UPDATED: Penta Ran Over Time On Raw Debut, Backstage Heat Clarified (WWE News)
WWE management were pleased with Penta's Raw debut, but some talents were not...
UPDATE (Wed 15 January - 10:10 AM GMT): Fightful Select has published a new report confirming that Penta's WWE Raw debut ran over time. Specifically, his post-match promo went longer than expected. The outlet couldn't confirm whether or not this led to anything else on the show being cut.
Fightful enquired with WWE higher-ups regarding rumours of backstage heat stemming from the incident. One source stated that they hadn't heard of heat on Penta, noting that if there was an issue, it'd be with whoever decided Raw needed a hard out. Talent spoken to hadn't heard of any heat on Penta either.
WWE has newfound flexibility with Raw's runtime on Netflix, as it isn't bound to a broadcasting schedule in key markets like the US and UK. Fightful notes, however, that the company was trying to hit 2 hours and 30 minutes for this week's Raw.
WWE Talent "Not Thrilled" As Penta's Raw Debut Runs Way Longer Than Intended
Penta's WWE Raw debut has seemingly drawn a mixed reaction backstage - with good reason.
The former AEW star arrived on Monday's show with a win over Chad Gable and a post-match promo delivered in English and Spanish. PWInsider's Mike Johnson reports that the 13-minute bout and Penta's promo ran "way longer" than planned, leading to minutes being cut from other segments later in the show. As a result, some talents were "not thrilled" with the situation.
On a more positive note, management was reportedly happy with Penta's debut and its reaction. Early merchandise sales are good, too. WWE already has various Penta-related items on its web stores, some of which were put up for sale before his Raw reveal as Gable's mystery opponent. Fightful's WWE sources have called this a "happy accident."
PWInsider claimed to have received various enquiries asking if Penta was hurt during the match, but notes, "In asking around, we are told he was selling his leg."
WWE had built to Penta's Raw debut by having Gable ask to face "the best luchador in the world." Although the 39-year-old was presented as a mystery opponent, his identity was hardly a well-kept secret, which Raw's commentary team referenced as the former Lucha Brother walked down the ramp.
Penta vs. Gable ran 13:21, with Penta hitting his Sacrifice armbreaker and newly-rechristened Penta Driver finisher for the win. In his post-match promo, Penta called WWE his "new home", saying he'd been waiting for his moment for a long time.
The former Lucha Underground flagbearer's WWE debut comes following a protracted AEW exit that was finally confirmed on 30 November, when his contract expired after five years with the Tony Khan-helmed promotion.