May wasn't really the most noteworthy month for WWE television. After a power packed April, May just seemed a little lacking in overall momentum. I reassured myself that June would be a different story. So far, it's been just 'okay'.
This week's episode of RAW built to Money in the Bank. There were a few significant developments but not enough to make this show a memorable affair. This was a strictly average show.
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That said, it wasn't a complete dud over three hours of action. It's time to run through the 'Best and Worst' of RAW.
Leave a comment and let me know what you thought of this episode.
#1 Best: Brand new authority figure
Baron Corbin seemed like he was on the verge of the push of a lifetime when he became Mr. 'Money in the Bank' last year. Unfortunately, he could not cash in his contract and just retreated to the lower mid-card since. Therefore, I'm glad to see him as the 'Constable' of RAW because it gives him something to do. It also creates some much-needed drama on TV.
Let's face it...three hours of wrestling is tough to watch and enjoy. Having a narrative where Corbin and Angle are at odds just adds an element of unpredictability. Corbin is a decent promo so he can hold his own in backstage segments.
I liked how Corbin got the result for the 6-Woman Tag Team match changed, against Kurt Angle's wishes. Honestly, I even agree with his decision...why was Bayley in the match?
#1 Worst: Ronda Rousey on commentary
I was going to include David Otunga in the worst section because he did not add anything on commentary. However, when Ronda Rousey joined the commentary table, she proved just how much better Otunga is.
Rousey's delivery was just as mechanical as is humanly possible. What was that quip about her husband again?
Having Rousey on commentary actually shatters some of the aura and mystique around her. I hope she's kept far, far away from a microphone in coming days.
#2 Best: New number 1 contenders
Sometimes, WWE does not capitalize on momentum when they should. A classic example of the same is how they did not put the Tag Team titles on Rusev and Aiden English when they were both red hot. Thankfully, they're pushing the B Team in a big way right now.
Axel and Dallas won the Tag Team Battle Royal. They will now face Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt. This could really lead to some really funny moments down the line.
Could we see a showdown between two real-life brothers? Wyatt vs. Dallas should make for some very interesting television.
#2 Worst: Bobby Lashley's current program
To begin this slide, I call for a round of applause. Sami Zayn is trying everything in his power to make his program with Bobby Lashley interesting. Somehow, WWE has managed to miscast Lashley into the worst possible role.
All he needs to do is shut up and break bones. Instead, all we see him doing is engage in pointless programs with Sami Zayn. Lashley needs to move beyond 'sisters' and 'Instagram posts', into a world he is familiar with- destroying opponents!
Can you believe this is the same match that we once believed would defeat Lesnar and claim the Universal Championship? How very mistaken we all were!
#3 Best: GIF-worthy moments
For all the fault with the booking and the writing, it is impossible to deny that the performers give it all that they have. Finn Balor delivered a devastating coup-de-grace this week. The accuracy and precision of his move took our breath away. And of course, he wasn't the only one.
Strowman broke a ladder with his bare hands this week. And in doing so, he also broke the internet with the feat.
#3 Worst: Where are the Authors of Pain?
Sometimes I think WWE brings up far too many acts after WrestleMania. Even after they are brought up, WWE may not necessarily have a plan for them. How else does one explain The Authors of Pain not being featured in the Tag Team Battle Royal? I get why they would have been left out (to not suffer a loss and to look dominant), but how does one explain their absence in the storyline?
I do hope there is a long-term plan for the Authors of Pain on RAW. I hope they do not become yet another Ascension.
#4 Best/worst: Ziggler/McIntyre's elimination
Dolph Ziggler has been one of the greatest WWE performers over the past decade. Over the years, somehow his stock has fallen. Therefore I was stunned when he was paired with McIntyre. Especially considering how McIntyre was supposed to be the next big thing in WWE.
Ziggler's elimination makes me believe that McIntyre will consider him a detriment to his success. The two men will split soon. And then McIntyre will emerge on a singles path.
This is a convoluted way to pull this off. At the same time, I believe that the eventual outcome should be worth the journey we will experience over coming weeks.
And now, join me in wishing The Goddess a very speedy recovery.
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