PWP Nation’s Caden Moran details six things we learned from the February 18th, 2019 edition of Monday Night RAW
The post-Elimination Chamber episode of Monday Night RAW is in the books, and it was a very strange episode. The biggest talking point of last night’s episode of Monday Night RAW was the sudden “debuts” for four of NXT’s very best superstars. I do not believe these were their official debuts and it was only a one night only situation.
However, it was a very strange episode of Monday Night RAW and here are six things we learned from that strange episode.
#6 – There is Still no Plans For the NXT Call-Ups
Are we seriously thinking that WWE would call up four of NXT’s very best, along with their two champions, on a random episode of Monday Night RAW when they still have no idea on what to do with their most recent batch of call-ups? No. We are not.
There is still not a defined plan for the call-ups such as Heavy Machinery, EC3, Nikki Cross, and Lacey Evans. Evans has just spent her time strutting down while Heavy Machinery have been all over the place.
The fact that there is no plan for these call-ups, and they are still calling people up, is worrisome. Either find them something to do, find them a brand to be on, or send them back down to NXT.
#5 – Dean Ambrose Deserves One Last Big Story
We are finally seeing the Dean Ambrose we should have been seeing all along. The “I don’t care” version of Ambrose has been a lot of fun ever since the news broke that he would not be re-signing with WWE. Whether it is a work or not, Dean Ambrose is finally showing us an entertaining version of himself.
If Dean Ambrose is truly on his way out, why is he spending time jobbing to the other guys? Dean Ambrose has been WWE’s workhorse for many years now, so he deserves to have one last and true meaningful story. Whether it is with someone like Seth Rollins or even Triple H, Ambrose deserves something.
Obviously, Ambrose does not care what happens from now until April, but as a fan, I think Dean Ambrose should have one last story to tell.
#4 – Ruby Riott Will Have Her Moment One Day
At Elimination Chamber. one of the very few negatives was the fact that Ruby Riott was squashed in just a few minutes at the hands of Ronda Rousey. On last night’s episode of RAW, however, Riott finally got a true match with Ronda, and she delivered.
Ruby Riott took the champion to the limit and very nearly claimed the RAW Women’s Championship in the process. It is not anything new that Riott is one of WWE’s very best female talents, but the fact is has taken some people this long to realize that says wonders about how WWE really feels about her.
However, if Ruby Riott continues to put on performances like she did last night and continues to draw new eyes, she will have her moment soon enough.
#3 – There is Such a Thing as too Many Promos
Monday Night RAW is the land of promos.
When it comes to balancing in-ring action and promos, the ratio appears to lean heavily in one direction. Promos are important, but at the same time, when there are too many and it balances out the actual action, it starts to become a problem.
Not everybody needs to have a microphone in their hand and saying whatever boring thing that creative has them say.
Honestly, I am getting annoyed by just writing this so I am moving on.
#2 – NXT Took Over For One-Night Only
As I mentioned earlier, there is no way in hell these were the official call-ups for some of NXT’s finest talents.
Tommaso Ciampa, Johnny Gargano, Ricochet, and Aleister Black all had in-ring matches on Monday Night RAW, and they were entertaining in their own ways. However, all across social media I saw people complaining and moaning about how poor their main roster debut was. Well, it was all poor because this WAS NOT their official main roster debut.
RAW is plagued with some injuries and ratings have been garbage. So, what better way to draw up interest and ratings by bringing in four of the best in the world in for one night only? It was a smart business move, presumably.
Also, do you really think WWE would call up all four of these guys in the most boring, and possibly the worst city, in the country? Speaking of which…
#1 – City Location is Crucial
Lafayette, Louisiana is horrible. There. I said it.
I have never seen a more dead crowd than last night’s in Lafayette. When you are given four of NXT’s biggest stars and a lot of fun matches, I expect the crowd to be loud and fun. However, that was not the case. You could hear a pin drop in the nose-bleeds due to how asleep the crowd was all night.
City location is important, especially when you showcase guys from NXT. Imagine what Vince McMahon must think in bringing these four guys in and they could not generate a reaction due to the lame crowd and city.
Way to go, Lafayette.
Monday Night RAW was fine this week, but it could have gone better. Hopefully, they turn things around and make better use of their three hours.
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