THISIsMYReview!

The Good

Foremost among the night's triumphs was the prodigal return of Rusev, whose reemergence electrified the WWE Universe. His decisive victory over Otis not only invoked a wave of nostalgia but also injected a potent dose of momentum into the lead-up to Backlash. The crowd’s fervor underscored just how missed he was, paving the way for tantalizing future storylines.

In the realm of the women's division, the clash between IYO SKY and Roxanne Perez delivered a spectacle of athletic prowess. SKY’s cunning roll-up victory maintained the competitive edge of their rivalry, while the post-match assault by Giulia and Perez added layers of intrigue, ensuring the division remains a cornerstone of the show.

Penta’s triumph over JD McDonagh, despite The Judgment Day’s meddling, further solidified his status as a formidable force. His resilience in the face of interference underscored his mettle, enriching the narrative tapestry of Raw’s mid-card scene.

The Bad

Yet, not all shone as brightly. The verbal sparring between Becky Lynch and Lyra Valkyria, though intended to ignite anticipation, fell somewhat short of the mark. It lacked the spark required to elevate their feud to a fever pitch, leaving the audience less enthralled than a go-home segment should aspire to.

Similarly, the alliance of Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker, and Paul Heyman, while promising in theory, has yet to find its rhythm. Their promo, though brimming with potential, felt disjointed, leaving the audience yearning for a more cohesive dynamic.

The Ugly

Alas, the night was not without its blemishes. The overbooked chaos of the Penta vs. JD McDonagh match, while showcasing Penta’s fortitude, veered into the territory of convolution. Such frequent interference has become a tiresome trope, diminishing the purity and intensity of the in-ring action.

Moreover, the perennial challenge of Raw’s three-hour runtime once again reared its head. The pacing faltered, with some segments feeling interminably stretched, while others were hurried through, resulting in an uneven viewing experience.

Sami Zayn came out and cooked Seth Rollins like a backyard brisket. He questioned the faux revolution brewing under Seth, Bron Breakker, and their shady handler Heyman, asking the million-dollar question: “How are you any different from Roman or Punk?” Cue existential crisis.

Jey Uso vs. Logan Paul build-up was classic stuff: cocky heel YouTuber versus the heart-of-gold babyface who hugs kids at ringside and drops Yeets like it’s 2023 again. Logan plays the slimeball perfectly, and Jey finally has a feud that doesn’t revolve around family therapy.

Lyra Valkyria shined on the mic and in the beatdown department. Her promo against Becky was the best she’s ever sounded, and the post-segment attack felt heated. A potential career-making moment, and Becky sold it like a pro.

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The Bad

Seth's Super Team Is Still Just Seth’s Ego Trip

Seth Rollins keeps saying “This isn’t like The Bloodline,” but man is it exactly like The Bloodline. He’s got a new monster, a Paul Heyman mouthpiece, and he’s giving guys the “join us or get stomped” ultimatum. All that’s missing is matching t-shirts and Solo Sikoa.

Paul Heyman and Bron Breakker are glorified mannequins this week. Why bring them out if they’re just gonna stand there like they’re waiting for a bus? Give us something, Paul—this alliance is supposed to matter.

Gunther’s indefinite suspension sounds serious… until you remember WWE “indefinitely suspended” Brock Lesnar one time and he came back three weeks later looking more rested than punished.

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The Ugly

Sami Zayn Got Sacrificed to Establish Stakes—Again

Bron Breakker didn’t just beat Sami. He ran through him like a Taco Bell order on cheat day. Spear after spear, ending with a ref stoppage which, last we checked, isn’t how WWE matches usually end unless someone’s literally combusting.

And then Rollins Stomped a defenseless Sami for good measure. This was more mafia than main event—“It’s not a threat, it’s a favor,” said Seth, probably while stroking an invisible cat.

The crowd? Half-hearted. A few “CM Punk!” chants, some barks for Breakker, and a “One More Time!” chant from folks who thought they were watching ECW in 2006. The detachment is real.

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Final Thought:

This week’s Raw gave us competent storytelling and decent stakes but wrapped it in reheated leftovers. Seth’s faction feels like diet Bloodline with zero calories of actual menace (yet), while the crowd seems unsure if they’re supposed to cheer, boo, or go make popcorn. Luckily, Sami Zayn still delivers truth bombs better than half the roster delivers promos.

What happens when you mix Shakespearean betrayal, cardio machines, and a man in leopard print yelling about the future of the industry? You get Monday Night Raw in Sacramento, less than seven days before WrestleMania 41 explodes onto the scene like a spear from a Samoan demigod.

And while many superstars were focused on delivering their final soliloquies ahead of wrestling’s grandest opera, it was Seth “Drip Messiah” Rollins who walked away with the spotlight — and the stomp count.

Main Event Mayhem: The Paul Heyman Sweepstakes

If The Last Supper had a steel chair and better lighting, it would’ve looked a lot like this segment. Roman Reigns entered the Golden 1 Center already fuming, having just witnessed CM Punk casually draped around Paul Heyman like a freshly delivered betrayal pizza. The sight didn’t sit well with The Tribal Chief. After all, Heyman is his wise man — or was.

Reigns, never one to whisper, asked the obvious question: “Why?” Heyman, suddenly the most emotionally conflicted man in California, claimed this was all about a favor Punk earned back at WarGames. Roman, channeling every father who’s ever refused to pay for someone else’s Uber, replied: “I didn’t ask for that favor.”

Enter Rollins, wearing his usual high fashion and higher levels of chaos. He called the upcoming triple threat the most important match in WrestleMania history — not because of titles or legacy, but because the soul of the industry is at stake. According to Rollins, if Reigns or Punk wins, wrestling dies. (Bold claim, but the man does wear see-through mesh on purpose, so he’s clearly fearless.)

Then came the breakdown:

Reigns tries to demolish Rollins.

Reigns shoves Heyman to the mat (yikes).

Punk storms out for revenge, only to eat a spear.

And Rollins, with the awareness of a hawk and the timing of a slap in a telenovela, returns to stomp both men into the canvas.

Fade to black. Cue existential dread for WrestleMania.

The Heyman Variable

Make no mistake — Paul Heyman is not just a character right now. He’s the MacGuffin. He’s the Iron Throne. He’s the golden ticket that nobody’s quite holding. His alliance with Punk has cracked Reigns' fortress of control for the first time in years, and Seth Rollins is gleefully tap dancing through the rubble. He stomped Punk last week. He stomped both Punk and Reigns this week. If he stomps a referee next week, we may just have a pattern.

Grade: B+

(Would’ve been an A, but no R-Truth segment. Yes, we’re petty.)

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The Undercard in Bullet Points (Because We Still Have Trust Issues from the Attitude Era)

• Gunther opened Raw with a very calm, very threatening message to Jey Uso. In summary: “You were lucky last time. This time, I’ll drown you in your brother’s blood.” Charming guy.

• Bayley def. Liv Morgan via jackknife pin after Raquel interfered, Lyra intervened, and everyone watching blinked twice just to keep up.

• Rey Mysterio def. Julius Creed after a textbook 619/West Coast Pop combo. Post-match, El Grande Americano turned heel faster than a lucha libre referee count.

• AJ Styles def. Karrion Kross, though “defeated” is generous. Kross practically gift-wrapped the finish. Logan Paul then showed up with a PowerPoint of Pettiness, and after a brief melee, laid Styles out with a Paulverizer. If you’re not rooting for Styles now, you may be Logan Paul.

• Jey Uso cut a promo, looked into Gunther’s soul, and claimed, “He’s scared.” Bold strategy, Cotton.

• Judgment Day jumped Bron Breakker backstage. Because that’s just how they flirt.

• Finn Bálor def. Penta by DQ, thanks to Breakker returning like a battering ram in sneakers. Penta closed the segment with a dive so beautiful it deserves its own entrance music.

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Final Thoughts

Monday Night Raw gave us drama, tension, and just enough chaos to remind us: the road to WrestleMania is not paved — it’s barbed-wired, emotionally unstable, and lined with people who owe Paul Heyman favors. And in this bizarre, beautifully broken power triangle of Punk, Reigns, and Rollins, it’s the wise man who might just hold the key to it all.

Next stop: WrestleMania.

Bring popcorn. And probably a helmet.

The Good

For a two-hour show, Raw somehow managed to fit in moments that made you glad you tuned in instead of doomscrolling Twitter for the evening.

CM Punk reminded us why he’s the Picasso of promos, delivering a sit-down segment that painted Seth Rollins as a needy WWE mascot clutching the company logo like a blankie. Seth’s retort was solid—passionate, intense—but let’s be real, it also screamed, “Please validate me, Daddy WWE!” Still, the back-and-forth was gold.

The Judgment Day, who’ve spent months feeling about as intimidating as an unpaid parking ticket, actually looked good last night. Finn Bálor showed up with a mic in hand and actual fire in his soul, while Gunther—yes, Gunther—gave us a promo that deserves to be framed. Can we all agree that Gunther might secretly be the best talker in the business? Meanwhile, Damian Priest played the lovable punching bag, and shockingly, the crowd cared.

And The New Day? Oh, they understood the assignment. Their segment was pure magic, a perfect blend of comedy and charisma. If you missed it, drop everything and watch it. Seriously, it was that good.

The Bad

You know what wasn’t good? The never-ending snoozefest that is Final Testament vs. Wyatt Sixx. Last night’s match was fine—if by fine, you mean the wrestling equivalent of eating unsalted crackers. The Wyatts still have some spark, but Final Testament? These guys are walking, talking heat sinks. Every feud they touch immediately cools off. It’s like their superpower.

This program has all the momentum of a shopping cart with a broken wheel, and the fact that it’s still limping along is honestly impressive. Wyatt Sixx might recover from this, but Final Testament? They’re circling the creative drain faster than we can say, “budget cuts.”

The Ugly

Ah, the Women’s Midcard Division, where talent goes to die. WWE is introducing two new midcard titles, but here’s the problem: they barely give the current women’s midcard any screen time. Last night, the booking was so bad, I half expected someone to cue the Benny Hill theme.

It’s not like they’re short on talent, either. Over in NXT, they’ve got Julia, Zaria, and Vaquer—arguably the best trio of prospects in a decade. But if WWE keeps up this nonsense, those women will graduate to Raw or SmackDown just to sit in catering.

Let’s face it: the women’s division is a mess, and unless something changes fast, those midcard titles will be as meaningful as a participation trophy.

Final Thoughts

Raw’s new two-hour format is a blessing and a curse. On one hand, the pacing is tighter, and the show doesn’t feel like a marathon. On the other hand, WWE’s bad habits—like ignoring the women’s midcard and dragging out lifeless feuds—still stand out.

That said, with CM Punk, Seth Rollins, The New Day, and Judgment Day’s strong performances, there’s still hope. Now, if they can just fix the women’s division and send Final Testament to feud purgatory, we might have a near-perfect show. Here’s to next week. Try harder, WWE.

The Good: Excellence in Execution (For Once)

First and foremost, let us bow our heads and acknowledge the brilliance that was The New Day segment. Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods delivered three minutes of perfection—a masterclass in subtle storytelling that could make even the bard himself weep. Watching these two friends navigate a growing rift has been both heartbreaking and fascinating. It's the kind of slow-burn narrative WWE typically fumbles, but this time? Chef's kiss.

Honestly, do we even want these two to break up? This feels like the rare opportunity to tell a different kind of wrestling story—one where best friends actually reconcile without having to throw each other through furniture. Imagine this: Big E, the heart and soul of the group, swoops in to patch things up and they go on to set new records. Call me sentimental, but we could be onto something revolutionary here. Regardless, last night’s segment was a reminder that, when WWE gets it right, it really gets it right.

Also in the "Good" column: Damian Priest, who seems to have discovered his promo skills in some hidden drawer of his Judgment Day wardrobe. Where was this energy during his title run? Priest going toe-to-toe with Gunther in a promo battle was compelling stuff. Though Gunther's “crisis of confidence” storyline isn’t exactly Shakespeare, it’s at least logical—tying back to his loss to Cody Rhodes at Crown Jewel. Baby steps, people. Baby steps.

The Bad: Another Title Nobody Asked For

WWE announced the new IC Women’s Title before the show, and, well, let’s just say this feels like a solution in search of a problem. Conceptually, a mid-card women’s title sounds fair. Realistically, WWE’s women’s division isn’t ready to handle it. Why? Because while the roster is deep enough in bodies, it’s shallow in characters.

Let’s be honest: only 3-4 women per show are actually over. The rest are wandering the creative desert, surviving on the scraps of whatever promo time they can find. Adding a new belt when the storytelling is already this thin feels like handing someone a trophy for a race they haven’t run yet. Maybe this works if WWE invests in elevating the women’s division as a whole, but right now, the math isn’t mathing.

And, for the love of wrestling gods, did we really need another brand-specific belt? This could have been a floating title—something to build intrigue across both shows. But alas, WWE seems content to pile up belts like it's hoarding them for a post-apocalyptic barter system.

The Ugly: Finish Him? Nah.

Ah, the bane of modern WWE: bad finishes. Last night was no exception. WWE's obsession with "storytelling over competition" reared its ugly head yet again, delivering a buffet of nonsensical, momentum-killing endings that made me long for the days of clean, decisive victories.

It’s disheartening because we know Triple H is capable of better. His NXT booking was built on competitive matches that made sense. Now, it feels like he’s absorbed Vince McMahon’s philosophy of “eh, finishes don’t matter,” and it’s a little soul-crushing to watch. Sure, the crowd of 12,000 didn’t seem to care. WWE is red-hot right now, and maybe most fans have just accepted that shoddy finishes are “what wrestling is.” But one day, this approach is going to bite them. Hard.

Final Thoughts: Raw in a Nutshell

In summary, last night’s Raw was a mix of brilliance, mediocrity, and downright frustration. The New Day stole the show with a flawless segment, Damian Priest and Gunther added some much-needed credibility to the mid-card scene, and then WWE went and WWE’d the whole thing with another title and a heap of bad finishes.

It’s the dichotomy of WWE: they can give you a three-minute masterpiece and then turn around and make you question why you care so much. But hey, that’s sports entertainment for you—equal parts joy and exasperation. 

In summation, Raw continues to entertain, albeit in a manner akin to a Harvard graduate submitting a thesis that argues for the artistic merit of reality television. It is erudite, undeniably clever, and occasionally profound—but one cannot help but sense it is capable of something far more substantive. 

The Good

Let us delve into the intricacies of the War Games setup. On the women’s front, the match appears to exist solely because War Games is the titular event—a thematic indulgence reminiscent of Vince McMahon’s proclivity for prioritizing spectacle over narrative coherence. Yet, despite its ostensibly perfunctory inception, the build has been commendable, providing at least a veneer of justification for its occurrence. The return of Rhea Ripley, donning a striking mask, injects a much-needed infusion of gravitas and star power into the proceedings, akin to adorning an otherwise ordinary narrative with an opulent flourish.

Conversely, on the men’s side, the Bloodline’s calculated recruitment of Seth Rollins provides a narrative throughline imbued with dramatic tension. The interference of the newly configured Bloodline faction in the main event—ultimately costing Rollins the match—practically cements his eventual participation in the War Games match. Whether the deeply personal familial conflicts at the heart of this storyline genuinely necessitate a fifth man remains a matter of intellectual debate, but WWE’s deft storytelling thus far has rendered the journey to this destination more compelling than the sum of its narrative components might initially suggest.

The Bad

It would be disingenuous to label this entirely as “bad,” yet WWE’s recent predilection for taped programming warrants scrutiny. While the practice undoubtedly enhances the well-being and morale of its overworked and undercompensated athletes, the resultant episodes possess a discernible diminution of urgency. It is an imperceptible yet palpable phenomenon, akin to the subtle diminution of quality one detects in reheated gourmet cuisine. The abundance of video packages further exacerbates this malaise, rendering Raw a simulacrum of itself—a production bereft of immediacy and vitality, striving yet failing to replicate the dynamism of its live counterparts.

The Ugly

Now we arrive at WWE’s perennial Achilles’ heel: the egregious absence of clean match conclusions. While last night’s proceedings did not descend into unmitigated farce, the absence of resolution in the Sheamus-Bronn bout exemplifies a persistent issue. Bronson Reed’s ostensible triumph over Seth Rollins in the main event, facilitated by a cacophony of external interference, feels less like a legitimate victory and more like a theatrical contrivance. WWE’s apparent pedagogical mission to inculcate in its audience the notion that match outcomes are inconsequential fundamentally undermines the very ethos of professional wrestling. In an industry predicated upon the simulation of competitive combat to ascertain supremacy, the reluctance to deliver decisive conclusions is as confounding as it is counterproductive.

Final Reflections

While Raw succeeds in cultivating anticipation for the forthcoming War Games spectacle, its overreliance on pre-recorded episodes and its chronic aversion to clean finishes preclude it from achieving narrative or artistic excellence. WWE would do well to recall that the essence of compelling storytelling often lies in its simplicity—a victor and a vanquished, a resolution unclouded by artifice. Instead, the company appears content to obfuscate its narratives, serving an audience a mélange of convoluted plotlines and incessant interference.

The Good

1. Damian Priest's Promo Skills Are Finally on the Rise First up, The Good. Damian Priest's promo abilities have made a miraculous turnaround. Up until last night, I was questioning if his charisma stat was set to zero, but he really delivered. Last night was his shining moment; I’m not saying he’s the new Paul Heyman, but he’s finally hit the point where you lean forward to listen, instead of wondering if it's snack time.

2. The Ladies Held It Down Shoutout to the women of Raw, who proved that they’re a force, even if WWE’s storyline writers seem to be getting their cues from daytime soap operas. Damage CTRL reunited, and while we’re not exactly cheering these former “villainous” heels just yet, it's nice to see them back together, wreaking a little havoc. And the main event tag team title match? Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill vs. Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez — a great showcase, even if it felt a bit underserved. Plus, we’ve got the women’s WarGames match coming up. While the story build-up hasn’t exactly been epic, it should still deliver in the ring.

3. The New Day Breakup (But Make It a Soap Opera) The New Day split continues, but subtlety has clearly taken a holiday. Gone are the nuanced tensions, replaced with the melodrama that only pro wrestling can deliver. That said, because these guys have been together forever, it’s hitting harder than your usual break-up script. This one still feels meaningful — unlike the twenty-something other breakups WWE’s running right now. (Seriously, it’s like WWE caught a case of “Breakup Fever” that’s spread faster than a social media trend.)

4. Bloodline Plot Thickens…On Raw? The Bloodline story continues to unfold — on Raw. (Why? Don’t think about it too hard.) The big surprise? Seth Rollins and Bronn Breaker were being recruited. Seth? Makes sense. Bronn? That’s a wild card if I’ve ever seen one. Is this storyline perfect? Not exactly. But with a legacy like the Bloodline, even the shaky moments hit the right emotional beats.

The Bad

1. Bronson Reed Brawl-a-palooza Last night was a great show if you’re into brawls — especially Bronson Reed's. Seriously, this guy has had more brawls this year than your favorite reality TV star has had “breakdowns.” Reed and Seth mixed it up for what feels like the fiftieth time, and it’s getting hard to keep track. I’m all for beef, but how about throwing Reed a victory once in a while? He’s like that bully who can talk tough but couldn’t knock over a house of cards. WWE, let’s get this guy a W before he’s forever the “brawl but no bite” guy.

The Ugly

1. WWE’s Love Affair with Breakups Finally, The Ugly. WWE has fallen head-over-heels for breakups — we’re talking Ross and Rachel-level drama here. Case in point: Judgement Day. It’s been, what, three months since they formed? And already they’re showing cracks in the foundation. It feels like WWE has one recipe to cook up tension, and it’s the “will they, won’t they” breakup storyline. Now, it worked with The Bloodline because it was fresh, unique, and had layers. But now? It's WWE’s only trick in the playbook.

Just the last year alone, we had hints of breakups everywhere. Judgement Day’s on the rocks, Theory and Waller aren’t seeing eye to eye, Bianca and Jade have tension, Nia and Tiffany’s bond is paper-thin, and even The New Day is splintering. It’s like WWE hit copy-paste, and we’re in for every possible combo of “friends turned enemies.” Can we mix it up a bit, please?

Wrapping It Up

So there it is, folks: last night’s Raw in all its ups, downs, and plot twists. At the end of the day, WWE still knows how to get us talking. And hey, as long as they keep bringing the surprises (and maybe lay off the breakups), we’ll keep tuning in. Here's hoping for a little storyline diversity in the weeks to come. After all, wrestling is at its best when it keeps us guessing, not groaning.