RAW kicked off once again with Royal Rumble winner Jey Uso. Only just when you thought this would be a repeat of last week's YEET-fest, Gunther appeared and wrecked the party. He pulled Jey's legs out from under him as he stood on the announce desk, eliciting boos from a raucous crowd. Gunther then beat down and power-bombed Jey, and just when you thought the segment was over, a winded and wounded Jey suddenly had a microphone. "I shouldn't say this..." Jey exhaled. "Me and you at WrestleMania". His choice solidified, the words felt appropriately epic, Jey's Cool Hand Luke like swagger adding to the strength of the phrase "Me and you...". Jey then dove over the top rope onto Gunther and a pile of security officers before the potential brawl was broken up and both men separated.

Good. Now we know one of the WWE's main title matches, which brings the rest into focus. It was wise to have Jey make his decision with weeks left until the Elimination Chamber because it raises the stakes for that match, limiting the choices of the contestants to Cody Rhodes and his WWE Undisputed Championship. CM Punk, John Cena, Logan Paul, and Drew McIntyre are all in the Chamber with two more opponents to be named in the weeks ahead. Now that the Mania main events are taking shape, it's up to WWE to keep things interesting between now and April. I recommend using the full breadth of narrative devices at the company's disposal.

RAW REVIEWSTim KailFebruary 14, 2025raw, Monday night raw, raw review, Tim kail, Tim Kail's raw review, wwe, Seth rollins, cm punk, lyra valkyria, bayley

Tim Kail's Raw Review, 2/3/25

RAW began with a montage of wrestlers arriving to the arena, Sami Zayn and Charlotte among them. It’s nice dash of realism and a logical way to convey the idea that “this party is getting started”. A recap of The Royal Rumble played next, recapping the premium live event for those who missed it or were in need of a refresher. Then Jey Uso emerged through the crowd, celebrating with a widespread “YEET!” While I’ve been asking for RAW to begin with a match, preferably one already in progress, it made sense to start this episode with the men’s Royal Rumble winner. Jey delivered an emotional address about overcoming self-doubt. The crowd cheered him as his voice wavered and tears appeared in his eyes. There’s nothing more powerful in the arts than a human being vulnerable. Jey’s vulnerability brought out the best in him, an honest gratitude for the support of the fans. Then, as expected, Gunther interrupted him and said he’s going to “put Jey down like a diseased dog”. What could be a hokey, overwritten phrase resonated because of Gunther’s palpable disdain for Jey. The question hanging over the scene was whether Jey would choose Gunther, the World Champion, or Cody, the Undisputed Champion, to face in the WrestleMania main event as is his right as Rumble winner. He did not make a choice, instead opting to “holler at Cody” on Friday.

RAW REVIEWSTim KailFebruary 7, 2025raw, Monday night raw, raw review, Tim Kail's raw review, wwe, wrestlemania, cm punk, cody rhodes, John cena, jey uso

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