WWE Raw: 10 Things You Might Have Missed (April 14th)
9. No Comebacks Necessary
A typical wrestling match is divided into three sections. First, the babyface runs wild on the heel because, all things being equal, we're supposed to believe that the faces are better than the heels. Next, the heel takes over after a bit of cheating or a lucky break, then works the face over. Finally, the face makes a comeback and both men trade big moves back and forth until the end.
Long TV matches require commercial breaks, and usually, WWE cuts to commercial just before the heel takes over (often the babyface has just hit a big move). It makes for an exciting cutaway, and fans watching on TV can miss the slowest part of the match. When the break is over, the heel is in control, but the face usually makes his comeback soon afterwards.
That wasn't the case in Raw's opening match. Kevin Owens had already taken over and was laying a beating on Cesaro when the show cut to commercial. When it came back, both men were fighting tooth and nail to put each other away. Given that the comeback usually gets one of the best reactions of the match, it was an odd decision to schedule it for the commercial break. Thankfully, Cesaro picked up the win and was able to enjoy an enthusiastic on-air reaction from the crowd for his victory.