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With one more episode of WWE RAW before Bash in Berlin, tonight's show had to deliver. And that's exactly what it did.
There was a lot to like on the show, although a couple of decisions have left us scratching our heads. All in all, though, tonight's episode of WWE RAW was a huge positive. So, let's get into the best and worst parts of the episode.
#3. Best: Great action throughout WWE RAW
One of the biggest reasons tonight's episode was so fun was the in-ring work across the three hours. All matches on WWE RAW were strong.
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From the opener between Sheamus and Pete Dunne to Randy Orton's main event win over Ludwig Kaiser, we were treated to some fantastic action.
Triple H has done a good job building the roster to fill a three-hour show with high-quality matches. Everything in the ring delivered well, including the brawl between Maxxine Dupri and Ivy Nile before The Wyatt Sicks showed up.
One of the more positive surprises from WWE RAW was how good The Miz vs. Bronson Reed was. More on that below.
#2. Worst: No Ilja in Berlin?
This is unfortunate, as Ilja Dragunov has been prominent on WWE RAW for the past few months. His push has been cooled down at the worst possible time, with Bash in Berlin being the next premium live event.
Having moved to the city at a young age, it would've been a homecoming for Dragunov. While he could still wrestle in Germany, a spot on the premium live event card is unlikely. Even in a losing effort, he would've made a great challenger for Bron Breakker's Intercontinental Championship.
Ilja Dragunov wasn't even on WWE RAW tonight, wrestling before the show on Main Event. While not exactly concerning, the timing isn't ideal. The Mad Dragon should be heading into a big match at Bash in Berlin instead.
#2. Best: Finally, a challenge
After Bronson Reed defeated The Miz in their No Disqualification Match, it seemed like the Australian star would cause more damage. His Tsunami has gotten incredibly over, with the crowd getting on their feet whenever Reed heads to the top rope.
However, before he could injure The Miz, Braun Strowman came out. The Monster of all Monsters stood up to the big bully. We got a staredown between the two. Bronson Reed finally has a challenge from someone his size without attacking from behind.
What a scalp it would be if he could flatten Strowman with the Tsunami. That's the next moment that will leave everyone in awe of Reed.
#1. Worst: Less talking and more fighting, please
We've seen enough talking segments and promo battles between them. It's time for CM Punk and Drew McIntyre to get physical. While we will get that at Bash in Berlin, there needs to be more violence, considering their animosity.
Punk is cleared, so there isn't an excuse for them not to destroy each other on WWE RAW. Their hatred warrants it, especially after the past few months. This old-school approach does work at times, including earlier in their feud.
However, we haven't seen CM Punk fight Drew McIntyre more than a handful of times in the past few months. This doesn't include one-sided beatings like last week's WWE RAW. It would have been nice to get a further preview of the violence in their Strap Match, but maybe a brawl is being saved for next week.
#1. The Judgment Day stands tall
It seems like Triple H has heard our concerns. For the past few weeks, it seemed like The Judgment Day was no match for The Terror Twins. Fortunately, that changed on WWE RAW.
As Damian Priest marched to the ring to face Dominik Mysterio, every other member of The Judgment Day tried to attack him. The Archer of Infamy did stop it until the women got involved.
It seemed like Rhea Ripley would put Dirty Dom through the announce table, only for Liv Morgan to attack her from behind. Priest was forced to watch Mami get assaulted while the numbers game finally caught up to him. This is great for Finn Balor, who finally feels like a threat again.
This has put the mixed tag team match at Bash in Berlin back in the balance. Following this angle on WWE RAW, anything can happen now.
