6 Ups & 5 Downs From Last Night's WWE Raw (Nov 27)

Ups...

6. An Effective Formula

Roman Reigns Intercontinental Title
WWE.com

Though Roman Reigns and Elias' Intercontinental Title match was a net negative, their show-opening promo was perfectly functional, if a tad derivative.

'The Guy' kicked things off by running through last week's happenings. He talked about winning the IC strap, trashed The Miz, dropped an obligatory "this is my yard," and challenged the Raw roster to take the title from him. This brought The Miztourage out, and while it was good to see Miz's usually silent partners get some mic time, they were only there to set 'The Drifter' up.

Elias stuck up for the absent former champion, and took Dallas and Axel under his wing while their boss is away. This was all done to set up the dastardly henchmen accompanying 'The Drifter' to the ring later in the evening, and while the interactions didn't build much heat between the involved parties, the promos themselves were fine, and the segment got the job done.

A little variety would be nice, but in-ringers like this are a simple, effective way to start the show.

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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.