-Jey and Jimmy Uso both delivered in a much needed segment between the two to build toward their showdown at WrestleMania. We've seen a lot of "yeet" from Jey and a lot of silliness from Jimmy, so it was important that they got serious, while taking things down a personal road. Both Usos are wonderful at creating drama in promos and the fact that they are brothers with a storied history together in WWE gives them a strong platform to build that drama on. One or two more of these segments and the match will be ready to go.
DIY is the right way to go at WrestleMania
-DIY vs. The Creed Brothers was messy, but man, it had a fun finish. DIY appearing at a WrestleMania for the first time will help the drama of the multi-team ladder match in a major way. Protecting The Creed Brothers is important, but the right team went over in this specific instance.
-What's going on with Andrade? Is he trying to join The Judgement Day? His interactions with the faction have been undefined, so it has been hard to invest in what he does with them week to week.
-There is nothing worse in wrestling than a failed babyface turning heel. Am I right? Look, Candice LeRae is a born babyface. The fact that she isn't being used that way is a travesty. She has a natural likable charisma about her that's impossible to hide. They are trying hard and she can play a heel role, but nobody is going to buy the turn long term.
Cody Rhodes and the grand slam promo
-What a damn promo from Cody Rhodes. Just great stuff. He showed fire, hit The Rock with some key verbal jabs, and stayed incredibly likable throughout. Most importantly, the audience was with him the entire way and reacted positively. Thumbs way up on this and it very much made me look forward to the inevitable go-home babyface promo from him ahead of WrestleMania.
-Sami Zayn and Chad Gable did some very effective work together this week after going toe-to-toe last week. There was tension, but respect between both guys and their conversation not only fanned the tension, but displayed Gunther's uniqueness as champion and the significant (and different) mountain Zayn will have to climb in order to beat him. It was fantastic framing that elevated the intrigue of the match between Zayn and Gunther at WrestleMania.
-Speaking of Gunther, he balanced out Zayn and Gable perfectly by acting like a guy that was heads above better than the rest. Gunther's comments about Zayn's attire were heelish, but also played into that notion. This was the best night yet for this WrestleMania program.
-How about that long shot of Zayn walking out of the ring and through the curtain and crossing paths with Awesome Truth, only for Awesome Truth to then make the same long walk and make their way to the ring. Such a unique shot and smart to keep the show fresh. Obviously, you don't want this for every entrance, but finding new ways to connect segments together keeps the audience on their toes. Good stuff.
Serious Seth
-Serious Seth Rollins is always the best Seth Rollins and we got a heavy dose of it this week during his in-ring promo segment with Drew McIntyre. Both guys were great. Nothing over the top and out of this world, but what they delivered was impactful in continuing the story between the two. Well done.
-Props to Nia Jax. She's played her role to a "T" since returning and the end result was a major moment for Jade Cargill at the Royal Rumble, a PLE main event championship match against Rhea Ripley, and a Raw main event against Becky Lynch. They've gotten a lot out of her and as long as she stays in this slot, they can continue to get a lot out of her.
“The Man” Rhea Ripley?
-Jax vs. Lynch with the Last Woman Standing stipulation made sense and WWE framed it as important throughout the show. Some very cool spots in the match and Lynch getting the win was the only call to go in terms of booking the finish. Rhea Ripley walking out after the match and getting a hero's response is going to be an interesting minefield to see Triple H navigate. Does he even want to? Time will tell, but it doesn't look like it.