Is it a wonder that every week, fans cheer for Smackdown Live, the land of opportunities, and boo Raw consistently? So much so, that it's almost become a chore to watch the supposed A-Show with its predictable storylines and dragged out highly boring segments.
One only needs to watch Raw for the entire three hours to realise why Smackdown is inching ahead in terms of ratings and even live attendance numbers. There were definitely more negatives than positives in this week’s episode of Raw, so let’s get straight to them then. Live from Jack... we mean Tampa, Florida, here’s the best and well, mostly worst of Raw!
#1 Worst: Lying Undertaker
What happened to The Undertaker saying that he bleeds blue, and saying that there would be consequences if SmackDown Live does not beat Raw? Why is he appearing on the rival brand now?
It is quite obvious that Vince McMahon is using The Undertaker’s return as a ploy to boost ratings and maybe set up a big match for The Rumble or Wrestlemania 33 soon. However, it just seems dishonest that the biggest babyface of all time has turned his back on his brand of choice to appear on Raw.
We do hope that WWE finds a logical reason for the Undertaker’s reappearance. Knowing them, they probably won’t.
#1 Best: Last men standing for ratings!
To be fair, this was by far the best thing in the show. Sami Zayn (as expected) and Braun Strowman (unexpectedly) put on a pay-per-view quality match on free television and this shook us out of our slumber. The men battled all over the arena, and there were some false finishes in which Zayn teased winning the match against the big monster.
With kendo sticks, table spots, ramp spots and also a backstage brawl this was probably the best non-Sasha/Charlotte flair match on Raw in quite a while. While Strowman won, we believe it elevated both the men involved here.
#1 Worst: Banning Chris Jericho from his own match
As is tradition, let us begin this show with a Mick Foley botch once again. This week, he teased getting the name of the city wrong and then got a cheap pop by saying it right! All was good with the world at this point. Sadly, he would maintain his reputation as botch-master with a hilarious error.
Stephanie McMahon made a match between Roman Reigns and Chris Jericho for the United States Championship on the show. Jericho and Owens wanted Seth Rollins banned from ringside. Foley went- ‘If anyone should be banned from ringside, it should be Chris Jericho!’ Yes, Foley banned Chris Jericho from his own match this week.
We don’t blame him at all. We blame The Undertaker for pushing him from the top of Hell in a Cell.
#2 Best: Titus O’Neil gets cheered
It was almost endearing to see Titus O’Neil trying to audition and become a member of The New Day. His dance moves were funny, and his delivery was actually quite entertaining, for a change this week. Of course, we still don’t know what ‘Titus Brand’ means. A fun distraction in an otherwise boring show.
Sadly, the match which followed was definitely not as entertaining as the segment in question.
#3 Worst: Predictable booking
There are only four men and two women who've been juggled around in the main event spot, month after month after month with few changes each week. At least the women switched titles. Roman Reigns is never pinned clean, and his United States Championship match against Chris Jericho was a foregone conclusion.
There’s absolutely no drama when it comes to watching Raw, a show that is getting staler by the week, with the same matches and the same winner every time.
We’re not Roman Reigns haters. We just hate bad, lazy booking.
#3 Optimistic at best: The return of Shawn Michaels
20 years ago, Shawn Michaels defeated Sycho Sid at the Alamodome to capture the top prize at Royal Rumble, 1997. He returns next week, to promote a film he's part of. Will we see the greatest in ring performer of all time step into the ring once more? We can be optimistic at best, with this development!
#4 Worst: Karl Anderson's first singles win
This is not a knock on Anderson, who is a very talented performer. Did his first singles win in forever have to come at the cost of Cesaro though, a man we presume has a bright future ahead! Even Sheamus would have been a better choice here.
#4 Optimistic: Wrestlemania main event?
Is WWE planning a Spear vs. Spear match to end Wrestlemania?
While we cannot see it being a good match, it certainly could be a big match. Will Strowman also be thrown into the mix? What’s in the cards for all of us? To quote the greatest philosopher of our age, Roman Reigns- ‘Ooooaaaa!’
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