The Raw After WrestleMania: A New Era or Just Another Monday?
There’s something uniquely electric about the Raw after WrestleMania. It’s not just a show—it’s a statement. WWE uses this night to reset the board, to signal what’s next, and to remind us why we’re still here, week after week. But this year, as I watched the events unfold, I couldn’t help but wonder: Are we truly witnessing the dawn of a new era, or is this just another Monday in the wrestling world?
Oba Femi: The Ruler’s Silent Power
One thing that immediately stands out is Oba Femi’s opening segment. Personally, I think this was a masterclass in character building. Femi didn’t need a 10-minute promo to prove his worth. His silence spoke volumes. The crowd chanting his name, his stoic demeanor, and that simple line—“The Ruler has arrived”—it all felt deliberate, calculated. What many people don’t realize is that in wrestling, less is often more. Femi’s understated confidence makes him feel like a force of nature, not just another champion. This isn’t just about beating Brock Lesnar; it’s about redefining what a top star looks like.
Rhiyo vs. Kabuki Warriors: The Match That Could’ve Been More
The tag team match between Rhiyo and the Kabuki Warriors was solid, but in my opinion, it missed an opportunity to be great. Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky are two of the most dynamic performers in the business, and while their chemistry with Asuka and Kairi Sane was evident, the match felt like it was playing it safe. What this really suggests is that WWE is still hesitant to fully commit to long-term storytelling in women’s tag team divisions. The seeds for Asuka and Sane’s breakup were there, but they were planted so subtly that it felt almost accidental. If you take a step back and think about it, this match could’ve been a turning point—but instead, it was just another match.
CM Punk: The Promo That Felt Real
CM Punk’s segment was, in my view, the emotional core of the night. His raw honesty about dealing with loss—both personal and professional—was a refreshing change from the usual wrestling rhetoric. What makes this particularly fascinating is how Punk managed to humanize himself without losing his edge. When Cody Rhodes interrupted, it felt like a genuine clash of ideologies, not just a scripted feud. But here’s the thing: Punk’s promo was so good that it almost overshadowed the rest of the show. This raises a deeper question—why can’t WWE consistently deliver moments like this?
Ethan Page vs. Je’Von Evans: The Match That Showed Potential
Ethan Page’s Raw debut against Je’Von Evans was a solid showcase of both men’s talents. Page, in particular, stands out as a heel who understands the balance between old-school tactics and modern wrestling. What many people don’t realize is that Page has the potential to be a cornerstone of Raw’s midcard if WWE gives him the right storylines. Evans, on the other hand, felt like he was still recovering from WrestleMania, which is understandable but also a missed opportunity. The interference from Rusev and Penta added chaos, but it also felt like a distraction from what could’ve been a standout match.
Liv Morgan vs. Sol Ruca: The Match That Fell Short
Liv Morgan’s match against Sol Ruca was, frankly, a letdown. Morgan’s new title win deserved a stronger follow-up, and Ruca, who is incredibly talented, felt underutilized. A detail that I find especially interesting is how WWE seems to struggle with booking NXT call-ups. Ruca’s moonsaults and high-flying moves are always impressive, but the match lacked the intensity it needed to feel consequential. Zaria’s interference added drama, but it also felt like a bandaid on a deeper issue: WWE’s reluctance to fully invest in its women’s division beyond a select few stars.
The Bigger Picture: Where Is WWE Headed?
If you take a step back and think about it, this Raw after WrestleMania felt like a microcosm of WWE’s current state. There were moments of brilliance—Femi’s segment, Punk’s promo—but they were interspersed with matches and storylines that felt undercooked. From my perspective, WWE is still grappling with how to balance its sprawling roster and how to tell stories that resonate beyond a single night.
What this really suggests is that while WWE has the talent and the tools to create something extraordinary, it often settles for the familiar. The question is: Will this new era truly break from the past, or will it just be another cycle of missed opportunities?
Final Thoughts
Personally, I think this Raw after WrestleMania was a mixed bag. It had moments that reminded me why I love wrestling, but it also had moments that left me wondering if WWE is truly committed to change. The Ruler’s arrival, Punk’s honesty, and Page’s potential are all reasons to be optimistic. But until WWE fully embraces long-term storytelling and gives its entire roster the chance to shine, we’ll always be left wanting more.
What do you think? Is this the start of something new, or just another Monday in the wrestling world? Let me know in the comments below.
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