6 Most Insane Things Happening In Wrestling Right Now (Jan 26)

3. Pay Attention Lads

vince mcmahon xfl
WWE/CBSSports.com

RAW25 was a widely-panned missed opportunity to both attract lapsed fans and build in some way towards the future. RAW1000 struck this balance perfectly, in that the installation of AJ Lee as General Manager and CM Punk's heel turn changed the complexion of the future - and the past was affectionately lampooned with Mae Young's grown-up hand son.

RAW25, in contrast, invited fierce criticism - which WWE was literally blind to, as confirmed on SmackDown. In the company's customary rush to congratulate itself over any mainstream news coverage, WWE broadcast a screenshot of CBS Sports' website post - in which the outlet criticised the show for its failure "to deliver on both ends of the bargain despite going overboard in promoting such a landmark event".

It's incredible in both its stupidity and its arrogance. WWE must have blindly assumed either A) the coverage was favourable, or B) knew it was no puff piece, but still opted to broadcast it purely because it was coverage and thought its undiscerning fans wouldn't notice, being too pigsh*t-thick to even remember what they saw on RAW before the commercial break.

That, or some embittered staffer knew exactly what they were doing. Somebody in that company has to, Jesus Christ.

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!