Monday Night Raw Preview 3/17/14: The WrestleMania 30 card takes shape, and what's next for Daniel Bryan?
The March 17, 2014 edition of WWE's Monday Night Raw will emanate live from the AT&T Center in San Antonio. The WrestleMania 30 card continues to take shape, but what events will unfold tonight?
Last week, Daniel Bryan "occupied" Raw and refused to leave until he got what he wanted: a match with Triple H at Mania with the stipulation that if he wins, he gets a spot in the WWE World Heavyweight Championship match with Batista and Randy Orton. Unless WWE pulls a major swerve, it looks like Bryan will be wrestling in two high-profile matches at WrestleMania 30.
Interestingly, PWInsider.com reported over the weekend that Bryan's WrestleMania plans came about because of CM Punk's departure from WWE. The report states that once Punk left and officials began talking about Bryan vs. HHH for Mania, the general consensus was still that Bryan would not get this level of prominence for the pay-per-view. But once WWE realized Punk was not returning, officials began to feel that his departure is the main reason that Bryan reached his current status.
Furthermore, those within WWE apparently went from silent and patient about Punk's departure to angry and hurt that he would not return for Mania. The report implies that the "Yes Movement" segment that occupied Raw last week, and some of the language used within, was a shot at Punk with the message that this could have been his spot.
Tonight's Raw should give more of an indication of what the WrestleMania 30 card will look like, and it should be interesting to see how WWE utilizes Bryan through Mania.
Also, expect more entrants into the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal and more progress on the John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt feud.
As always, check back with MStars immediately after the show for a full recap of all the action.