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The last week was pretty eventful for WWE as they presented a special RAW Legends Night episode and followed it up with an amazing episode of Friday Night SmackDown. The build for Royal Rumble was also in full swing as several Superstars announced their official entry into the men's and women's Rumble matches. Both the world title matches for Royal Rumble were also seemingly confirmed, and it is safe to say that no one could have predicted both of them just a week ago.
In this article, let's take a look at three mistakes WWE made this week and three things they got right. Be sure to comment down and let us know your thoughts and opinions on this week's RAW and SmackDown.
#3 Mistake WWE made: Not using the legends on RAW properly
To counter the declining ratings of Monday Night RAW, WWE presented a special Legends Night episode of the Red brand this week. It did definitely help as RAW got a rating of over 2 million viewers and became the highest-rated show on cable on Monday.
However, the way WWE used most of the legends was disappointing as many of those segments felt like fillers. Melina just appeared for a brief segment with The Lucha House Party and many others like Tatanka, Molly Holly, Sgt. Slaughter pretty much did nothing. Moreover, fans were looking forward to the return of Carlito but that never happened, and reports suggested that WWE never officially booked him.
However, there was one legend, not originally advertised for the show, who came back with a purpose and made a huge impact.
#3 WWE got right: The main event of RAW and the closing segment
The main event of RAW this week saw Drew McIntyre successfully defend his WWE Championship against Keith Lee in an amazing match. However, the massive moment came after their match as WWE Hall of Famer Goldberg returned and confronted McIntyre.
Goldberg went on to claim that McIntyre hasn't earned his respect and subsequently challenged him for the WWE Championship at Royal Rumble 2021. Though the segment was impactful, the reaction to it has been mixed as there is a fear that McIntyre might drop the WWE title to Goldberg ahead of WrestleMania 37. Hopefully, Goldberg puts over Drew McIntyre and the latter solidifies his run as the champion.
#2 Mistake WWE made: The follow-up of the Alexa Bliss-Randy Orton cliffhanger segment
Last week's WWE RAW ended with a massive cliffhanger as Randy Orton teased that he burned Alexa Bliss in the middle of the ring, as he did to The Fiend at WWE TLC 2020. Fans were really looking forward to the follow-up of that segment. However, what we got was a backstage segment where Orton stated that he didn't do it because something in him changed after facing The Fiend. Orton then went on to confront several legends in backstage segments throughout the night.
WWE also missed a massive opportunity of having Randy Orton interact with IRS, Bray Wyatt's father, who was present on RAW this week. There were no signs either of Bray Wyatt and Alexa Bliss. Moreover, Randy Orton announced his entry into the Royal Rumble match. It is to be seen where does his storyline with Bray Wyatt head next.
#2 WWE got right: The Intercontinental Championship match on SmackDown
This week on SmackDown, Big E defended his IC title in an amazing match against Apollo Crews. The match was highly entertaining in itself but the dramatic presentation made it even more enjoyable. It almost seemed as if Crews had defeated Big E to become the new Intercontinental Champion, only for it to be revealed as a draw.
Big E managed to return his title on SmackDown but Apollo Crews had a great showing as he showed some personality by slapping Big E. One has to wonder if a heel Apollo Crews joining The Hurt Business on RAW could be something we'll see soon?
#1 Mistake WWE made: The Hurt Business to split?
Arguably the best faction on WWE's main roster right now is The Hurt Business. With MVP in the mentor role, the formation of the group has pretty much revitalized the careers of Bobby Lashley, Shelton Benjamin, and Cedric Alexander in WWE, all three of whom hold championship belts on RAW currently.
However, there was a tease on RAW Legends Night this week that WWE might be planning to split The Hurt Business, something which they should definitely not do. After losing to The Lucha House Party, Cedric Alexander furiously left the ring this week, hinting at a rift between the group. It is too soon to split The Hurt Business, especially when they are doing so well on RAW.
#1 WWE got right: The booking of Shinsuke Nakamura
This week's SmackDown was a really well-booked show which kept the viewers engaged as well as entertained throughout the night. Of course, Adam Pearce becoming the No. 1 contender for Roman Reigns' Universal Championship was something that no one saw coming. But the highlight of the night was the amazing 'iron-man' performance of Shinsuke Nakamura during the main event Gauntlet match.
Shinsuke Nakamura looked like a million bucks and reminded everyone just how good he is. The fact that WWE went all the way and turned him babyface during the match could be a hint that The King of Strong Style might be in for a huge push soon. All of a sudden, everyone is interested to see Shinsuke Nakamura face Roman Reigns - who has become one of the best heels on WWE TV in recent memory.
