6 Talking Points from this week's WWE RAW (February 1, 2021): Sheamus turns on Drew McIntyre, Edge defeats Randy Orton 

Sheamus turned on WWE Champion Drew McIntyre during this week's RAW
Sheamus turned on WWE Champion Drew McIntyre during this week's RAW

#1 New Day's Xavier Woods defeats RETRIBUTION leader Mustafa Ali on WWE RAW

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Xavier Woods in WWE
Xavier Woods in WWE

In a confusing booking decision, Xavier Woods defeated Mustafa Ali on RAW. In a feud where Ali is out to take revenge on Kofi Kingston for taking his spot in the main event back in 2019, this defeat was crushing. It pushed him further and further away from the main event scene.

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That's not to say that Woods is a lesser player than Ali. But a win over the RETRIBUTION leader, when the latter had momentum on his side, doesn't make a lot of sense. A win here for Ali on RAW would have made his challenge to Kingston more credible. Instead, he looks weak after this setback.

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Though WWE can still book Ali strongly on the road to WrestleMania 37, it will take a lot of work to build him back up after this loss. Still, Woods won by a roll-up here, so Ali can easily challenge him to another match. Ali can argue that Woods' victory was a fluke. Then, Ali can earn a decisive win to get back on the right side of this rivalry.

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Ali and RETRIBUTION have been mishandled for a few months now. WWE is running out of time to salvage this faction on WWE RAW. This feud with the New Day could be the company's last chance to cement the stable's status on the red brand.

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Edited by Colin Tessier
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