6 Ups & 5 Downs From WWE Raw (6 Nov - Results & Review)
New title challengers emerge, WarGames match set up during inoffensive show.
Those looking to sum up this week’s episode of WWE Raw in one word can probably agree on this one: inoffensive.
WWE delivered a show highlighted by an enjoyable world title main event the gave way to setting up a WarGames match for Survivor Series. But Raw also named a new Intercontinental Championship challenger in a completely flubbed manner, overshadowing a perfectly decent match. The next Women’s World Championship challenger had a nice crowning moment Monday night, but it was on the back end of a boring and forgettable battle royal.
The company that can successfully book Ivy Nile’s in-ring Raw debut during a dismal battle royal also then booked Nikki Cross to stand in the ring like a zombie during the same match. They continue to set Chad Gable up for success, but they do it by having comedy jobber Akira Tozawa suddenly trying to be taken seriously (or is he?).
At this stage, it’s not enough to just deliver good matches – any major wrestling promotion in 2023 should be able to produce entertaining in-ring action given the available talent. There needs to be compelling, relatable stories that make you want to tune in, that drive the action in the ring.
WWE has seemingly opted for inoffensive programming. The horribly dire shows of yesteryear are in the past, but eventually, that’s not going to be enough. Even when there are more positives, the absence of negatives doesn’t mean it’s a great show.
Let’s get to it…