The February 9 episode of WWE Raw marked a pivotal moment in the build-up to WrestleMania, with several storylines reaching a boiling point. The show featured a mix of thrilling matches, surprising twists, and underwhelming moments. Here’s a breakdown of the highs and lows from Monday Night Raw.
3 Things We Loved
1. Drew McIntyre vs. Austin Theory
The opening contest of the evening saw Drew McIntyre take on Austin Theory in a highly competitive match. McIntyre’s determination and Theory’s cunning made for an engaging spectacle. In the end, McIntyre’s superior strength and experience proved too much for Theory, as he secured a hard-fought victory. This win will undoubtedly boost McIntyre’s momentum heading into the Royal Rumble.
“I’m feeling as confident as ever,” McIntyre said in a backstage interview. “I’ve been working tirelessly to regain my spot at the top of the roster, and I’m not going to let anything get in my way. Theory may have been a challenge, but I’m ready for whoever comes next.”
2. Rhea Ripley’s Dominant Performance
Rhea Ripley continued her impressive run on Raw with a dominant victory over Raquel Rodriguez. The Australian superstar’s raw power and aggression left Rodriguez reeling, as she delivered a devastating Riptide to secure the win. Ripley’s performance has been a highlight of the past few weeks, and it’s clear she’s destined for greatness.
“Rhea’s been a force to be reckoned with,” a WWE insider revealed. “Her passion and dedication to her craft are evident in every match she competes in. She’s got a bright future ahead of her, and it’s exciting to see what she’ll accomplish.”
3. The Revival of The OC
The OC, comprised of Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows, made a triumphant return to Raw, reuniting with AJ Styles in the process. The trio’s chemistry and camaraderie were on full display as they laid the smackdown on their opponents, The Street Profits. The OC’s reunion has sparked renewed interest in their storyline, and it’s clear they’re a force to be reckoned with.
3 Things We Hated
1. Underwhelming Tag Team Match
The tag team match between The Viking Raiders and The Hurt Business was a major letdown. The bout was marred by poor pacing, lackluster action, and a nonsensical finish. The Viking Raiders’ victory felt unearned, and the crowd’s energy never really picked up. A tag team match is always a great way to get the crowd invested, but this one fell flat.
“I’ve been a fan of the Viking Raiders for a while now, but this match was a huge disappointment,” a fan expressed on social media. “I love both teams, but the match just felt like a bunch of random moves strung together. It was a waste of my time.”
2. Lack of Resolution on The Bloodline Storyline
The ongoing feud between The Bloodline and The Usos continued to simmer, but a conclusion to the storyline was nowhere to be found. The promos were engaging, but the lack of a clear direction or resolution left fans feeling frustrated. The Bloodline’s power struggle is one of the most compelling storylines on Raw, but it needs to be resolved soon.
“Sources close to Roman Reigns revealed that the creative team is eager to tie up the Bloodline storyline by WrestleMania,” a WWE insider disclosed. “However, the exact details of the conclusion are still unclear. One thing’s for sure, though – fans are eager to see this feud come to a head.”
3. The Continued Misuse of Finn Bálor
Finn Bálor’s character has been misused for far too long. He’s been relegated to a mid-card role, and his matches have become a mere afterthought. Bálor’s talents are wasted in this position, and it’s time for a change.
“Finn’s been stuck in a rut for far too long,” a WWE insider confessed. “He deserves better than the role he’s been given. A push to a top-tier spot would not only benefit Bálor but also the entire roster.”