The final episode of WWE Raw on cable television was a historic one, serving as both a farewell to USA Network and a prelude to its new home on Netflix. While the show had its memorable highs, it also stumbled in ways that couldn’t be ignored.
Things We Loved
1. Lyra Valkyria vs. IYO SKY
- What We Loved:
The semifinal match in the inaugural Women’s Intercontinental Championship tournament was a showcase of elite women’s wrestling. Valkyria defeating a former champion like SKY in a hard-fought battle was a momentous victory that pushed her into the spotlight. Both women brought their A-game, demonstrating exceptional in-ring chemistry.- SKY’s technical brilliance and Valkyria’s resilience captivated the Houston crowd.
- The decision to elevate Valkyria over a proven main-eventer like SKY showed faith in building new stars.
- The crowd’s enthusiasm further elevated the match, making it one of the standout moments of the night.
- What We Didn’t:
The finish felt clunky and messy, detracting from the climactic buildup. A cleaner conclusion would have amplified the emotional payoff.
2. CM Punk and Seth Rollins’ Promo Exchange
- What We Loved:
This segment delivered the intensity and realism fans hoped for as these two rivals traded barbs rooted in real-life grievances.- Punk’s fiery retort to Rollins’ accusations of “walking away” added depth, invoking names like Vince McMahon and Steve Austin.
- Rollins’ jabs at Punk’s time in UFC and AEW felt personal, making the segment emotionally charged and engaging.
- The segment built anticipation for their upcoming clash, making it feel like must-see TV.
3. A Proper Farewell to Cable
- What We Loved:
WWE paid tribute to Raw’s history on USA Network by opening and closing the show with some of its most iconic stars. The opening segment featuring New Day, Jey Uso, and Drew McIntyre reflected Raw’s tradition of blending promos and physicality to advance storylines.- Jey Uso’s confrontation with the New Day was a callback to their long-standing rivalry, while Drew McIntyre’s attack on Uso advanced the new Bloodline arc.
- The inclusion of CM Punk and Seth Rollins in the main event segment was a fitting way to close the era.
Things We Hated
1. Pete Dunne vs. R-Truth Feud
- What We Hated:
This storyline has overstayed its welcome. Dunne attacking Truth on the ramp while repeating, “I’m nobody’s Butch,” felt repetitive and tiresome.- WWE’s decision to elongate this feud instead of giving Dunne a clean victory was frustrating.
- Truth’s comedic character, usually refreshing, felt misplaced here, making the feud a chore to watch.
2. Judgment Day and War Raiders’ Stale Booking
- What We Hated:
The repetitive nature of their interactions has made this feud feel redundant.- The six-man tag match followed a predictable pattern: interference by Judgment Day, defeat, and a post-match beatdown.
- WWE’s refusal to innovate in this storyline has drained it of excitement.
3. Chad Gable vs. Otis Feud Mishandling
- What We Hated:
This long-running feud, which started in June 2024, deserved a more significant platform than being buried on the final cable episode of Raw.- The match itself was fantastic, but Ivy Nile’s interference and Gable’s dirty win imply the feud will continue unnecessarily into 2025.
- WWE’s inability to properly conclude this rivalry feels like a disservice to both performers, who have delivered consistently throughout the feud.