3 things WWE got right on this week's RAW, and 2 they got wrong (January 7th, 2019)

We are in a new year and a brand new episode of Monday Night RAW.

2018 was certainly a mixed year for the Red brand, with epic moments and shocking debuts, being countered by dwindling crowds and political criticism.

With the WWE openly admitting that they need to turn things around in 2019, last year ended on a huge shift in WWE, with the McMahon family once again taking control, and promising huge moments.

And this week's Monday Night RAW certainly delivered on that end, though there were some moments that didn't sit well with the fans, either due to bad booking or fans having seen the same story over and over again.

Here are three things WWE got right on this week's edition of Monday Night RAW, as well as two things that could've gone a whole lot better.

---

#3 Got It Right: Hogan pays tribute

Hogan spoke warmly about 'Mean' Gene, who died last week aged 76.

Fans have always been split on Hogan throughout his career, and this division in the WWE Universe has only grown in recent months, following Hogan's reinstatement after being fired for racist comments in 2015.

Appearing on his first RAW in over three years, Hogan entered full of life and character, though quickly dropped the act, to speak candidly on the life of his friend 'Mean' Gene Okerlund.

Speaking about those Superstars we have sadly lost, Hogan mentioned names like Andre The Giant, 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper, Mr. Perfect and the 'Macho Man' Randy Savage, all stars who were taken too soon.

Whether fans feel bringing Hogan back in this way was right or wrong, it was nice for the WWE to give Terry Bollea one last chance to say goodbye, to another old friend.

#2 Got It Wrong: The Revival choke, again

Hopefully, this latest loss for the Revival will eventually lead to Tag Team Championship gold.

It seems like the WWE have an axe to grind with The Revival.

Despite being one of the most impressive teams on Monday Nights, the pairing of Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder are yet to hold tag gold on the main roster, despite being former NXT Tag Team Champions.

The two nearly got the titles on Christmas Eve, until the wrong man was pinned, though fortunately received a second chance last night.

Unfortunately, the two came up short again, this time being pinned despite a foot on the rope, in a lumberjack match.

Whilst this is (hopefully) building to The Revival eventually winning the gold, these constant losses not only make the team look bad, but make them (and the referees) look pretty idiotic in the process.

#2 Got It Right: A new challenger emerges

After defeating the #FaceBreaker, Banks will face Rousey at the Rumble.

After over a year away from the RAW Women's Championship, Sasha Banks will get her shot at her fifth title reign, when she takes on Ronda Rousey at the Royal Rumble.

Meeting fellow former champion Nia Jax this week, The Boss was clearly overpowered, though didn't let this stand in her way.

Toppling the #FaceBreaker, Banks will now meet Rousey at the pay per view, and whilst many expect Rousey to retain and face Becky Lynch at WrestleMania, Banks Vs. Rousey should be a very entertaining match.

It certainly will be preferred than the alternative: a rematch of Jax and Rousey from TLC, where Rousey was also able to fell the FaceBreaker.

Regardless of how the match ends, expect Rousey and Banks to pull out all the stops at the Royal Rumble.

#1 Got It Wrong: Brock vs. Braun

The Beast and the Monster Among Men have a staredown, again.

Just as I was commending WWE for a new match, I have to chastise them for the same old, same old.

Yes, Braun Strowman will face Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship, the fifth title match featuring the two in less than two years.

I surely can't be the one who is getting an eerie sense of deja vu, with Strowman promises that Lesnar will "GET THESE HANDS", and Lesnar retaliating in his own way before the big match.

What makes this worse is that almost nobody has faith in Strowman to win the title at the Rumble, with folks speculating it will be Rollins-Lesnar at WrestleMania.

And why would fans have faith in the Monster Among Men, who has lost time after time after time when he's gone up against the Beast Incarnate?

#1 Got It Right: Just a huge show overall

Bobby Lashley proved to be the difference maker when Seth Rollins face Dean Ambrose.

It's well known that WWE are in a slump (with the company even discussing it on air), and are hoping to change things on both RAW and SmackDown in 2019.

And if this week's RAW is anything to go by, the WWE are certainly trying their very best to turn things around.

From returns like Hogan, Cena and Lesnar, to new challengers like Rousey, to an epic Intercontinental Title match between Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose, this week's RAW certainly impressed.

I know that a RAW of such epic proportions cannot be sustained each week, but it was great to see the company's flagship show have a genuinely enjoyable episode, the first, some consider, in a while

This week's RAW definitely started the new year on a high note.