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I have to say that there was a lot more good than bad on this week's episode of RAW. Usually, the three-hour long show feels like it's 4 or 5 hours long, but this week's episode just flew by like a breeze.
I had a tough time finding any 'worsts' for the show, and let me just say that if you're going to use this article as a reference for whether or not to watch RAW, I'd recommend that you watch it. It was a pretty fantastic show and even though it wasn't as monumental as the SmackDown episode this week with its three returns, I was certainly entertained.
In any case, I invite you guys to leave a comment and let me know what you thought of the episode. Did you think it was as good as I did or do you believe that RAW can do far better?
In my case, I'd be thrilled if this is an indication of the quality of shows we can expect in 2020.
#1 Best: AJ Styles wins a match with an RKO
You don't always need a title to make a feud meaningful and AJ Styles proved just that when he took on Akira Tozawa this week in a hard-hitting match. He could have won the match with a Phenomenal Forearm, but he took the effort to go 'vintage Randy Orton', deliver an RKO and then mock Randy Orton by posing in trademark Orton manner.
This is obviously in retaliation for what happened on last week's show where Randy Orton feigned an injury and then delivered an RKO to AJ Styles, which was absolutely picture-perfect. I'm curious to see how the upcoming match between the two men plays out and how long the rivalry continues.
#1 Worst: Big Show returns as the third man
I know that a lot of people in the arena were excited to see The Big Show return, and maybe I would be too if the segment hadn't been hyped in the manner that it was. Big Show is one of the all-time-greats and is sure to be a future WWE Hall of Famer someday, but I just expected a more interesting name.
It's just that Big Show has not been the most exciting character in the WWE roster, despite the fact that he's always been booked like he's a pretty big deal. I would have loved someone like Jeff Hardy come back to reinforce the Seth Rollins and Samoa Joe team, or maybe even someone like Keith Lee from NXT.
Once again, let me reiterate that this was a matter of personal opinion only. If you thought The Big Show's return was great, sound off in the comments.
#2 Best: Rey Mysterio gets unmasked
Don't you guys think that it's amazing that Rey Mysterio can perform at the highest level even at his age, with men who're considerably younger than he is? And he has incredible chemistry with Andrade, yet another Superstar who just puts on a show every single time he's inside the squared circle.
Not only did I love the wrestling in the match, but I also personally loved the fact that Andrade decided to disrespect Rey Mysterio by stealing his mask, and make the whole feud extremely personal indeed. I loved the fact that Zelina was also involved in the match and it is clear that she is an invaluable part of the whole Andrade package.
I also loved the fact that this rivalry continued all the way to the backstage area where Rey Mysterio reclaimed his mask once again. Good matches are always great to watch for sure, but good heat is something that must be treasured.
#2 Worst: The Becky Lynch-Asuka build
Becky Lynch is the hottest star in the wrestling business right now, male or female, in my personal opinion. And this is why her opponent needed to be showcased in a strong manner to pose a threat to her.
However, Asuka came out to cut a promo in her native tongue and got knocked down with a punch from Lynch. It is pretty clear that Becky Lynch is going to be the Champion until WrestleMania and nobody's going to buy into the idea of Asuka beating her at the Royal Rumble at all.
And this is why I personally feel that Becky Lynch needed Asuka to maybe blind her with the mist and get one over on her to highlight the idea that the Empress of Tomorrow is the one woman who has Lynch's number at all times. The lead-up to the match has been underwhelming.
#3 Best/worst: Not ending Buddy Murphy vs. Aleister Black
I wonder if it will be good to separate Aleister Black and Buddy Murphy for a while. You can overdo a good thing until the fun and excitement dry up, and that's never a good thing.
But then again, Aleister Black and Buddy Murphy have showcased in their previous encounters that they mean to steal the show. The only reason I'm a little apprehensive about the match is that I know that Black is likely to win and that will affect Buddy Murphy quite adversely.
But that said, this should be a dream match for fans who enjoy NXT-style entertainment because of how great both men can be in the ring. I just wonder what is next for both men when this feud comes to an end.
Do you think I'm wrong to think that Aleister Black has a lot more potential, owing to his gimmick, than Murphy does?
#3 Best/worst: Brock Lesnar enters the Royal Rumble match
If you're wondering why Brock Lesnar is in the Royal Rumble match when he's the WWE Champion, I've jotted down a whole bunch of reasons right here, for your reading pleasure. I don't really know if it's the right move but I'm intrigued, which is a good thing.
I just thought that WWE could have used the Royal Rumble to elevate another Superstar, even if he came up short against Lesnar. Rusev would have been an ideal candidate and so would Aleister Black.
In any case, both men seem to have their hands full with their own feuds, and I'm curious to see who eliminates Brock Lesnar from the Royal Rumble. It is pretty clear that whoever does so, is going to be his next opponent, presumably at WrestleMania 36.
Sorry, Goddess, but I must end this week's article with Liv Morgan instead.
