This weekend marks a significant event in the wrestling world, with “WWE Raw” making a notable stop in Providence, Rhode Island. This particular episode set the stage for upcoming storylines, particularly centered on the pivotal figure of Seth Rollins, Mr. Money In the Bank.
The episode kicked off with Rollins and his stable in the spotlight, featuring matches for all three of its members. A unique opening segment drew attention as Bron Breakker interrupted Rollins, expressing disdain for Sami Zayn, suggesting a hint of tension within the group. Rollins and Paul Heyman played along, creating intrigue around the relationships among the stable.
Heyman showcased his mic skills, delivering a standout promo that elevated the importance of all stable members, breaking the stereotype of Reed and Breakker merely serving as henchmen. This expanded focus on talent within the group suggested that WWE is keen on pushing their characters beyond the undercard status.
In the ring, Breakker faced Zayn, and the match took an unexpected turn as Karrion Kross attacked Zayn mid-entrance, building anticipation for a rematch that fans are eager for, especially given the crowd’s support for Kross. This segment highlighted the importance of listening to fan reactions, especially when it comes to promoting compelling storylines.
Breakker’s subsequent bout with Jey Uso ended in disqualification, emphasizing the aggressive tactics of Rollins’ stable. Here, the crowd’s mixed reactions raised questions about how WWE positions its stars in terms of storytelling and match outcomes.
The main event saw Rollins triumph over Penta in a highly anticipated match that did not disappoint, despite some controversies around Penta’s recent losing streak. The post-match chaos, featuring LA Knight’s surprise attack, pointed to potential future dynamics within WWE’s title scene, particularly around the Money In the Bank briefcase that Knight currently possesses.
The show also featured a surprise appearance from Gunther that sparked some excitement among fans, juxtaposed with a light-hearted moment featuring a “Goldberg sucks” sign—indicative of the mixed reactions wrestlers can garner.
In women’s wrestling, Kairi Sane’s victory over Roxanne Perez was a highlight, showing the resurgence of women’s tag teams as Sane’s partner, Asuka, returned to help in a Kabuki Warriors reunion. This highlights a broader trend in WWE of revitalizing women’s divisions.
Overall, the episode delivered a balanced mix of storytelling, action, and character development, with promising signposts for future feuds. Lyra Valkyria also made a strong case for herself against Becky Lynch and Bayley, suggesting that WWE is crafting multiple storylines that could lead to future crossover events.
As for the crowd engagement and character development showcased in this episode, it seems that WWE is on a path that acknowledges fan desires while pushing its narratives creatively forward.
This episode of “WWE Raw” earned a solid score of 7 out of 10, showcasing that even amidst potential plotting difficulties, there’s plenty of excitement ahead for fans.