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WWE RAW this week wasn't really all that bad. While it was certainly no cinematic masterpiece, it held our attention over the course of three hours, and sometimes that's all one can ask for.
It wasn't the perfect show in the same way that SmackDown was, but WWE RAW chugged along at a great pace. Do let us know what you thought of this week's show in the comments.
Do you guys think that as good as WWE RAW was this week, the show would be better if it was an hour shorter? Chime in below and let's get a discussion going in the comments section.
#1 Best: Charlotte Flair's big WWE RAW announcement isn't a bad thing and THIS is the reason...
Did we really need to see Asuka vs. Rhea Ripley again, after we saw it just a month back at WrestleMania? As is the case with the men, with the inclusion of Braun Strowman into the mix, throwing in a new player on the chessboard just adds a whole new dimension to the contest.
For as much hate as she receives online, Charlotte Flair is arguably the most gifted female performer in WWE history. Throw her into a match with Rhea Ripley and Asuka, and the match is guaranteed to be one for the ages.
Plus, there's the added question mark about WWE RAW and SmackDown authority figure Sonya Deville and how she figures into the whole thing. Is this entire thing building up to the in-ring return of the massively talented star?
So many questions exist about the WWE RAW Women's Championship division, and it's not a bad thing at all. Asuka's reign may as Champion may not have been the best, but Ripley's reign could change it all.
#1 Worst: Riddle lands awkwardly during his WWE RAW match
Listen, the WWE RAW team of Riddle and Randy Orton may be the best thing on the show. They are entertaining backstage and when they are in the ring, they fire on all cylinders. Everything about the duo was great until the Floating Bro hit. Yes, Riddle landed awkwardly, on Elias' head, in what can only be considered a botch.
When you talk about WWE RAW and pro wrestling in general, the words 'fake' and 'scripted' are thrown about. Unfortunately, the injuries are very real and one has to hope that someone as talented as Elias does not suffer any long-term consequences of the accident.
It's a shame that Elias, for all his talent, is not really doing anything noteworthy as it is. While he is prominently featured, it's not in a prominent feud or position.
Anyway, mistakes happen and one has to hope that Elias can get back on his feet again, in the best way he can. R-K-Bro is still gold in every way, bro!
#2 Best: Not having the Champion pinned in the WWE RAW main event
Because WWE RAW is a three-hour long show, fans need a strong enough hook to stick around until the end. Braun Strowman vs. Bobby Lashley was a match worthy of the hype, a contest where it is impossible to predict who will walk out with the big win. After all, Strowman is one of the most protected stars on the roster and well, Lashley is the WWE Champion.
Let's just heave a sigh of relief that the main event of WWE RAW ended with a victory for Bobby Lashley. It was far too soon to have him lose his dominant streak, even against a powerhouse like Braun Strowman. Yes, we could see the WWE RAW main event for next week coming from a few miles away - Bobby Lashley vs. Drew McIntyre - but this is still a mammoth contest!
Bobby Lashley has looked like a big deal for a while now, and WWE has to be commended for his booking.
#2 Worst: The greatest moment in WWE RAW history (NOT)
Does WWE RAW Superstar Angel Garza deserve more on-screen time? Yes. Does it mean that he has to shove a rose right up his opponent's hindquarters? No. Does it mean that he will be known for a signature move, where he hits his opponent with a kick to the posterior? No, it does not, sir (or madam)!
As far as Drew Gulak goes, how does arguably the most technical wrestler in the WWE RAW brand go from excellence on the mat, to getting a rose shoved up his rear? This is insulting on so many levels and will honestly do nothing for Angel Garza's character. This is not the new Rikishi 'stink face' or the modern version of Goldust's 'shattered dreams', because of how nonsensical it is.
How does the WWE RAW creative team, with so many writers at their disposal come up with this for such a talented young man? Why can't Drew Gulak get a role better suited to his many abilities?
#3 Best/Worst: 2 new faces arrive at WWE RAW (but will they be used right?)
Hey guys, click on the link above for a WWE RAW review from Sportskeeda's own Dr. Chris Featherstone and former WCW Champion, Vince Russo. Both men have hilarious takes on the current product and often, their analysis of WWE RAW is more entertaining than the show is. Join the chat and speak to our panel LIVE as well!
There is a lot of conversation online about Eva Marie's return to action, and the grievances are justified considering how some extremely talented women were let go to make way for her. But Marie is an extremely marketable star who has the look, and also brings additional eyeballs in through her appearances on Total Divas and Celebrity Big Brother.
Moreover, she is not a star that goes unnoticed because everyone's always talking about her! As for WWE RAW star Mansoor's debut against Sheamus, it wasn't as dominant as one would have liked it to be, but hey, it's still a step up.
