-Boy, I could get used to a 90-minute episode of Raw each week. The show was polished, smooth, moved key storylines, and didn’t feel like a grind by the end. Really enjoyable start to finish.
The new Austin Theory
-After being revealed as the masked man last week, Austin Theory needed to have a strong day at the office during this week’s show. He did. I bought his demeanor around the narrative of accepting his failures, but using The Vision as a means to find success within them. Plus, he coupled that new personality with a new look, a less dopey presence, and an edgier ring style. They needed to convey an entirely new tone for the character and they did that.
-Interesting to see Asuka get a victory over Rhea Ripley. She and Kairi Sane needed that credibility going into their tag team championship match against Ripley and Iyo Sky, but I simply didn’t think Ripley would be putting anyone over at this point. Asuka got a lot from this because she won the match, but Ripley was protected enough because Asuka cheated to get the job done. They built strong momentum for the heels and it’ll likely end with Ripley and Sky securing those championships on January 5.
A transformative moment
-I’m on record as saying Maxxine Dupri just isn’t quite good enough to warrant the type of push she’s getting. Overall, I’m still right there. That said, if for some reason she goes on to have an extremely successful career and huge matches on big shows, the promo this week with Becky Lynch will be looked back on as a transformative moment for her. Dupri was believable with the words she confidently spoke at Lynch. She had a likable attitude about her and it resonated opposite an obnoxious heel like Lynch. One of Dupri’s best nights yet.
-A strong showing for Je’Von Evans this week. He’s going to be on the main roster sooner than later. The guy fits like a glove already.
-Nikki Bella is just better as a heel. There’s a comfort that shines when in that role and it’s non-existent as a babyface. In this spot, she has a place on the show each week.
From The Takedown on SI
-Thumbs up to Bayley vs. Roxanne Perez. Kind of a filler match and not perfect, but I enjoyed it for what it was.
Gunther’s slow burn, burning hot
-More heat for Gunther. It’s nice to see WWE slowly feed Gunther to the crowd, rather than toss him onto the show for four segments a week coming out of retiring John Cena. It’s a slow burn right now, but it’s burning hot.
-WWE positioned CM Punk as the lead babyface opposite Gunther when he walked out and faced off with him in the ring. That’s a money match and though I don’t think they are going anywhere with it soon, planting seeds around it will help increase the meaning of it when it goes down.
Proving ground
-This show was about Austin Theory proving himself to Paul Heyman and The Vision. By the end of the night, he did that. Theory getting a strong win sends a message that he’s to be taken seriously and the show closing with Breakker over Punk again adds more fuel to that match. Thumbs up.
What did you think of this week’s episode of WWE Raw? Let us know in the comments!
Subscribe to the Brass Ring Media Newsletter HERE.
Follow Zack Heydorn on Bluesky @zackheydorn.bsky.social