The latest edition of WWE Raw, live from Dallas, TX, marked the final episode before the upcoming Saturday Night’s Main Event. Like any other episode, it brought a mix of highs and lows, moments of brilliance, and instances that left us scratching our heads. This breakdown will cover the best and worst moments of the show, leaving the results behind for another page.
What We Loved
1. Bayley vs. Nia Jax: A Women’s Showcase
The match between Bayley and Nia Jax was a highlight, not just for its in-ring action, but for how it advanced multiple storylines in one fluid package. Both women have significant history, and their rivalry added a layer of tension to the bout. The added element of Roxanne Perez at ringside provided a nice touch, continuing her feud with Bayley while subtly setting the stage for her future main roster debut.
The Ripley vs. Jax pull-apart brawl was another standout moment, showing just how strong the women’s division is right now. This brawl felt like a big deal, with multiple officials trying to separate them, adding to the stakes of their upcoming match at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Although Jax isn’t likely to dethrone Ripley, the build-up was solid, and it’s refreshing to see Ripley facing new challenges beyond Liv Morgan.
2. Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre’s Main Event
The main event featuring Seth Rollins vs. Drew McIntyre was everything you could hope for in a buildup to Royal Rumble. Their match was intense, physical, and emotional, with both men clearly showing their animosity toward each other. Rollins and McIntyre have great chemistry, and it’s clear they’re both capable of elevating each other to new heights.
The interaction between Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, Rollins, and McIntyre created a web of interconnected stories, with everyone having something to fight for leading into the Royal Rumble. The closing angle with Zayn taking a Helluva Kick from McIntyre instead of Rollins kept us on the edge of our seats, adding even more intrigue to the chaotic mess of alliances and rivalries.
3. Wade Barrett’s Return to Commentary
While WWE often brings in celebrities and past stars, it was a pleasant surprise to see Wade Barrett back on commentary. His chemistry with Michael Cole is undeniable, and Barrett brought energy and enthusiasm to the table that Pat McAfee just couldn’t muster. As much as McAfee’s gimmick worked as a novelty, it’s starting to feel overdone. Barrett’s professional and jovial nature struck the perfect balance, helping to elevate the product.
What We Hated
1. JBL’s Unnecessary Involvement
The return of JBL to Raw felt forced and out of place. While he was in Dallas, it seemed like WWE felt compelled to bring him back for a random backstage segment with New Day and a brief stint on commentary during the Kofi Kingston vs. Rey Mysterio match. JBL’s commentary didn’t add anything to the match or show, and his inclusion seemed like a filler, especially with Wade Barrett already in place. JBL’s past controversies and unappealing presence only made the segment feel more out of place.
If WWE insists on bringing back past legends, it would be more effective to use them in a meaningful way, rather than cramming them into random segments for nostalgia’s sake. Shawn Michaels, being used as a moderator for a contract signing at Saturday Night’s Main Event, is a prime example of how to bring back legends with purpose.
2. The Jey Uso vs. GUNTHER Storyline
The Jey Uso vs. GUNTHER feud has completely underwhelmed. While it’s great that Jey is being given a World Heavyweight Championship shot, the buildup has been lacking. The segment between Jey and GUNTHER in this episode felt like a rehash of last week’s segment with no added stakes or intensity. The lack of meaningful progression in their storyline makes this feud feel like a missed opportunity, especially considering the talent involved.
Jey’s challenge for the title should feel like a major event, but right now, it simply doesn’t have the necessary weight to make it compelling. The storyline has failed to capitalize on the momentum Jey has with the fans, and at this rate, it’s hard to see it becoming a highlight of the Royal Rumble.
3. WWE’s Confusing Schedule and Length
While WWE Raw was only about 2.5 hours long, the lack of a set end time made the show feel drawn out and aimless. The uncertainty around when the show would conclude made the entire experience feel more like a slog than an exciting television program. The knowledge that the show could end in 15 minutes or stretch on for hours created a sense of unease, draining any excitement from the final stretch.
The removal of a set end time for Raw has made it feel less like a well-paced show and more like a never-ending series of segments. The show could benefit from a clearer structure that builds toward a satisfying conclusion rather than dragging out the inevitable finish.
Final Thoughts
WWE Raw on January 20, 2025, offered both ups and downs. The good — including the women’s match, the main event, and Wade Barrett’s return — stood out as moments of brilliance. However, the unnecessary inclusion of JBL, the lackluster Jey Uso vs. GUNTHER feud, and the dragging pace of the show left something to be desired. As the road to the Royal Rumble intensifies, WWE will need to sharpen its focus on compelling storylines and make sure every segment has a purpose.