The John Report: WWE Raw Deal 12/02/24 Review
It’s WWE Raw featuring a celebration of The New Day, words from CM Punk, and more.
The WWE Survivor Series WarGames PLE took place on Saturday night in Vancouver with the two babyface teams winning the WarGames match. Rhea Ripley pinned Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan in the Women’s WarGames Match, which could lead to another title shot for Ripley. On the men’s side, the OG Bloodline of Roman Reigns, The Usos & Sami Zayn were joined by CM Punk to pick up the win over Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline team with Reigns pinning Sikoa.
There were some injuries to Bronson Reed and Jimmy Uso after their top of the cage dives in WarGames, so best wishes to them and I hope they can return to action soon.
We are now in the final month of Raw on USA Network in the US and elsewhere in the rest of the world because the Raw on Netflix era begins on January 6th. Tonight’s Raw is going to be commercial-free in the first 30 minutes. Thank you to my banner-making friend Melo Man for the cool banner of The New Day up top. New Day rocks. I think they have said that a few times over the last decade.
This is the Raw Deal for episode #1645 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the Angel Of The Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport, friend me on Facebook, or chat with me on the Bluesky App as well. Let’s get to it.
A video package aired showing highlights of the Survivor Series PLE on Saturday night in Vancouver.
There were some arrivals shown from earlier in the day including Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods separately. CM Punk was shown greeting Jey Uso with enthusiasm and Punk shook Sami Zayn’s hand as well.
The commentary team was Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett as usual for Raw.
Let’s Hear from CM Punk
CM Punk made his entrance wearing a sweater with his logo on it along with some jeans and sneakers. A clip was shown of Roman Reigns stopping CM Punk from leaving the WarGames shark cage and it drew 104 million views on Instagram. I don’t know why, but it did.
CM Punk said that they were sold out here tonight. Punk said that after the Hell in a Cell match he had, he said he wasn’t sure what the future held for him. Punk talked about how he was fresh of a potential career ending WarGames match (he didn’t take many risks) and he said he knows where he is going. Punk said he’s not as beat up now as compared to Hell in a Cell. Punk said he took care of his issues with Drew McIntyre and then he helped out his friend Paul Heyman. Punk stood on the turnbuckle and he pointed up to the rafters saying he knows what the future for CM Punk holds. Punk said that there are multiple roads to get there and there are different ways to finish your story – a Cody Rhodes reference. Punk said that the Royal Rumble or Elimination Chamber could be the route he takes. Punk added that the good thing is he has a favor or two in his pocket to get where he wants to go. Punk invited the fans to come on this journey…and here comes Seth “Freakin” (or Franklin to some people) Rollins.
Seth “Freakin” Rollins stood in the ring across from CM Punk while the fans sang Seth’s song as usual. Punk was standing in a corner of the ring while Rollins was in the other corner. The fans were cheering. Rollins said he’s been thinking a lot that he should have knocked Punk’s ass out the same day he came back to WWE. Rollins said he regretted that for every single day for the past year. Rollins said over the last year, Punk got hurt, Rollins had a title to defend, Rollins had a Bloodline to take down and the last time he saw Punk, he was this close to taking a shot at Punk, but he had pity for Punk because he was coming off Hell in a Cell and it was Seth’s mistake for having pity. Rollins said after seeing Punk standing next to Roman Reigns, it was time to rectify his mistakes. Rollins took off his shiny jacket to reveal a ridiculous shirt. Rollins said there is nothing in their way holding them back. Rollins said that he has a feeling that tonight is the night he knocks CM Punk on his ass. Punk stood in the corner with his arms folded.
CM Punk said that Seth talks too much and Punk is tired of running races with people who are coming after him. Punk said that Rollins used to be a champ, but now he’s not. Punk said he knows what’s in his future and Rollins is not. Punk told Rollins that he doesn’t think of him at all. Punk said that he had things to do in this business and told Rollins to stay out of his business. Rollins told Punk he talks too much and Punk doesn’t listen enough. Rollins shoved Punk down. Punk went after Rollins throwing a punch, Rollins punched back, then there was a trip and it was broken up by Sami Zayn and Jey Uso. Punk left the ring with Jey Uso.
Seth Rollins shouted for CM Punk to get into the ring, so Punk tried sliding into the ring and Rollins stomped on Punk. Rollins told Punk to go and Jey should go too, so they should run along to Roman too.
Sami Zayn told Rollins not to talk to Jey Uso that way. Rollins said he gets it that Jey is family with Roman Reigns, but what is Sami’s excuse? Rollins said that Zayn is not family with Reigns. The fans chanted “Sami Uso” and Rollins said he loves Sami Uso. Rollins mentioned coming up in this business together with Zayn (which is true) and they are very close. Rollins said that they are closer than Sami’s ever been with Roman Reigns. Rollins said that Zayn stabbed him in the back when he teamed with Rollins. Zayn said that he didn’t want to team with CM Punk, but they were down a man and they needed somebody. Zayn said he wanted Rollins to be in that spot while Zayn asked Rollins twice and Rollins said no both times. Zayn told Rollins that he was too damn stubborn. Rollins said that Zayn wanted Seth to team with Roman Reigns so that Roman could regain his power. Rollins said that Rollins created that monster Reigns ten years ago when Rollins put a chair in his back. Rollins said he understands the chair in Roman’s back was the motivation for the Tribal Chief, but he has apologized for that. Rollins said that Zayn did the same damn thing and he didn’t fault Zayn for it. Rollins said that he understands why Zayn did what he did and why they sacrificed at WrestleMania to take down The Bloodline. Rollins said that Reigns hasn’t changed while noting that Reigns hasn’t apologized to Sami, Jey, or anybody. Rollins said that snake CM Punk hasn’t changed. Rollins told Zayn he’s gullible and he’s being really stupid. Zayn said if Rollins wanted to blow some steam off then maybe they can have a match later tonight. Rollins said if that’s how you want it, then that’s fine by Rollins. Seth walked away. That segment ended after 25 minutes with no commercial.
Analysis: There is a lot to digest there. My initial thought is that it might be a way to set up Seth Rollins for a heel turn because of the way he keeps going on about Roman Reigns. There is also truth in what Rollins was saying, so as a character, he will feel justified in his comments. I liked Punk’s promo and the way he said he didn’t think of Rollins at all, which was a way of disrespecting Rollins. They are obviously building to a Balor-Rollins match at some point in the future. Zayn getting in Rollins’s face also was well done because they do have a lot of history and Rollins is right in saying he’s been close friends with Zayn for a long time. I like how it sets up a match later because it might lead to Punk getting involved as well, so it keeps the audience tuned in to see what might happen later.
A clip was aired from after Survivor Series when Damian Priest went after Finn Balor and then The Judgment Day helped Balor. They hurt Priest’s left arm.
Finn Balor was backstage with The Judgment Day group. Liv Morgan said she thought Balor was done with Priest. Balor said since Dominik Mysterio couldn’t get the job done, he got it done himself. Balor said that now Damian Priest is walking around with his arm in a sling. Balor said that if Liv Morgan listened to Finn more then she may have won at WarGames. Finn mentioned Liv facing Iyo Sky at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Liv said she hopes Finn knows what he’s doing. Finn claimed when everybody listens to Finn, The Judgment Day win. It rhymes. Liv Morgan told Dominik Mysterio to keep an eye on Finn while Liv and Raquel left for their match.
Damage CTRL – Iyo Sky & Kairi Sane vs. Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez
It was announced that Liv Morgan will defend her Women’s World Title against Iyo Sky at Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 14.
There was a spot early where Raquel gave Liv a Powerbomb onto Sane. When Sane broke free, she brought in Sky, who hit uppercuts and a dropkick on Morgan. Sky kicked Morgan to knock her down and Sky hit a jawbreaker to Raquel. Iyo kicked Raquel by the ropes followed by Sky hitting a German Suplex across the ring. Sky went up top and Liv tripped her up on the top rope. Raquel tagged in and Sky sent Raquel into the turnbuckle. Sane tagged in with a kick on Raquel. Sky hit a missile dropkick off the top. Sane jumped off the top and hit the Insane Elbow on Raquel for two because Liv broke up the pin. Sky sent Liv out of the ring followed by Sky hitting a suicide dive on Liv on the floor. Sane hit spinning back fists on Raquel, but Raquel came back with a big boot to the face. Raquel hit a Texana Bomb on Sane for the pinfall win after about four minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez
Analysis: ** An easy win for Liv & Raquel. They protected Sky by not having her take the pin, which is smart booking.
After the match, Raquel & Liv attacked Damage CTRL, so Rhea Ripley made the save. Liv Morgan left the ring while Raquel tried to fight back. Rhea headbutted Raquel. Raquel tried a Riptide, but Raquel powered out of it. Raquel hit Ripley in the face. Ripley knocked Raquel out of the ring and Ripley sent Raquel into the commentary table a few times. Liv jumped on Raquel, who backed Liv into the ring post. Raquel sent Rhea face first into the corner of the commentary table. Rhea went down selling it since she had a recent injury to her face.
Analysis: Good selling by Rhea Ripley there to continue that story. I think they are going to set up a Rhea match with Raquel soon.
GUNTHER, the World Heavyweight Champion, was about to be interviewed by Cathy Kelley. Finn Balor walked up with Dominik Mysterio. Balor said that Gunther owes Balor a thank you for helping Gunther beat Priest for a second time. Balor said he wanted a match with Gunther and Gunther said he didn’t want Balor’s help. Gunther mentioned that Dominik scored a win over Damian Priest in the past, so Gunther will talk to Raw GM Adam Pearce about a match. Balor wasn’t happy about it.
Analysis: Balor was right to say that he helped Gunther win, but Gunther didn’t want his help, so it makes sense for Gunther to deny a match request by Balor.
Women’s Intercontinental Title Tournament Quarterfinals: Dakota Kai vs. Shayna Baszler vs. Katana Chance
Kai dropkicked Baszler to knock her out of the ring. Kai hit a pump kick on Chance. Kai kicked Baszler to the floor. Baszler stopped a diving Kai and sent Kai into the commentary table. Chase hit a twisting cross body block over the top onto Baszler on the floor. That led to the first break on the show about 41 minutes into it.
(Commercial)
The match continued with Kai hitting a running kick to Baszler and a kick to the back of the neck for a two count. The three women battled by the turnbuckle where Baszler tried a superplex on Kai, but Kai knocked Baszler down. Chance gave Kai a top rope hurricanrana onto Baszler on the mat and Chance got a two count on each opponent. Chance went for a hurricanrana on Baszler, but Baszler caught her and Kai hit a DDT on Chance while Chance was trying to cover Baszler. Baszler hit a knee smash to Kai for a two count. Good nearfall. Baszler hit a knee to knock Chance off the apron to the floor. Kai rolled up Baszler for two. Kai hit a Scorpion Kick and she went for a rising kick, but Baszler choked out Kai in a Kirifuda Clutch. Chance hit a 450 Splash on Baszler off the top after Kai was able to free herself. Kai had Chance on her shoulders leading to a jumping kick to the face for the pinfall win. It went about nine minutes. The fans were happy about it.
Winner by pinfall: Dakota Kai
Analysis: *** It was a pretty good match that was very fast-paced since it was a triple threat match. Those matches tend to have a lot of moves between people in the ring while the third wrestler is out of the picture until a save was needed. I thought Baszler might win, but I prefer Kai getting the win because Dakota is a woman that a lot of fans have wanted to see more from Dakota for a long time. Chance also had a nice showing in a rare non-tag team match for her.
A video package aired about The New Day’s incredible 10-year run in WWE. There were a lot of fun memories there. Remember that Booty O’s make sure you ain’t booty.
The New Day’s Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods were walking separately on the split screen for their segment up next.
(Commercial)
A commercial aired for the Monday Night Raw premiere on Netflix from Los Angeles on January 6th. It is only five weeks away.
It was confirmed that Seth “Freakin” Rollins will face Sami Zayn in the main event of Raw.
The New Day’s 10th Anniversary Celebration
The Raw GM Adam Pearce was in the ring saying we were there to celebrate the ten-year run of The New Day. Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods made their entrance to their theme song. There were some New Day merchandise items by the entrance area and there were pictures in the ring along with replicas of the old Tag Team Titles. There were even balloons, of course. Pearce said that this night is yours. Pearce said they wanted to let them know that “New Day Rocks,” so the fans chanted “New Day Rocks” right on cue.
Woods started it by saying: “It’s your boys, The New Day.” Woods said that being a part of WWE and being successful in WWE for ten years is so much more than they ever dreamed of when they started this. Woods thanked the fans for supporting them. Kofi said it’s been a hell of a ride. Kofi said he never imagined that they would have achieved so many accomplishments and accolades while having fun. Kofi thanked the fans for supporting them. There were “Big E” chants and Woods said that they missed him too. Woods said that what they are about to tell us is not the fans’ fault. Woods said they had nothing but love for the fans. Kofi said they’ve talked and in light of what went down between them last week, they think that when it comes to The New Day going forward…here’s Big E.
The former WWE Champion Big E made his entrance and he was cheered heavily by the crowd. Wade misspoke saying we haven’t seen Big E on Raw or Smackdown in nearly four years. It was more like 2.5 years ago when he suffered a broken neck injury. For Raw, it is about four years. Anyway, Big E works for WWE on the PLE pre and post-shows, so he’s still around.
Big E thanked the fans for cheering loudly for him. Big E said he wished he was there under different circumstances. Big E said watching the two of them argue, bicker and say some of the most hurtful things to eachother, that troubled his soul something deep. Big E said that when they started this ten years ago, all they had was eachother. Big E spoke about how ten years ago, Kofi was mulling over retirement because he had his passion for this beaten out of him. Big E said that Woods and himself were close to getting fired. Big E talked about how on one of the worst days of his life and the scariest moment of his career, the two of them were at Big E’s hospital bedside for hours making sure he was good. Big E said that he was in a neckbrace and Kofi was there with his wife and their young daughter and Big E held her. Big E said he was the first person who greeted Woods after he won King of the Ring and Woods had tears on Big E’s shoulder. Big E said that what they built meant a lot to a lot of people and it damn sure means a lot to him.
Big E said that until he is medically cleared to return to this ring, he will remind the two of them exactly who they are. Big E said he’s going to be here every single week to serve as their manager. There was an “E” chant from the crowd. That’s a simple chant. The fans chanted “New Day Rocks” also.
Woods asked Big E: “Now? Now you want to come back?” Woods said after you watched them argue for months, now you want to come back? Woods told E that he left them. Big E said that he broke his neck. Kofi said that E left them. Kofi said: “Yeah you broke your neck, so what?” Kofi said that “Stone Cold” Steve Austin broke his neck and he came back. Kofi mentioned Kurt Angle broke his neck and he came back. Kofi also said that Edge broke his neck and he came back. Woods said that they didn’t even have people here waiting for them. Woods said that Big E had family members with the light on so he had something familiar to walk back into. Woods said that they didn’t change. Kofi said that as big as Big E is and he didn’t even have surgery on his neck, he couldn’t be back here a long time ago if he wanted to. Big E talked about getting scans and MRIs. Woods said that he tore his Achilles, he had surgery and he was back in nine months. Kofi said if you cared about them, Big E would have been back a long time ago. Instead, Big E chose his new life, his new projects and his new girlfriend over them. Kofi said Big E chose his new desk job over them. Woods wondered if Big E had realized the burden he had become. Woods said everywhere they go, people say they miss E and Woods said they miss him, but obviously Big E doesn’t miss them. Kofi said it was always about The New Day before everything else and that’s what the philosophy has been. Kofi said that Big E chose himself over them. Woods said that the truth is that Big E is never going to be medically cleared. Woods told Big E to get the hell out of this ring and get back to your desk where you belong. Woods said that they would call Big E if they needed him.
Big E said that he’s not going to let them throw this away like that. Big E said that they could fix this. Big E said that they are family and he wanted a hug. Kofi pushed Big E away. Woods turned his head so that he didn’t look at Big E. Poor Big E was sad as he left the ring and the fans booed because they were sad about what happened. Woods told Kofi it’s just the two of them. Woods extended his hand and Kofi shook it. Big E looked sad in the aisle.
Analysis: I thought it was an excellent segment that will get a lot of attention on The New Day group, so that’s a great thing. I did not expect it to go like that. I think performance-wise they all did a great job in their roles. Big E was the noble babyface who wanted to try to fix the problems between his friends. However, Woods and Kofi seemed to bond over being disrespectful towards Big E for not being there for them. This obviously sets up the story of Big E getting cleared (he might be already) and coming back to get revenge on his friends for disrespecting him. It seems like Woods and Kofi will be in the heel role moving forward because the fans hated them for what they said to Big E, who is easy to like as a babyface who lost over two years of his career due to injury. A big reason why I think Big E might be cleared is when Woods shouted that Big E would never get cleared, it made me think that Woods just went heel and I’ve been writing for decades that “HEELS LIE” so my immediate thought was that Big E is going to be back in the ring again. Maybe they’ll save it for the Netflix Raw debut. I don’t know. I’m just saying it would absolutely be a great story if it happens. The whole thing was very well done.
Wait… what?
What is going on??? How can they say these things to Big E?
We hate this. 😭😭😭#WWERawpic.twitter.com/sdovBVHSo0
— WWE (@WWE) December 3, 2024
(Commercial)
A video aired featuring Karrion Kross talking about how Uncle Howdy sent that creature Nikki Cross after Karrion’s wife Scarlett. Kross said that words won’t get him what he wants, which is the Wyatt Sicks in the arena. Kross said that you started this fire, so he will make sure you burn in it.
GUNTHER vs. Dominik Mysterio
This was not for Gunther’s World Heavyweight Title. Gunther still had visible scarring on his chest from Survivor Series two nights earlier.
Gunther kicked Dominik out of the ring. Gunther went after Dom there and Dominik managed to send him into the ring post. Dominik hit a suicide dive twice on Gunther on the floor. They went to break.
(Commercial)
It was Gunther in control with a Boston Crab submission, but Dominik managed to get his hand on the bottom rope. Gunther chopped Dominik a few times to show off his power. Dominik hit some chops of his own along with punches, but Gunther came back with a hard slap. Gunther applied a sleeper, Dominik was near the referee by the turnbuckle and Dominik did a low blow kick. Dominik hit the 619 kick two times in a row on Gunther. Dominik went up top and hit a Frog Splash off the top for two. The fans popped for that nearfall. Gunther chopped Dominik followed by a boot to the face. Gunther nailed a stiff Powerbomb for the pinfall win after about eight minutes.
Winner by pinfall: GUNTHER
Analysis: **3/4 A dominant win for Gunther as you would expect. I liked that Dominik got the nearfall after the low blow leading to a Frog Splash. That was a good hope spot for Dom.
After the match, Finn Balor went into the ring with a Slingblade on Gunther and a dropkick into the turnbuckle. Balor jumped off the top with a Coup de Grace double foot stomp on Gunther. Balor told Dominik: “Watch and learn, kid.” Finn jumped off the top with Coup de Grace again. Balor went up for a third time and hit Coup de Grace for a third time. Balor dumped the World Title on Gunther, who was selling a rib injury.
Analysis: That should lead to a Gunther-Balor match. Gunther refused a match earlier, so Balor took it upon himself to do a cheap attack that will make Gunther want to do the match.
Pete Dunne was interviewed by Cathy Kelley, who asked if R-Truth knew if he was facing Dunne or But…but Pete told her not to say it. Pete said R-Truth is facing…and here’s an interruption.
Jey Uso was shown down selling an attack by some equipment cases. Raw GM Adam Pearce and other staff were there to check on Jey while wondering what happened.
(Commercial)
Pete Dunne vs. R-Truth
This match was set up because R-Truth still calls Pete Dunne “Butch” and Pete hates that name, so we have a match. Dunne nailed a jumping kick on Truth. Dunne stomped on Truth’s head while the fans chanted “Butch” to upset Dunne. Truth was covering up as Dunne punched him repeatedly. Dunne was infuriated that the fans were chanting “Butch” a lot. Truth did a ROLLUP OF DEATH~! for the pinfall win after about two minutes.
Winner by pinfall: R-Truth
Analysis: * The truth shall set you free because the ROLLUP OF DEATH~! wins again. That’s all about all I have for that match.
The Intercontinental Champion Bron Breakker was interviewed by Cathy Kelley backstage. Bron said it was a great challenge and Ludwig Kaiser interrupted. Kaiser said that if Bron waited a few seconds later to make a save, Kaiser would be the champion right now. Kaiser said a few months ago Sheamus broke his rib and now Kaiser broke his rib so it’s a rib for a rib. Kaiser said that there’s nothing stopping him from getting that title. Bron said he can talk to Adam Pearce about it. Bron gave Kaiser his props saying that Kaiser got out of Gunther’s shadow, but Gunther’s stock is falling right now.
Next Monday on Raw:
* Rhea Ripley vs. Raquel Rodriguez
* Women’s Intercontinental Title Tournament Quarterfinals: Lyra Valkyria vs. Zelina Vega vs. Ivy Nile
* The Wyatt Sicks vs. Final Testament & The Miz
Sami Zayn went up to Raw GM Adam Pearce wondering how Jey Uso was doing. Pearce said he was getting checked out by the medical team. Zayn asked who did the attack, Pearce said he didn’t know and Zayn thinks the guy who did it was the guy whose ass he was going to whip in the ring, so Zayn thought it was Seth Rollins. Zayn left for his match.
(Commercial)
Finn Balor spoke to Raw GM Adam Pearce asking when was he going to get a World Title match. Pearce trashed Balor for barely defending the World Tag Team Titles. Pearce told Balor that Gunther wanted the match too, so it was Balor against Gunther at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Pearce said that next week, let’s talk about Balor’s other title match. Pearce left while Balor had a confused look on his face.
Analysis: It’s the fourth title match for Saturday Night’s Main Event since they are already doing Cody Rhodes vs. Kevin Owens for the WWE Title, Liv Morgan vs. Iyo Sky for the Women’s World Title, and the finals of the Women’s US Title tournament. They are loading up that card for SNME, so that’s a good thing.
Sami Zayn vs. Seth “Freakin” Rollins
Rollins knocked down Zayn with a shoulder tackle while Joe said that Rollins is 5-1 all-time against Zayn. Zayn sent Rollins out of the ring, then Rollins walked away and Zayn did a backflip into the center of the ring.
(Commercial)
The match returned with Zayn doing a leapfrog over Rollins leading to a clothesline. Zayn worked over Zayn with repeated punches to the head. Zayn hit an elbow smash off the middle turnbuckle. Rollins came back with a kick to the gut and Zayn came back with the Blue Thunder Bomb for two as usual for that move. Zayn hit an Exploder Suplex into the turnbuckle. Zayn charged, Rollins hit him with a superkick and Rollins wanted The Stomp, but Zayn rolled out of the ring to the floor. Rollins talked to Zayn on the floor saying he didn’t want this fight. Zayn slapped Rollins shouting “I know it was you.” Rollins grabbed Zayn and sent him face first into the ring post. Rollins sent Zayn over the barricade by the timekeeper’s area. I think Rollins said it wasn’t him, which led to Zayn kicking Rollins in the face. Zayn sent Rollins into the ring post. Zayn grabbed a steel chair from ringside and brought the chair into the ring. Rollins told Zayn he didn’t attack Jey while claiming he wouldn’t do that. Rollins claimed it may have been Punk and Zayn wasn’t sure. Rollins told Zayn to use his head. Zayn put the chair down. Zayn approached Rollins, who applied an inside cradle for the pinfall. Rollins got the win after about 10 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Seth Rollins
Analysis: *** This was all about the story rather than having an incredible match like these two were capable of. There was a lot of talking in between their moves. The finish was a case of Rollins being ready for Zayn doing a charging attack and that led to the inside cradle for the win. It protects Zayn a bit by not losing to The Stomp while also showing that Zayn lost his focus because of Jey being attacked earlier in the show.
After the match, Rollins told Zayn that he loved his heart, but he needed to start using his head. Rollins left the ring as the victor.
Sami Zayn was all alone in the ring and when he turned around, Drew McIntyre nailed him with a Claymore Kick to the face. Drew was wearing a hoodie and took the hoodie off, so the fans booed. Drew stood over a fallen Zayn to end the show.
Analysis: Welcome back to Drew McIntyre after being off for about two months after his Hell in a Cell classic match with CM Punk. Drew is one of the best wrestlers in WWE, so it’s great to have him back in action. Also, it will likely be revealed that McIntyre was the one who attacked Jey Uso in the backstage attack because Drew is a vicious heel who is known for attacks like that. I liked it as an ending to the show.
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Three Stars of the Show
- The New Day – Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods & Big E
- Seth Rollins, CM Punk & Sami Zayn
- Dakota Kai
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The Scoreboard
7.75 out of 10
Last week: 7.5
2024 Average: 7.58
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Final Thoughts on WWE Raw
I thought it was a great show. The match quality wasn’t that strong from top to bottom, but I think it’s okay because even the average matches were entertaining and the finishes made sense for the most part. Welcome back to Drew McIntyre. The shows are good with or without him although I would say he’s one of my favorites in WWE, so I’m glad he’s back.
In terms of storylines, the first 25 minutes were very interesting with the CM Punk-Seth Rollins story picking up again due to Seth’s obsession with wanting to fight Punk. They can build to a confrontation in the Royal Rumble match while possibly going to a WrestleMania match or some other match down the line. I liked how they used Sami Zayn in that segment to build the Rollins-Zayn match. Good storytelling.
The New Day segment was outstanding. All three guys crushed it. My prediction on social media was for Big E to deliver an inspiring speech to make Kofi & Xavier realize they need to be friends again. Instead, it was a swerve with Kofi & Xavier coming off like jerks while the fans felt terrible for Big E getting blasted by his friends for not being able to wrestle for over two years. I’m definitely intrigued by where things go from here.
A very entertaining episode of Raw that reminds us it’s not always about the matches. The stories were really strong this week.
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Thanks for reading. Please check out my reviews of every WWE PPV ever listed in order. Go Los Angeles Rams, Toronto Raptors & Toronto Maple Leafs. My contact info is below.
John Canton
Email mrjohncanton@gmail.com
Twitter/X @johnreport