5 Ups & 6 Downs From Last Night's WWE Raw (Oct 2)

3. The Burial Of Mickie James

Mickie James vs. Alexa Bliss had great potential as a savvy veteran vs. cocky upstart feud, but WWE have poisoned it with a destructive narrative. The "old lady" shtick has to stop. In pushing this theme, WWE are only building the perception that James is over the hill and unworthy of her spot on the card, which does nothing to compel the crowd to invest in her as a babyface challenger.

WWE took it to the extreme last night. Emma mocked James' age early in the show, before the five-time Women's Champion received the "gift" of adult diapers from a "secret admirer." When she wrestled Nia Jax, James was totally dominated through long stretches, which does nothing to refute Bliss' claims her better years are behind her.

The dumbest thing about this angle is that Mickie is only 38, which isn't far from the age many wrestlers peak at these days. Last week's promo showed that she's still strong on the mic, and while she may have lost a step athletically, there's no evidence to suggest that James has clearly declined in the ring. This angle isn't based on reality. It's a mess, and Mickie will be buried when Alexa inevitably wins.

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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.