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To give WWE the benefit of the doubt, we suppose they are saving the best for WrestleMania 34, live from New Orleans. Overall, this week's show had its moments but in the larger scheme of things, just failed to deliver.
In fact, one could even say that one may have skipped this show and missed nothing at all. It did not feel like a WrestleMania go-home episode. There were too many promo packages, and too little storyline development for our taste.
That said, there were some things we did like and we will list them for you in this countdown. Let us know what you thought about the show in the comments as well.
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We present the 'Best and Worst' of RAW, for your reading pleasure.
#1 Best: Hot start
The crowd was red hot through the night. Jonathan Coachman even alluded to this at the end of the show. This was especially evident in the opening segment. The UFC style press conference followed by the photo-op started RAW on the right note.
Despite the fact that Angle got Rousey's last name wrong (called her Ronda Rowdy), there was very little to dislike during the segment. We especially liked Rousey asking Stephanie McMahon what her writing hand was, because she still wanted McMahon to sign her cheques following WrestleMania 34. The moment was a really cool one!
While the babyfaces were great in the segment, we must commend the heel for the job they did. They were so immensely hateable that one could not help but cheer for the two babyfaces.
We're far more excited for this match than ever before.
#1 Worst: Really underwhelming finish
We must commend WWE on scripting the incredible build-up to the grand finale. Kurt Angle's interactions with Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman made it seem like the show would end with a bloodbath. We were intrigued. However, the segment that concluded the show seemed rather tepid.
There was a flurry of Superman Punches followed by an F5 to promote the main event of WrestleMania in New Orleans. We must say we were disappointed.
Especially the whole storyline of the locker room making way for Roman Reigns. That bit seemed hokey and quite contrived indeed.
Thankfully, we do not doubt that the match will actually deliver!
#2 Best: Brains Strowman
We get why Braun Strowman's partner wasn't revealed. WWE probably wants it to be a huge surprise at WrestleMania. This makes us wonder who it may be. Could it be Bobby Lashley teaming up with the Monster Among Men?
In any case, Braun Strowman is gold as Brains Strowman. The crowd popped for this persona, and the ovation was organic. For his monstrous nature, Strowman has incredible comic timing.
We loved his backstage interaction with Curt Hawkins as well. Now, that's one guy who won't be Strowman's partner at WrestleMania!
#2 Worst: Still no Undertaker
Week after week, we've waited with bated breath for the return of the Dead Man. Week after week, he has disappointed us. Therefore, while the idea was still fresh when it was done for the first time, The Undertaker not showing up has grown stale. It was almost predictable this week.
Even Cena's explanation of why he didn't want to be in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal actually fell flat! While Cena claims he did not take up a spot at WrestleMania, so many superstars are being deprived of a singles match because he's wrestling. It did not make any sense.
Most people tuned in with the tease of The Undertaker's return. All of them were very, very disappointed.
#3 Best: Finn Balor vs. Seth Rollins
We love The Miz, but we were waiting for him to shut up during the match. As happy as we are, that he is a father, he was distracting from the action in the ring, with comments about his newborn daughter.
That said, Seth Rollins and Finn Balor were brilliant. They absolutely tore it up, this week.
If this is a preview of the Intercontinental Championship match at WrestleMania, we simply cannot wait. We have a feeling that it will be quite awesome indeed!
#3 Worst: Lack of logic
Bayley got jumped by Absolution after her match with Sonya Deville. And then Sasha Banks came to her rescue. Of course, the newfound peace between the babyfaces would not last. The segment ended with Sasha Banks vs. Bayley, brawling in the ring.
What puzzles us is why Banks would come to Bayley's aid, after they brawled in the locker room last week. Could someone also explain Mickie James' heel turn, if you guys know the answer?
#4 Best/worst: Dispelling Ronda Rousey's aura?
While it was interesting to see Ronda Rousey go through a table this week, we were torn. Rousey is supposed to be a UFC megastar, and yet she gets taken apart by Stephanie McMahon. A woman who's not even a full-time wrestler. This left us with a bitter taste in our mouth.
However, we do realize why it was done! Stephanie McMahon needs to appear as a legitimate threat to Rousey, heading into their match. That's the only way anyone will take her seriously..
So, there you have it. Here is our analysis of this week's episode of RAW.
Did it get you excited, heading into WrestleMania?
We would love to listen to your comments, but the Goddess doesn't
