There was a point when the goals and aims of Raw crystallised in my mind. A flickering moment of clarity that I wasn’t expecting – like a visit from the ghost of narrative past.
And no, I’m not talking about Michael Cole successfully fighting the urge to welcome us to “Monday Night Yard” this week. Although I do think I would’ve hurled myself out of a window had he dropped that line again.
Instead it was the efforts of one Mr Michael ‘The Miz’ Mizanin, who stood out as the lone voice of reason in an ocean of Vince McMahons. This week, Raw opened with The Miz, who was seemingly tasked with explaining to the audience how the Money in the Bank ladder match worked. Which was perhaps long overdue, considering that the pay-per-view is just six days away! (Something I had completely forgotten until it was brought up on commentary.)
#MITB this Sunday got us like 🤑🤑🤑🤑.@mikethemiz #RAW pic.twitter.com/e68GJnVzQt
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 14, 2019
The Miz would perhaps appear to be a strange candidate to explain the rules of the match – considering that he won’t even be participating in it come Sunday – but it quickly became clear why he had been chosen for this role. While admittedly never the best in-ring performer in the world, The Miz remains second to none when it comes to delivering a promo.
And this was a masterclass. The former WWE Champion artfully conveyed not only the rules of the ladder match, but also its importance to launching careers in WWE. He spoke passionately about holding the briefcase and proudly of how it underpinned his title success.
The Miz’s efforts are sometimes easily dismissed as the ramblings of a good upper mid-card act. But this was transcendent work from a WWE lifer and an excellent start to Raw. The only question here was whether the red brand could sustain this momentum. Let’s find out together.
On with the review.
The Best of Raw
Babyface Miz
I delved into this a bit in the introduction, but The Miz deserves special praise this week. Not only was he asked to promote a match he’s not even participating in this Sunday, but he was also given the task of keeping Roman’s segment afloat, convincing us of Shane McMahon’s villainy and holding up the night’s first match. This opening segment wasn’t all rosey (which we’ll get to later), but it did play to The Miz’s strengths.
I was admittedly one of the many on the fence about Miz’s babyface turn against Shane McMahon. He had, after all, been a standout heel for the company for such a long time. But he was undeniably excellent here, in every respect. And I’ll gladly buy into him as the face of Raw’s upper mid-card.
"When I bring a fight, I. BRING. A. FIGHT!" 💯@mikethemiz #RAW pic.twitter.com/KaNiQWLcfs
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 14, 2019
The Wild Card Has Rules
The uncertainty around Vince McMahon’s ‘Wild Card’ proclamation was doing my head in last week. The only person who seemed to understand the parameters of this bizarre idea was the WWE Chairman himself – which is understandable given that he is a genius.
Rewinding to last week’s Raw, we were told from that point forward, three wrestlers from each brand would be allowed to appear on the opposing show each week. That quota was promptly upped to four once Vince realised just how much he longed to see big, sweaty Lars on both shows. Then we almost immediately saw six SmackDown stars on Raw and five Raw performers the following night on the blue brand.
It almost felt as if the entire ‘Wild Card Rule’ had been desperately crafted on the day of the show without any real forethought or proper consideration…
Thankfully this week saw some common sense introduced to the scheme, as Michael Cole often and unambiguously explained that only four wrestlers would be able to make use of the Wild Card Rule each week. And they actually adhered to that rule this week, with Roman Reigns, Elias, Shane McMahon and Charlotte being the quickest to the Raw sign-up sheet.
Finally, our long national nightmare is over.
Mojo Rawley’s Entrance Music
I can’t endorse Mojo’s decision to spill paint all over his face like a moody kindergartener. Nor his new gimmick of maniacally laughing at other’s misfortune like… well, like a moody kindergartener. But his entrance theme is banging, and I’ll admit it: I got hyped.
That'll be a W for @MojoRawleyWWE tonight on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/hL3HGYQIlY
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 14, 2019
He also quickly dispatched of Apollo Crews this week, so perhaps Mojo will be given the opportunity to have a bit of an onscreen run.
Nikki Cross Finds a Friend
Nikki Cross was on the show! As in an actual, live, in the flesh appearance by the former SAnitY member! That was enough for me to enjoy this segment.
Slightly disconcertingly though, she appears to have undergone a strange character shift. Gone was the unhinged, psychopathic Cross, replaced instead by a much more soft-spoken, empathetic, eager-to-please therapist / best friend. She comforted Alexa Bliss, who had apparently only just realised that her luggage had gotten lost, even volunteering to take the latter’s place in the fatal four-way scheduled for later in the night. Judging by Bliss’ conniving grin, this was a clear act of manipulation by the ‘Goddess’. But to what end?
You can talk to @NikkiCrossWWE, @AlexaBliss_WWE.
😈. #RAW pic.twitter.com/bjIkajlbJU
— WWE (@WWE) May 14, 2019
Bizarrely, Cross’ entrance later on was accompanied by the same entrance music and manic behaviour. It somewhat undermined her apparent character shift, but any appearance by the Scotswoman should be considered a positive.
Corbin vs Ricochet
This was a neat little match that ended with an outstanding counter into an End of Days. Aside from Ricochet’s main roster sheen already starting to wear off after losses to Robert Roode and now Baron Corbin, it’s hard to take issue with the match itself.
Everything that happened after the bell felt a little wonky though. Corbin decided that the after-match festivities was a good time to demonstrate how a ladder works. So he hauled one into the ring and awkwardly lumbered two-thirds of the way up, only to be tipped off by a revitalised Ricochet.
The match was good. Everything else was just… strange.
The Women’s Fatal Four-way
This was an overwhelmingly good match, featuring some of the lesser seen faces in the Raw Women’s Division. In particular, it was great seeing Dana Brooke and Nikki Cross getting an opportunity to showcase their abilities. Dana’s dive off the top of a ladder was especially insane.
😱😱😱😱😱@DanaBrookeWWE JUST DID THAT! #RAW pic.twitter.com/kTIOUq3qHt
— WWE (@WWE) May 14, 2019
There are however a few things that need to be addressed.
Such as why Alexa Bliss needed to be replaced. Despite repeatedly claiming that she’s at full health, WWE seem to be doing their utmost to keep the ‘Goddess’ out of the ring. Accepting that Bliss is cleared to compete though, why have her substituted by Nikki Cross in last night’s fatal four-way? Even more to the point, why have her replacement win the match? I enjoy Nikki Cross as much as anyone, but her victory here is baffling, given that she was the only competitor not scheduled to feature at Money in the Bank. Unless her newfound alliance with Alexa Bliss leads her to interfere on Sunday, this angle made little sense. But I guess we’ll see how it all plays out this weekend.
Also, why was Michael Cole so staggered when Alexa Bliss came out to do guest commentary for the match? What did he think the extra chair behind the announce desk was for?
WHAT A WIN for @NikkiCrossWWE!
But… don't forget that it's all thanks to @AlexaBliss_WWE? 🤨 #RAW pic.twitter.com/2qDGHiTpu3
— WWE (@WWE) May 14, 2019
Cesaro vs Rey Mysterio
If the news that Cesaro and Rey Mysterio are great at wrestling, then you’re either new to the sport or your name is Lars Sullivan. I’m joking of course, I’m sure Lars loves cruiserweight and indie lads.
Mysterio was able to pick up the win here following a 619 and frog splash.
Bray Wyatt has a “Secret”
There’s been a steady progression to Bray Wyatt’s Firefly Funhouse skits, with each iteration being noticeably darker than the last.
This week, Bray cheerily informed the audience that he had a secret to share. He then assured us that while his soul was pure, his mind remained filled with darkness. And then things went full Donnie Darko levels of insane.
As with every episode of the Funhouse, you just need to watch it in order to appreciate the deranged genius involved.
Sami Zayn is the New Braun Strowman
Last week, Braun Strowman murdered Sami Zayn by tossing him into a dumpster which was immediately picked up by a remarkably efficient garbage truck. This week, Sami challenged Braun to a Falls Count Anywhere match, with Braun’s spot in the Money in the Bank ladder match on the line.
The road getting here was confusing to say the least, but it turns out that the destination was worth well it. They brawled in the ring, they brawled in the crowd, they brawled to the concourse. All the while, Strowman was forced to fight off intermittent attacks from Drew McIntyre and Baron Corbin. Initially, the massive behemoth was successful, but eventually the numbers just became overwhelming. Strowman was tossed through a ladder and then Claymored by McIntyre, allowing Sami Zayn to claim the pin.
In a stunning departure from recent Raw booking, this actually made sense though. With both Drew and Corbin in the MITB ladder match, it’s understandable that they would want to eliminate the dominant Strowman from contention. You don’t need to be a practitioner of Steiner math to know that with him out of the equation, their chances of victory dramatically increase.
Logic aside, having Zayn in the match instead should also up the excitement. Zayn’s style is perhaps better suited than Strowman’s to a ladder match. Plus, I’m more interested in seeing him claim the briefcase than I am big Braun.
This was a cracking way to end Raw.
The Worst of Raw
Messy Narrative Cross-Overs
Roman Reigns attempted to hype up his match against Elias in the only way professional wrestlers know how. By appearing on the second biggest talk show in all of WWE – MizTV. Apparently ‘A Moment of Bliss’ was already fully booked.
And, in fairness, Roman started well. He built up Elias as “strong”, “charismatic” and “talented”. Listening to Reigns, you’d have been forgiven for thinking that Elias actually presented some form of threat to the former Universal Champion… but then Roman quickly reminded us that Elias was a nothing nobody who’s never won anything ever.
Karaoke singer? Sure.
Wedding band? Definitely.
Competition for @WWERomanReigns? #TheBigDog thinks @IAmEliasWWE just doesn't have what it takes. #RAW pic.twitter.com/THHmNXEFUM— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 14, 2019
What was the point of this promo? Before we even had a chance to consider that though, ‘the Big Dog’ and Miz were interrupted by Shane McMahon and then attacked by Elias and Bobby Lashley, setting up the first match of the night. I have no idea why Elias and Bobby Lashley are aligned with one another, much less why Shane has developed the unimpressive ability to summon them at will. There’s also something messy about having Roman feuding with both Shane O’Mac and Elias at the same time, while also absorbing Miz into this vortex of futility.
Either way, this led to a pretty boring tag match that ended with a disqualification and mass brawl involving all four competitors and Shane McMahon. The heels looked to be gaining the upper hand over Reigns before a chair-wielding Miz made the save and Shane scampered up the ramp to safety.
Who Really Is Shane McMahon?
Shane McMahon has really been testing my patience in recent weeks. He’s bearable as a delusional heel. He’s okay as a stammering, incoherent authority figure. But merging the two is just too much McMahon for any wrestling fan to stomach.
On Raw last night, he first attacked Reigns and Miz to further that feud and then assumed the role of booker for the rest of the show. He’s contracted to SmackDown, isn’t he? So why is he running Raw?
.@DMcIntyreWWE will need to find other plans tonight…
It's going to be @BraunStrowman vs. @SamiZayn in a #FallsCountAnywhere Match…
And The #MonsterAmongMen's #MITB Ladder Match opportunity is on the line! #RAW pic.twitter.com/XZGaMcJwO2
— WWE (@WWE) May 14, 2019
But that wasn’t even the most infuriating part of this power trip. When Sami Zayn tried to convince his… boss?… to give him Braun Strowman’s spot in the Money in the Bank ladder match, Shane responded with this absolute gem:
“I can’t just give you Braun Strowman’s opportunity in the Money in the Bank ladder match. I just can’t do that.“
Shane, six days ago you were perfectly happy to just hand the tag titles to Daniel Bryan and Rowan! Now you have a moral objection to summarily handing things over? This type of character inconsistency does my head in.
Becky Two Promos
This may be an unpopular opinion, but I’m quickly tiring of hearing Becky Lynch deliver the same promo each week.
On Raw, she faced her two MITB opponents in that classic, all-time fan favourite: a contract signing. She told relative rookie Lacey Evans that she would wilt under the bright pay-per-view lights and spoke to Charlotte’s privileged status within the company. And then the two heels combined forces to powerbomb the ‘Champ Champ’ through the table.
Those tables really are a workplace hazard. Personal anecdote: if I’m ever asked to sign a contract, for safety reasons I always use a crayon and the top of my thigh. I’m no dummy.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BxbIy0PhVe_/
So this angle not only played to the most tired of contract signing tropes, but also felt repetitive in its substance. Becky desperately needs to rediscover that ruthless, anti-authoritarian, pushing-the-boundaries spirit if she wants to keep this run going.
Overall Rating of the Show (From best to worst: RawSome, Cor, AvRAWge, Poor and RawFul)
I was really determined to enjoy this week’s Raw going in. The European tours tend to generate some entertaining shows, with the London crowd traditionally being one of the more enthusiastic in particular.
And to a certain extent, I did enjoy Raw. Once again, the show continued its recent trend of ‘soft resets’, this week introducing re-tweaked characters for Mojo Rawley and Nikki Cross. In addition, the red brand also boasted some of the better in-ring action we’ve seen in recent weeks. Ricochet / Corbin, Mysterio / Cesaro, the women’s four-way and Braun / Zayn were all good matches in their own right.
But as much as I’d like to, it’s hard to overlook some of the glaring bad. Especially when that bad comes from some of the show’s most prominent stars. While we’ve become accustomed to Shane McMahon’s unique level of awfulness, Roman Reigns and Becky Lynch were unexpectedly disappointing. Becky appears to be stuck in neutral, delivering the same promo week after week, while Roman’s feud with Elias remains wholly uninspiring. Even Roman doesn’t seem to have his heart in it.
With that said, we appear to finally be on the road to Money in the Bank. Which is a welcome turn of events, considering that the pay-per-view is this Sunday! Many of the final pieces were put into place on Raw, with Nikki Cross suddenly becoming a factor in the women’s match and Sami Zayn replacing Braun Strowman in the men’s.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BxbWch_n4mw/
I also can’t tell you how excited I am that the ‘Wild Card Casual Suggestion’ has finally become the ‘Wild Card Rule’. I’m a bid fan of rules, regulations and even clear guidelines. So with that said, Raw was the best it’s been in weeks. Spurred on by the rowdy English crowd, this week’s international edition of Raw was Cor.
Comments.
Loading comments…