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It's impossible to please everyone, especially in the WWE Universe. That said, we must admit that we liked more far aspects of this week's show than usual. It wasn't the perfect show from start to finish, but the first two hours were pretty good. We'll outline our 'Best and Worst' in this post-show recap feature.
Fastlane is done, and there are no more stops on the road to WrestleMania. Yes, all roads now lead to New Orleans for the grandest show of them all, in under a month. RAW pushed the excitement of WrestleMania into high gear, in our opinion.
That said, we understand that views and opinions are all subjective and invite you to leave your comments. Please let us know what you thought of the show, and what your personal 'Best and Worst' list would be.
Here's what we thought of the action, from this week's episode of RAW
#1 Best: Breaking the fourth wall
Whatever your personal thoughts on the opening segment may have been, it certainly got a lot of people buzzing on social media. It also got the show off to a super hot start. Everyone knows that Vince McMahon is always in Gorilla position. However, WWE has always treated him like a 'character' and never acknowledged it previously.
This week, we saw Roman Reigns confront Kurt Angle in the middle of the ring, call Vince McMahon out for giving Brock Lesnar special treatment and walk out to the backstage area. There was a brief altercation.
The ultimate verdict was a temporary suspension for Roman Reigns. While nobody believes this, we found the opening segment fresh and innovative, as compared to the usual tried and tested formula we're treated to every week.
This was awesome!
#1 Worst: Shane McMahon's unnecessary presence
Survivor Series is a show built around the fact that RAW and SmackDown Live don't get along. Yet, we saw Shane McMahon in Gorilla Position on RAW, by his father's side. This was the biggest wrinkle in an otherwise entertaining segment. It left us with a super sour taste in our mouth.
It's these gaping holes in logic that stop us from enjoying the current WWE product to the fullest. If anything, it should have been Stephanie McMahon sitting by Vince McMahon's side on RAW. That being said, it's highly possible that he was there so that Owens could make the planned tweet and further stir the pot for their rivalry heading into WrestleMania 34
#2 Best: Calling out the Dead Man
For years, fans have wanted a John Cena vs. The Undertaker dream match. For two men who've done it all to have never faced one another at WrestleMania is criminal. It seems like pur dreams will finally become a reality. John Cena called out The Undertaker on live TV.
We loved how John Cena did it, as well. He said he had nothing to lose, and much like Roman Reigns, pretended to break the fourth wall. As difficult as it is to buy into John Cena attending WrestleMania 34 as a fan in the stands, luckily the rest of the segment worked.
When do you guys think The Dead Man will show up on RAW? Let us know in the comments.
#2 Worst: Burying an entire division
When one man can defeat an entire division on his own, you realize why so few superstars in your roster are really over. Don't get us wrong! We love Braun Strowman. We just feel that him eliminating everyone in a Battle Royal may have just killed every tag team in the current roster.
If this wasn't bad enough, Jonathan Coachman getting confused between the participants in the match was the final nail in the coffin. Strowman usually makes it to our 'Best' list, but this was just the 'Worst'.
#3 Best: Meet the 'Woken' Universe
Woken Matt Hardy, Queen Rebecca, Vanguard 1, Senor Benjamin and Skarsgard, the dilapidated boat. Memorize these names because they're all going to be a part of the 'Ultimate Deletion' match that will take place next week. Judging from the aerial shots we saw, Jeremy Borash too may possibly be a part of the proceedings, behind the camera. This is a big development.
Both Bray Wyatt and Matt Hardy have not fared nearly as well as they should have, for all the potential both men have as superstars. The Ultimate Deletion could revive the fortunes of both wrestlers.
#3 Worst: Waiting far too long?
Everyone agrees that either Sasha Banks or Bayley should turn, and have a program to elevate one another. We're pretty certain that WWE is headed in that direction. However, we feel that the interest in their feud is waning, week upon week. After all, this rift has been teased for months now.
We don't even know if the two women will have a singles match at WrestleMania! Could the two of them be part of the recently announced Battle Royal?
#4 Best/worst: Charly Caruso arrives late
Alexa Bliss and the newly turned heel, Mickie James, had a malicious conversation about Nia Jax. Of course, Jax heard everything. This is because Charly Caruso was supposed to interview Alexa Bliss. And as a result, the microphone was on!
As silly as this segment was, it was also fun to watch. Nia Jax is an odd choice as babyface, but she did seem to have the crowd on her side this week. It's also certain that we're getting Nia Jax vs. Alexa Bliss at WrestleMania.
On that note, we'll bid farewell to you all. We'll catch you soon, as we delve into the Best and Worst of SmackDown Live.
Let's also bid farewell to Team Rude!
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