It is Wrestlemania season and to celebrate, Raw was at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. As expected, the central story at hand was the aftermath of the implosion of the Foley-Stephanie McMahon storyline and the repercussions of the former's actions.
While the show did have its fair share of great moments, yet again, it was brought down by the sheer length of the episode that began to drag after a point. By the end of the show, we didn't know if it was a thumbs-up episode or a thumbs down one. Let’s look at the best and worst ‘list’ from this edition of WWE’s flagship brand.
#1 Best: A super hot crowd
This felt like it was the year 2000 once again.
The crowd was red hot throughout the duration of the night as they cheered for the babyfaces and booed the heels, making the show more enjoyable. True, they may have been quieter for the Cruiserweights at times, but they made Mick Foley’s firing seem like a big deal by passionately investing themselves into the segment and letting their feelings be known.
We could tell that babyfaces like Chris Jericho, Mick Foley, and even Sami Zayn really played off the crowds, delivering great performances.
We’ve heard of Raw-after-Mania crowds being special. Looks like Raw-before-Mania crowds are getting there too. Give yourselves a round of applause, if you were in the building.
#1 Worst: ‘We want Paige’ and ‘CM Punk’ chants
While the energy of the crowd really lent itself to the show, it seemed like they took great pleasure in hijacking the actual proceedings. It may be a fun thing to do if you're there live, but it’s a distraction to those watching at home.
Moreover, the ‘We want Paige’ chants were quite uncalled for, especially after reading about the fragile mental state of the WWE Superstar, whose private photos were leaked on the internet without her consent. Shame on you, Brooklyn.
#2 Best: Handling a delicate situation quite perfectly
You simply cannot have an episode of Raw without The New Day, considering how popular they are with the crowd. Not so long ago, Xavier Woods was caught in an intimate situation with WWE Superstar Paige, in the photos and videos we mentioned on the previous page.
How do you have a New Day segment without having the crowd cause ruckus during the same? The answer is not very difficult, really. Have them do a backstage promo, and mute the crowd noise.
Though this promo achieved nothing, it got New Day on TV and let the crowd unleash their inner thoughts and feelings, without having to air it for the millions watching at home.
#2 Worst: Predictable interference by The Undertaker
When we heard that Roman Reigns was facing Braun Strowman in the main event, we knew it was a set up for The Undertaker to appear and play mind games with Roman Reigns. Lo and behold, as Reigns looked up at the sky and enthralled us with his bellow of ‘Ooooaaaa’, the lights went out and the dead man did appear.
What we didn't see coming was how easily Roman would lay him out. Which honestly speaking, is not a good thing at all and does not bode well for Wrestlemania. Also, considering the shape he is in, can The Undertaker really have a competitive match?
#3 Best: Passing of the torch
When Mick Foley burst on to the WWE, he was never meant to be a top guy and a World Champion. His likeability and his ability inside the ring, however, helped him mould a career path for himself and rise to the top of the mountain. It is an old wrestling tradition to pass the torch on your way out.
Former Raw GM Mick Foley passed on the torch to Sami Zayn, during the opening segment of the show this week.
Much like Mick Foley, Zayn is the underdog too. Zayn is someone who puts on great matches and puts his body on the line for the audience to cherish. There is no better wrestler to carry Foley’s legacy into tomorrow.
#3 Worst: Stupid stipulation
We know Charlotte, Sasha Banks and Bayley can put on some great matches. Nia Jax isn’t in the same league as those girls, but she is now a part of their match at Wrestlemania 33. Let’s hope she brings her A-Game and actually enhances the contest.
However, the bigger concern at hand is why Sasha Banks, a woman who involves herself in most matches where disqualification clauses exist, chose to stay out of a non-DQ match. This was the perfect setup for her heel turn.
#4 Worst ever: No Foley, only lots of Stephanie McMahon
Goodbye, Mr Foley. You will be missed. Especially when Stephanie McMahon cuts 20 minute long promos that go nowhere at all, every week.
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