50 Worst Wrestling Moments Of The 2020s (So Far)

17. Raw Drops On Netflix

Roman Reigns Solo Sikoa Tribal Combat
WWE.com

For a few years, many fans insisted that WWE was “cinema”.

The promotion was thought to have perfected the art of storytelling. Story this, story that. You read the word “story” more often than Paul Levesque says the words “It’s”, “what”, “we”, and “do”.

If WWE is so good at storytelling, why, on the very important Raw on Netflix premiere, did they start the thing with a curtain call?

That’s meant to happen at the end, lads.

The Rock came out, broke character, and revealed that he’s mates with Cody in real-life. If the idea was to gently let the fans know that the presumed WrestleMania 41 main event wasn’t happening - and it was only presumed because Rock built it on the Raw after WrestleMania 40 - he didn’t have to do it like that.

Jey Uso rolled up Drew McIntyre in a tedious match. The CM Punk Vs. Seth Rollins main event was fine at best. They both found themselves on the apron during, and this humiliating, a rope break spot.

Roman Reigns made swift work of Solo Sikoa in a tepid end to the Bloodline saga. It was a demotion masquerading as a blow-off, totally bereft of drama. The Rhea Ripley Vs. Liv Morgan feud also ended in what, combined with the excruciating “we’ve made it!” celebrations with Netflix execs, felt like the series finale of WWE. They only ever wanted to be accepted. Thought to have made it, the arrogant love-in was repulsive.

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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!