Breaking Down WWE's Most Controversial, Shocking Stories for the Week of Feb. 23

The Braun Strowman hype is real. Strowman competed in a compelling, entertaining main event against fellow giant Big Show in a refreshing showdown that didn't feature a single tope suicida. 

Big Show and Strowman had a basic main event that benefited from great hype and a smartly booked match where every move mattered.

Fans were chanting "This is awesome!" as the two were locking up. Raw ratings ticked up four percent per ShowBuzzDaily (h/t Wrestling Inc) for Strowman's rare one-on-one main event appearance on Raw, and with a matchup looming against Roman Reigns, it likely won't be his last. 

The Rock Calls CM Punk, Reportedly Upsets Vince McMahon and Triple H

The Rock's off-the-cuff tendencies and improvisational skills helped him become one of the biggest stars in WWE and Hollywood. 

In the past, The Rock has had improvised conversations with a Hulk Hogan impersonator, and The People's Champion once again went off script with a controversial ex-WWE Superstar when fans chanted "CM Punk."

WWE's estranged former world champion is in the midst of an ugly lawsuit with the company. Luckily for WWE, The Rock only got Punk's voicemail, though the longest-reigning WWE champion of the modern era did respond on Twitter. 

Still, according to PWInsider.com (h/t Marc Middleton of Wrestling Inc), Triple H and Vince McMahon were reportedly upset with The Rock's antics for obvious reasons. The Rock tweeted the following, apparently defending his actions: "I work off instinct, always listen to the people and try to give em something special. Huge positive feedback from @WWE Universe. Fun night."

Braun Strowman Main-Events Raw, Defeats Big Show

The Braun Strowman hype is real. Strowman competed in a compelling, entertaining main event against fellow giant Big Show in a refreshing showdown that didn't feature a single tope suicida. 

Big Show and Strowman had a basic main event that benefited from great hype and a smartly booked match where every move mattered.

Fans were chanting "This is awesome!" as the two were locking up. Raw ratings ticked up four percent per ShowBuzzDaily (h/t Wrestling Inc) for Strowman's rare one-on-one main event appearance on Raw, and with a matchup looming against Roman Reigns, it likely won't be his last. 

Bray Wyatt's WWE WrestleMania 33 Opponent Remains a Mystery

With no pay-per-views left until WrestleMania, SmackDown Live is wisely surrounding its WWE Championship match with mystery and suspense.

After Randy Orton refused to face Bray Wyatt at WrestleMania, WWE tried—and failed—to crown a new No. 1 contender. This seems like it will be a running theme as SmackDown Live continues to build toward Wyatt's opponent, who could be Orton himself, Luke Harper or all of the above. 

Harper has a legit case to be No. 1 contender after a botched ending that saw AJ Styles' feet touch first. WWE's challenge will be keeping this storyline suspenseful rather than stringing fans along and losing credibility by looking inept in crowning a top contender. 

Maryse Attacks Nikki Bella

For weeks, John Cena's rumored main event—per Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio (h/t Middleton)—has been a mixed tag team matchup pitting himself and Nikki Bella against fellow Total Divas stars The Miz and Maryse. 

Many seem to feel WWE can do better than a WrestleMania double date for its most popular babyface and most hated heel, but after Maryse attacked Bella on SmackDown Live, it now seems imminent. 

With so many fans up in arms for a celebration of two movie stars and their talented significant others, this matchup has overachiever written all over it. 

Finn Balor Returns to NXT

After a long, grueling road from rehab, Finn Balor returned to a WWE ring this past week—well, kind of. Balor went back to his roots in NXT, saving Shinsuke Nakamura from an attack by Andrade "Cien" Almas and Bobby Roode. 

WWE's Instagram account made sure to mention that Balor was "not medically cleared," something Balor himself noted in his return promo. 

Balor promised to come back for what is his, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him held out of WrestleMania before challenging for the Universal Championship. The universal title picture is crowded. If Kevin Owens loses to Goldberg at Fastlane, setting up a blockbuster main event between Goldberg and Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship, Balor would make for an awkward fit in a storyline that sells itself.  

Alfred Konuwa is a Featured Columnist and on-air host for Bleacher Report and Forbes. Like him on Facebook.