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Can you believe that WrestleMania is less than two weeks from now? It certainly does not feel like it judging by this week's RAW. Sure, there were a few developments, but the show did feel like a big disappointment. Still, we'll remain positive and list the best and worst, this week.
As we approach the biggest WWE pay-per-view of the year, WWE made its penultimate pit stop at the Quicken Loans Arena. It did not help that, except for a few segments, Cleveland seemed like a pretty dead crowd. Only certain segments could rouse them from their slumber.
On the heels of a fantastic 'Strong Style Evolved', WWE really has to step up their game to connect with fans that may be getting disillusioned with the product of today. As they've proved time and again, they can be absolutely awesome when they want to.
Presenting the best and worst of RAW.
#1 Best: Hot start
We did like the segment that kicked off the show. Whether it was Paul Heyman mocking Roman Reigns for not showing up after the vicious beatdown, or Reigns' eventual appearance and the brawl that ensued, it was all well done.
The crowd was hot for the segment as well. We thought this was a great appetizer for the main course that would ensue.
Lesnar just comes across as tough and believable in everything he does. As does Reigns, because his physique matches up to Lesnar's. We're certain that when the match does happen, it will deliver.
We wonder if this match is still closing out the show or not. Whatever the case may be, we're excited to see what eventually transpires at WrestleMania 34.
#1 Worst: A massive demotion
Last week, The Ultimate Deletion was the talk of the WWE Universe. This week, Matt Hardy announced that he would be a part of the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. We had believed that the Ultimate Deletion may lead to some interesting development with Hardy. Sadly, such is not the case.
We all know how pointless the Battle Royal can be. Look where Mojo Rawley is on the roster, almost one year after winning the 'prestigious' match.
#2 Best: Finally, a brawl!
Fans who saw Sasha Banks and Bayley wrestle in NXT know that they can put on really memorable programs. They've been clamoring for a showdown between the two, for a long time. After weeks of teasing a fight, they finally came to blows. We were thrilled!
Neither of them really went heel. Both of them just got fed up with one another and got into a vicious backstage fight, with one another. We wonder what the next chapter of this rivalry will be.
Will they be separated after WrestleMania? We sure hope not because they can work magic together.
#2 Worst: Still no Undertaker
Kane and John Cena had a decent match. It was what it was, and certainly wasn't a match we'll remember years down the line. It was what transpired after the match that left us sour. The Undertaker no-showed one more time.
We had believed that because it was the ending sequence, there would be some kind of appearance from The Deadman. Sure, him not showing up is part of the storyline. But what does that leave us with - an average John Cena vs. Kane match to close the show?
Fans deserve much better on the road to WrestleMania, in our opinion. This was a dampener for us.
#3 Best: The swerve
There was a point where we actually believed that Bo Dallas would turn on his faction leader, The Miz. After all, the crowd was certainly behind him to do so. The same could be said for Curtis Axel as well. But it was all a ruse, for them to attack Seth Rollins and Finn Balor.
For what it was, we were entertained for the duration of the sequence. We're sure that the Intercontinental Championship match at WrestleMania will be a pretty big deal too.
#3 Worst: A jobber match for Asuka
Asuka took on a local competitor, who was no James Ellsworth. She defeated her opponent in almost no time at all. We wonder if this match was really necessary at all. We get the point already - 'no one is ready for the Empress of Tomorrow'.
There was so much filler, two weeks removed from WrestleMania 34. The Gallows and Anderson match with The Miztourage falls into the same category.
#4 Best/worst: Ronda Rousey
We have no doubt that Ronda Rousey will be booked much like Asuka, when the time is right. The difference between the two - Rousey is still green. Her timing is off when she cuts her promos. Even her moves seem slightly awkward.
We're sure she'll find her footing soon. But this is what happens when you bypass NXT. Somehow, certain small components of your game remain raw.
This brings us to the end of yet another 'Best and Worst'. Leave us a comment below and let us know your thoughts about the show.
Also, bow your head before the Goddess.
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