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The year 2017 is in the rearview mirror. WWE is speeding down a highway called 2018, towards the next pay-per-view event- The Royal Rumble.
The first RAW of the year was one with some very interesting developments. Overall, we must say that it was far more positive than negative, although it was far from perfect. It did manage to hold our attention across the length of its duration though.
Therefore, we have more 'Bests' than 'Worsts' this week. If this is any indication of how the year will pan out, it's going to be a fine 2018 for fans of sports entertainment.
Without wasting any more time, we present the Best and Worst of RAW, live from the American Airlines Arena in Miami.
#1 Best: A much-needed alliance
Nobody can deny that Finn Balor is a talented individual, and hasn't been used as per his potential. Similarly, it is impossible to deny that Gallows and Anderson have floundered ever since they lost the Tag Team Championships, becoming just another unit on the roster.
The Bullet Club members reunited in this episode of RAW to take on Elias and The Miztourage. They even picked up a very handy win, as the crowd chanted 'too sweet' in unison. We just wish this pairing had happened earlier, so that they could have had a program with The Shield, as well!
Now begins the real test. Putting a unit together is well and good, but booking them strongly and interestingly could yield great long-term benefits for WWE. Now many might be wondering why this alliance was formed. It's possible that this was to freshen up Finn Balor's character heading into WrestleMania, which is WWE's fault given how they booked him all year since his comeback.
All said and done, how sad is it that WWE could not get Balor over as a singles performer?
#1 Worst: Announcing their entries
One of the questions that's on everyone's mind right now, is how will WWE find 30 women to be part of the Royal Rumble match? As a result, as much as we love Sasha Banks, Bayley and Absolution, it seemed rather pointless to see them announce their entries.
Also, while we understand that it is a New Year, the background for these announcements were far too 'celebratory'. Balloons don't spell out a hard-hitting Royal Rumble match!
#2 Best: A savage promo
It is always interesting to see Renee Young interview Samoa Joe. After all, in kayfabe, he injured her real-life husband, Dean Ambrose. Joe put him on the shelf for nine months, after he attacked the lunatic in the trainer's room. This week, leading into his match with Roman Reigns, Joe cut an impressive promo.
Just like he does in the ring, Joe brings an intensity to his promos that is unmatched by anyone on the current roster. Special marks to the writer who wrote the line about Dean Ambrose being a 'stay at home husband' too.
Renee Young sold the insult brilliantly and that made the segment seem quite special indeed.
#2 Worst: Big match cancelled
As Drew Gulak mentioned during the promo he cut, Cruiserweight Champion Enzo Amore could not make it to RAW this week. He was supposed to defend his championship against Cedric Alexander.
WWE came up with an entertaining replacement for the title match, with Goldust's comeback. However, a title match is a title match, and fans were certainly disappointed. Let's hope that Amore is back on his feet soon, and that the division can get back on track again.
It was cool to see WWE continuing the Jax-Amore romance, despite the sickness. The soup vignette was not bad at all.
#3 Best: Back with a bang!
Braun Strowman had also been sent home with a bad case of the flu, earlier this week. That did not deter the monster from making a big comeback to RAW. Not only did he obliterate Rhyno, but also his tag team partner, Heath Slater. Both men were left lying dazed in the middle of the ring.
Strowman does get the loudest reactions every night, and it'll be interesting to see if he does 'ally' with Kane. That would completely change the dynamics of the title match at the Royal Rumble.
#3 Worst: Underwhelming grand finale
Brock Lesnar's appearance was scheduled for the end of the third hour. It had everything one would expect. Which was not really much at all. A good promo by Paul Heyman, but he did not say anything new this week. There was a tepid clash between Lesnar and Kane as well.
The locker room emptied to come out and separate Brock Lesnar and Kane before the men could come to blows. The overall segment was not exciting, quite honestly. Lesnar's appearances don't seem to be of consequence these days, don't they?
#4 Best: Match of the year (thus far)
Roman Reigns and Samoa Joe have had many good matches. How was this one fresh and different then? For one, the Intercontinental Championship was on the line. Also, there was the added stipulation that Reigns would lose his Championship if he got disqualified.
Both men worked beautifully around the stipulation. Reigns even teased getting disqualified a few times. The two men proved why they're certified main eventers.
This was a great way to kickstart the year 2018, and the absolute highlight of the show. The two sluggers even overshadowed the return of the Universal Champion to RAW.
Therefore, let's thank our stars for the wonderful gift in our life called sports entertainment, and also the Goddess, who shines just as bright as the stars themselves.
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