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Fastlane 2019 wasn't a particularly bad show but wasn't especially good either. The trend continued to this week's episode of WWE RAW, which was also the same. There was very little to actually complain about from the show. But it wasn't a very memorable episode either.
As always, welcome to the best and worst analysis that follows every episode of RAW and SmackDown Live from yours truly. Be sure to let me know in the comments what your own best/worst list is. I'll be glad to check it out and understand your point of view as well.
Here's what I think of the show that aired this week. In a nutshell, I did not get bored across the three hours, honestly.
And that's never a bad thing.
#1 Best: The Ambrose-McIntyre main event
We were supposed to get a Roman Reigns vs. Baron Corbin main event on RAW this week. As Roman Reigns made his way to the ring, showered in adulation by the fans in attendance he was attacked by Drew McIntyre. Roman Reigns was rushed to the medical personnel in the back, and it was clear that he wouldn't be able to compete.
Dean Ambrose stepped up and wanted revenge to avenge his fallen comrade. McIntyre and Ambrose clashed in a 'Falls Count Anywhere' match that took the two men all across the arena, battling against one another in an absolutely intense contest. And then, McIntyre picked up the big win at the conclusion of the match, delivering a Claymore while Ambrose was down.
He would deliver yet another Claymore on to Ambrose asserting his superiority over the Shield member. This was just the showing that he needed after the loss at Fastlane.
What a splendid main event this was.
#1 Worst: Kurt Angle's retirement
I was a WWE fan back when Kurt Angle first made his debut. And I continue to remain a fan of his, having followed his career for many years on to this very night when he called it quits in his home town. Kurt Angle will wrestle his final match at WrestleMania. And this is a shame, but it was, I suppose, inevitable.
So many people who enter the wrestling ring from combat sports often disregard the hard work that goes into being a WWE superstar. Kurt Angle did not just embrace it, but he excelled at it, creating an absolutely unparalleled legacy. Today, so many people have entered the business because they've been inspired by the man.
It is clear to anyone that watches him that Angle is no longer in his prime. But he still put on a great showcase against Apollo Crews.
In any case, we wish him all the best for the future.
#2 Best: Shelton Benjamin's surprise attack
I listed out a whole bunch of surprises that could potentially take place on RAW not long ago. The one that I did not see coming was Shelton Benjamin's arrival. Paul Heyman mentioned how he'd paid Shelton Benjamin some big bucks to take out Seth Rollins, justifying his move to RAW this week.
While this wasn't a very noteworthy development, it was fun to see Seth Rollins face a fresh opponent. The thing is, because of the brand split, we do not get to see superstars from different brands face one another, except at Survivor Series. Rollins and Benjamin had an okay match, the soundtrack of which was Paul Heyman talking about Lesnar's tie-in to the situation.
If you want to know the link between the two men, check this article out. My colleague Soumik has done a great job, chronicling the reasons for the attack.
#2 Worst: Batista's promo cutting skills
Batista has never been a particularly bad promo, so this week was just baffling. Triple H and Batista exchanged some harsh words in a segment that never really went anywhere. All the Hollywood star kept roaring about was- 'Give me what I want' on repeat.
Of all the matches that are lining up for WrestleMania this year, Triple H vs. Batista seems to be the weakest on paper as of right now. The two men had a chance to build some heat into the program this week, but somehow the whole segment went off the rails and while the crowd reacted, it wasn't the thunderous roar it should have actually received. I suppose Triple H's injury at Crown Jewel delayed this program to a point where it doesn't seem important.
Of course, the two men will have a great match. I just don't feel it yet, quite honestly.
#3 Best: The title change
Before you start throwing rocks and stones at me, think back to what a Championship title really is. You do not necessarily put the title around your strongest superstar, but around someone who needs it to help him ascend to the next level.
By this reasoning, Finn Balor does not need the title as much as Lashley does, because Balor has an assured place in the roster and the support of many fans. Moreover, it was clear that WWE had no real plans for Balor as Intercontinental Champion, booking him in multi-man matches week after week.
I also really liked Lio Rush's interference during the match, ringing the bell to distract the referee, a classic old-school tactic used in WWE. Lashley can now set the stage for Balor to win the title back at WrestleMania 35.
The belt will mean a lot more at WrestleMania.
#3 Worst: Braun Strowman's role
Braun Strowman was competing for the Universal Championship not long ago on RAW. And now, he's breaking apart cars with his bare hands, which is cool but a waste of time.
It just seems like Braun Strowman is no longer a serious WWE superstar anymore and that there are no plans in place for him as WrestleMania 35 fast approaches. The way things are going for him, even the Nicholas segment from the year before would have been an upgrade for the Monster Among Men.
There are very few men, not just in sports entertainment, but in the world who look like Braun Strowman and therefore, WWE should catapult him all the way to the sun and back. But somehow, his momentum seems to have plateaued and he's no longer the hot commodity he was.
I really hope he lives up to his potential in due time.
#4 Best/worst: Ronda Rousey's promo
I really love Ronda Rousey's newfound attitude and aggression on RAW these days. She's embraced her role as a heel and comes in super confident, much like the character she always should have been, from the very start. But there's something about her delivery that just shows her inexperience. The fact that she's new to the business however quickly she may have embraced it.
Compare her promo to the ones Charlotte Flair cuts. Flair is a natural on the microphone and her pauses, her mannerisms and her composure just make her seem like such a a WWE superstar. Rousey comes off as someone who will get there in time, someday.
Anyway, speaking of being good on the microphone, congratulations to Alexa Bliss for hosting this year's WrestleMania. As always, I would like to close this edition with her image.
All hail the Goddess of WWE!
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