The Go-Home show before a pay-per-view is always a disappointment.
This has almost become a tradition of sorts for WWE fans. This week did have some promising matches and segments, but the length of the show is just tiresome. As much as we love wrestling, both as fans and journalists, it is impossible to not let our thoughts drift on every Monday night.
However, as is always the case, we bring you the best and worst of Raw, immediately following the show. Share your thoughts in the comments and let us know if you agree or disagree with us. Read on, folks.
#1 Best: Outstanding main event
The funny thing about Raw is that however tiresome and lacklustre the show may get, the main events are always great. Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins put on probably the best match that they have ever had, and absolutely stole the show.
The two men are so familiar with each other's offence that there were enough familiar spots for fans, but with their unique twist as well. Both men worked as babyfaces, so it was just a question of who had more heart in this contest. Roman Reigns persevered in the match, but for fans, honestly, both men won.
This was in every way, a pay-per-view quality match.
#1 Worst: The botchtastic Hardy match
Matt Hardy may have had the most sought after gimmick in sports entertainment, only a few months ago but his work in the ring leaves much to be desired. He looked sluggish, sloppy and even made a few in-ring botches through the match that were difficult to watch.
We have been fans of the man for a long time, and indeed age has caught up with both Hardyz. Let’s hope they work on their in-ring work soon so that WWE can elevate them to the moon. Or better yet, go ‘Broken’ so that these massive botches can be obscured with smokes and mirrors altogether.
#2 Best: The other main event
Finn Balor, Samoa Joe and Bray Wyatt tore the house down halfway through the show. Alliances were formed and broken, as one man seized advantage only to succumb to the numbers, over the long haul.
The storytelling was very creative indeed. Samoa Joe eventually picked up the win, but Finn Balor and especially Bray Wyatt had their best match in ages. This is a great omen for the Fatal 5-Way match at Extreme Rules.
All five men can work in the ring, and they are certain to put on a clinic. Another great thing about the Extreme Rules match is how we cannot predict a winner even at this stage. This sheer unpredictability will make Extreme Rules an absolute must-watch event.
#2 Worst: This isn’t my life
At the outset, we’re certain that you know that we’re big Alexa Bliss fans.
Unfortunately, even she could not save this dreadful segment. Alexa Bliss brought in artefacts and even people from Bayley’s past that would prove how lame she was. Unfortunately, the segment was childish, silly and far lamer than Bayley ever was.
In fact, this segment ended with Bayley’s ex-boyfriend and best friend kissing in the middle of the ring. A sight that will give us nightmares for months. The crowd was very vocal about how much they hated this segment, from the bottom of their hearts.
Here's a poll. Let us know in the comments if you think this storyline is worse than the Welcoming Committee one. We still vote for the latter.
#3 Best: The puzzling Kurt Angle scandal
We saw a rather puzzling sight on Raw this week. Corey Graves left the announcer’s desk to have a private conversation with Kurt Angle, through the course of which the Olympic Gold medalist looked totally aghast.
Angle claimed that he could be ruined if the information that Graves had was made public to the entire WWE Universe. Big Cass took offence and thought it incriminated him, with regard to the attack on his partner, Enzo. It could also be information pertaining to The Revival. This is a puzzling storyline and we must admit that we are intrigued.
#3 Worst: Still no reaction
These men put on great matches every week. To absolutely zero applause. WWE has to work hard to get the crowd invested in the cruiserweights. If not, the writing could be on the wall.
Let’s end on a positive note, with the Goddess.
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