WWE Raw – May 20, 2019 (Review)

The Best of Raw

The ‘Freak’ and the Luchadors

There’s something very emotionally satisfying in seeing a massive bald man beat up three much smaller, flippy cruiserweights. And that’s what we got from Lars Sullivan and the Lucha House Party last night.

Following the events of Money in the Bank, the trio were out to exact revenge on Sullivan. Unfortunately, in doing so, they forgot to take account of Vince McMahon’s Third Rule of Motion: for every action, there is a much larger man who will beat the tar out of you.

This doesn’t hurt Lucha House Party in the slightest (who are at the bottom of the card and have been for some time), but continues to grow the aura of Lars Sullivan as an unbeatable monster. It would be nice if Lars could start working his way into the mid-card title scene at some point, as even tossing around a group of little men has a definite lifespan.

The “New” Cesaro

The ‘Swiss Superman’ has new tights, a new titantron, new entrance theme, and the same old match quality.

Cesaro took on Ricochet in an excellent encounter, which he won after hitting The Neutraliser. This is the second consecutive week in which Cesaro has put on the match of the night, following his bout against Rey Mysterio last Monday. The effort going into his repackage would indicate that he might – might – be getting that long-awaited singles push, and I’m quite excited to see it.

The Firefly Nightmare House

This remains perhaps the most interesting part of Raw, but certainly the most tonally unique. While we didn’t get a skit this week, indications are that Bray Wyatt has now fully shed his lighthearted, family-friendly persona in favour of the scary, mask-wearing psychopath. The ‘Eater of Worlds’ appeared only in this latter guise, in a clip featuring mournful, miserable looking children asking you to “Let Him In“.

Making Monday Nights “Raw” Again

Mick Foley returned to Monday nights to unveil a new championship. Because that’s exactly what WWE needs.

But even my cynical soul had to admit that I’m intrigued by the prospect of The 24/7 Championship. One of my favourite memories of the Attitude Era was the old Hardcore Title. The fact that it could change hands at any time separated it from the rest of WWE’s belts. The reigning Champion needed to be ever vigilant, as challengers lurked around every corner. It was fun, unpredictable and afforded the company’s lower-carders some valuable TV time.

While the 24/7 Title lacks the violence that came with the Hardcore belt, it retains the most critical aspect. As long as a referee is present, a challenger can claim it anywhere at any time. Moreover, anyone is eligible to be the 24/7 Champion. This includes members of the SmackDown, NXT, NXT UK and 205 Live rosters.

Introducing the #247Title! Falls LITERALLY count anywhere! #Raw pic.twitter.com/VfzwdvWXvn

— WWE (@WWE) May 21, 2019

To crown a first champ, Foley laid the belt in the middle of the ring and announced that whomever claimed it first would be the holder.

The Brotherhood of the Travelling Title

This set off a mad dash of the Coalition of the Still Employed, comprising Cedric Alexander, No Way Jose, Eric Young, The Good Brothers, Titus O’Neill and Mojo Rawley. Surprisingly, Titus came away with the belt and celebrated as if he had just won the WrestleMania main event. He was however quickly pinned by Robert Roode, who ran to safety before anyone else could sneak up on him.

Eventually Roode found a willing ally in R-Truth, who initially helped him only to predictably turn on Roode to claim the belt by pin fall. Truth then skedaddled out of the arena.

It was fun while it lasted, @RealRobertRoode.

Say WHAT'S UP to your new #247Champion, @RonKillings!! #RAW pic.twitter.com/la0VEZM0xu

— WWE (@WWE) May 21, 2019

As much as I enjoyed this cartoonish buffoonery, I give it three weeks until this belt is forgotten about entirely. It just requires too much time and creative investment for a belt sure to be almost exclusively carried by people propping up the bottom of the mid-card. It promises to be a fun three weeks though!

Shane-y Two Feuds

The Miz confronted Shane and his new best pal, Drew McIntyre, backstage. Words were exchanged and a match between Miz and McIntyre was set up.

This was largely fine. Shane eventually got involved, creating enough of a distraction for Drew to kick Miz’s head off. Shane then set up for the Coast-to-Coast, only for Roman Reigns to run down for the save. While not era-defining, I had no real complaints about the match, nor the post-fight angle.

.@DMcIntyreWWE comes out with the victory. #Raw pic.twitter.com/tkK2ULH6sU

— WWE (@WWE) May 21, 2019

• review
• RAW
• Money in the Bank
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