RAW was actually good this week, without much garbage. I'm flabbergasted. 7/10
Vinceman was forced to build a show around his current crop (with part-timers and Cena gone) and it was good, which ain't been in a while.
So, here's to hoping it wasn't a one-off.
Also, props to WWE for showing us that wins and losses do matter, as only those who won at HIAC got to be in the #1 contender's tournament.
Positives:
- The Rollins/Reigns confrontation.
- All things New Day. Especially the pre-match promo where they ran down Reigns.
- Reigns vs Kofi was decent.
- KO vs Cesaro was good. I love KO, but they shouldn't have served up The Swiss Superman to KO again. #PushCesaroDammit
The guy's busting his ass week in and week out and is connecting with the crowd. Yes, Vince! He is! Open your eyes, old man!
He should be awarded for all his amazing displays.
- ADR vs Neville was fine. But, what's up with ADR not using the Cross Armbreaker to win? The finish felt kinda lackluster and out of left field.
The announcers mentioning AAA and CMLL, as well as ADR being AAA Mega Champion was nice, though.
- The Wyatt Family abducting Kane was logical given what happened at HIAC and it was a fine segment overall.
- DZ vs Big E was good. Also, Tyler Breeze coming out prior to the match and having his own VIP section was hilariously awesome.
- Reigns vs KO vs ADR vs DZ was a very good ME and I enjoyed the hell out of it. It was a beautiful chaos.
Even though it was pretty obvious Reigns was gonna win, it still had me on the edge of my seat. So, I guess this was the right time to pull the trigger. IMHO, I'd rather see Reigns win the title at SS than go through yet another Royal Rumble Rebellion [Part III] and the next few months of 'is he or isn't he ready?' till WM 32. Plus, with him (most likely) winning the title now, it makes the Royal Rumble winner a bit more unpredictable.
Negatives:
- Cena's absence was handled poorly. It's absurd he quickly dropped the title at HIAC and left without an explanation or an injury angle.
And it sorta comes off as Mr. NEVER GIVE UP has kinda... given up. Oh, well.
- No explanation about Lesnar's absence. What, Heyman couldn't come out and cut a 5 minute promo?
- Team Bella vs Team PCB was incredibly dull, just like every other multi-diva tag match up until this point. Oh, and Paige turned heel again.
Gotta love the #DivasRevoution and its atrocious storytelling.
- Sheamus, RuRu & Barrett vs Ryback & The Dudley Boyz was meh.
- That Susan G. Komen in-ring segment.
All in all... BEST. RAW. IN. A. LONG. TIME.
:
: Hopefully he wins the championship at Survivor Series and ushers us into a new era like he was meant to do at Wrestlemania earlier this year.