15 Ups & 3 Downs From Last Night's WWE Raw (July 29)

14. Flipping The Format

Carmella R-Truth
WWE.com

Regular readers of this writer's SmackDown Ups and Downs column will know that any break from the usual show-opening revolving door talking segment is generally considered an Up, so long as the thing replacing said opener doesn't stink.

Last night's replacement did not stink. Thus, here we are.

Variations on WWE's vast array of formulae should always be applauded. Here, rather than kicking Raw off with a bunch of men and women saying nothing at each other for 15 minutes, we got an intentionally corny video package celebrating the 24/7 Championship leading straight into the first match. Light-hearted and refreshing, it was a welcome break from the norm.

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Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.