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And just like that, a new era has begun. WWE RAW's first-ever episode on Netflix was a massive success thanks to multiple different factors.
The in-ring action was on point, as all four matches on the show delivered. Meanwhile, the involvement of the legends was more hit-and-miss, but we'll get to that. A special shout-out goes out to Drew McIntyre vs. Jey Uso. What a lit match that was.
John Cena's promo to kick off his Farewell Tour was also great. There was so much more to love on this show, so let's get right into it. Without further ado, here are the biggest positives and negatives from tonight's loaded episode of WWE RAW.
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#3. Best: A fun Tribal Combat Match
The first match on WWE RAW saw Roman Reigns take on Solo Sikoa in a fun Tribal Combat Match. They did pretty well, with multiple weapons being introduced. However, things picked up after both Bloodlines got involved. Tama Tonga, Jacob Fatu, Sami Zayn, and Jimmy Uso helped spice up the bout.
Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes also appeared as The American Nightmare got involved in Bloodline business again. Anyway, this eventually led to Reigns spearing Solo for the victory. He is the undisputed Tribal Chief once again and even got acknowledged by The Rock.
The Great One came out to put the Ula Fala on his cousin's neck. However, after what happened at the start of WWE RAW, who knows what is even happening?!
#2. Worst: Dwayne is back
While he showed up after Roman Reigns vs. Solo Sikoa, tonight may have proved The Rock won't be wrestling anytime soon. He opened WWE RAW, but it wasn't The Final Boss who appeared. Dwayne Johnson showed up instead, giving a standard "Welcome to Netflix" speech that could have been done by Triple H.
The Hollywood megastar essentially turned babyface, following his hug with Cody Rhodes. This is disappointing, as there isn't any follow-up on The Rock's tension with The American Nightmare. It was teased on the WWE RAW after WrestleMania XL. This also makes his return at Bad Blood redundant. Well, at least CM Punk got to main event tonight.
The Rock's promo here may have confirmed that he won't be working WrestleMania 41. It remains to be seen if his hug with Roman Reigns will lead to anything at all. Way to leave us hanging, High Chief!
#2. Best: Mami's back on top
Rhea Ripley had one of the best nights of her career on WWE RAW. She had a great match with Liv Morgan with minimal shenanigans, before winning the Women's World Championship with multiple Riptides. Mami then low-blowed Dominik Mysterio, who tried to get back with her, before hitting a Riptide on her ex-boyfriend.
However, that wasn't it for Ripley. As she was leaving the arena, The Undertaker's gong hit. He took a ride around the ring before acknowledging the new Women's World Champion. The two then posed on the WWE RAW stage. This was a better use of The Undertaker than an in-ring promo, especially since other legends did that.
#1. Worst: What was the point of that?
Hulk Hogan's appearance on WWE RAW was completely pointless. It wasn't needed, he got booed out of the building, and nobody interrupted him. The television time could have easily been given to somebody else, like, say, one of the multiple champions of the red brand.
Gunther did not appear on the show despite being the World Heavyweight Champion. He should have confronted Hogan as he had with Bret Hart and Goldberg in the past few months.
#1. Best: CM Punk and Seth Rollins headline WWE RAW
This match ruled. CM Punk and Seth Rollins did themselves proud as they main evented the biggest WWE RAW in history. The two heated rivals put together an epic battle that went to the wire.
Punk and Rollins hit their best moves on each other, including each other's finishers. The Visionary hit the GTS twice, while The Second City Saint responded with a Stomp. We even saw a Pedigree on the announce table. Things picked up after a Stomp from Seth Rollins himself, as CM Punk's foot found the rope.
The Best in the World countered a Falcon Arrow to hit a double GTS to finally win. So, after around 20 minutes, Punk ended his feud with Rollins on top.
