CM Punk Falls Short of Money In the Bank Spot
The WWE Money In the Bank matches have taken shape, but in a surprising twist, CM Punk will not be part of the lineup. Last night’s episode of WWE Raw, held at the Bok Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, concluded with a shocking outcome in the men's triple-threat main event to determine the final entrant for the men's Money In The Bank ladder match. El Grande Americano, Chad Gable's luchador persona, defeated Punk and AJ Styles to secure his spot, raising eyebrows and questions among fans.
The decision to include Gable's character—arguably an unconventional choice—felt misaligned with the more serious narratives that WWE has cultivated. Punk began the night with a compelling promo, where he stated his intentions to challenge both current world champions, first targeting Jey Uso and then John Cena. The potential for Punk to dethrone Cena carries historical significance and narrative weight, harking back to their monumental clash in 2011. However, with Gable's unlikely victory, the tension has shifted and left fans wondering about the coherence and freshness of the ongoing storylines.
Sami Zayn's Insights and a Stellar Performance
Sami Zayn, adding more layers to Punk's narrative, pleaded with him to win the ladder match, cautioning that failure might allow Rollins to seize the spotlight. The irony of Zayn's statement—pointing out Rollins as a potential threat while Cena appears to be undermining the business—did not go unnoticed by the audience.
It wouldn't be a WWE show without some action-packed moments, and the match involving Punk and Styles showcased their undeniable chemistry in the ring. Styles, a maestro in triple-threat encounters, had his moments, but ultimately the chaotic interference from the likes of Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, followed by Zayn and Uso’s interventions, resulted in an unexpected climax. Notably, as Styles executed a high-risk maneuver, the booking choice made him seem uncharacteristically reckless.
Women’s Division and Title Devaluations
Looking towards the women's division, the upcoming Money In the Bank ladder match seems fraught with unpredictability, as Rhea Ripley appears to be the least favorable candidate among potential winners. Stephanie Vaquer made a significant impact by winning a triple-threat qualifier against Liv Morgan and Ivy Nile, officially marking her arrival on the Raw roster. Vaquer’s win is poised to elevate her status, especially as she is seen as a star on the rise.
However, it isn’t all positive for the division; putting both U.S. Champions into qualifier matches, and witnessing losses, has led to further devaluation of their titles. This is indicative of a pattern where titles are neglected, and fans are left uncertain about the direction of the women's tag team scene. The contrasting treatment of the women's titles compared to the men’s Intercontinental Championship highlights a disparity that needs immediate attention.
Storylines Showing Signs of Staleness
Meanwhile, the narrative interplay between Lyra Valkyria and Becky Lynch has been riveting yet stagnant, relying heavily on repetitive promo segments instead of advancing the storyline through impactful actions. The feud lacks an engaging physicality that many fans are yearning for, leaving the audience craving match dynamics that showcase their wrestling prowess.
Minor Highlights and Future Directions
- Michael Cole's Playful Bet: A lighthearted moment occurred when Cole sported a Pacers jersey, honoring a bet from the recent NBA playoffs.
- Fans’ Tribute to R-Truth: Chants reverberated throughout the arena as fans expressed their desire for the recently released R-Truth to return, demonstrating the ongoing support for him among the audience.
- Kairi Sane's Winning Streak: Sane added to her momentum with a victory over Raquel Rodriguez, with help from IYO SKY, showcasing her as a formidable force within the division.
In conclusion, despite some moments of brilliance on this episode of WWE Raw, such as the introduction of new talent and solid in-ring action, the overarching narratives feel disjointed, hinting at a need for strategic refining and fresh creative ideas. The apparent reliance on repeat tropes within the divisions risks disengaging core fans eager for compelling content. Ultimately, this show scored a respectable 7.5/10 crown rating.
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