Who looked good on last night's RAW? (January 01, 2018)

New year, same old WWE. Last night's RAW felt like a beat the clock challenge more than a proper show. A thoroughly mediocre episode with puzzling booking decisions, there was not much to get excited about. The "brawl" between Brock Lesnar and Kane was the most underwhelming of the former's long reign.

Yet, a few superstars still looked good regardless. Two notable names looked bad.

---

Looked good: Jason Jordan

After winning the tag team titles with Seth Rollins last week, it became an open question whether the ongoing Jason Jordan heel turn would stop. This would have been disastrous for his career. Thankfully, that doesn't appear to be the case. The tension between him and Seth was easily visible and he looked like an unwanted nuisance with Seth and Roman backstage.

Jason Jordan should turn into a full heel at the Royal Rumble. If he doesn't, WWE will have missed the boat.

Looked bad: Bray Wyatt

After having a very competitive match with Apollo Crews, who you'd be forgiven for forgetting was still employed, Bray Wyatt stayed in the ring as the lights went dark.

Thankfully, we didn't get a meandering promo, but we did get an appearance from Matt Hardy on the titantron for a promo of his own. There was nothing remarkable about it. It was part of beating the clock, really.

Looked good: Braun Strowman

As usual, Braun Strowman provided us with the most fun on an episode of RAW. His dismantling of Heath Slater and Rhyno was the sole bright spot of the evening, with the crowd lapping it up.

It's a shame that Braun Strowman can't smash through the glass ceiling that is Brock Lesnar's title reign. In any other year, he would be champion.

Looked bad: Asuka and Alexa Bliss

In a puzzling booking decision, Alexa Bliss was put in a match with Asuka. The announcers were keen to remind us that it was "WrestleMania-worthy." It wasn't. Another typical botchfest from Alexa Bliss, it ended with the champ tapping cleanly in the centre of the ring.

What?

Sure, Asuka gained momentum, but now things look confusing and convoluted. Heating up too fast isn't always the best way to go, especially when expectations were set high for her Royal Rumble appearance.

Now we have to wonder whether that will still happen. And aside from Alexa's mistimed cues, it didn't help that everyone was expecting some kind of screwy finish.

Looked good: Roman Reigns

Roman Reigns powered through a match against Samoa Joe. Yawn.

Looked bad: Samoa Joe

Last night's stipulation that Roman Reigns would lose his championship if he got disqualified looked like a perfect setup for a title change or for a screwy finish that would lead to a bigger stipulation match at the Royal Rumble. Instead, Roman Reigns beat Samoa Joe cleanly.

It was more than puzzling, it was atrocious. Unless the plan is for a repeat of WrestleMania VI, Roman's run as Intercontinental Champion should be drawing to a close. If he winds up dropping it to the Miz of all people, the disservice done to one of RAW's best acts will be made abominable.

Looked good: Cedric Alexander

Cedric Alexander was set for a Cruiserweight Championship match with Enzo Amore last night, but the champ came down with the flu. Drew Gulak was great as usual talking in his stead. There, Cedric Alexander came out with a surprising tag team partner - Goldust.

The unlikely duo picked up the win in what looks to be an experiment in letting the cruiserweights interact with talent outside the division. If that's the case, it's long overdue. 205 Live has been a prison in all but name.