WWE is indeed channeling the storyline angle of Braun Strowman on the programming. As reported earlier, he sustained a concussion during this week’s episode of WWE Raw. Bobby Lashley, Drew McIntyre, and Baron Corbin delivered a three-on-one assault on him. This ended with a steel step shot to result in a shattered elbow for the monster among men. Now he will not be part of the Mixed Match Challenge contest.
Ember Moon was the partner of Braun Strowman to form the team named Team Monster Eclipse. They are the favorite to win the contest being the only undefeated duo from the WWE Raw roster. But Moon’s luck seems uncertain as she will no longer get to perform with his partner. WWE released the playoff card aka the quarterfinal lineup for Mixed Match Challenge. It does not have Braun Strowman included in it.
The playoffs will begin on next week immediately following Smackdown Live. The first two matches will take place from WWE Raw. In the first match, Team Mahalicia (Jinder Mahal and Alicia Fox) will compete against Ember Moon and an unknown partner. WWE will not announce the replacement of Braun Strowman until next week to keep the curiosity alive among the fans.
In the other match of the night, Team Country Dominance (Bobby Lashley and Mickie James) will compete against Team BnB (Finn Balor and Bayley). Both these teams suffered only one loss during the second edition of Mixed Match Challenge.
The following week will witness four Smackdown teams fighting for a spot in the semi-final. Another top name will miss the tournament in the form of AJ Styles. He is absent from the scene ever since losing the WWE Championship to Daniel Bryan. It looks like Jeff Hardy has become a permanent replacement for him at Mixed Match Challenge.
The playoff card now shows that Jeff Hardy and Charlotte Flair will take on against Team Fabulous Truth (R-Truth and Carmella) in the first match. Team Awe-ska (The Miz and Asuka) will compete against Team Day One Glow (Jimmy Uso and Naomi) in the second matchup. In the absence of AJ Styles, Team Awe-ska looks the current favorite to go into the finale of Mixed Match Challenge.
