20 Reasons Why Last Night's WWE Raw Reunion Was An Absolute Mess

19. The Crowd Was DEAD

Roman Reigns Raw Crowd
WWE

If the idea of those nostalgia specials is to draw crowd pops and big ratings from those who just want to see their old favourites back on television, it failed on the first count.

Last night’s crowd generated less atmosphere than the moon. While John Cena and ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin got big pops, much of the show played out to near-silence. It was borderline embarrassing watching Samoa Joe and Roman Reigns cutting strong promos to nothing, famous catchphrases mumbled back with minor enthusiasm, the jumbled mess of non-pops that was the pre-SCSA closing segment. It stunk, and that’s not the audience’s fault: it’s WWE’s.

The crowd’s response will always reflect what they thought of the show. If the material they’re expected to react to is subpar, it’ll get subpar reactions. Thus, the company got what they deserved here.

Here’s hoping the ratings grab proves more successful.

Channel Manager
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.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!