The first Monday Night RAW of 2019 proved one thing —
Nothing has really changed about WWE’s flagship program.
To be fair, the show is better than the absolute unwatchable dreck from the end of 2018. However, the major issues that have plagued this show for quite some time have not been erased. Yes, despite the McMahons “taking back” the show, it’s still pretty much the same.
Now, let’s get the big problem out of the way first — Hulk Hogan.
I don’t need to remind you why Hulk Hogan is a problematic person, do I? His inclusion on tonight’s episode was absolutely, unequivocally unnecessary. I completely understand that he and the late Mean Gene Okerlund were very close. However, there was no need for Hogan to have his theme music play (twice), for him to be in his Hogan gear, or to cut a promo in character.
Now, the tribute video WWE produced about Okerlund was absolutely tear-inducing. It wasn’t just a highlight reel of the man’s greatest moments — it was a loving look at a man who loved wrestling. It was filled with tons of laughs, outtakes, and small, personal moments that gave you a new perspective on the man with the iconic mustache. Having Hogan, and Ric Flair as well as other luminaries speak was perfectly fine.
However, did anyone get the sickening feeling that WWE was trying to use this tribute as a way to reintroduce Hogan to the mainstream. Yes, he was in that PPV that shall not be named, but seriously did WWE use a man’s passing as a path for normalcy with Hogan?
If WWE listened to the reactions — Hogan got that initial nostalgia pop, but it quickly died thereafter. And this is going to be how it is for Hogan if he comes back. He’s not going to get that uproarious hero’s welcome. He’s gonna get booed, and rightfully so.
The WWE does not need Hulk Hogan. Hulk Hogan needs WWE. Hogan’s relevance outside of a nostalgic pop dried up even before his much-publicized incident. And if you really want to alienate large portions of your audience, keep trotting The Hulkster out.
Other negatives on the show — way too many promo segments. A Touch of Bliss was an absolute disaster. They derailed their own segment by having Nia Jax come out, and absolutely grind things to a halt. Also, they debuted EC3 and Lacey Evans on Main Event, and not the regular show. Why?
Were there good moments? Absolutely.
The chaotic open really sold the Seth Rollins/Bobby Lashley feud. This actually might be the most entertaining version of Lashley we’ve ever seen. I attribute it to the leather vest.
The McIntyre/Cena interaction was strong, and I think we can all get behind that feud.
The wild six-man match did a great job making everyone not named John Cena look great. It elevates Finn Balor, and the push of Seth Rollins as the weekly main event for RAW continues, and continues well. I thought his quick segment with HHH worked effectively.
The push of Apollo Crews and Ember Moon is great, and I like the idea of more “mixed match challenges” on regular weekly TV.
The main event was probably one of the better Dean Ambrose matches I’ve seen in forever, and easily the best Seth/Dean match.
Monday Night RAW’s biggest issue boils down to this — consistency. They have to find what works, and stick with out, and more importantly — scrap what’s not working. What’s not working? Interview segments with Alexa Bliss, Nia Jax promos, Hulk Hogan appearances, and authority figures. And these segments are legitimately terrible. Every time WWE gave us something good on RAW, they walked it right back 100 yards with something terrible.
