WWE’s Monday Night Raw once again graced our screens, this time from the energetic arena of Houston’s Honda Center.
Among the highlights was Sami Zayn’s remarkable victory, a triumph not only over formidable odds but also amidst his observance of Ramadan, earning him a chance to challenge Gunther for the prestigious WWE Intercontinental Championship.
Meanwhile, Candice LeRae’s unexpected verbal assault on Maxxine Dupri added a twist to the evening, while a verbal sparring match between World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre kept the audience engaged.
As the saying goes, with a three-hour show like Raw, there’s a plethora of moments to cherish and others to criticize. Here, the Reelzap staff delves into the aspects of Monday’s show that we hated.
Becky Lynch’s Distracted Focus
Firstly, let’s talk about Becky Lynch’s trajectory. Despite gearing up for a monumental clash with Rhea Ripley, Lynch finds herself entangled in a web of storylines involving Nia Jax and Liv Morgan.
This scattering of focus risks diluting Lynch’s star power and potentially undermining her impending showdown with Ripley at WrestleMania.
One can’t help but ponder whether reserving the confrontation between Jax and Lynch for WrestleMania, allowing ample space for Ripley’s narrative to flourish at SummerSlam, would have streamlined the process.
Drew McIntyre And Seth Rollins’s World Heavyweight Championship Match at WrestleMania Isn’t About Them
Then there’s the World Heavyweight Championship match between Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre, which, regrettably, seems to be overshadowed by external factors.
While anticipation typically surges as WrestleMania draws near, this year, the focus appears to stray from the core contenders to encompass a broader spectrum involving Seth “Freakin” Rollins, Drew McIntyre, Cody Rhodes, and The Bloodline.
The essence of the championship bout feels somewhat diluted, with the build-up predominantly revolving around peripheral characters rather than the protagonists themselves. McIntyre’s constant grievances, though integral to his character, risk portraying him as petulant rather than a formidable challenger.
Maxxine Dupri and Candice LaRae deserve better
Moreover, the treatment of Maxxine Dupri and Candice LaRae’s recent altercation raises some uncomfortable questions. Maxxine’s evolution from her “Maximum Male Models” persona under the tutelage of Chad Gable, Otis, and Ivy Nile is commendable, yet she faces unwarranted backlash from a section of the audience.
Videos circulating on social media depict fans crossing the line of decency, berating Maxxine and questioning her place in the ring. Candice LaRae’s abrupt heel turn, wherein she lambasts Maxxine, adds another layer of discomfort, especially considering the real-life parallels.
LaRae’s disparaging remarks about Maxxine’s capabilities and insinuations about locker room gossip feel unsettling, blurring the lines between storyline and reality.
In LaRae’s case, her sudden shift to a villainous role appears to be a response to the perceived stagnation in WWE’s women’s tag team division.
The decision to pivot her character, seemingly without substantial groundwork, leaves much to be desired. One can’t help but wonder if this narrative diversion is merely an attempt to inject novelty into the division without due consideration for character consistency.
Perhaps, as WrestleMania looms, an opportunity presents itself to acknowledge Maxxine’s growth and offer LaRae a satisfying resolution to her newfound antagonistic stance.
Final Verdict
As we dissect these elements of Monday’s Raw, it’s crucial to acknowledge the broader context within which WWE operates. Professional wrestling, at its core, is a delicate balance between athleticism and storytelling, where performers strive to entertain and captivate audiences worldwide.
In this realm, every storyline, every character arc, carries weight and significance, shaping not only individual careers but also the collective narrative of the industry.
Looking ahead, as WrestleMania draws nearer, the stakes are higher than ever. It’s a time when dreams are realized, legacies are cemented, and rivalries reach their climax.
For talents like Sami Zayn, Becky Lynch, Seth Rollins, and Drew McIntyre, WrestleMania represents the pinnacle of their aspirations, the culmination of years of dedication and sacrifice.
Yet, amidst the grandeur and spectacle, it’s essential to remember the human element behind the characters, the individuals who pour their hearts and souls into every performance, striving to leave an indelible mark on the world of sports entertainment.
While Monday’s Raw showcased moments of brilliance and intrigue, it also unveiled areas ripe for improvement.
From narrative coherence to character development, there’s always room to elevate the product, to deliver experiences that resonate with audiences on a deeper level.
As we anticipate the grandeur of WrestleMania, let us not only celebrate the spectacle but also reflect on the journey that brought us here, honoring the passion, dedication, and resilience of those who make it all possible.
After all, in the world of professional wrestling, the true magic lies not in the scripted conflicts or the dazzling pyrotechnics, but in the human drama that unfolds within the squared circle.
