flair in attacking the RAW and SmackDown Women’s Champion and will attempt to make Becky 2 Belts become Becky no Belts, or at least Becky 1 Belt. I don’t think Evans is ready, as a performer, to take the belt from Becky, but I think her character is developed enough. I don’t think it is time for her yet, but we’ll see what happens in a few days.
- 5: Shane McMahon (NR)
WWE
For the second time this year, Shane O’ Mac is back. However, this is the first time he has made the Top 5. Shane McMahon looked very strong on both shows this week and he even competed in a match on Tuesday night. He will face The Miz in a Steel Cage at Money in the Bank. I think this feud has ran its course, but in their defense, it is still consuming a good bit of attention from fans. His heel work is only making The Miz play a bigger face role and I think we could see this rivalry end on Sunday, at least I hope.
- 4: Kofi Kingston (1)
WWE
After being number one last week, Kofi is down three spots this week. He just wasn’t featured as much and he didn’t look particularly strong in the ending segment of SmackDown. He was attacked by Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. I’ve enjoyed Kofi as champion, so I hope this isn’t the end of his reign, but it almost feels that way. I personally think it is the most anticipated match heading into Sunday, but the WWE has done a great job to conceal a clear advantage.
- 3: Charlotte Flair (NR)
Like the Double Women’s Champ, Charlotte appeared on both shows, but had the strongest presence of all the women this week. She played a huge role in the contract signing on RAW and the video with her and Lynch was very good. Many fans are sick of seeing these two in the ring together, but it always turns out to be a great match. It looks like Lynch is still favored at the moment, but I wouldn’t be surprised if she drops the SmackDown title to Flair on Sunday.
- 2: Kevin Owens (NR)
WWE
The closing segment of SmackDown was huge for two superstars. Kevin Owens looked like a powerful force, but he had a little help from an old friend. Like I said earlier, KO could become champ on Sunday and I would not be shocked, but personally I think Kofi hangs onto to it. He wasn’t featured a great deal this week, but he made the most of his spot and he is going into the PPV with the most anticipated match on the card.
- 1: Sami Zayn (2)
WWE
Some may disagree with Zayn’s placement, but I stand by it. He defeated Braun Strowman on Monday in a Fall Count Anywhere match to gain entry into the MITB Ladder match. Then on Tuesday, he aided his friend Kevin Owens in the attack of Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods. At this point, I think he has a legitimate chance to win the MITB briefcase and become a champ. It would not surprise me, but I think Strowman gets involved in the match to hinder him from winning. We’ll see, but it should be a fun PPV.
Yacs