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Even those who sing praise of the Attitude Era agree that the in-ring product today is as good as it has ever been, across the very many chapters of WWE. However, what's been lacking is compelling storylines, to hook viewers who may not necessarily be fans of in-ring action.
This week was a welcome change. We absolutely loved the fact that WWE tried to tell stories across their segments, even for the smallest programs and feuds. The three hours passed by like a breeze, and we found ourselves wanting more, at the finish line.
If this is a sign of things to come, we are all for it. Great matches are always fantastic to see, but the stories that lead to these matches are equally important. This week, we got stories in droves.
Without further ado, let's march straight into the heart of the action, and revisit the best and worst from the show.
#1 Best: The reunion of The Shield
Last week, RAW ended on a cliffhanger, with us wondering if Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose were back on the same page, to re-form the most dominant faction in modern day sports entertainment.
Thankfully, we are glad to report that they are, and heading into WWE TLC, The Shield will be the most dominant faction, moving forward. The show got off to a hot start, with the trio interrupting The Miz during his Mizzie Awards.
The trio even saved Matt Hardy from being 'broken' at the hands of Braun Strowman, bringing him into their battle.
The main event of TLC is set for now. It will be The Shield vs. Braun Strowman, The Miz and The Bar. We must admit that despite the absence of Brock Lesnar and John Cena, this is a really stacked lineup indeed.
#1 Worst: Worst women's match in recent memory
Five women battled for a chance to face Asuka at TLC, this week. Of the five, only three were competent in-ring workers. Not even Sasha Banks, Bayley and Emma could save this match from being extremely shoddy. It was the sloppiest women's match in recent memory.
Dana Brooke was especially awful during this match, messing up the simplest of spots. The sloppiness carried over to the announcers as well, as Michael Cole got the rules of the match mixed up too.
If there's one positive to emerge from this match it is that Emma got the eventual pinfall, during this not-so-exciting contest, and will be Asuka's first main roster opponent. She's a great worker, and had a fantastic match with Asuka on NXT, as well.
We also loved the tension between Sasha and Bayley during the match. Let's hope that leads to something.
#2 Best: Elevating the Cruiserweights
We love the one versus all feel of the Cruiserweight Division right now, with almost the entire division repulsed by the thought of Enzo Amore as the (now former) Cruiserweight Champion. They banded together to make sure that he does not retain the top prize in the division in the main event.
We love how Kurt Angle, too, seems opposed to the idea of Amore carrying the big prize. It felt like he would do everything in his power to keep the belt off the man.
Let's hope that the division is still as important with Kalisto as the Cruiserweight Champion. WWE would be foolish to take the title off Enzo. He needs to stay in the main event picture.
#2 Worst: Still no heat for the remaining division
Cedric Alexander and Mustafa Ali took on The Brian Kendrick and Gentleman Jack Gallagher this week on RAW. As hot as the crowd was for the Enzo Amore segment and the eventual title match in the main event, they were dead for this showcase tag team match.
The need of the hour is to carry out character development for every single performer in the division. By giving them microphone time, and treating them as people and not just bodies that perform exciting moves, the division can be elevated to the absolute stratosphere.
#3 Best: Peg for next week
As exciting as this show was, we have an even better reason to tune in next week. Roman Reigns and Braun Strowman will take each other, inside of a steel cage. We've seen the kind of wars that these two men can have, and this clash should be absolutely titanic indeed.
This is not a match that was thrown together at random. This is a match with a purpose, unlike the clashes between The Big Show and Braun Strowman, considering these two men are opponents at TLC.
WWE is pulling no punches, and we're glad to see them gift us with such a big match.
#3 Worst: Still no direction for Jason Jordan
Jason Jordan has a ready-made storyline and was due for the push of his lifetime, as Kurt Angle's son.
Unfortunately, for some reason, WWE has no plans for the man yet. He is constantly booked in meaningless matches, and is in an even worse place then he was with American Alpha, on SmackDown Live.
He's putting on great matches and we know that he can wrestle. He needs a compelling feud to sink his teeth into. If there's no program for him, we're afraid he'll sink to the bottom of the barrel very soon.
#4 Best/worst: The Undertaker's successor?
We do not know if The Undertaker granted permission to Elias to use his trademark 'old school' move during his matches. However, the name 'Walking with Elias' has rubbed many fans the wrong way online.
Of all the superstars who could have been granted permission to perform this move, and become the successor to The Undertaker, Elias is a rather odd choice. Of course, he could become a much bigger player with the right booking, but as it stands, he is at the lower rung of the mid-card, currently.
This was our 'Best and Worst' analysis for this week of action. Do you agree with our assessment?
Let us know your thoughts and comments, in the section down below.
