WWE Raw – May 13, 2019 (Review)

The Worst of Raw

Messy Narrative Cross-Overs

Roman Reigns attempted to hype up his match against Elias in the only way professional wrestlers know how. By appearing on the second biggest talk show in all of WWE – MizTV. Apparently ‘A Moment of Bliss’ was already fully booked.

And, in fairness, Roman started well. He built up Elias as “strong”, “charismatic” and “talented”. Listening to Reigns, you’d have been forgiven for thinking that Elias actually presented some form of threat to the former Universal Champion… but then Roman quickly reminded us that Elias was a nothing nobody who’s never won anything ever.

Karaoke singer? Sure.
Wedding band? Definitely.
Competition for @WWERomanReigns? #TheBigDog thinks @IAmEliasWWE just doesn't have what it takes. #RAW pic.twitter.com/THHmNXEFUM

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 14, 2019

What was the point of this promo? Before we even had a chance to consider that though, ‘the Big Dog’ and Miz were interrupted by Shane McMahon and then attacked by Elias and Bobby Lashley, setting up the first match of the night. I have no idea why Elias and Bobby Lashley are aligned with one another, much less why Shane has developed the unimpressive ability to summon them at will. There’s also something messy about having Roman feuding with both Shane O’Mac and Elias at the same time, while also absorbing Miz into this vortex of futility.

Either way, this led to a pretty boring tag match that ended with a disqualification and mass brawl involving all four competitors and Shane McMahon. The heels looked to be gaining the upper hand over Reigns before a chair-wielding Miz made the save and Shane scampered up the ramp to safety.

Who Really Is Shane McMahon?

Shane McMahon has really been testing my patience in recent weeks. He’s bearable as a delusional heel. He’s okay as a stammering, incoherent authority figure. But merging the two is just too much McMahon for any wrestling fan to stomach.

On Raw last night, he first attacked Reigns and Miz to further that feud and then assumed the role of booker for the rest of the show. He’s contracted to SmackDown, isn’t he? So why is he running Raw?

.@DMcIntyreWWE will need to find other plans tonight…

It's going to be @BraunStrowman vs. @SamiZayn in a #FallsCountAnywhere Match…

And The #MonsterAmongMen's #MITB Ladder Match opportunity is on the line! #RAW pic.twitter.com/XZGaMcJwO2

— WWE (@WWE) May 14, 2019

But that wasn’t even the most infuriating part of this power trip. When Sami Zayn tried to convince his… boss?… to give him Braun Strowman’s spot in the Money in the Bank ladder match, Shane responded with this absolute gem:

“I can’t just give you Braun Strowman’s opportunity in the Money in the Bank ladder match. I just can’t do that.“

Shane, six days ago you were perfectly happy to just hand the tag titles to Daniel Bryan and Rowan! Now you have a moral objection to summarily handing things over? This type of character inconsistency does my head in.

Becky Two Promos

This may be an unpopular opinion, but I’m quickly tiring of hearing Becky Lynch deliver the same promo each week.

On Raw, she faced her two MITB opponents in that classic, all-time fan favourite: a contract signing. She told relative rookie Lacey Evans that she would wilt under the bright pay-per-view lights and spoke to Charlotte’s privileged status within the company. And then the two heels combined forces to powerbomb the ‘Champ Champ’ through the table.

Those tables really are a workplace hazard. Personal anecdote: if I’m ever asked to sign a contract, for safety reasons I always use a crayon and the top of my thigh. I’m no dummy.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BxbIy0PhVe_/

So this angle not only played to the most tired of contract signing tropes, but also felt repetitive in its substance. Becky desperately needs to rediscover that ruthless, anti-authoritarian, pushing-the-boundaries spirit if she wants to keep this run going.

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