The WWE Universe was buzzing with anticipation as the final 'WWE Raw' before Survivor Series: War Games took place in Oklahoma City, OK. With the main event of the tournament looming, the show delivered some memorable moments, but not all of it was gold. Let's dive into the highs and lows of this pre-Survivor Series spectacle.
Loved: Mysterio's Feel-Good Moment
The night started with a bang as Dominik Mysterio's segment left fans in awe. Rey Mysterio and JD McDonagh had the unenviable task of following this spectacle, but they delivered a solid match. The interference from Finn Balor added a layer of intrigue, and the match had a legitimate reason to happen after the Six Man Tag Team Match. Rey's victory, outsmarting Balor, was a feel-good moment that the show desperately needed. A great way to kick things off!
Hated: The Controversial 'John Wee-na' Segment
But here's where it gets controversial. WWE brought back a questionable practice, using little people in a segment with Dominik Mysterio. The younger Mysterio, known for his heel antics, brought out two little people to pose as John Cena and Stu, the cameraman. This segment fell flat, killing the crowd's energy. Was it a cruel joke? A cheap attempt at heat? And why bring back a practice that hasn't been common since Vince McMahon's booking days? It's a move that has sparked debate among fans and critics alike.
Loved: Gunther and Hayes' Epic Showdown
The Last Time is Now Tournament quarter-finals delivered an epic clash between Gunther and Carmelo Hayes. With Gunther's dominance and Hayes' resilience, the match was a showcase of contrasting styles. Hayes, a rising star, put on a valiant performance, but Gunther's power prevailed. A rare false-finish added to the excitement, and the right result made it even sweeter. This match had it all and left fans wanting more.
Hated: The Missing Women's Champions
Where are the women? That's the question on everyone's mind as we approach Survivor Series. Women's World Champion Stephanie Vaquer and her challenger, WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella, were nowhere to be found on the go-home episode of 'Raw'. This feud, a clash of eras and ideologies, should have been a main event storyline. Instead, it was reduced to a video package. WWE, with its rich history of women's wrestling, missed a golden opportunity to showcase these talented athletes and build a compelling narrative. A huge oversight, in my opinion.
Loved: Brock Lesnar's Hilarious Slip-Up
And this is the part most people miss. Brock Lesnar, the controversial figure at the center of a lawsuit, provided an unexpected moment of hilarity. As he attempted a grand entrance, Lesnar slipped and fell on his backside, much to the amusement of the crowd. It was a light-hearted moment in an otherwise tense atmosphere. And with the lawsuit still ongoing, it's a reminder that even the biggest stars can have their funny moments.
Hated: The Tedious Opening Segment
The opening segment, a staple of WWE shows, has become a chore. Fans singing wrestler entrances, a trend in the UK, has now made its way to the US, eating up valuable time. This episode's opening segment dragged on for 14 minutes before any wrestler spoke, and it set the tone for a lackluster start. With the big event so close, one would expect more excitement and less filler. A missed opportunity to build hype, indeed.
There you have it, folks! The highs and lows of WWE Raw, just days before Survivor Series. What did you think of the show? Do you agree with our takes? Let us know in the comments, and don't forget to tune in for the upcoming Survivor Series: War Games!
