In this week’s installment of Monday Night Raw, the journey to WrestleMania 40 for the red brand Superstars unfolded with gripping intensity.
The standout moment of the event occurred when Sami Zayn emerged victorious in a Gauntlet match, securing an Intercontinental Championship opportunity at WrestleMania.
Simultaneously, familial tensions reached a boiling point as Jey Uso boldly issued a challenge to his brother Jimmy for a showdown in Philadelphia.
Adding an unexpected twist to the proceedings, WWE shared a captivating photo from UFC 299 during Raw, featuring none other than Rhea Ripley.
Notably, Ripley was captured alongside her fiancé, Buddy Matthews, known for his tenure in AEW.
Despite the curiosity sparked by Pat McAfee’s inquiry about Ripley’s companion, Michael Cole opted not to mention AEW or Matthews during the broadcast, leaving fans intrigued by the subtle nod to the cross-promotional relationship.
Buddy Matthews sighting on RAW
"WITH WHO!" damn it Pat McAfee LOL #WWERAW pic.twitter.com/yqT4PGunvp
— DRADA LEE 🏴☠️ Super Kakkoii (@2Sweet4Lyfe) March 12, 2024
Matthews’ presence on WWE Raw contributes to a growing trend of AEW stars being referenced on WWE’s flagship show.
Just last week, Michael Cole acknowledged Sting’s final match at AEW Revolution 2024, offering congratulations to the wrestling icon who had previously been associated with WWE from 2014 to 2020.
Reflecting on WWE’s rich history, notable instances of cross-promotional recognition have punctuated significant milestones. In June 2022, WWE celebrated John Cena’s 20-year on-screen debut, prompting tributes from his rivals, including figures from AEW.
Bryan Danielson, Paul Wight, and Chris Jericho all contributed via video packages, paying homage to the enduring legacy of the 16-time WWE World Champion, ‘Big Match John.’
The integration of AEW stars into WWE programming marks a significant evolution in the wrestling landscape, blurring the lines between rival promotions.
As anticipation builds for WrestleMania 40, fans eagerly await further developments, pondering the implications of this inter-promotional dynamic for the future of sports entertainment.
