25 Ways WWE Has Ruined Raw

17. Oversimplifying The Writing

wwe raw set
WWE.com

This is a promotion-wide problem, but it's particularly prominent on Raw, as the A-show will always occupy more of WWE's attention than SmackDown.

The company's storytelling has been dumbed down to ridiculous degrees throughout the PG era. Feuds are usually nothing more than a straightforward trek from A to B, with little divergence from established trends and patterns. Why? Because the writers assume their audience isn't capable of understanding anything other than the most rudimentary story arcs.

When was the last time Raw played host to a rich, diverse piece of long-term storytelling that branched off in numerous directions, but eventually returned to its source, tying every loose end together in a satisfying conclusion? It almost never happens. You could argue Jericho vs. Owens, but even they flirted with tedium on multiple occasions.

It's in Raw's characters, too. 'Woken' Matt Hardy already resembles a lesser version of his TNA persona. Bray Wyatt? A cartoon character. Seth Rollins, Finn Bálor, Roman Reigns? Great wrestlers, but bland personalities.

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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.