7 Ups & 9 Downs From Last Night's WWE Raw (May 31)

1. Brand New Brand Extension

Anyone who watched WWE between 2002-11 is well aware of what the phrase Brand Extension means. It was the term used for the distinct rosters between Raw and Smackdown. And given the promo from Shane and Stephanie McMahon (along with the New Day), it looks like its coming back.

But good God, that was some tragically bad television to announce the impending split. New Days histrionics about splitting up the group (and leaving Francesca II without all three of her fathers) was amusing, but the lengthy exposition was boring, not to mention incomplete when you consider that theres no (storyline) reason for the roster split.

At least when the split happened in 2002, it was because 50/50 owners Ric Flair and Vince McMahon couldnt get along. But we havent seen huge friction between Shane and Stephanie necessitating a split. Aside from them stepping on each others toes a few times, theyre coexisting pretty well. And that made for fans just sitting there quietly as Shane and Stephanie explained that there will be a roster split, but they had zero details to give.

You knew things were bad when you could practically hear a pin drop during the opening segment.

Click "next" below for the Ups...