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Every time WWE comes to Chicago, we know that the crowd will be raucous and incredibly loud. This holds true even on Christmas night. When WWE RAW began this week, the crowd was almost roaring. It set the stage for a pretty interesting episode.
As always, there were parts of the show that we liked and other parts that we did not enjoy as much. We've listed them here like we always do. And as is always the case, there were plenty of 'Bests' and 'Worsts' throughout the show.
Let us know what you thought of the show in the comments below. We would love to hear from you folks.
So, for the final time in 2017, here is the Best and Worst of Monday Night Raw.
#1 Best: Not a throwaway episode at all
WWE usually throws in the towel every time WWE coincides with a Holiday. We've seen far too many 4th of July specials to know that these special editions of RAW can be skipped without really missing much. This week's episode wasn't all that bad. In fact, certain aspects were actually good.
True, there were far too many squash matches for our liking. However, there were two title matches on the show. And surprisingly, we even saw a title change hands.
Chicago was a great city to host this episode in, honestly. The crowd came out in droves to watch their favourite RAW superstars compete in the ring.
Of course, it was Chicago so, of course, they did the most annoying thing in modern wrestling as well...
#1 Worst: CM Punk chants
As enthusiastic as the crowd was, it was very disrespectful to start 'CM Punk' chants, especially when the roster was asked to work on Christmas. They may be fun in the arena (not really), but they're extremely annoying for those who're watching at home.
Kudos to Cena, the stalwart and Elias, the soon-to-be star, for handling the chants like absolute professionals. They made the chants a part of the act.
The match that followed was both a best and worst in its own right. Both men seemed to lack chemistry, and Cena's STF looked messy.
However, Elias showed that he could hold his own even with someone as established as John Cena.
#2 Best: Matt Hardy's maniacal promo
Matt Hardy did the unthinkable this week. He played mind games, with the master of mind games, Bray Wyatt. It was the first time 'Woken' Matt Hardy stepped away from the backstage area and was inside the ring. The WWE Universe was absolutely deafening.
But then came the best part of the evening. When Matt Hardy picked up the microphone, everyone was ready to hang on to every word. Except Matt Hardy did not say words, but just laughed his heart out like a complete maniac or indeed, a 'Broken' man would.
The WWE Universe was so loud that they even cheered for 'Hardy' in the following segment, the pre-tape with Sheamus and Cesaro. This program may even get Bray Wyatt over in the very long haul.
#2 Worst: Not commercial free everywhere
At Sportskeeda Wrestling, we have writers from all over the world, all united by their love for WWE and sports entertainment. For many of us, the first hour was not commercial free. We believe it was only ad-free for those who caught it on the USA Network.
Now, that is not necessarily a bad thing. However, what was bad in this case, were the ill-timed ads. All we got to see of the Hideo Itami vs. Brian Kendrick match were the entrances and the GTS at the very end.
They could have cut Stephanie McMahon's promo from last week out. However, we were subjected to it again while the ads cut out the ongoing in-ring action.
#3 Best: Stories for squash matches
There were three real squash matches, this week. The first saw Kane take on Heath Slater. The second saw Finn Balor squash Curt Hawkins. And the third was a demolition derby that Braun Strowman unleashed upon The Miztourage.
In each case, there was a story, and we liked this aspect. Heath Slater was fighting for his job (and his kids). The Miztourage had prepared for a Secret Santa contest, and [poor Curt Hawkins just wanted one win in 2017.
Each of these developments added an element of interest to these squash matches. Such small flourished can really keep the viewer invested.
Unfortunately, one man won't be entertaining anyone at all, for a while...
#3 Worst: Dean Ambrose's injury
Dean Ambrose's injury last week was not a work. He is really out for 9 months. This is a massive blow to the Lunatic Fringe, who seemed to be having a pretty solid run. We'll never know whether he was supposed to win the Tag Team Championships, this week.
Let's hope that WWE can use Ambrose's injury to tell a good story, on screen. And let's also hope that when he returns in 9 months, according to Michael Cole, he is better than ever!
#4 Best/worst: Your new tag team champions
The unit of Seth Rollins and Jason Jordan should freshen up the RAW Tag Team Division. Putting the championships on them instantly, however, is a decision we raised our eyebrows at.
We believe that they can tell a great story together, of a team that does not really get along. It could create friction in the long haul, as well. And that's not necessarily a bad thing, from a storytelling perspective.
However, Jordan just seems ill-equipped for any role. He's great in the ring, but really little more.
We do not know what the future holds, but if anyone does, it's The Goddess.
One of Samoa Joe's colleagues had harsh words for him HERE
