RAW Celebrates Its Anniversary on Netflix with a Stranger Things Theme Party...

How’s It Going, Enthusiasts?

Happy first Monday of the year. Feel any different? I don’t know about you but I’m accepting it a lot more than usual. Maybe because of the impending changes that are on the ever-approaching horizon. Whatever it is, I felt more ready for it than usual. Guess I’ve had enough of the holidays 😉

 

As for the Wrestling World, there is some minor shuffling. Nothing that shocking but it should give us something to chat about so, let’s get into it. It won’t be that much but we’ll jump around a bit.

 

We’ll start in the Realm of AEW as we check on the Future. Not much to speak of just yet. It appears Darby Allin means to make good on his new target in PAC. I’ve noticed that he seems a bit absent from the Riders of Death of late. Is that foreshadowing? Everyone is talking about how Claudio Castagnoli will probably be the one to usurp Jon Moxley but could it really be PAC setting up to stage the coup?

 

I suppose we’ll see but, in the meantime, Allin took out Wheeler Yuta on this past week’s Collision. I can only assume that means PAC is next. I feel PAC is also still getting back up to speed after returning from injury but I’m not sure Allin is a threat. PAC is still crazy in that ring and I see him having Allin for supper. Allin’s tough but PAC definitely has the in-ring clout. I’ll probably check it out whenever that goes down.

 

As for Our Man Moxley, he’s continuing to keep it lowkey for the time being. He had a composed promo to offer ahead of his match with Shelton Benjamin. We’re staying present for now and that is fine. On paper, I would give the nod to Benjamin but something tells me there’s more of a story to be told with the Continental Championship. We’ll see whether they keep it on Mox until the wheels fall off or if they intend to pop off sooner than later. I will be watching.

 

In the WWE Universe, there are some interesting things floating around. One such thing is that Kevin Nash appears to get a bit catty when it comes CM Punk. He seems to have some shit to say at the moment. Recently, he poked a little fun at Punk’s physique having noticed him wearing 2 shirts at a time. Nash doesn’t get what the deal is. In his mind, why not just hit the gym some more. I guess that’s a dig at Punk not being as ripped as you’d think a wrestler would be.

 

Punk never was that guy and to be honest, I don’t need him to be. He makes being the “cool big brother” work. He may have started working rather than going to college. You can catch him having a smoke break out back from time to time. I get the feeling Punk doesn’t smoke but he has that sort of vibe.  

 

He's also pushing 50 so, getting into tip-top shape may be a tall ask at this point. I think he has to keep some good meat on his bones for taking the bumps but I think what we’ve got is about as good as it’s gonna get. Punk can get some more laughs out of Nash if he starts taking yoga. I know Diamond Dallas Page has a yoga studio. Maybe Punk should start there.

 

All I’m saying is Punk should lean into this if it’s on his radar at all. It is kinda funny. Nash is old school so, I can see Punk coming off as “hippie” to him but Punk rides on swagger more than most out here and that’s fine by me. Don’t fix it if isn’t broken.

 

The other bit of news that keeps circulating is that Chris Jericho’s return to WWE appears imminent. Last I heard, he’s still listed on AEW’s roster but we’ll see how long that lasts. Most are anticipating a “surprise” return at the Royal Rumble. At this current juncture, that does make sense. Then or the RAW after so let’s start taking bets.

 

That brings us to tonight’s RAW which will be sporting a Stranger Things theme so, I’m expecting a lot of it to go over my head. I couldn’t get into it but it’s popular enough that I’ll probably won’t be completely out of the loop. Regardless, we can expect Stephanie Vaquer to reveal her New Year’s Resolutions. GUNTHER will continue to tell us to stop being crybabies. The Ladies in Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky will continue to beef with the Kabuki Warriors. Liv Morgan will kick off some ring dust courtesy of Lyra Valkyria. Maxxine Dupri will attempt to validate herself as she defends the Intercontinental Championship again against Becky Lynch and we’ll see if Bron Breakker sends CM Punk on vacation in a bid to take the Heavyweight Championship off his shoulders. It tracks if Punk doesn’t want to go to Saudi Arabia. We’ll see how they do it.

 

I’ll be watching early again but it should be the last one. I might be at it again next week but that’s getting more and more unlikely. You never know, though. This transition is taking its sweet time but it is in the works. That I can assure you. So, enjoy the early starts while you can. I’ll be taking it back West Coast style before the month is out. You know where to find me.

 

See You in a Bit,

-Nicole Alexis (^_~)