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That's more like it! The second episode of WWE RAW on Netflix was a massive improvement on the first. For starters, it wasn't filled with celebrities and part-timers cutting unnecessary promos. No longtime storyline was ruined in the making of this show.
There was a lot to love with WWE RAW tonight. So much so, that we couldn't cover everything. A quick shoutout goes to Sheamus and Ludwig Kaiser for yet another banger to add to their collection. Meanwhile, the field for the men's Royal Rumble Match looks absolutely stacked so far!
So, with that in mind, here are the biggest positives and negatives from tonight's episode of WWE RAW.
#3. Best: An epic debut
As heavily spoiled ahead of WWE RAW, Penta finally made his debut. He did so in front of a raucous San Diego crowd, who was with him right from his entrance. The former AEW star proceeded to have a classic with Chad Gable.
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Both stars went for it over here, with Penta even hitting a Mexican Destroyer for a nearfall. It eventually ended after the debutant hit a Penta Driver for the win. As far as first impressions go, this was perfect. He was so good that the match and his promo afterward got him some backstage heat. Cero Miedo indeed!
Gable deserves a boatload of credit, too, following what may end up being his final WWE RAW match if he and American Made move to SmackDown.
#2. Worst: Another Main Event for Jey, but at what cost?
Jey Uso cut a fiery and passionate promo on WWE RAW, as he was revealed as Gunther's next challenger. It's always great seeing The YEET Master in this role, where he always thrives. But then you remember he is not winning the World Heavyweight Championship.
In all seriousness, the chances of Uso dethroning The Ring General at Saturday Night's Main Event are slim. This is why it's counterproductive to keep on putting him in these big matches, even if he likely won't lose clean. If not this one, Jey Uso's next world title shot needs to end with the belt in his hands.
#2. Best: Lyra soars to victory on WWE RAW
The final of the women's Intercontinental Championship tournament showcased how stacked WWE RAW's roster is. Lyra Valkyria and Dakota Kai are exactly the type of performers who would benefit from a women's midcard title. So, of course, it was vindicating when both stars put on a fantastic match to determine the inaugural champion.
In the end, it was Valkyria who got the job done. She won with the Nightwing, while Kai looked great in defeat. The post-match angle was well done, too, with both competitors showing respect to each other. Dakota Kai's journey doesn't end here. However, for now, Lyra Valkyria is soaring high.
#1. Worst: Where is Becky?
Speaking of successful Irish women, it's been a while since we've seen Becky Lynch. The Man's return is imminent, with many expecting it to come on WWE RAW tonight. Unfortunately, though, we had to sit through a mini-promo train instead.
Rhea Ripley came out to celebrate her Women's World Championship victory. However, she was interrupted by Nia Jax, who declared for the women's Royal Rumble Match. Bayley followed soon after. This is essentially confirmation that Mami won't defend her title until after the Rumble.
Lynch should have returned on WWE RAW and set up a big-time Women's World Title match against Ripley. We will have to wait a little while longer for this reign to properly get going.
#1. Best: The feud is finally over
Whether or not the match was any good, this would have been a positive. The feud between Damian Priest and Finn Balor is over. We can finally move on!
It does help that the two ex-teammates headlined WWE RAW in a fun Street Fight. Priest looked incredible, fighting off Balor's Judgment Day cronies. The War Raiders eventually evened the odds for him, but The Punisher had a great outing regardless.
The fight ended after multiple South of Heaven chokeslams. Damian Priest has put Finn Balor down for good. It was a return to form for The Prince, so the defeat wasn't all bad.
