25 Ways WWE Has Ruined Raw
2. Formulas Galore
You know what you're getting from the average episode of Raw.
The first hour will kick off with one of WWE's patented in-ring revolving door segments, usually leading to some kind of announcement, either for the night's main event or an upcoming pay-per-view. Kurt Angle will be kept busy with backstage shenanigans, Bray Wyatt will babble nonsense, and Renee Young will conduct a couple of interviews. If Stephanie shows up, someone's getting torn to pieces. In terms of matches, there'll be one or two women's bouts, a totally inconsequential Cruiserweight clash, a squash, and at least one good-to-great 10-15 minuter, which will usually finish as the night's biggest highlight.
Slap these components together, add a handful of puff segments, and there's your episode of Raw. It's easy. Too easy, in fact, as while WWE's strict adherence to such formulas helps producers piece the show together, it makes for a predictable viewing experience.
This habit is so deeply-ingrained that even the slightest deviation (like Raw opening with a match, not a segment) feels invigorating. Don't expect the cut & paste formula to go away, though: WWE have been doing it for years, so why would they change now?