7 Better Uses Of WWE Raw's Awful 3rd Hour

6. Recycle The Bracketology Premise

Neville Zayn Raw 2014
WWE.com

One of the best things WWE has produced this year is the relatively unassuming Bracketology special that aired recently as part of the Cruiserweight Classic promotional drive.

Costing very little to produce, it provided a run-down of several stars involved in the tournament, highlighting their immense attributes as well as fleshing out their motivations. In essence, it made you care about their stories. It was so effective that this writer at least is more invested in talents who haven't even stepped between WWE ropes yet than many guys who are purported to already be established WWE 'superstars'.

By framing the Cruiserweight Classic within a proper sporting context, WWE also added legitimate stakes to the tournament. Careers have the potential to be made, regained and ended before they begin as a result of it. The interconnected narratives were expertly laid out by co-hosts Daniel Bryan and Mauro Ranallo, and driven home with conviction by the talents themselves. Kendrick especially endeared himself incredibly well for how little screen time he was allocated.

Building to the two hours proper of RAW in a similar manner to the Bracketology special and pre-PPV panel would enhance the realism of the product and engage fans with talents who ordinarily are hamstrung by scripted promos and patently staged backstage segments.

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!