6 WWE Storylines Worth Paying Attention to Right Now

Now would normally be a good time to check in on the biggest WWE storylines as things start to kick up a notch for winter landmarks like Survivor Series before the slow burn to another WrestleMania.

But that's especially the case this year after WWE underwent major creative changes. Those duties that now belong to Triple H have had a clear-cut impact on the product and it feels like the changes have yet to reveal themselves fully.

Adding to that is WWE juggling injuries, absences and self-inflicted wounds via booking decisions the company would probably like to have back (both top titles on one guy, for example).

So from underrated title runs to innovative ideas and details that could create huge long-term implications, these are the best WWE storylines worth paying attention to right now.

Bobby Lashley's Reign

Bobby Lashley was one of the bigger victims of WWE going down silly street by making all of the year's major events about Brock Lesnar before throwing both men's top titles on Roman Reigns.

But Lashley has done nothing since but prove he should probably still be the top title holder on a weekly program.

Sure, he technically is right now as United States champion. And while he deserves more, to his credit, he's done much to elevate the mid-card title beyond what most could.

Since winning it in July he's thrashed the likes of Austin Theory, AJ Styles and The Miz in memorable stories. While worth checking out on its own simply because Lashley is so good and it's nice to have a fighting champion, it's also going to be thrilling to see who he elevates if and when he drops the belt, too.

Sheamus vs. Gunther and Imperium

Sometimes fans just want to see two bad dudes beat the tar out of each other.

That's exactly what WWE's going for with the physical feud between Sheamus and Gunther. And it's something fans fantasy booked for a while but didn't think they were going to get until the creative change in the background.

In fact, on what was an overall stellar show, Sheamus vs. Gunther probably went down as the favorite of the night for many who saw Clash at the Castle. WWE clearly sees the money in it because it isn't anywhere close to finished.

While those two headline the storyline, it has also shown to be the perfect way to raise up other guys around them too, such as the stunning reformation of Imperium and guys like Butch.

The basis is just good-old slugfests, but this whole thing has the potential to transform into much more, quickly.

Bloodline expansion

Reigns' posse keeps expanding with the familial theme as WWE clearly builds something fun for the future.

The latest example is the massive push for Solo Sikoa, who interfered and cost Drew McIntyre a chance at the unified titles at Clash at the Castle. Since then, he's had fun interactions with McIntyre and won the North American title on NXT.

Keep in mind over on SmackDown, besides Reigns, Jimmy and Jey Uso hold all tag titles, too.

This isn't just a brilliant way to help a new star like Sikoa get over quickly, either. It's almost undoubtedly building toward a Bloodline vs. WWE angle for Survivor Series. When done well, massive stables running roughshod through a company are just fine, too, so it will be interesting to see how this quickly develops over the winter.

Braun Strowman

Not much more needs said besides the man's name: Braun Strowman.

But we'll try anyway. Strowman made his anticipated (and predictable) return to WWE and immediately squashed tag-team stars to major reactions from live crowds.

Granted, bullying tag teams probably isn't the best thing long-term for Strowman or the guys on the receiving end. But it was a monstrous return that fans surely hope leads to the return of the monster character.

Given how hot Strowman is right now with fans, it is borderline inevitable he's thrown right into the main-event scene against Reigns. That's house money for WWE, as SmackDown's babyface scene was so-so.

With the return, WWE gets free babyface real estate when it needs it and fans get to revisit one of the wildest feuds of the last few years.

SmackDown women's title scene

Liv Morgan seemed like the first big piece of proof that the Triple H era had arrived when she won the women's SmackDown title.

Since, she's bested names like Ronda Rousey, Natalya and Shayna Baszler in some fun matches and backed up why WWE was right to have faith in her at the very top.

Some might argue the SmackDown women's scene is a bit thin right now with the likes of Sasha Banks and Charlotte Flair being out.

But the reality? Fans get fun things like the five-way No. 1 contender match on the September 9 broadcast and interesting story beats for an otherwise dominant force like Rousey.

There's still plenty to do with Morgan during her reign, but the chance at big returns and Rousey going in a refreshing new direction really amplifies things compared to just a few months ago.

Austin Theory and the Briefcase

Anyone with the Money in the Bank briefcase is worth watching closely. Austin Theory, since winning it, has had several near-misses foiled by shenanigans.

Oddly, it doesn't feel like this is a matter-of-time scenario, though. With both men's top titles on Reigns, it almost feels like WWE is unsure of what to do.

Somehow...that makes things surrounding Fury more compelling.

What is WWE going to do with the fact both titles are on one guy as another Mania starts to loom closer? Does the company find a creative way to get one of the titles off Reigns? Does Theory gamble his briefcase in a match and lose? Who might take it from him?

All of that combines to make for one of the more engrossing briefcase situations we've had in a few years.