WWE Raw – October 21, 2019 (Review)

If Raw has been successful in one respect, it’s ensuring that no star gets above their station. Whether intentionally or otherwise, there’s a certain band that WWE prefers its talent to inhabit. No one falls too low and, in case it wasn’t already blatantly obvious, no one gets too high. Just stay in your lane.

Nowhere is this more apparent than with reference to the red brand’s marquee feud.

The damage done to Bray Wyatt in just the last two weeks is well documented. One time the hottest act in all of wrestling, the former cult leader turned bipolar harbinger of doom has in rapid fashion been returned to WWE’s patented Band of Mediocrity.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B34txO7FCSL/

But what sometimes gets overlooked amongst Bray’s depressing descent is just how disastrous this period has been for Seth Rollins. It wasn’t so long ago that the Universal Champions was seen as the saviour of a fairly dour Raw. He was routinely putting in great performances and carrying the main event in Brock Lesnar’s absence. When he won the belt at WrestleMania 35, many us celebrated.

But no more.

Now Rollins has become synonymous with everything that ails the company. Inorganic promos, reliance on ‘corporate speak’ and the erosion of fan favourites… Seth has done it all.

There’s an argument to be made that by having Seth Rollins commit arson and Chad Gable embrace the name ‘Shorty G’, the company is attempting to get them over. It’s not a good argument. But even if that is the intention, then Chris Jericho said it best in response to fans attempting to revive Jake Hager’s WWE persona:

“It was a stupid idea from bad creative and all that’s gone.“

If that doesn’t sum up the general state of WWE, then I don’t know what does.

As for Raw, all it can do is move forward and hope that fans quickly forget the past. Thankfully WWE doesn’t have a highly problematic pay-per-view coming up!

Oh God…

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The Best of Raw

Team Flair Adds A Psychopath

Ric Flair strutted out wearing at least 10 pounds of gold around his neck, wrists and fingertips. He was there to reveal the fifth and final member of his team to take on Hulk Hogan’s contingent at Crown Jewel.

He struggled through some rather confusing insults directed at the Cleveland fans, while insinuating that he had impregnated at least some of the mothers of those in attendance. It was weird, muddled and strangely captivating.

Flair then introduced his final selection.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B35mcJmB6Px/

Drew McIntyre’s music hit… and Jerry Lawler piped up to contribute: “I wonder who it’s going to be.” Cheers, King.

In fairness though, McIntyre is an inspired choice. He’s been out for some time with injury, but that may work in his favour. He’s had previous pushes scuppered by bad booking. Hopefully his absence has erased some of the ill will that started to plague him, and a victory at Crown Jewel can kickstart a push that sticks.

A Crown Jewel Preview

McIntyre’s unveiling as the fifth member of Team Flair led to a match against one of Hogan’s representatives in Ricochet.

This was Drew’s first appearance on Raw since losing to ‘The One and Only’ in late August. And it was worth the wait.

Just your weekly reminder that #SuperheroesAreReal.#RAW @KingRicochet pic.twitter.com/da5juQPn1o

— WWE (@WWE) October 22, 2019

Ricochet’s breathtaking athleticism perfectly counterbalanced McIntyre’s brute power. The massive Scotsman quickly set about beating down the smaller flyer, showcasing his incredible strength. Ricochet, in moments of desperation, launched flurries of offence, but McIntyre would invariably shut them down.

If there’s one criticism, it’s that this opening match went insanely long. So long in fact that Ric Flair started cutting a promo midway through, challenging Hogan to show up to SmackDown on Friday.

Eventually though, Drew kicked out of an amazing Shooting Star Press, dodged an attempted 450 Splash and blocked a Recoil. He then hit a Claymore for victory and continued to assault Ricochet after the bell.

Lucha Showcase

While making their way to the ring, Zelina Vega cut a lengthy promo hyping up her business associate, Andrade, and listing precisely why he would beat Sin Cara. I’ve always appreciate Vega’s confident, impeccably-delivered promos. She’s an under-rated talent and a big component in Andrade’s success.

But I also miss when he still had the ‘Cien’ Almas at the end of his name and was regularly referred to as ‘El Idolo’. It added a bit of character to his excellent in-ring work.

NOT SO FAST, @SinCaraWWE… #RAW @AndradeCienWWE pic.twitter.com/x2PFd9NkAr

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) October 22, 2019

Be that as it may, Andrade had a good, high-paced encounter with the Sin Cara. There was a bit of an overly-contrived, slightly botched corner spot leading into a sunset flip. But given the number of moves that were being executed, it’s a forgivable moment.

Amplifying the in-ring drama was Zelina Vega barking instructions from the outside and occasionally berating the referee. The finish was controversial, as Vega was once again called upon to interfere. She hit a hurricanrana, softening Sin Cara up for the Hammerlock DDT.

It’s troubling that Andrade appears unable to ever win a match on his own, a habit that I hope is quickly eradicated. He really shouldn’t require Vega’s assistance to beat Sin Cara.

"I'm going to be the best champion, not the kind of champion that plays with fire like @WWERollins."@Humberto_wwe isn't holding back on his first night on #RAW. pic.twitter.com/vvGESB9oRJ

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) October 22, 2019

Backstage, Humberto Carrillo (dressed as the villain in a Power Rangers movie) was keeping a keen eye on proceedings, seemingly setting up a rather tasty future feud with Andrade. He also took a shot at Seth Rollins, possibly foreshadowing a heel turn for the Universal Champion? We can all but dream…

The Raid Finds Another Victim

The Viking Raiders beat Zach Ryder and Curt Hawkins in a quick match that yet somehow still managed to feel like it went on for too long. This was all in service of the Largest Tag Team Turmoil Match to determine the World Cup for the Best Tag Team in the World at Crown Jewel.

You make The #VikingRaiders angry, expect consequences.#RAW @Erik_WWE @Ivar_WWE pic.twitter.com/cQ85MXMVc1

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) October 22, 2019

Unlike the ridiculous match description, there was nothing remarkable here. Just an acceptable outing from two capable teams.

Seth Gets Into Everyone’s Heads

Seth responded to an allegation that Bray Wyatt was in his head by saying that it was he who was in Wyatt’s head. Solid playground level comeback there.

He then ran into Humberto Carrillo. Pointing to Carrillo’s criticisms of him earlier, Seth challenged the Mexican to a match.

This was every bit as exciting as promised. Carrillo is an exceptional young star, and he presented a refreshing change of pace from the usual string of hulking challengers to Rollins’ crown. Humberto’s slick style gave the Universal Champion licence to maximise his skillset.

OUT TO IMPRESS.#RAW @Humberto_wwe pic.twitter.com/YzxoBBollN

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) October 22, 2019

Eventually, Carrillo’s risk-taking caught up with him, as he missed a moonsault allowing Seth to hit The Stomp for the win. Before leaving, Seth shook his opponent’s hand, acknowledging his performance (and trying to convince us he’s still a babyface).

We Want The Smoke

In a move perhaps foreshadowing the direction of Paul Heyman’s Raw, the Street Profits were placed in the night’s main event. They, along with a mystery partner, were scheduled to face The OC.

Except there was no mystery partner, at least not initially. The Street Profits simply wrestled Anderson & Gallows, with AJ Styles lurking around ringside.Why would we spend a week advertising this match, have Ford and Dawkins tease the identity of their recruited third member, only for NOTHING to happen?

IT'S ABOUT TIME.

The #StreetProfits @AngeloDawkins & @MontezFordWWE are MORE than ready for their Monday Night #RAW in-ring debut! pic.twitter.com/6652FKRag3

— WWE (@WWE) October 22, 2019

The mystery partner was eventually revealed to be Kevin Owens once AJ Styles got caught interfering. But why was Owens not out there from the beginning? It just made no sense.

Despite the logical shortcoming though, the match was fun. Owens came out and stunned everyone, and the Street Profits picked up the win in their main roster debut.

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The Worst of Raw

Recapping Awfulness

Raw once again elected to start the broadcast with a video package recapping events between Seth Rollins and Bray Wyatt since Hell in a Cell. Not only is it unoriginal and creatively barren, but it’s completely ineffective.

It feels like I’ve seen versions of this package at least three times and none of them have made the finish to the pay-per-view encounter any more palatable. Also, it went nowhere because the very next segment was Ric Flair’s big announcement. So, pointless.

Robotic Interviewers

Charley Caruso caught up with The OC backstage ahead of their match against the Street Profits. They said they would win and that “smoke” is illegal in Cleveland. It was okay.

"We're in Cleveland, and getting that smoke is ILLEGAL HERE, YOU MORONS!"@AJStylesOrg has a rude awakening for The #StreetProfits… #RAW pic.twitter.com/0FHifwWBry

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) October 22, 2019

What wasn’t okay though was Karl Anderson calling Caruso “baby girl”. I was expecting some form of reaction from the (presumably) professional journalist / TV personality. Instead she just stood there with the same lobotomised expression she always carries, gently nodding as Anderson spoke. WHAT THE HELL?

This speaks to a larger problem in WWE, in which none of their backstage personnel or officials have any personality. But just because we’re used to it doesn’t make it any less annoying. Familiarity doesn’t breed acceptance in this case.

Resident Riddler

Aleister Black invoked the customary riddles from his repurposed broom closet, before squashing a jobber. Whatever.

Raw’s Newest Tag Team

AOP delivered what has become their usual darkened, pre-produced, native language promo. I’m normally a fan of these, but this one contained really paradoxical subject matter.

They claimed not to be signed because Raw wanted them, but rather to keep them away from SmackDown. Rezar emphasised the point by adding that they weren’t “Raw acquisitions”, but instead “SmackDown transfers”.

#AOP is on #RAW, and they are NOT messing around.

@Akam_WWE @Rezar_WWE pic.twitter.com/IaV51Cybjz

— WWE (@WWE) October 22, 2019

I’m not sure whether the best way to sell a new act is by conveying that the sole reason they’re there is to keep them away from the competition. It’s presumably the same reason why half the undercard is still with the company. Also, was that slightly on-the-nose Arabic music always in the background?

24/7 Title Change

R-Truth ran into the Bollywood Boys backstage, lost the 24/7 Championship to one of them and then unsuccessfully tried to reclaim it later in the night.

King’s Court

Jerry Lawler interviewed Rusev about his well-documented marital problems. Because that’s compelling TV!

‘The King’ started off by saying that what happens in a marriage should remain in that marriage. From your mouth to WWE writers’ ears, King.

Apparently the breakdown in matrimony is due to Rusev sending too much money back to his family in Bulgaria, meddling in Lana’s modelling gigs and preaching the merits of financial responsibility. How on Earth did Lana hang in there for so long?

"Bob Lashley has POISONED @LanaWWE's brain, and for that, he will be CRUSHED!" – @RusevBUL #RAW pic.twitter.com/XpHR4XYyHo

— WWE (@WWE) October 22, 2019

Rusev announced that he would kick Lashley’s butt for meddling in his marriage, before cutting a hopeful tone that he’d be able to reconcile with the ‘Ravishing Russian’.

This triggered a cutaway to Lashley and Lana wining and dining at some luxurious restaurant that Rusev supposedly never treated his wife to. The two adulterers babbled about something, Rusev got angry and stormed off to find them.

Because apparently this fancy restaurant that Lana’s always dreamed of going to is… in Cleveland?

Trouble at Cleveland’s Finest Dining Establishment

Back to the Bobby Lashley / Lana affair, and a troubled manager hurried over to their table. He explained that he had heard that Rusev was on his way and he didn’t want any trouble.

Lashley laughed off the notion, claiming that Rusev wasn’t brave enough to initiate a confrontation.

I care so little about this storyline that it hurts sometimes.

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Two minutes later Rusev showed up and started flipping over tables. He brawled with Lashley for a bit before the cops arrived to take him away.

Rey Mysterio advocates against The Advocate

Rey Mysterio showed up to thank the fans for their outpouring of concern following his brutal attack at the hands of Brock Lesnar. He then vowed that Cain Velasquez would defeat Lesnar at Crown Jewel.

Paul Heyman appeared on the titantron to rebut Mysterio’s words, claiming that ‘the Beast’ was chomping at the bit to exact revenge for what happened in UFC.

Both promos were well-delivered, but ultimately served no purpose whatsoever. We heard virtually the same thing last week.

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Then Shelton Benjamin showed up to take exception to Mysterio’s assertions. He was Brock’s friend from their college days. Benjamin pushed Rey around for bit, before Cain Velasquez marched out to Mysterio’s aid.

Cain manhandled Benjamin in a worryingly unimpressive display and that was it. After seeing how gentle Velasquez was with Benjamin, I’m very worried about his match against Lesnar. He needs to get significantly more physical.

“What?” Chants

By far the most annoying chant in all of wrestling, the persistent chant of “What?” was particularly egregious last night.

We heard it echo throughout the arena during virtually every promo. It’s evolved to become a universal sign of impatience, used during particularly boring segments of WWE TV. But using it also stunts segments, making them far worse than they’d be otherwise. So it’s a vicious circle.

Please can we retire the chant. And, while we’re at it, can we move on from CM Punk as well?

No Fun House and No Explanation

A week after the Firefly Fun House was burnt to the ground, Raw did nothing to assuage fans’ concerns about the creative direction of the show. There was no appearance by The Fiend or his family-friendly alter-ego.

So, at least for another few days, we sit in this purgatory, not knowing what lies in store for Bray Wyatt.

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Overall Rating for the Show (From best to worst: RawSome, Cor, AvRAWge, Poor and RawFul)

Raw really struggled to fill its runtime with compelling material this week. I realise we say this regularly, but three hours is simply too long to maintain an audience’s attention.

The result is that each edition of the red brand is invariably contaminated by a half dozen poor segments, made all the worse by the droning “What?” chants permeating proceedings.

Which is a shame, because this was a largely decent instalment of Raw. Particularly if you discount the agonising Rusev / Bobby Lashley / Lana love triangle nonsense and the persistent presentation flubs.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B352ZrnhALA/

One week after the Draft, we finally got a sense of what Raw may be like under Paul Heyman’s guidance. For the first time in quite a while, Monday nights saw an effort to create new stars, with Ricochet, Drew McIntyre, Sin Cara, Andrade, Humberto Carrillo and the Street Profits all getting significant time to make an impression. Which they certainly did!

All of that helped elevate Raw to an AvRAWge.

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• review
• RAW
• Seth Rollins
• wwe

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