Welcome to Wrestling Inc.'s weekly review of WWE Raw, where we dive into the latest developments following this weekend's thrilling Money in the Bank matches. This week, we saw the final participants announced for the MITB matches, and they are set to perform double duty at Worlds Collide earlier in the day! While the WINC team has limited commentary on the main event storyline involving CM Punk, Jey Uso, and Sami Zayn battling Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker, and Bronson Reed, we do have significant thoughts on the qualification of Stephanie Vaquer and El Grande Americano for MITB. As always, for those who missed the show and need a recap of the events, check out our Raw results page.
Monday night marked the full-time debut of Stephanie Vaquer, who clinched a victory in her first match on the Raw brand, securing the last spot in the Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match. The triple threat match featuring Vaquer, Ivy Nile, and Liv Morgan was rather underwhelming and felt clunky, lacking the energy needed to resonate. However, the outcome was what truly mattered. After weeks of subpar booking for the post-WrestleMania 41 roster, it feels fitting that three previous NXT Women’s Champions will compete in a match that has the potential to showcase their talent.
Featuring a lineup that includes Rhea Ripley, Naomi, and Alexa Bliss, this match promises to elevate the careers of the participants. Any of these talented wrestlers could shine in the ladder match, and it’s essential for WWE to capitalize on Vaquer's momentum as one of the hottest talents in the ring today. With Morgan already holding a title and Vaquer displaying superior wrestling skills compared to Nile, it was a well-timed victory that sets up an exciting match this weekend.
Last week, we discussed Roxanne Perez entering the orbit of The Judgment Day, a faction that has lost much of its former luster. This week, the storyline progressed as Perez helped Finn Balor and JD McDonagh secure a victory in a protracted tag team match against the War Raiders. Meanwhile, Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez suffered defeats after rejecting Perez's assistance, hinting at an impending split within Judgment Day.
While the plan seems to set up a feud between Morgan, Dominik Mysterio, and Balor, the lack of charisma in the current Judgment Day lineup raises concerns. The tension feels inevitable, but the absence of compelling storytelling makes this potential split less engaging. As the group has been around since 2022, it may be time for a rebranding. WWE should consider freshening up the dynamics while exploring new storylines to keep the audience invested.
In a surprising turn of events, WWE confirmed the departure of long-time star R-Truth, prompting a wave of fan reactions during Raw. The crowd chanted "We Want Truth" throughout the event, showcasing how deeply R-Truth’s legacy resonates with fans. Social media echoed this sentiment, with many superstars also paying tribute to the beloved former champion. His absence was palpable, contributing to a somber atmosphere despite the ongoing action in the ring.
Such releases, including that of Carlito, have led fans to speculate about WWE's direction under TKO. The solidarity among wrestlers in showing support for their released colleagues is commendable, serving as a reminder of the bonds formed within the wrestling community. As WWE navigates these changes, the emotional impact on both fans and superstars is clear.
The ongoing feud between Lyra Valkyria and Becky Lynch has shown promise, yet it remains stagnant. Valkyria’s character development has improved significantly, thanks to Lynch’s strong heel persona. However, their interactions have become repetitive, relying heavily on promo segments without any significant variation.
While both women have showcased their abilities in prior matches, the current formula lacks creativity and engagement. It’s crucial for WWE to diversify their storytelling approach. The absence of inventive segments, such as backstage brawls or surprises, has diminished the excitement surrounding their feud. As anticipation builds for their eventual clash, WWE must find ways to keep the rivalry fresh and captivating.
WWE Raw also featured matches that, while not announced beforehand, carried engaging narratives. For instance, the bout between Kairi Sane and Raquel Rodriguez became interesting due to Sane's previous victory over Morgan. This match worked effectively to establish Sane as a serious contender, especially as she aligns with the Women’s Tag Team Championship landscape.
Clear storytelling can elevate matches that might otherwise feel lackluster. As WWE strives to create compelling narratives, it’s essential they maintain consistency and logic in their match outcomes to keep fan interest alive.
Lastly, the character of Chad Gable as El Grande Americano has sparked criticism among fans and reviewers alike. His entrance into the Money in the Bank ladder match raises questions about the direction of his character. Gable's gimmick, perceived as tacky, detracts from his wrestling capabilities, and many fans wonder how this portrayal will impact his legacy.
As Gable prepares for Worlds Collide and the MITB event, there remains skepticism about the effectiveness of this gimmick in the long term. WWE must tread carefully, ensuring that characters evolve in ways that resonate with audiences while still highlighting their wrestling prowess.
In conclusion, WWE Raw continues to be a mixed bag of thrilling moments and areas needing improvement. With the Money in the Bank event approaching, fans are eager to see how these storylines unfold and which wrestlers will rise to the occasion.
