WWE Raw, the flagship show of the world’s largest professional wrestling promotion, kicked off the Christmas week with a jam-packed episode that had something for everyone. While it was a night to remember, not everything went according to plan. In this article, we’ll highlight the best and worst of the show, exploring three things we loved and three things we hated.
3 Things We Loved
1. The Rise of LA Knight’s Redemption
LA Knight finally found his footing on Raw, as he delivered a strong promo that not only showcased his charisma but also solidified his claim to the top spot in the company. Knight’s message of perseverance and determination resonated with the audience, and his passion was palpable. This is exactly what the WWE needs more of – a talented performer who can connect with the crowd and inspire them to cheer.
According to a WWE insider, Knight’s recent performances have been a point of discussion among the company’s top brass, with some even speculating that he could be a dark horse candidate for a major push in the coming months. While it’s too early to predict anything concrete, one thing is certain: LA Knight is on the rise, and fans are taking notice.
2. The Emotional Tribute to D-Von Dudley
Raw took a heartfelt moment to pay tribute to the late D-Von Dudley, a legendary tag team wrestler and member of the iconic team with Bubba Ray. Dudley passed away earlier this year, and his passing was met with an outpouring of love and respect from the wrestling community. The tribute segment on Raw was a beautiful way to honor his memory, featuring a montage of his greatest moments and a heartfelt message from Bubba Ray himself.
Bubba Ray’s words were a poignant reminder of the impact Dudley had on the world of professional wrestling. “D-Von was more than just a tag team partner to me; he was a brother, a friend, and a confidant,” he said in a recent interview. “His legacy will live on through the countless wrestlers he inspired and mentored, and we’ll always remember him for the laughter, the tears, and the unforgettable memories we shared in the ring.”
3. The Thrilling Main Event
The evening’s main event was a thrilling matchup between Seth Rollins and Finn Bálor for the US Championship. The two superstars put on a show, delivering a high-flying, hard-hitting contest that had the crowd on the edge of their seats. In the end, Rollins emerged victorious, but the real winner was the audience, who got to witness two of the best performers in the company give it their all.
Finn Bálor’s post-match promo was a highlight of the evening, as he expressed his frustration and disappointment with the outcome but also vowed to come back stronger than ever. “I may have lost the match,” he said, “but I’ve already won the war. I’ve proven to myself and to the world that I’m a force to be reckoned with, and I’ll be back, hungrier than ever, to take what’s mine.”
3 Things We Hated
1. The Lackluster Segment Featuring The Migos
The evening’s opening segment featured a much-hyped appearance by The Migos, who were set to promote their new collaboration with WWE. However, the segment fell flat, with the group’s usual energy and charisma failing to translate to the live audience. The segment felt forced and awkward, with even the usually enthusiastic crowd seeming disinterested.
According to sources close to The Migos, the group was initially hesitant to participate in the segment, but ultimately agreed after being assured that it would be a fun and creative way to promote their music. While the intent may have been there, the execution was lacking, and the segment ultimately felt like a waste of time.
2. The Underwhelming Debut of WWE’s Newest Signee
WWE’s newest signee, a talented but relatively unknown wrestler from the independent circuit, made their debut on Raw, but it was a lackluster effort. The wrestler, who was announced in the weeks leading up to the show, failed to make an impact, struggling to connect with the crowd and deliver a convincing performance.
According to a WWE insider, the company was high on the wrestler’s potential, but it seems that they may have gotten ahead of themselves. “We were excited to bring this talent on board, but it’s clear that they need more time to develop,” the source said. “We’ll give them another chance to shine, but for now, it’s back to the drawing board.”
3. The Unnecessary Interference by Baron Corbin
The evening’s final segment saw Baron Corbin, who has been on a tear of late, interfere in a tag team match between The Street Profits and The Usos. While Corbin’s actions were certainly entertaining, they seemed unnecessary and even a bit cheap. The match was already well underway, and Corbin’s interference only served to disrupt the flow of the contest.
According to a source close to Corbin, the interference was supposed to be a way to further his storyline, but it ultimately felt like a desperate attempt to get attention. “Baron’s been struggling to find his footing in the company, and this was an attempt to get back on the map,” the source said. “While it may have worked in the short term, it’s unlikely to have a lasting impact.”
As WWE Raw moves forward into the holiday season, it’s clear that there’s still a lot to be desired. While the company has made some strides in recent weeks, there are still areas that need improvement. With the Royal Rumble on the horizon, we can expect things to heat up in the coming weeks. One thing is certain: WWE Raw will continue to be a wild ride, full of twists and turns that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.