This week’s episode of Monday Night RAW kicked off with a bang, or so one would think. The newly crowned King of the Ring, Gunther, made his way to the ring, flanked by Ludwig Kaiser, to address the WWE universe. The Ring General was in high spirits, touting his accomplishments and firing shots at his fellow Superstars, including Damian Priest, whom he accused of taking a shortcut to the top. But according to former WWE writer Vince Russo, the opening segment fell flat, with the awkward entrances and exits of various Superstars disrupting the flow of the show.
Russo, speaking on Wrestling’s Legion of RAW, expressed his disappointment with the segment’s pacing, stating that the promo segments on RAW were going on too long. The former writer cited the opening segment as a prime example, where Gunther’s promo was interrupted by the entrances of Damian Priest, Drew McIntyre, and Braun Strowman, only for them to exit the ring shortly after delivering their lines. This, Russo argued, made the segment feel awkward and disjointed.
The tension between Gunther and Damian Priest is palpable, and it seems that the two are on a collision course for a blockbuster rivalry. However, with Drew McIntyre looming in the shadows, the terrain could shift dramatically if he emerges victorious at Clash at the Castle. The question on everyone’s mind is: who will be the World Heavyweight Champion heading into SummerSlam?
Russo’s critique of the segment highlights a larger issue with RAW’s booking, where the show often prioritizes elaborate entrances and dramatic music over cohesive storytelling and concise promos. While Gunther’s promo was strong, the surrounding chaos overshadowed his moment in the sun. As the WWE continues to struggle with ratings, it’s clear that some tweaks need to be made to the formula to keep fans engaged.
In related news, Russo has also been vocal about his thoughts on AEW’s ratings, suggesting that Tony Khan may not be as concerned about the numbers as one would think. It will be interesting to see how both promotions respond to criticism and adapt to the ever-changing terrain of professional wrestling.
