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We break down the best, worst, and downright ugliest moments in the latest edition of WWE RAW.
The Good - Elias
Elias is getting the push the WWE envisioned when bringing up the former NXT Superstar. Not only did he open RAW (a huge deal in its own right); but, he pinned what is arguably WWE's hottest Superstar in Seth Rollins.
The Good - Curt Hawkins
The WWE managed to generate interest in a Curt Hawkins match albeit for a short time & they had to entice us with tacos. Still, this is no small accomplishment considering Hawkins' lackluster WWE run and a losing streak that now stands at 200.
The Good - Bruce Prichard
Bruce Prichard was back on WWE television, at least for a short time. Prichard made a cameo as a front row guest in promotion of Something Else to Wrestle With; but, was on screen long enough to hearken to the days when Prichard was a weekly WWE television staple as Brother Love. He also received a spectacular, 'Well you know,' reference from the WWE commentary team.
The Good - Braun Strowman
Braun Strowman split a ladder in two with his bare hands in yet another display of sheer super human strength. There has never been anyone more visibly powerful than Braun Strowman, who proved once again that he is indeed a monster among men and certainly a dream come true for Vince McMahon.
The Good - Matt Hardy
Matt Hardy asked Renee Young if she was broken while gnashing his teeth ala Hannibal Lecter. Renee Young's terrified reaction made for splendid television and served as further evidence that the Woken gimmick is a long way from ever getting old.
The Good - Sami Zayn
Sami Zayn is stellar as a heel. Heels should eat organic tofu steaks and have an unhealthy obsession with Instagram and Zayn proved as much this past Monday. Zayn's questioning Bobby Lashley's military service was a low blow; but, generates heat in a feud that was an afterthought to many.
The Good - Big Show
Big Show returned for a worthy cause in the Special Olympics. The seven foot tall big man made his long awaited WWE return, looking svelte and in good health as he praised Special Olympics. Team Texas accompanied him and the group received a well deserved standing ovation from the Houston, TX crowd.
The Good - Finn Balor & Kevin Owens
Finn Balor vs Kevin Owens allowed two of WWE's top in-ring talents to display their abilities in an superb match to close the show. Both Balor and Owens are owed a Universal Championship rematch and the two showed, on one of wrestling's biggest stages, why they each deserve the opportunity.
The Bad - Seth Rollins
Seth Rollins shouldn't be doing high spots when he trying to sell an injury. Early on in the match Rollins was doing suicide dives when he could barely walk when making his way down the entrance ramp.
The Bad - David Otunga
David Otunga was not only sub par on commentary; but, unlike his fellow commentators, appeared to be sweating profusely. Otunga glistened on the RAW cameras like a well lit Christmas tree in a river flood.
The Bad - Bobby Lashley
Bobby Lashley's Don Johnson inspired white sport coat will give the WWE Universe Miami Vice themed nightmares for decades to come. Who knew the 80s would look so terrible on a 250 pound super athlete?
The Bad - The RAW Tag Team Division
The tag team division as a whole: Breezango, The Ascension, The B-Team, Heath Slater & Rhyno, the quickly thrown together Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre, & the disappointing Revival round out a sub par division. Who thought we'd ever wax nostalgic and long for the days of Sheamus & Cesaro?
The Ugly - Baron Corbin
At the moment fans may have finally cared about a Curt Hawkins match, out comes Baron Corbin to remind us that if there is one Superstar more disappointing than Curtis Hawkins, it's Baron Corbin. That's not all; Baron Corbin was announced as RAW's new Constable, Stephanie McMahon's eyes and ears on the show. This means the nauseatingly boring Corbin will have an increased role weekly on RAW.
The Ugly - Ronda Rousey
Ronda Rousey's commentary was atrocious and included a particularly tone deaf reference about guns. Rousey said that pressure was good for her and then, in the era of school shootings and astronomical gun violence, made the statement that pressure is what builds up in the chamber behind a gun.
The Ugly - Early Start to the Tag Team Battle Royal
In a particularly head scratching moment, The Tag Team Battle Royal began early, while the rules were actually being announced.
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