7 Ups And 4 Downs From WWE Raw (13 March - Review)

In case you missed it, WWE is in the throes of WrestleMania season, which means that they’re going all-out to promote matches, build matches and still try to have an entertaining program while keeping these contests fresh.

It’s a challenge that the company has failed numerous times in recent years, with the build to the big show leaving you underwhelmed and then Mania itself delivering far beyond what you were expecting.

This year feels different. While not epic across the board, there are some genuinely good stories being woven, and some fun angles that are peaking at the right moment ahead of Mania.

Of course, there also are some really disappointing feuds that on paper should be dream matches – think Asuka versus Bianca Belair – that have fallen completely flat through no fault of the wrestlers themselves. You’ve got Austin Theory getting owned last week and being the living embodiment of John Cena’s criticism that he’s a pair of trunks away from being a jabroni.

Still, Raw was enjoyable and gave us some direction for a few more feuds as Mania draws near. That’s good enough for an overall passing grade, though not anything that’s going to make your highlight reel, save for Cody Rhodes’ promo.

Let’s get to it…