RAW Shoulders On...

How’s Everything, Enthusiasts?

 

Hanging in there? Yeah, I know. Another Monday… Stay strong. So, it’s another day full of obvious news. Let’s talk about some of it. Might as well.

 

So, people or at least those who feel strongly enough to post on Twitter and social media platforms are up in arms about the NXT Releases, especially since word dropped during SmackDown. Well, that could be viewed as poor taste or standard procedure. “Pinks slips” tend to get handed out on Fridays. Waiting until the show may be more to limit the effect on ratings. Drop it prior you could lose viewership. Drop it after and you risk overtime.

 

Regardless, the only names I recognized were Mercedes Martinez and Bronson Reed. Everyone else, I’ve never heard of. I kinda think that was the point. WWE is clearly restructuring and though it always sucks when people are let go, let’s face it, an overhaul has been overdue.

 

The pandemic was an enlightening time for all aspects of life. We collectively were given a chance to rethink how it’s lived. Remote days may become commonplace if the profession allows and the need for a crowd at any sporting event is crucial. There’s just no point if there’s no one there to watch. We want/need the responses. It makes it all more real.

 

In trying to keep an audience, WWE was faced with some of these truths, the need for a crowd especially. Now, the tricky part here is that the WWE Universe holds fans that one shouldn’t cater to, too often. Think of it like spoiling a child. The WWE crowd isn’t the most respectful as the chants will illustrate so, how much one gives needs to be considered and tempered if you want to get the best responses. The “We Want Becky/Bray” chants are proof. It’s a crowd that can throw a tantrum and if they ever do, WWE wants it clear that they’re being petulant and not giving WWE what it deserves.

 

In the case of the recent releases, I get the feeling that WWE may be doing these people a favor to a certain degree. The WWE Universe can be cold and dismissive. If any of these parties debuted, they’d be greeted with blank stares and indifference. I would say this is more an indication of WWE unloading talent they’re sitting on. It sucks but I think that’s the look of progress in the WWE Universe.

 

That being said, there’s a lot of talk about what’s next for Adam Cole. Chatter says he might as well aim for AEW though WWE may give him a shot on the main roster.  People may not like my take because I haven’t been impressed with Cole. And it doesn’t help that he looks like someone you’d bump into in the breakroom. “You wrestle?...” seems to be the first thing someone would say just by looking at him and then figure it was in high school. He’s far from intimidating so it’s on WWE to come up with an angle if they’re going to try him on for size. I don’t think anyone would be surprised if this goes quickly and within a few months he ends up on AEW. He may be more appreciated there. I’m not saying he wouldn’t work but it would be uphill all the way. If he’s up for it, he’ll be up for it.

 

I could say more but let’s see what else checks out before I ramble on. At the moment, a lot of the talk going on is just speculation. Not that that’s anything really new it’s just, we don’t have enough information. We must wait and see what comes to pass.

 

In the meantime, RAW continues to the slow burn towards SummerSlam. Randy Orton is slated to return tonight so, keep your pants on for that. Charlotte will continue to rag on Nikki “ASH” Cross. And Bobby Lashley will let us know what he thinks about Oldman Goldberg making sure his contract gets honored. RAW has some underlying pressure being applied in light of the recent releases. They have to show it was for a good cause. Those who underperform may get “ ‘So-and-So’ was better than this gal/guy…” remarks. Everyone just has to stay strong. Funny tweets and Likes get retweeted. Don’t work too hard for it, though. I’m not saying it’s a gonna get worse before it gets better scenario but it may be a while before it actually gets better. Brace yourselves.

  

See You in a Bit,

-Nicole Alexis (^_~)