Aaaaaannnnd we’re back! It’s been almost a month since I last covered Raw – many thanks to the One and Only Ricochet Nate Craver for so ably standing in for me towards the end of last year – and personally, I’ve been itching to get back at it.
In just the short time I was away, the McMahons ushered in a fan-centric “New Era” of WWE, General Managers have been dispensed with, and… well, aside from a snappy new graphics package, surprisingly little has changed really. For the most part, the matches still follow the same basic “rest hold, move, rest hold” structure, bouts are plagued by screwy finishes and, despite promises to the contrary, existing feuds have remained largely intact.
That was, at least, until this week’s episode of Raw. With the Royal Rumble starting to take shape, last night felt suddenly – at times tragically – different.
Thank you, “Mean” Gene Okerlund. #Raw pic.twitter.com/pAj8hwiMu4
— WWE (@WWE) January 8, 2019
Prompted by the sad passing of ‘Mean’ Gene Okerlund last week, it was announced that several wrestling icons would be appearing on Raw to pay homage to the legendary announcer and backstage interviewer. A touching gesture, no doubt, but even in honouring the departed, WWE couldn’t help but veer into the controversial. Because, amongst all the voices paying tribute, who should be selected to make a contentious return to TV? None other than one Hulk ‘Be Careful Who’s Recording’ Hogan.
Now would I personally have invited Hogan back to Monday Night Raw? In case my tone didn’t already make it clear, of course not. If I had it my way, he would be Amore’d back into wrestling oblivion; put out to pasture along with every other self-confessed, unrepentant racist. But last night wasn’t about me or my preferences. Nor should it have been. It was entirely about Gene Okerlund and the memory of his immeasurable contributions to the business we hold so close to our hearts. And Gene almost certainly would’ve wanted Hogan involved in any tribute that WWE staged on his behalf, regardless of circumstance.
After all, Okerlund’s close friendship with the Hulkster is well documented, their careers being so inextricably linked. Hulk was there for Gene’s first foray into WWE, he contributed to some of Okerlund’s earliest backstage segments, he bore witness to Gene-o-mania and the interviewer’s assent to all-time greatness, and he ultimately, fittingly, inducted the legend into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006. And so it only seems appropriate, after all of that, that Hogan would be afforded the opportunity of publicly commemorating his fallen friend.
The cynic in me nevertheless wonders how much of Hogan’s TV return can be attributed to ‘Mean’ Gene and how much was simply a convenient opportunity of gauging fan response to a potentially expanded role for Hogan in the near future. But that discussion is neither relevant nor appropriate at this stage. Last night’s tribute was about something far larger; about someone far larger.
Rest peacefully, ‘Mean’ Gene. We’ll miss you.
On to the best and worst from last night’s Raw.
What was your favourite moment from Raw?
Emma Heeley
My favourite moment of Raw was actually everything to do with Seth Rollins. I loved that hot start to the show. It confused me at first, thinking my recording had skipped the opening, because it was so different (and better than the usual 20-minute promo).
The 6-man tag that followed was entertaining as hell, Rollins’ interaction with Trips backstage was great and the Falls Count Anywhere match against Ambrose should have been the bout they had at TLC (minus the Bobby Lashley ending).
Moral of the story, Seth Rollins is awesome.
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Dylan Kapisky
Thank You, ‘Mean’ Gene. I honestly don’t have anything to say. If you watch nothing else from this week’s show, watch the tribute to Gene Okerlund. Regardless of your opinion on Hulk Hogan, he was amazing in this segment, as well. He spoke from the heart, and while he did “Hulk up”, it wasn’t for his benefit. Instead, it was done out of love and respect for his late colleague. In a word, this tribute was beautiful. Rest in Peace, ‘Mean’ Gene.
Kyle Payne
This Raw surprisingly had a lot to like and love. To start with, we didn’t begin the show with a 40 minute promo or some angle that required a lot of conversation. No, Raw started red hot with Bobby Lashley and Seth Rollins going at it. It was great!
The pull-apart brawl really showed that there was unfinished business between the two of them and they are a fresh feud. The promo from McIntyre was fantastic, making him come across as a fearless heel with no remorse. Drew isn’t the usual cowardly heel but, instead, is a destructive force bent on becoming the top guy on Raw. Plus he is so good on the mic. Also, he and Cena is another fresh match up. The six man tag that resulted was fun, full of action and fresh encounters.
Regardless of how you feel about Hulk Hogan and his past, there honestly wasn’t anyone better to pay the great ‘Mean’ Gene Okerlund the proper respects considering there was no one closer to him during his career than the Hulkster. It was a beautiful promo, video package, and a perfect farewell to such an important figure in professional wrestling. Overall, a great first Raw for 2019.
Eric Stites
I really enjoyed the main event. It was a pretty good match from bell to bell. I enjoyed all the chaos with Seth & Dean going to the backstage area and then eventually coming back into the ring. The concrete bump was cool. I didn’t really like the finish with Bobby Lashley getting involved and helping Dean win but I guess it makes sense with the current storyline between him and Seth.
What was the worst part of last night’s episode?
Emma Heeley
I’m actually going with something that may seem slightly controversial, especially considering there were probably much worse parts to the show. Braun Strowman and Brock Lesnar’s segment.
I don’t know, I guess I was expecting more… I get that Braun is still injured and can’t get overly physical, but I didn’t feel the promos delivered from either party were overly compelling (and that’s with the aid of Paul Heyman!). It appeared like things might pick up when Brock wandered to the ring but I was sadly mistaken. I think the novelty has worn off and I’m just bored of seeing Lesnar now.
Dylan Kapisky
Who’s the babyface, here? The Revival challenged Chad Gable & Bobby Roode for the Tag Team Championships on Raw. The result: they were screwed out of the titles for a second week in a row.
Last week, the wrong member was pinned. This week, Scott Dawson was legal and pinned, but his foot was on the bottom rope. It doesn’t make sense to have the heel team continue to be wronged and made to look as though they are being cheated out of wins. The booking itself is smart and effective. However, it should be flipped around.
Kyle Payne
The worst parts of the show weren’t as pronounced as usual, but certain segments did stick out. Baron Corbin wrestled and won but I don’t really care about him. That’s not his fault but it’s hard to get invested in him at all.
The same goes for Dean Ambrose and the feud between Brock Lesnar and Braun Strowman. I just don’t know what Dean’s character is supposed to be and I’m over seeing him wrestle Seth Rollins. As for Brock and Braun, been there and done that. I don’t need to see it again and even though Strowman is probably walking out with the belt at Royal Rumble, I don’t care. Brock Lesnar has destroyed him way too many times already. I would much rather see McIntyre take the belt from Lesnar.
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Eric Stites
I didn’t like the mixed tag match between Ember & Apollo and Jinder & Alicia. What was the point of this match? It kind of seemed like it was just there to fill time and it was over very quickly. I guess it helps build Ember & Apollo a bit but I honestly doubt it’s because WWE has any significant plans for those two in the future.
How would you rate the show overall? (From best to worst: In Awe, Cor, AvRAWge, Poor and Bore)
Emma Heeley
I’m not sure if it’s me trying to pile on the optimism but I did feel like this week’s Raw was different. Yes, it had its lagging moments, and my attention did dwindle during a couple of segments / matches. However, the majority of the show was pretty good.
And while I proverbially sucked air in through my teeth and held my breath at the idea of a Hulk Hogan return, I don’t think anybody else could have pulled off that tear-jerking Gene Okerlund tribute with the same level of finesse as the Hulkster.
Things to take away from the show: WWE really doesn’t need another talk show segment, Brock Lesnar is retaining at the Royal Rumble and Seth Rollins is awesome. For me, this week’s Raw was (a high) Cor.
Dylan Kapisky
AvRAWge. The first hour of this show was incredible. The 6-man tag, Seth’s demand for a title match and the Gene Okerlund tribute were all excellent.
Unfortunately, the next two hours were painfully average to poor. The Tag Team Championship scene continues to be a mess, and the “showdown” between Brock and Braun was uncomfortably awkward. At least we got a Falls Count Anywhere match to close the show. Always nice to see gimmick matches on TV.
Kyle Payne
I’ll give the show a solid Cor rating. It started with action, ended with a great angle for next week and the idea of Seth feuding with Bobby Lashley and Lio Rush is fresh and exciting. It also gets us away from the Rollins / Ambrose and Elias / Lashley pairings.
I liked how Rollins asked for a match and instead of having to wait for next week, we got it as the main event. I thought the tag match was fun and I loved the promo being played during the end of Roode and Gable’s entrance, it had a very old-school feeling and I’d like to see more of it. McIntyre is phenomenal and Alicia Fox sold Ember Moon’s finisher like The Rock did for Stone Cold. Also, the upcoming feud between Sasha Banks and Ronda Rousey is fresh and exciting.
The show, however, wasn’t perfect. Braun Strowman stumbling during his promo killed the tiniest bit of excitement I had for the feud and match – and I was already borderline. Dean Ambrose’s character needs clarity because I think he’s as lost as we are in terms of what his purpose is and why he even turned on Seth in the first place. Also, Corbin needs a refresh to go back to who he was on SmackDown.
Not only did she win tonight, but @SashaBanksWWE WILL face @RondaRousey for the #Raw #WomensChampionship at #RoyalRumble! #Raw pic.twitter.com/kS375GH9o5
— WWE (@WWE) January 8, 2019
Eric Stites
I thought Raw was alright last night. The wrestling was pretty good overall but I thought the promos were okay at best. I thought the ‘Mean’ Gene tribute was great, although I don’t see why Hulk Hogan had to be there. I definitely enjoyed the episode last night but only to a certain extent, so I’m giving it a high AvRAWge.
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