The latest episode of WWE RAW was the final one before SummerSlam 2024. However, the show was a mixed bag. While we got one fantastic segment and a few solid matches, most of it was disappointing.
As we head towards The Biggest Party of The Summer, here is a look back at the go-home episode of the red brand before the premium live event. What went right and what went wrong? Let's get into it!
#3. Best/Worst: Damage CTRL are now babyfaces?
Damage CTRL turning face is a positive step for WWE RAW's women's division, considering how talented and over all three of them are. However, the execution of it was a bit lacking. One would not necessarily know for sure if it was a babyface turn, given how things played out.
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IYO SKY, Kairi Sane, and Dakota Kai did attack the heel trio of Sonya Deville, Shayna Baszler, and Zoey Stark. However, their mannerisms after that were not necessarily different. Damage CTRL did not even get any promo time in front of fans, which could have cemented them as babyfaces.
#2. Worst: A tad disappointing
For all the action that was announced for WWE RAW, most of it left a lot to be desired. This includes matches such as Carlito vs. Jey Uso, whose minutes could have been afforded to the main event between Gunther and Finn Balor. Their first-time-ever bout suffered due to a lack of time.
Gunther and Balor did deliver, but it was not as epic as hoped. Hopefully, The Ring General's match against Damian Priest at SummerSlam will be much better. The overall in-ring action on WWE RAW needs to get back to form next week, especially considering how talented the roster is.
#2. Best: Progress with The Wyatt Sicks
While we already knew who they were, the identities of all members of The Wyatt Sicks got uncovered on WWE RAW. Joe Gacy, Erick Rowan, and Dexter Lumis all unmasked themselves before attacking the Creed Brothers, while Chad Gable escaped up the ramp.
The Wyatt Sicks will also be making their in-ring debut on next week's episode of WWE RAW, with the three aforementioned names facing Gable and the Creed Brothers in a six-man tag team match. This is massive progress for Uncle Howdy's spooky stable.
However, there is pressure on them to deliver in the ring now. We finally have some action to look forward to when it comes to The Wyatt Sicks.
#1. Worst: That's the end?!
For nearly a couple of months, Karrion Kross has been harassing Xavier Woods due to his lack of singles success. That was the entire basis for the feud between The New Day and The Final Testament, with Kross even injuring Kofi Kingston.
So, with the feud ending on WWE RAW, one would have expected Woods to finally overcome all doubts and come out on top. After all, he has defeated Kross before. However, that is not what happened tonight. The former NXT Champion defeated The New Day member, somewhat rendering the entire feud pointless.
#1. Best: The perfect SummerSlam preview on WWE RAW
The best part of WWE RAW happened at the start. The show kicked off with a wild segment involving all participants in the most anticipated match at SummerSlam. Drew McIntyre and CM Punk were forced to listen to Seth Rollins state the rules of their match on Saturday before things devolved into madness.
The hatred on the show was magical, as all three superstars ended up interrupting each other. Rollins confirmed that it will be a No Disqualification Match and that neither McIntyre nor Punk can push him around. Meanwhile, the two opponents did not hold back on each other, while avoiding violence at any cost.
The closing shot of Drew McIntyre revealing CM Punk's bracelet was epic. The Cleveland Browns Stadium might just combust on Saturday from all the heat.