5 Biggest Winners & Losers From WWE Raw (August 1)

5. Loser: Darren Young

Darren Young
WWE.com

Darren Young found himself facing-off against his fellow former Prime Time Player Titus O’Neil little over a week after failing to capture The Miz’s Intercontinental Championship at Battleground. Young had his moments, but Titus picked-up the victory with a cradle and a handful of tights, apparently signalling a heel turn for the 2015 Celebrity Dad of the Year.

The feud makes sense on-paper. O’Neil and Young had teamed together on-and-off for the best part of four years: nobody on the roster has better chemistry with one than the other, and with both struggling for direction, it’s an easy feud to put together. That being said, the loss does significant damage to Young’s already-low momentum, particularly after the double count-out finish at Battleground, and WWE now have a big repair job on their hands if they’re still serious about “making Darren Young great again”.

The backstage segment did little for Young either. With Titus and Bob Backlund verbally laying into each other, Young attacked his former tag partner from behind and left him lying. He was sticking-up for his life coach, sure, but how are fans supposed to become invested in a babyface who’ll resort to heel like tactics at the drop of a hat?

Advertisement
Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. 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.