The pre-Thanksgiving edition of WWE Raw served as a fitting precursor to the holiday weekend, delivering a mix of electrifying moments and questionable creative decisions. In this review, we’ll delve into three things that had us cheering and three things that left us scratching our heads.
Three Things We Loved
1. The Unstoppable Force of Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes
The Monday Night Messiah and the American Nightmare made magic happen in the main event, putting on a showstopping match that had the crowd on their feet. Their chemistry in the ring was palpable, and the result was a bout that felt like a throwback to the golden era of WWE wrestling. According to a WWE insider, Rollins and Rhodes are being groomed for a potential world title showdown at the Royal Rumble, and based on their performance on Raw, it’s easy to see why.
“Seth and Cody have a special connection in the ring,” the insider revealed. “They feed off each other’s energy, and it’s amazing to watch. Their match could easily be a candidate for Match of the Year, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re at the center of the Royal Rumble picture.”
2. Bianca Belair’s Dominant Performance
The EST of WWE continued her reign of terror on Raw, dispatching Carmella with ease in a dominant victory. Belair’s athleticism and power were on full display, and she showed no signs of slowing down as she prepares for her next title defense. With Alexa Bliss and Becky Lynch looking to capitalize on Belair’s momentum, the women’s division is heating up in a big way.
“Bianca is on a whole different level right now,” said a source close to Belair. “She’s got the look, the talent, and the drive to be a true WWE legend. It’s only a matter of time before she becomes a household name.”
3. The Rise of The OC
The OC, comprised of AJ Styles, Luke Gallows, and Karl Anderson, made a statement on Raw, taking down the team of The Street Profits and Riddle in a hard-hitting match. The trio’s chemistry and camaraderie are undeniable, and they’re quickly becoming one of the most formidable factions on the roster. With Styles’ leadership and the Gallows/Anderson tandem’s brute force, The OC is a force to be reckoned with.
“The OC has been quietly building momentum for weeks now, and it’s paying off,” said a WWE insider. “They’re one of the most cohesive and formidable teams in the company, and it’s only a matter of time before they make some noise in the tag team division.”
Three Things We Hated
1. The Overexposure of The New Day
Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods’ awkward promos and silly antics have worn thin, and their overexposure on Raw has become a crutch for the show’s writers. While The New Day was once a beloved and innovative act, their current iteration feels forced and formulaic. It’s time for the company to rethink their approach to one of its most recognizable and successful factions.
“The New Day’s shtick has been milked for all it’s worth,” said a WWE creative writer. “We’re looking for fresh ways to incorporate them into the show, and it’s not easy. We need to find a way to make them relevant again without relying on tired gimmicks.”
2. The Lack of Build for the Royal Rumble
With the Royal Rumble just around the corner, one would expect a clear direction and purpose on Raw. Unfortunately, the show felt like a meandering collection of vignettes and match-ups rather than a cohesive unit. The build for the event has been slow and plodding, and it’s starting to feel like an afterthought. WWE needs to step up its game and give fans a reason to care about the Royal Rumble.
“We’re not doing a great job of building momentum for the Royal Rumble,” said a WWE executive. “We need to focus on creating a clear and compelling narrative that will get fans invested in the event. It’s a tall order, but we’re working hard to get it right.”
3. The Baffling Decision to Keep Rhea Ripley as a Heel
Rhea Ripley’s transition to a heel has been a disaster, with her promos and actions feeling forced and unnatural. The company would be better served by embracing Ripley’s natural charisma and letting her be a fan favorite. By keeping her as a heel, WWE is missing out on an opportunity to create a compelling and empathetic character.
“We’re not sure what we’re doing with Rhea right now,” said a source close to the company. “She’s got a great look and a great personality, but we’re forcing her into a role that doesn’t feel authentic. We need to give her a chance to shine as a fan favorite and see what she can do.”
In conclusion, WWE Raw’s pre-Thanksgiving edition was a mixed bag, with both thrilling moments and puzzling decisions. As the company looks to the future and the Royal Rumble, it’s time to take a hard look at what’s working and what’s not. By making some much-needed adjustments, WWE can create a more compelling and engaging product that will leave fans eagerly anticipating what’s next.