In case it was hard to tell, there were big changes to both Raw and NXT this week based on the original plans.
Fightful has learned that there was a major reshuffling for both shows, although it happened much sooner than usual -- which seems to be when the scripts are already finalized. Last week, WWE announced that Randy Orton vs. Bobby Lashley was moved from Extreme Rules to WWE Raw. We also revealed earlier that both Big E and Samoa Joe were planned for the show as of last week, though that was before Samoa Joe announced his injury.
Obviously Samoa Joe's injury caused things to change for NXT as well, as he had to relinquish his title. We were told that several of these changes for Raw and NXT were not within the control of the company. NXT talent still has not been clued in for much of the changes to the NXT brand.
In addition, a planned Raquel Gonzalez vs. Franky Monet match for NXT was pulled. WWE knew about it as of Monday morning, we're told, and Franky Monet was at the venue.
This article first appeared on our premium service, Fightful Select. Subscribe to get exclusive news every day, and a half-dozen weekly podcasts.
To directly support us and our continuing breaking news, interviews, and the like, subscribe to FightfulSelect.com. You'll get exclusive news sent to you directly before anyone else, and dozens of podcasts monthly including Alex Pawlowski's Sour Graps, Sean Ross Sapp's Q&A, Retro Reviews and more
