This week of Raw was not without its share of faults. However, it did succeed to do three things. It left us with an image we will not easily forget, it built a new star and it succeeded in showing us that the company does not need part timers to make waves anymore.
In attempting to do so, not every segment was picture-perfect. So, we will give credit where it is due and criticism where it is needed. Presenting the best and worst of Raw, two weeks away from Payback.
#1 Best: How to build a monster
Raw began with Braun Strowman and ended with him. One week removed from taking out Vince McMahon’s golden boy- Roman Reigns, and toppling the ambulance he was being carried away in, he began the show by describing his actions in grisly detail, much to the delight of the Raw audience.
Kurt Angle gave him the night off at one point, but Strowman attacked The Golden Truth and Kalisto backstage, before being taken down by the now babyface Big Show, who wouldn’t stand up for bullying (someone please introduce him to JBL).
Big Show and Braun Strowman recreated their mammoth main event from Raw again, this week. With a little twist this time. The ring could not take the weight of the two men and collapsed under the combined pressure of their weight.
Despite this, Braun Strowman rose from the debris and marched out, truly triumphant. In doing so, a new monster heel was born, and a certified main eventer for WWE staked his claim as the top guy. It is great to see WWE finally invest in a man with so much potential.
#1 Worst: How to kill a monster
Let’s begin by saying we think Bray Wyatt is immensely talented. A gifted performer inside the ring, with incredible mic skills, he is a once in a generation performer. Unfortunately, his cryptic promos are too vague for anyone to understand and this means that week after week, his incredible character gets watered down.
While a program with Finn Balor may have resuscitated this doomsday prophet, his backstage promo about a man on the other brand was a complete waste of time. Wake up WWE, and realise what a wealth of talent you have in your grasp right now.
#2 Best: Perfect babyface vs. perfect heel program
Bayley is the cute little girl living her dream of being WWE Women’s Champion and paving the way for millions like her. Alexa Bliss, at least in kayfabe, is the exact opposite, someone who thinks she’s way better than everyone on the roster.
The two of them are yin and yang, and their combination can create the perfect blend that makes an enjoyable program.
While Alexa Bliss may not be the best wrestler in the women's division, she’s the best on the microphone in the division by far. The Four Horsewomen are not as good on the microphone, and Alexa Bliss can fill that void. Hey, sports entertainment does involve aspects of both sports and entertainment, doesn't it?
#2 Worst: Apollo Crews slips even further?
Hey, at least he was in programs with Dolph Ziggler on SmackDown. As far as Ziggler has fallen, over the years, he is still a more legitimate competitor than Titus O’Neil. At least, Ziggler can still put on great matches.
Apollo Crews gets drafted to Raw to make a fresh start, and is immediately put in a program with the ‘Titus Brand’. Honestly, this storyline makes little to no sense and it’s far less than Crews deserves.
For someone of his size and build, Apollo Crews is legitimately one of the most athletic men in the company right now. WWE should give him a push, and at least have him wrestle for the mid card championships. Working with Titus O’Neil will get him nowhere really.
#3 Best: Austin Aries is the best thing about the Cruiserweights
To be fair, TJ Perkins and Jack Gallagher had a really good match. Perhaps the best on the entire show. However, the attention was focused on Austin Aries, who came down to ringside and started munching on a big banana.
Aries exudes so much charisma, that he could have been on the main roster and been a top star. Here’s hoping he wins the Cruiserweight title at Payback.
#3 Worst: Unbroken Hardyz
The Hardyz are only a shadow of the wrestlers they once were. Their breakneck pace is now obsolete. Their daredevil stunts have now been deleted. They need the gimmick that made them relevant again. If not, we see the audience turning on them very soon. Come back, you broken men!
In conclusion, Maryse is hot.
Send us news tips at [email protected]
