6 Biggest mistakes WWE made on the RAW on Netflix debut
WWE pulled out all the stops before RAW officially debuted on Netflix. Officials stacked the card with the Tribal Combat Match between Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa and a Women’s World Title match pitting Liv Morgan against Rhea Ripley. Legends…
WWE pulled out all the stops before RAW officially debuted on Netflix. Officials stacked the card with the Tribal Combat Match between Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa and a Women’s World Title match pitting Liv Morgan against Rhea Ripley.
Legends like Hulk Hogan, The Rock, and John Cena were expected to appear. CM Punk and Seth Rollins closed the show. The Undertaker also randomly came out after Ripley regained her title.
Many WWE stars showed up throughout the night, either in the crowd or in the back. Bayley discussed with RAW General Manager Adam Pearce. Could the former Champ be moving brands? WWE made the following six mistakes on the debut of RAW on Netflix.
#6. The new ring setup for RAW
The traditional WWE ring canvas used to be a light shade of blue. Last year, the mat adopted a “Prime” logo in the middle of the ring. While it was a departure from the past, it was just one sponsor. The ring canvas was black for the Netflix premiere and looked more like a NASCAR vehicle than a wrestling ring.
At least five sponsors, including Netflix, Cricket Wireless, Fortnite, and others, adorned the mat, making it confusing. The UFC connection obviously influenced this because the UFC has always had several brands stamped on the Octagon and cage.
#5. Telegraphing Solo Sikoa’s loss in Tribal Combat
Solo Sikoa did 90% of the work to sell his Tribal Combat match against Roman Reigns. Reigns laid out a challenge and had another message in two pre-taped segments. He didn’t show up in the final two weeks before the big match, including the all-important go-home episode of SmackDown.
During the entrances and match, the stars were treated differently. Reigns was accompanied twice by fireworks. Michael Cole ran down The Head of the Table’s accomplishments, even calling him a GOAT. Sikoa didn’t get much other than he “stole” the Ula Fala necklace.
Pat McAfee said “People are going to hate you when you’re on top for so long,” which is partially true. The problem is he’s mostly hated due to his actions against his opponents while atop WWE. Having the Ula Fala was the only thing that told fans that Sikoa was worthy of their attention.
Roman could have lost and still had credibility/momentum. Solo lost to his cousin in their last two huge matches (WarGames and Tribal Combat). He also lost twice to Cody Rhodes.
#4. A lack of representation for RAW’s Champions
Liv Morgan was the only RAW Champ to receive a featured spot on the Netflix debut. She faced and lost to Rhea Ripley. Gunther had another pre-taped promo and hasn’t appeared live in a few weeks.
Bron Breakker had little to no time on last week’s show after getting cut off due to a technical glitch. He simply appeared in the front row like other random stars/celebrities for a few seconds.
With RAW kicking off on a new platform worldwide, the major Champions should have appeared live in the ring or backstage. A few seconds lumped in with other stars who weren’t Champions lessened the importance of the brand’s titleholders.
#3. All the “good guys” won
It felt like Netflix officials may have suggested a few things regarding the ending of the four matches on the RAW debut. Every match could have reasonably ended with either star emerging victorious.
However, after all was said and done, every “good guy/hero” won their matches. Reigns regained the Ula Fala, and Ripley regained the title she had never lost. Jey Uso conquered Drew McIntyre with a wonky finish. CM Punk bested Seth Rollins in the main event.
The booking strategy felt like a child booked it so all the heroes would have happy endings. So much more could have happened had Morgan (Becky Lynch) or Solo Sikoa (The Rock turns on Roman) come out on top.
#2. Hulk Hogan and the use of WWE legends
Most of RAW’s premiere on Netflix was a miss concerning the hyped/rumored appearances of WWE legends. The Rock talked for a long time and randomly turned face.
The Undertaker must have gotten lost while driving as he rode down and around the ring on his motorcycle after Rhea Ripley beat Liv Morgan. John Cena’s appearance was the only one that worked and fit into current WWE storylines.
The worst had to be Hulk Hogan’s random appearance to push his new beer. He tried to pander to the fans but they weren’t exactly as accepting as WWE officials and Hogan probably thought they’d be.
It felt like a waste of time that could have been given to Breakker instead of 10 seconds in the crowd. Lyra Valkyria and Dakota Kai could have cut promos ahead of the Intercontinental title finals on next week’s RAW.
#1. Ignoring the most important recent history
The Rock will always be cheered and booed regardless of whether he’s The People’s Champion or The Final Boss. He trotted out to the ring, shaking hands with fans. When he started talking, it was clear that he ditched The Final Boss character.
He played to the crowd and acknowledged his cousin, Roman Reigns. The strangest moment was when he forgot the first five months of 2024 by praising Cody Rhodes. He commended The American Nightmare for carrying the company on his back for most of 2024.
The last two times fans saw The Rock he was posturing for a title shot and angrily gesturing to his cousin and Rhodes. Are fans supposed to forget the all-important build of last year’s WrestleMania 40?
Officials do want everyone to forget how Reigns and the OG Bloodline consistently destroyed Kevin Owens for four years. Had The Rock turned on Roman after Tribal Combat, it wouldn’t have mattered. Roman simply won and was given the necklace.