As good as Raw was, it was inevitable there were some parts that were either predictable, slow, or just strange.
Let’s dive right into the chaos.
In no particular order
- Rollins tried to put the Fiend over. Rollins is awesome at selling everything he does, but trying to put the Fiend over didn’t work. He came out to a lukewarm crowd and the Fiend’s been over. In fact, Wyatt’s regularly gotten a standing ovation as the most put over gimmick in the promotion. The monologue turned to Rollins focusing on his “survive and prevail” speech/mantra, to which the crowd grew even more silent. A point that was obvious when Strowman came out to a louder pop.
- While Strowman’s pop was bigger than Rollins, the fans seemed lukewarm to him to, until he did a slight heel turn and got in Rollins face over what he interpreted Rollins statements to mean. Getting a rematch (non-title, of course) for later that night seemed great at the time, but it was easy to see Strowman would be the Fiend’s next victim.
- R-Truth pimping out IT. Okay, this was the part when things got strange. While Carmella pinning Truth was something many of us expected from the beginning, and Truth them helped her get away showed their bond, the fact that Truth said his “clown friend will come with his balloons and take us to Derry, Maine” was a bit much. He’s been great selling the 24/7 championship, but this plug felt too weird.
- Styles injured? It’s a wrestler’s job to sell their pain and make us believe they’re in agony and overcoming it, but injuries do happen. Shortly after the fatal five-way started, Styles held himself in a similar way to when he hurt his back against Rollins in their initial match for the Universal championship. Injuries are part of the job, but hopefully he isn’t or it’s not too bad, otherwise, we may not get to see him in action for a couple of weeks.
- Rey Mysterio facing Rollins next week. As awesome as it was to see the old Rey Mysterio in action and to get a shot at the Universal championship next week, he’s not going to win. In fact, he’ll be the Fiend’s next victim. Sure, there is a chance he and Rollins could fight back, but it won’t happen and Rollins will sell being terrified again and fight against his fear to possibly have a good showing before Hell in a Cell. Just saying.
- The predictability. As awesome and fun as the show was, it was too predictable as far as who the Fiend would go after next. While taking Strowman down elevates Wyatt even more, it’s built him up for either a huge finish or an anti-climactic side feud. There’s more to this line of thinking, but that’s another article. Sorry, but spoilers.
Final Thoughts
The low lights in the “season finale” of Raw weren’t things that really stood out, but things we either notice or have to think about. Still, it’s good to have a balance in the show like this. It gives everyone something to work on to improve or smooth out, right?
